Backlash, p.11
Backlash, page 11
“They are going to take it public,” Nate suggested then continued. “Before I left the station, I received a call from Rachel. The organization now has a news network. WPIE Richmond.”
“You are freaking kidding me?” Skylar chuckled.
“Nope.” Nate replied. “What do you think their first big story is going to be?”
“I haven’t shared my findings with anyone,” Tess stated. “If it hits the public it’s coming from the person who saw that report and changed it.”
“We should get Nate’s version of the report out there before they muddy the waters,” Tony suggested.
“Or should we use it to bust them live on air?” Tess suggested.
“I’m not a PR person,” Nate said. “I barely talk to the media when I have to.”
“Oh, but you are so good at not talking to them,” Tony smiled. “You frustrate the hell out of them.”
“I’m going to have my forensic accounting unit look at both entries,” Skylar stated. “They may even be able to track the computer where the change was made. Tess, you have made my day again.”
“What did I miss?” Nate inquired.
“The report on the serum,” Tess replied. “There are multiple cases in several states, connected to that cocktail of drugs used to kill Alex.”
“Are any of them in powerful positions?” Nate asked as he sat forward.
“I was wondering the same thing.” Skylar acknowledged.
“From what I reviewed so far, in the early years most of them were children.” Tess replied. “A few cases are popping up every day increasing the number of victims with the same cocktail found in them. There are over 100 cases so far.”
“Why haven’t we heard anything on the news about this?” Tony asked.
“This is new information that seems to be picking up steam,” Tess stated. “I’m not sure the FBI has a handle on how many cases are going to be connected to that serum.”
“We need to touch base with the agent who posted the information,” Nate stated. “He may not be willing to speak with anyone from RPD, however,” he glanced at Skylar, “he may be willing to talk with a fellow Federal employee.”
“No worries,” Skylar stated as she stood to leave. “I plan on speaking with Agent Anderson today.”
“If you are going to wear that dress, I predict you will obtain all the information we need,” Nate smirked at Skylar.
“You like my dress?” she smiled.
“It’s the legs,” Tony replied.
“Well, legs or dress, Agent Anderson will miss out on seeing either. He’s in Roanoke. It will be a phone call. But thanks for the confidence in my abilities.”
“A phone call,” Nate shook his head. “It may take a while then.”
“Oh please,” Skylar hissed. “Tess I’ll let you know what I uncover.”
Nate then turned his attention to Tess as Skylar closed the door. “That means I can now concentrate on Arthur Mosley. Tess is there anything you can tell me about the bills that were found in his mouth?”
“You know, you are the only person I know who gave up a $250,000 plus bonus position at a family law firm to become a cop then a detective just to harass me about little details.” Tess declared. “No one…I mean no one has asked me about those dollar bills.”
Nate smiled. “I’m unique, what can I say.”
“Oh, don’t flash those brown eyes and dimples at me,” Tess gave him a slight smile. “As it turns out I was able to pull a few prints off of them.”
“See,” Nate grinned at Tony then back at Tess. “This is what happens when you ask the right questions.”
“All right Mr. Law Degree,” Tony smirked. “Doctor, were you able to identify the print?”
“Nothing in our system but you are welcome to give it a shot,” she pushed a button. “I just sent a copy of my findings to your computer.”
Nate stood. “Thank you, Tess, on both the info on Mosley and the altering of my report. I’m going to have a talk with my ex-partner before he makes a fool of himself with the media.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Frank was back at his desk reviewing the list of recruits who were about to graduate from the academy. There was no way he was going to allow them to take the oath to protect and serve, not knowing they were here to destroy. His biggest problem was that Captain Paul Allen was on the list Sapphire had shared. Fortunately, the head of the training unit Lt. Mike Levy was not, nor was Deputy Chief Rowe. Both had been cleared by TA. The trick was to put a bug in Deputy Chief Rowe’s ear without causing too many questions. He was going to have to talk to Rowe in person.
Leaving his office, Donnell stood to follow him. “What are you doing?” Frank asked.
“Watching your back,” Donnell stated.
“I'm capable of talking to my deputy without you following me.”
“I have no doubt,” Donnell replied. “But you will not be doing anything alone with a target on your back. Get used to it.”
Frank turned and stared at his son.
“Chief.” Donnell added.
Frank exhaled. “Children.”
“Damn good ones,” Donnell replied. “Which deputy are you going to see?”
Frank hesitated then replied. “Rowe.”
Donnell nodded, then walked down the hallway in front of him. As they passed the elevators, one of the car doors opened. Bynum stepped off.
He grabbed Frank by the arm and said something, but Frank could not understand what. Donnell had grabbed Bynum by the shirt then slammed him into the wall. His forearm was at the man’s throat and his hand on Bynum’s holster.
“Donnell let him go,” Frank demanded as a few doors opened, with heads looking at them in confusion.
Donnell slowly released Bynum but stared the man down.
“I want him charged with assault,” Gerald yelled. “And banned from this building.”
“You’re not going to ban my son from this building Gerald,” Frank firmly replied. “What the hell is wrong with you grabbing at me like that. If he hadn’t slammed your ass against the wall I would have.”
