The Partners in Crime Collection, page 75
Jack remained silent, scrolling through the data. “There may be a way,” she murmured. “Michael’s journal. I can read this chicken scratch handwriting and it looks like he talks about the theft and the murders of Patrick and Celia. Give me some time to transcribe it and I’ll see if we’ve got enough to act on.”
“There ya go. Ring will be handled. You know all the rest of it, Patrick. Maybe it’s time you crossed over and found Celia?” Jamie said.
“You just want to get rid of me. I see how it is. Fine. I hope you all rot in hell,” Patrick snarled and disappeared.
“Oh, for fucksake,” Mike sighed. “I can’t even with that one.”
Jamie slammed his pen down on the table and dragged his fingers through his hair. “I’m regretting my welcoming him into my home at this point.”
Jack shushed them both and pulled up another window, then started to work.
“Let’s leave her be and see if Sam’s back,” Jamie said and got to his feet. “I need to know why she went after Deegan, and if it’s the reason we all think. I can’t make assumptions and I don’t want to dig if it’s just that he was an asshole and not because he’s the one that put a bullet in her head.”
“Her celebration of life service is tomorrow. We’re going,” Jack said. “Wear a good suit, we need to not embarrass Commissioner Tremont.”
“Yes, mom,” Jamie muttered and left the room with Mike on his heels.
Jack leaned in closer and smiled. “Gotcha, you bastard.” Her fingers flew over the keys as she transcribed the journal where Michael Burke had discussed his father’s pride over the way he’d obtained the Fitzgerald and Kennedy properties. Michael also discussed the ring that Francis had put on Geneva Foley’s finger. The very ring his hitman had pulled from Celia Fitzgerald’s hand after he’d shot her to death. The ring Joe Delaney had sold to Frank Burke so Delaney could travel west and set up a new life.
The same ring that Geneva swore was cursed and would only bring pain to the Burke family.
Jamie and Jack attended Sam’s service, while Tara and Cady watched it online. It was tough for Cady to not be there in person, but Tara managed to convince her that ending up in a grave next to Sam was not what her friend would want.
At the reception, Commissioner Tremont and his wife Eleanor joined Jack and Jamie at one of the tall tables set about the event hall.
“Jamie, so good to see you. How’s Tara?” Eleanor asked. “And Jack, are you and Doc doing well?”
“We’re all fine, Mrs. Tremont,” Jack said.
“It’s good to see you, ma’am,” Jamie added. “Tara sends her best. She’s home, keeping an eye on things.”
“My heart aches for Marissa,” Eleanor said with a sigh. “To lose a child is the worst thing for a parent.”
“I’d like to come by,” the commissioner said to Jamie. “And catch up on your cases. It’d be easier to meet at your place, Kennedy, than for me to wade through the protocols to come into the precinct station.”
“Of course, sir. You’re welcome by any time,” Jamie said.
“How about tomorrow morning, around eight?”
“I’ll have the coffee on,” Jamie replied.
“And I’ll bring some muffins. I promised Doc I’d make the cranberry orange ones he likes,” Jack added.
“Excellent. We’re going to go pay our respects to DA Cabot and head on home. Don’t want to interfere in your process,” the commissioner said as he slid an arm around his wife and led her away.
“We’re going to have to tell him everything, you know,” Jack murmured.
“I’m counting on it,” Jamie replied.
A low murmuring slowly grew louder as people turned and stared at Senator Edward Burke and his aide as they made their way through the crowd towards Marissa Cabot. Jack and Jamie pushed past a knot of people to get closer to the group.
“DA Cabot, I’d like to offer my condolences on the loss of your daughter,” Burke said to Marissa. “She was an exceptional member of my staff and will be missed.” He held out a hand to her and she stared at it as if he’d offered her a live snake.
The woman who had been raised to play the politics game so successfully that she’d managed to stay DA through three terms, took a breath, and clenched her jaw. “You are not welcome here, Burke. I know what you did. You destroyed my daughter because of your pathetic desire for power. I hope you rot in hell.”
