“Well, not as much as this did. Really.”
Alex explained about the notes she’d found, that had suddenly seemed more important in the context of their new information. She ended by telling Cliff that Ben and David were going to visit Ricky Wilford.
“Hot damn. I think we’ve actually got a chance at solving this son-of-a-bitch.”
“You mean you didn’t think so before?”
“I thought I had the best team, and if it could be solved we’d solve it, ” Cliff said. “But I wasn’t sure, two weeks ago, that we were ever going to get a break. Now, we’ve got several, and we just might do it.” He got up from the chair he had been sitting in. “Now, I’m expecting a conference call from California. Vic said they’ve got a line on another guy that was in the car. They’re still looking for this Brillo character.”
“Well, maybe this will give them some hope. Wish them luck for us.”
Cliff nodded, and left.
“You really think Arturo was part of this, Alex?”
“Well, his name was on the list. Plus, with the area he lived in, it’s a little suspicious. I mean, he didn’t live in Brentwood, but from what I understand, drive-by’s were unheard of in his community.”
“Yeah, but it’s completely different from these killings.”
“Is it? Think about this. The first two were similar I’ll grant you. But even they have their differences. In the first murder, the weapon is removed; in the second it’s not. The third is a bombing. The fourth is by handgun in the middle of a room. There are more differences than similarities, yet we’re discovering that the same two men probably killed all four victims.”
“Sure, I agree, but the evidence suggests that the killers in LA were gang members.”
“So? I figure if someone could hire Mather and Wilford out here, then that same someone could hire a gang member out there.”
Mark sighed. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. Damn. Everytime I think we’re getting closer, I’m reminded of how far we have to go, and suddenly …”
Alex nodded. “I know the feeling. It’s great knowing we got the killers nailed. But then you realize, the killers are dead, and we don’t have a clue yet who hired them. It almost feels like we’re spinning our wheels, but not going anywhere.”
The two of them were quiet, then Mark glanced up at the clock.
“Oh, shit. I’m gonna be late if I don’t hurry.”
“Where are you going?”
“I got a class at three o’clock. That’s why I had to stay here and David went with Ben.”
“What class?”
“Well, I’m coming up for recertification in hand-to-hand, and I thought it would be a good idea to get in a class before I took the test. It’s just a two-week refresher, and it starts today.”
“Who’s your instructor?”
“I don’t know, somebody new. They said it was a woman.”
Alex grabbed his arm as he walked past. “Hey. If it’s who I think it is, then don’t fuck around in there, Mark.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Look, I know you. I’ve taken a class with you, remember? Our instructor didn’t care that you cut up during class, cause he knew you. But this instructor doesn’t know you, and you won’t get away with it this time.”
“Who do you think it is, Alex?”
“You remember, Cliff and I told you about the CIA agent who’d been shot, and was now just teaching karate?”
Mark’s eyes grew wide. “Her?”
“Yeah. I know she’s teaching, cause I got a chance to look in on one of her classes this morning. She wiped the floor with Tony Lewis.”
His jaw dropped at that one. “Tony?”
Alex nodded. “Yeah. She bloodied his nose, and then some. So don’t act up. I have a feeling she won’t tolerate it.”
“Thanks, Alex. I’ll keep that in mind.”
He left the room with a little less bounce in his step. Alex hoped she’d given him enough of a scare. Mark was a good guy, a little on the hyper side, and occasionally obnoxious, but still a good friend. She’d miss that smile of his, if Teren ripped his face off.
Chapter Seven
Alex had retired to her cubicle when her phone rang.
“Alex Reis.”
“How much do you love me, Alex?” Alex recognized Jenny’s voice.
“Well, that’ll depend on what you’ve done for me lately.”
“I’m hurt. Did you think I wouldn’t come through for you?”
“No, Jen, it wasn’t that; I knew you’d come through. The only question was whether or not it would really help. I guess I’m waiting.”
“Well, I hope it’ll help. Remember, if it does, you owe the gang over here lunch.”
“Right, I remember. Tell me what you found.”
“Most everything is on its way to your fax number. I’ll try to make it short and sweet if you want.”
“Please.”
“Nothing much on Teren Mylos. A checking account, savings, and a few investments here and there. There’s no record, of course, and her tax records are sealed. It appears her family is dead. She had a brother, but he died as a child. There’s a driver’s license on file for her, and she owns a ‘98 Nissan Sentra, and a motorcycle.”
“Okay, I thought we were just going over the basics, here, Jen.”
“Sorry. There’s just one other thing on Mylos. A hospital record. Seems she was severely injured a few months ago. While the report lists gun shot wounds, there’s no mention of how she received them.”
“Yeah, I knew she’d been shot. Anything on Mather or Wilford?”
“Well, Wilford, yes. There are two bank accounts in his name. One, in Baltimore, shows normal activity over the past six years. The one in New York, however, is only five months old, and has been the recipient of several cash deposits. Each deposit has been in excess of five thousand dollars.”
“Good job, Jen. But if they were cash deposits, we’ll have a devil of a time finding where the money came from.”
“It sure didn’t come from any job, the guy hasn’t had one in six months. But he’s sure been spending like he did.”
“How so?”
“Well, since I was having a hard time getting anything on Watson or Mather, I did a general search of any and all records, all along the east coast, for all four names. I’m still waiting on a few bots to come back, but I did get lots of large purchases by Darryl. Seems he just loves guns.”
“Really.”
“Yeah. Bought several classic M-16’s at a gun show in Atlanta, along with —”
“Atlanta?”
“Yeah. He stayed at a luxury hotel down there. And not just there, but Florida, New York, Philadelphia —”
Alex almost yelled into the phone. “PHILLY?”
“Yes. And get this — he never checked out of that one. Checked in two weeks ago, and paid cash for three weeks. He’s still listed as a registered guest.”
“Holy shit — Jen, is this in the report you faxed to me?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Good. I want you to fax it to Ken Thomas in Philadelphia.”
“Everything, or just the stuff about Wilford?”
“Hell, send him the whole damned thing, but make sure you underline the part about the hotel.”
“Got it.”
“I’ll call and let him know it’s coming. Thanks, Jen.”
“No problem, Alex. Glad I could help. I’ll let you know when those other bots come back.”
“Thanks again. And Jen?”
“Yeah?”
“I love you lots. I owe you guys lunch.”
“I’ll hold you to that.”
“Next week. I promise. Bye, Jen.”
Alex hung up and shouted, “Yes!”
David poked his head in. “Alex? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” She picked up the phone, dialing and talking to him. “When did you get back?”
“Just a few minutes ago. I can’t stay long, Ben and I have Ricky Wilford downstairs. When we told him his brother was dead, he freaked.”
“Is Ben with him?”
“Yeah. We thought it was best, though, if we have Cliff observe, and I thought I’d ask you as well.”
“Hang on, Dave.” She shifted her attention to the phone. “Ken? Alex. You’re about to get a fax to the Philadelphia office. It’s from Jenny in research. She found Darryl Wilford’s hotel room.”