“It’s true. Two bodies with gunshot wounds were found in that building and you knew it. Are you withholding the information from the public to protect Detective Reigns?” Bynum questioned.
“Detective Reigns?” Frank raised an eyebrow. “What are you talking about?”
“Vaughan informed me that there was an incident at Detective Reigns’ home involving his brother. Reigns believed the man in that building was responsible for that attack. A bullet in the center of the man’s forehead is a sign of retaliation. Is it possible that Reigns shot the man? Has his weapon been confiscated. He was a part of the raid that took place with the Feds, right?”
Frank nodded, “That’s not new, Gerald. I told you he was a part of the raid. I am not aware of any report of an incident at Detective Reigns’ home. Where did Detective Vaughan get that information?”
“So Reigns could have shot that man?” Bynum responded without answering the Chief’s question.
“Detective Reigns, a few officers and a number of federal agents were in the building,” Frank replied. “We are lucky we did not lose him or any other officer in the explosion. Wouldn’t you agree to that?” Frank glared at his deputy chief.
The bite came off of Bynum a bit. “Well, yes of course I agree to that. It doesn’t change the fact that Reigns had the opportunity and motive to kill Welch.”
“Do you have any evidence or proof that any officer pulled their weapon during the search? No. The answer is no. Do you want to know how I can say that? Because I do my damn job, Gerald. As with any officer involved death, every officer in that building had their weapon checked. None of them discharged their weapons. Did you or Vaughan check for that?”
“No,” Bynum cleared his throat.
Frank glanced around at the people watching them. “Then explain to me why you would choose a public location to accuse any of our officers of wrongdoing? This is the second time you’ve done this. I warned you to stay the hell away from Reigns.”
Bynum glanced around to see other deputies and employees watching them. “That was not my intent, Chief.” He stated. “I wanted you to be aware of the information. This is a mess that could have the potential to bite us in the ass if what Vaughan suggested is true. But you are right. This is not the place for the discussion.”
“No, it is not,” Frank replied. “Then get the hell off of my back.” He watched as Bynum walked away. Frank exhaled as he looked around. “All right people we have work to do around here. Rowe, I need to see you.”
Deputy Chief Harold Rowe walked over to him. “What in the hell is going on Chief. And don’t tell me nothing because I know better.”
Frank nodded. “Let’s talk in my office. We have a situation.”
Rowe spoke as they walked to Frank’s office. “About Reigns? Chief I don’t know what Bynum’s issue is, but Reigns is a damn good detective. If you need to look into anybody you should start with Bynum’s new assistant.”
Frank closed the door to the office before he spoke.
“How in the hell does he get an assistant and none of the rest of us has one?” Rowe questioned.
“Rowe, sit your ass down and listen,” Frank said as he walked behind his desk. “I need to talk to you about the recruits.”
“What about them?”
“Has Levy mentioned any concerns he has with any of them?” Frank asked.
Rowe sat back in the chair. “Nothing concrete. In fact, on paper, they are one of the best classes we have had in years.”
“That’s what concerns me,” Frank hissed. “Tell me what’s not on paper.”
“I didn’t bring it to you because it seemed petty to me,” Rowe shrugged. “Levy said something that didn’t feel right. He could not explain what, just that something is off with some of them.”
“Do you trust Levy?”
“I do. He’s a good man. Damn good trainer.”
“What about his judgment of people?”
“He can usually sort out the bad seeds. But the problem, according to Levy, the bad seeds are more than half of the class. We can’t afford to dismiss that many recruits.”
“We can if they are going to cause us trouble down the road.”
“That can’t be predicted, Chief.”
Frank sat back. “I think we can. Did Levy mention any names?”
Rowe nodded. “He did.”
Frank pulled out a piece of paper with names circled on it. “Take a look and let me know if any of the names circled are the ones Levy mentioned.”
Rowe sat up, took a look at the paper then slowly glanced up at him. “What’s happening Chief?” He asked in a low voice. “Those are damn near everyone he mentioned.”
Frank sat back in the chair then folded his arms. “I think we have a problem. It’s going to take you, me and Levy to come up with a solution.”
“We already have enough bad seeds in the department,” Rowe held up his hand. “That’s not a dig on you, Chief. You’re doing the best you can with the hand you were dealt. But we can’t let recruits who have been identified as problems in. But there is nothing Levy can do. If they reach certification he has to sign off or we will be opened to a lawsuit.”
Frank’s desk phone rang. “Hold on, Rowe.” He answered the call. “Chief Williams.”
“Chief Williams, this is Mayor Palmer. I am here with US Attorney General for the Eastern Virginia Region, Ralph Peters, Acting District Attorney William Whitaker, Advisor to the Governor, Everett Stafford, and my Chief of Staff Grant Hutchinson. What can you report to us at this time regarding the explosion?”
At the mention of who was in his office, Frank understood the distance in the mayor’s voice. He put his hand over the receiver then spoke low. “Rowe, I have to take this call. I’ll catch up with you when I wrap this up.” He waited until the door closed behind Rowe then spoke.