The flash of fear that crossed the Senator’s face was there for a moment, then smoothed into politeness once more. “Your grief is speaking for you. I’ll leave you now, but you still have my condolences.” Burke then turned and left the room while a couple of Marissa’s friends encircled her to give her time to regroup.
Jack and Jamie hurried out behind the senator and when they were all outside, Jamie approached. “Senator, a moment of your time.”
“The senator is busy. You can make an appointment at his office,” the aide said.
“Detective Jameson Kennedy, Harbor PD,” Jamie said and flashed his badge. “A moment, sir.”
Burke raised a hand to stop his aide and turned to Jamie. “Yes, what is it?”
Jack joined them and silently showed her badge as well, but let Jamie handle the conversation.
“Senator, we’d like to talk to you about a case we’re working on. This is a time-sensitive issue, so today or tomorrow would be best.”
“You can make an appointment with my staff,” the senator replied.
“Or we could pick you up and bring you down to the station and sit in an interview room,” Jack retorted.
Jamie mimicked the senator and held up a calming hand to her. “We can follow you back to your office and take care of this now, or tomorrow around ten in the morning. We’re speaking to you personally to avoid any unpleasantness if at all possible. This is not something to schedule through your staff.”
Burke’s gaze had settled on Jack when she spoke, fury rising before he turned to Jamie and huffed a breath. “Fine. I was going to my club to unwind, but a few minutes in one of their private meeting rooms should suffice.”
“The Windsor Club?” Jamie asked.
“Of course. I’ll leave notice for them to allow you entrance,” Burke said.
“No need, senator. I’m also a member,” Jamie replied. “We’ll see you there in a few minutes.” As Jamie turned to lead Jack to his vehicle, he missed the expression of shocked surprise – but Jack didn’t. She was chuckling as she slid into the passenger seat and buckled in.
“You shocked him with that one,” Jack said as Jamie started it up.
“They have a really nice spa and I like to spoil Tara. They also have a fantastic brunch menu on Sundays that we’ve enjoyed more than once,” Jamie said.
“He’s going to be wondering how a cop affords the Windsor. Expect him to dig,” Jack said.
“I’m counting on it.”
“Did you see the look of fear on his face when the DA said she knew what he’d done? Might want to make sure she’s got some protection,” Jack said.
“Call the Comish and he can get it done. That level of intrusion is a bit beyond us,” Jamie replied.
“On it,” Jack said, and made the call.
The Windsor Club sat on four acres of prime real estate in the city of Harbor, with cliffside views of the Atlantic and a high stone wall that buffered the refined elegance from the noise and chaos of the city.
The main building was of stone and glass, dark iron hardware and copper accents gone green with age. Wide stone steps led up to a pair of solid oak doors set with stained glass that opened into a foyer larger than some city apartments. Crystal chandeliers dripped prisms of light over original art and gleaming wood while thick carpets protected the polished wood floors.
“Ah, Detective Kennedy,” the concierge spoke as Jamie and Jack stepped inside. “Senator Burke has retained the library for your meeting. I have ordered coffee to be delivered upon your arrival.”
“Thank you, Samuels,” Jamie said. “Please see that once the coffee is delivered, we are not disturbed. I’d hate for the senator to be embarrassed.”
Samuels carefully hid the snort of wry amusement and inclined his head. “Of course, sir. Right this way.”
They stepped into the library where the senator sat in a leather wing chair drawn near the hearth where a crackling fire burned in the massive stone fireplace. No aide was in sight, so Jamie gave a nod to Samuels and led Jack over to the leather loveseat that faced the chair the senator was in.
A moment later, Samuels held the door for one of the staff to push a tea cart into the room and leave it near the gathering before they both left, and the doors shut behind them. Jamie got to his feet and went to lock the doors, then wandered back and poured coffee for himself and Jack before he sat back down.
“I appreciate you taking the time to speak with us, Senator. We will be recording this conversation to enter into the case files, to protect you and us,” Jamie said. He turned on the recording function on his phone and placed it on the low table.
“Girl, get me some coffee,” Burke said to Jack without looking at her.
“Get it yourself, Senator. That ‘girl’ is Detective Jacqueline Forbes,” Jamie replied. “My partner, and one of the most highly decorated officers in the Harbor PD. Now, this is an interview with Senator Edward Burke, taking place at two-thirty in the afternoon in the library of the Windsor club. Present are Detectives Forbes and Kennedy, and Senator Burke.”
Jamie then read the senator his Miranda rights and asked if he understood his rights.
“Of course I understand. I’m a sitting US Senator. Am I under arrest?” Burke asked.
“No, sir. Not at this time. Are you waiving your right to counsel’s presence for this meeting?”
“I am, Detective Kennedy. Now ask your questions,” Burke snapped. He got to his feet, glared at Jack, then poured himself a cup of coffee and stood in front of the fireplace with it. A position of power, to stand when the rest are seated – but Jamie just smiled.
“How well did you know Samantha Colson?” Jamie asked.
“She was one of the staff when I was campaigning, and she stayed on when I was elected. She worked out of my office here in Harbor.”
“Did she not also have a personal relationship with your son?”
“At one time, yes. That’s been over for a while. They weren’t on the same level,” Burke said.
“What exactly does that mean?” Jamie asked.
“It means what I said. My family has married nobility and wealth, along with making its own wealth. That girl had nothing to bring to the table.”
“Except wealth, intelligence, beauty, and a deep love for your son,” Jack said. “Seems like maybe Kade wasn’t up to her level, if you ask me.”
“Watch your mouth, woman. That’s my son you’re talking about,” Burke snarled.
“And that’s District Attorney Cabot’s daughter you’re talking about,” Jamie said, voice calm and quiet. “A little respect goes a long way.”
“Too busy building her career to keep her husband. Raised her daughter the same way. That’s not the kind of wife my son needs when he goes into politics,” Burke said.
“Do you know Mark Deegan?” Jamie asked.
“He is on my security team.”
“Was,” Jack said.
There was that flicker in Burke’s eyes again. That subtle flinch. Jack now had his tell.
“Was?”
“He was murdered yesterday. When was the last time you had contact with him?” Jamie asked.
“I don’t remember. Probably at some point yesterday. I can ask my aide,” Burke brushed it aside and put down the coffee cup. He went back to the cart and selected a bottle of water from a bowl of ice and drained half of it before he sat down once more.
“Have you ever heard of Celia Fitzgerald?” Jack asked.
The senator visibly tensed, then took a sip of water and forced himself to relax back in the chair. “I’m not sure, is she also on my staff?”
“She was engaged to Patrick Kennedy in 1923. Four days before they were murdered,” Jamie said.
“How am I supposed to know about someone from a hundred years ago?”
“Well, because you live in the house that belonged to Patrick Kennedy,” Jamie replied. “I just thought that someone so focused on family and legacies would know about his own family’s origins.”
“What has this got to do with Samantha Colson?” Burke asked.
“Absolutely nothing, really. I was just curious. You see, Patrick Kennedy was my great-grandfather’s twin brother,” Jamie said.
“I’m done here. If you have any more questions for me, call my lawyer,” Burke said. He put the bottle on the table with a hard clack and stormed out of the room.
“Interview ended at three-fifteen pm,” Jamie said and stopped the recording.
Jack got to her feet, pulled a plastic evidence bag out of her pocket, and slid the water bottle into the bag. “DNA to compare.”
“Let’s get out of here. I want to know if that tap-and-trace on Burke’s phone has gone through,” Jamie replied.
“Besides,” Jack said. “Your coffee is better.”
Dead Ringer: Chapter Sixteen
“Deegan? He’s the one that shot me in the face, that’s why I lost it,” Sam said as she sat cross-legged on the table. Jamie’s laptop was in front of him, but he had leaned back, a cup of coffee in hand and his attention on Sam.
“Your celebration of life was very well attended,” Jamie said. “And your mom told Burke to fuck off, which was somewhat satisfying, but now I’ve got a protection team adding to her security.”
“Was Kade there?” Sam asked.
“No. I don’t think the senator told him when it was. Jack and I are going to drive down to Yale tomorrow morning and interview him,” Jamie said.
“I’m sorry about losing my temper with Deegan. Mike said you weren’t done talking to him yet, but Mike also explained that I don’t always have control over my emotions. I am sorry if I messed something up for you, but I’m not sorry he’s gone,” Sam said.