“Good evening gentlemen. The building and all its contents were completely demolished. Two casualties reported thus far. The adjacent buildings appear to be untouched. However, Fire Chief Hasting is not giving an all clear until the inspectors have a chance to go floor by floor. As soon as ATF agents give the all clear you and others may examine the site.”
“It is our understanding that several Richmond Police Officers were on the premises for an illegal search. Who and where are they?”
“Who is asking?” Frank inquired.
“Acting Commonwealth Attorney Whitaker. The man who will prosecute any member of your force who entered that building without cause.”
“No officer entered the building without cause, CA Whitaker. My agents had signed search warrants in hand. I cannot speak for your office, but the federal agency requires proof and something called probable cause before we execute a search warrant.”
“No one had to give any legal reason for that building to be a target of illegal activity.” Whitaker countered.
“You may not have been privy to the information provided to Attorney General Rossie Brown. The Richmond Police Officers were there at the request of my office. Chief Williams my apology for interceding. This is Assistant US Attorney Peters. My agents have reported in. Were any of your officers injured?”
“Thank you for asking AUSA Peters,” Frank replied. “No. However, this was a traumatic event for all.”
“Isn’t the proper procedure for each to be debriefed within a certain time frame?”
“Who am I speaking with now?” Frank asked.
“This is Everett Stafford. I am the advisor to Governor Swift.”
“Excuse me, Chief,” Mayor Palmer interceded. “I spoke with both detectives. The information they provided, along with the federal agent’s reports were sufficient for investigative purposes.”
“Were you aware that one of the detectives in question has a personal beef with one of the victims?” Mr. Stafford inquired.
“Without the identity of the victims how would you know that?” Chief Williams asked.
Silence came through the phone.
“He raises a valid point Mr. Stafford.” Mayor Palmer stated. “Until a moment ago, you were not aware of the officers involved. At least that is the impression you gave upon entering my office. Are you privy to information we are not?”
“The amount of information I am privy to would overwhelm your mind, Mayor Palmer.” Mr. Stafford replied.
“Mayor Palmer is a rather intelligent man Mr. Stafford.” Grant Hutchinson spoke softly. Frank could hear the agitation in his voice. “He has an MBA in Engineering while you have a BA in what…Liberal Arts. I think he could comprehend any information you could formulate.”
“Is that your roundabout way of calling me ignorant?”
“If the word fits….”
“Gentlemen,” Frank called through the phone. “I am dealing with an explosion in the middle of the city. I do not have the patience or the time to deal with egos. Mr. Stafford if you have information to assist with this investigation, I implore you to speak now.”
“Chief Williams, I do not believe you have the authority to implore me to fetch your dog.” Mr. Stafford replied. “You are after all speaking to a superior.”
“We do not have superior beings in this city, Mr. Stafford.” Mayor Palmer cut him off. “Precisely, what is the purpose of your presence?”
“Mr. Stafford is a friend and colleague,” Whitaker replied. “He is here at my request.”
“In addition, I am here to gather information on behalf of the governor,” Mr. Stafford replied.
“Chief Williams are you at a point to report on your findings at this time?” Mayor Palmer asked.
“We are still gathering information, sir.” Frank replied.
“Continue with your duty and report directly to me when you have more information. I will deal with Mr. Whitaker and Stafford from my office.”
“Yes, Mr. Mayor,” Frank replied then disconnected the call. He held the receiver of the phone in his hand. Bynum and Whitaker knew the identity of the victims and they both mentioned the fact that they were shot. How in the hell did they know that? Frank pushed another button on the phone. “Officer West, will you step into my office please?”
“Yes Chief,” Jeremy West stuck his head in the door.
“Come in. I want you to track a report for me.” Frank motioned.
“Which report?”
Frank thought for a moment. “The detective reports after an incident.”
“Any detective in particular?”
“Detective Reigns.”
“His report after the collapsed building is in Deputy Chief Bynum’s office.”
Frank frowned. “How do you know that?”
“Detective Vaughan asked me to assist him in tracking it down. I put it on his desk this morning.”
“Did he say why he needed the report?”
West nodded. “He indicated Deputy Chief Bynum wanted him to prep for a press conference on the incident.”
“What press conference?”
“I don’t know sir. Would you like for me to find out?”
“Yes,” Frank replied. “Quietly please.”
“I will look into it now. I transcribed the office recording from last night. I will send them to the secure files.”
“Thank you,” Frank nodded.
West turned to walk out the door, but then stopped. “You know Chief, he is not as unassuming as he acts.”
“Who?”
“Vaughan. He is cunning, not stupid.” West stated. “I will proceed expeditiously but with caution.”
Frank smiled. “I have no doubt.” Frank picked up his tablet then sent a message. Warning, Bynum called a press conference. Media hit on Nate in motion.
Chapter Twenty-Three
It was late afternoon by the time Nate and Tony returned to the station. The press corps had gathered in the lobby.
“This can’t be good,” Tony stated as they walked through a small group of reporters, some with cameras.
“Hey, nice looking out you did for a sister,” Rachel said as she walked towards them.