“It’s okay. Really. How’s Cady doing?”
“She’s not bad, but I know she’s getting stir crazy, being stuck in the house all the time. At least it’s winter so she’s not missing much outside, but she’s always been a hard worker, very social. This is rough.”
“I get that. I wish things were moving more quickly, but to be honest? This case is moving faster than most.”
Sam slid off the table and wandered the room. “Tara’s being really sweet with her. She found out that Cady has a degree in marketing and is helping her get a consulting business set up.”
“Ah, so that’s what she was talking about with a job. I know she’d been looking for someone to handle the marketing for her gallery,” Jamie said. “I’m glad they’re working on something together.”
Jamie’s phone chirped that he had a text and he glanced at it. “Huh. Delivery that needs to be signed for. I’ll be right back.” He pulled on a pair of slippers and left the penthouse. The private elevator whisked him down twenty floors to the lobby. Jamie walked around the elevator block and frowned when he didn’t see the concierge. “Keane? You here?”
The feel of a gun barrel pressed into his back was not unfamiliar and froze Jamie in his tracks. “Detective Kennedy, we’re going for a ride,” a male voice said. It was not a voice Jamie recognized.
Jamie spun around, blocked the gun hand with one arm and slammed the heel of his hand under the man’s jaw. The explosion of the gun going off made his ears ring and he kept the gun hand pinned while he drove blows into the man’s throat and head. His fist slid against the black full hood mask pulled over the man’s head, so he grabbed the fabric at the neck and twisted, then used his knee to drive up into his assailant’s groin.
The gun clattered to the floor and Jamie’s attacker dropped like a bag of stones, hands clutching at his crotch. Jamie grabbed the gun and pointed it at the man writhing on the floor, his breath ragged, his heart racing. He pulled out his cell phone and hit the speed dial.
“Officer needs assistance,” Jamie said as he gave them his badge number and location. By the time backup came, the man was sprawled face first on the floor, hands and legs spread wide. There was no ID on the man, and he refused to speak, but Jamie took a couple of photos with his phone to see if his team could figure it out.
As soon as the uniforms had the man handcuffed, Jamie went to find Keane.
He found him in the small office behind the front desk, dead from a bullet to the brain. Jamie crouched beside him and sighed. “Sorry, Keane. I’m so sorry.” He got to his feet and grabbed one of the uniforms. “Call the coroner’s office and the techs. That asshole murdered my friend.”
“The prints came back for Alec Thomas,” Jack said as they sat in their precinct office the next morning. “Isn’t that one of the two that Deegan said took him out?”
“Yeah. Alec Thomas and Ken Ramsey. If we can match his prints to any of the ones the crime scene guys grabbed from the roof hatch and ladder at Deegan’s place, we can add a second murder to his file,” Jamie replied.
“Did Keane have any family?” Jack asked after a moment.
“He just got married last year and his wife is expecting their first child next month. I set up a trust fund for her and the baby, and paid for his funeral. He would still be alive if Burke wasn’t such an asshole.”
Jack winced at the news about Keane’s family and shook her head. “This asshole has to go down and soon. Too many bodies can be laid at Burke’s feet. Speaking of which, we need to get on the road, or we’ll be buried in traffic on the way home.”
“You drive on the way down and I’ll drive on the way back. I’m also bringing a full kit so if the kid is willing, we can get his prints and DNA, and make sure the blame lands squarely on the old man,” Jamie said.
“What vehicle are we taking?” Jack asked.
“My truck. It’s back, baby,” Jamie said with a grin.
“Oh, goodie,” Jack sighed. “At least it’s fun to drive.”
“There ya go. Ring will be handled. You know all the rest of it, Patrick. Maybe it’s time you crossed over and found Celia?” Jamie said.
“You just want to get rid of me. I see how it is. Fine. I hope you all rot in hell,” Patrick snarled and disappeared.
“Oh, for fucksake,” Mike sighed. “I can’t even with that one.”
Jamie slammed his pen down on the table and dragged his fingers through his hair. “I’m regretting my welcoming him into my home at this point.”
Jack shushed them both and pulled up another window, then started to work.
“Let’s leave her be and see if Sam’s back,” Jamie said and got to his feet. “I need to know why she went after Deegan, and if it’s the reason we all think. I can’t make assumptions and I don’t want to dig if it’s just that he was an asshole and not because he’s the one that put a bullet in her head.”
“Her celebration of life service is tomorrow. We’re going,” Jack said. “Wear a good suit, we need to not embarrass Commissioner Tremont.”
“Yes, mom,” Jamie muttered and left the room with Mike on his heels.
Jack leaned in closer and smiled. “Gotcha, you bastard.” Her fingers flew over the keys as she transcribed the journal where Michael Burke had discussed his father’s pride over the way he’d obtained the Fitzgerald and Kennedy properties. Michael also discussed the ring that Francis had put on Geneva Foley’s finger. The very ring his hitman had pulled from Celia Fitzgerald’s hand after he’d shot her to death. The ring Joe Delaney had sold to Frank Burke so Delaney could travel west and set up a new life.
The same ring that Geneva swore was cursed and would only bring pain to the Burke family.
Jamie and Jack attended Sam’s service, while Tara and Cady watched it online. It was tough for Cady to not be there in person, but Tara managed to convince her that ending up in a grave next to Sam was not what her friend would want.
At the reception, Commissioner Tremont and his wife Eleanor joined Jack and Jamie at one of the tall tables set about the event hall.
“Jamie, so good to see you. How’s Tara?” Eleanor asked. “And Jack, are you and Doc doing well?”
“We’re all fine, Mrs. Tremont,” Jack said.
“It’s good to see you, ma’am,” Jamie added. “Tara sends her best. She’s home, keeping an eye on things.”
“My heart aches for Marissa,” Eleanor said with a sigh. “To lose a child is the worst thing for a parent.”
“I’d like to come by,” the commissioner said to Jamie. “And catch up on your cases. It’d be easier to meet at your place, Kennedy, than for me to wade through the protocols to come into the precinct station.”
“Of course, sir. You’re welcome by any time,” Jamie said.
“How about tomorrow morning, around eight?”
“I’ll have the coffee on,” Jamie replied.
“And I’ll bring some muffins. I promised Doc I’d make the cranberry orange ones he likes,” Jack added.
“Excellent. We’re going to go pay our respects to DA Cabot and head on home. Don’t want to interfere in your process,” the commissioner said as he slid an arm around his wife and led her away.
“We’re going to have to tell him everything, you know,” Jack murmured.
“I’m counting on it,” Jamie replied.
A low murmuring slowly grew louder as people turned and stared at Senator Edward Burke and his aide as they made their way through the crowd towards Marissa Cabot. Jack and Jamie pushed past a knot of people to get closer to the group.
“DA Cabot, I’d like to offer my condolences on the loss of your daughter,” Burke said to Marissa. “She was an exceptional member of my staff and will be missed.” He held out a hand to her and she stared at it as if he’d offered her a live snake.
The woman who had been raised to play the politics game so successfully that she’d managed to stay DA through three terms, took a breath, and clenched her jaw. “You are not welcome here, Burke. I know what you did. You destroyed my daughter because of your pathetic desire for power. I hope you rot in hell.”
The flash of fear that crossed the Senator’s face was there for a moment, then smoothed into politeness once more. “Your grief is speaking for you. I’ll leave you now, but you still have my condolences.” Burke then turned and left the room while a couple of Marissa’s friends encircled her to give her time to regroup.
Jack and Jamie hurried out behind the senator and when they were all outside, Jamie approached. “Senator, a moment of your time.”
“The senator is busy. You can make an appointment at his office,” the aide said.
“Detective Jameson Kennedy, Harbor PD,” Jamie said and flashed his badge. “A moment, sir.”
Burke raised a hand to stop his aide and turned to Jamie. “Yes, what is it?”
Jack joined them and silently showed her badge as well, but let Jamie handle the conversation.
“Senator, we’d like to talk to you about a case we’re working on. This is a time-sensitive issue, so today or tomorrow would be best.”
“You can make an appointment with my staff,” the senator replied.
“Or we could pick you up and bring you down to the station and sit in an interview room,” Jack retorted.
Jamie mimicked the senator and held up a calming hand to her. “We can follow you back to your office and take care of this now, or tomorrow around ten in the morning. We’re speaking to you personally to avoid any unpleasantness if at all possible. This is not something to schedule through your staff.”
Burke’s gaze had settled on Jack when she spoke, fury rising before he turned to Jamie and huffed a breath. “Fine. I was going to my club to unwind, but a few minutes in one of their private meeting rooms should suffice.”
“The Windsor Club?” Jamie asked.
“Of course. I’ll leave notice for them to allow you entrance,” Burke said.
“No need, senator. I’m also a member,” Jamie replied. “We’ll see you there in a few minutes.” As Jamie turned to lead Jack to his vehicle, he missed the expression of shocked surprise – but Jack didn’t. She was chuckling as she slid into the passenger seat and buckled in.
“You shocked him with that one,” Jack said as Jamie started it up.
“They have a really nice spa and I like to spoil Tara. They also have a fantastic brunch menu on Sundays that we’ve enjoyed more than once,” Jamie said.
“He’s going to be wondering how a cop affords the Windsor. Expect him to dig,” Jack said.
“I’m counting on it.”
“Did you see the look of fear on his face when the DA said she knew what he’d done? Might want to make sure she’s got some protection,” Jack said.
“Call the Comish and he can get it done. That level of intrusion is a bit beyond us,” Jamie replied.
“On it,” Jack said, and made the call.
The Windsor Club sat on four acres of prime real estate in the city of Harbor, with cliffside views of the Atlantic and a high stone wall that buffered the refined elegance from the noise and chaos of the city.
The main building was of stone and glass, dark iron hardware and copper accents gone green with age. Wide stone steps led up to a pair of solid oak doors set with stained glass that opened into a foyer larger than some city apartments. Crystal chandeliers dripped prisms of light over original art and gleaming wood while thick carpets protected the polished wood floors.
“Ah, Detective Kennedy,” the concierge spoke as Jamie and Jack stepped inside. “Senator Burke has retained the library for your meeting. I have ordered coffee to be delivered upon your arrival.”
“Thank you, Samuels,” Jamie said. “Please see that once the coffee is delivered, we are not disturbed. I’d hate for the senator to be embarrassed.”
Samuels carefully hid the snort of wry amusement and inclined his head. “Of course, sir. Right this way.”
They stepped into the library where the senator sat in a leather wing chair drawn near the hearth where a crackling fire burned in the massive stone fireplace. No aide was in sight, so Jamie gave a nod to Samuels and led Jack over to the leather loveseat that faced the chair the senator was in.
A moment later, Samuels held the door for one of the staff to push a tea cart into the room and leave it near the gathering before they both left, and the doors shut behind them. Jamie got to his feet and went to lock the doors, then wandered back and poured coffee for himself and Jack before he sat back down.
“I appreciate you taking the time to speak with us, Senator. We will be recording this conversation to enter into the case files, to protect you and us,” Jamie said. He turned on the recording function on his phone and placed it on the low table.
“Girl, get me some coffee,” Burke said to Jack without looking at her.
“Get it yourself, Senator. That ‘girl’ is Detective Jacqueline Forbes,” Jamie replied. “My partner, and one of the most highly decorated officers in the Harbor PD. Now, this is an interview with Senator Edward Burke, taking place at two-thirty in the afternoon in the library of the Windsor club. Present are Detectives Forbes and Kennedy, and Senator Burke.”
Jamie then read the senator his Miranda rights and asked if he understood his rights.
“Of course I understand. I’m a sitting US Senator. Am I under arrest?” Burke asked.
“No, sir. Not at this time. Are you waiving your right to counsel’s presence for this meeting?”
“I am, Detective Kennedy. Now ask your questions,” Burke snapped. He got to his feet, glared at Jack, then poured himself a cup of coffee and stood in front of the fireplace with it. A position of power, to stand when the rest are seated – but Jamie just smiled.
“How well did you know Samantha Colson?” Jamie asked.
“She was one of the staff when I was campaigning, and she stayed on when I was elected. She worked out of my office here in Harbor.”
“Did she not also have a personal relationship with your son?”
“At one time, yes. That’s been over for a while. They weren’t on the same level,” Burke said.
“What exactly does that mean?” Jamie asked.
“It means what I said. My family has married nobility and wealth, along with making its own wealth. That girl had nothing to bring to the table.”
“Except wealth, intelligence, beauty, and a deep love for your son,” Jack said. “Seems like maybe Kade wasn’t up to her level, if you ask me.”
“Watch your mouth, woman. That’s my son you’re talking about,” Burke snarled.
“And that’s District Attorney Cabot’s daughter you’re talking about,” Jamie said, voice calm and quiet. “A little respect goes a long way.”
“Too busy building her career to keep her husband. Raised her daughter the same way. That’s not the kind of wife my son needs when he goes into politics,” Burke said.
“Do you know Mark Deegan?” Jamie asked.
“He is on my security team.”
“Was,” Jack said.
There was that flicker in Burke’s eyes again. That subtle flinch. Jack now had his tell.
“Was?”
“He was murdered yesterday. When was the last time you had contact with him?” Jamie asked.
“I don’t remember. Probably at some point yesterday. I can ask my aide,” Burke brushed it aside and put down the coffee cup. He went back to the cart and selected a bottle of water from a bowl of ice and drained half of it before he sat down once more.
“Have you ever heard of Celia Fitzgerald?” Jack asked.
The senator visibly tensed, then took a sip of water and forced himself to relax back in the chair. “I’m not sure, is she also on my staff?”
“She was engaged to Patrick Kennedy in 1923. Four days before they were murdered,” Jamie said.
“How am I supposed to know about someone from a hundred years ago?”
“Well, because you live in the house that belonged to Patrick Kennedy,” Jamie replied. “I just thought that someone so focused on family and legacies would know about his own family’s origins.”
“What has this got to do with Samantha Colson?” Burke asked.
“Absolutely nothing, really. I was just curious. You see, Patrick Kennedy was my great-grandfather’s twin brother,” Jamie said.
“I’m done here. If you have any more questions for me, call my lawyer,” Burke said. He put the bottle on the table with a hard clack and stormed out of the room.
“Interview ended at three-fifteen pm,” Jamie said and stopped the recording.
Jack got to her feet, pulled a plastic evidence bag out of her pocket, and slid the water bottle into the bag. “DNA to compare.”
“Let’s get out of here. I want to know if that tap-and-trace on Burke’s phone has gone through,” Jamie replied.
“Besides,” Jack said. “Your coffee is better.”
Dead Ringer: Chapter Sixteen
“Deegan? He’s the one that shot me in the face, that’s why I lost it,” Sam said as she sat cross-legged on the table. Jamie’s laptop was in front of him, but he had leaned back, a cup of coffee in hand and his attention on Sam.
“Your celebration of life was very well attended,” Jamie said. “And your mom told Burke to fuck off, which was somewhat satisfying, but now I’ve got a protection team adding to her security.”
“Was Kade there?” Sam asked.
“No. I don’t think the senator told him when it was. Jack and I are going to drive down to Yale tomorrow morning and interview him,” Jamie said.
“I’m sorry about losing my temper with Deegan. Mike said you weren’t done talking to him yet, but Mike also explained that I don’t always have control over my emotions. I am sorry if I messed something up for you, but I’m not sorry he’s gone,” Sam said.
“It’s okay. Really. How’s Cady doing?”
“She’s not bad, but I know she’s getting stir crazy, being stuck in the house all the time. At least it’s winter so she’s not missing much outside, but she’s always been a hard worker, very social. This is rough.”
“I get that. I wish things were moving more quickly, but to be honest? This case is moving faster than most.”
Sam slid off the table and wandered the room. “Tara’s being really sweet with her. She found out that Cady has a degree in marketing and is helping her get a consulting business set up.”
“Ah, so that’s what she was talking about with a job. I know she’d been looking for someone to handle the marketing for her gallery,” Jamie said. “I’m glad they’re working on something together.”
Jamie’s phone chirped that he had a text and he glanced at it. “Huh. Delivery that needs to be signed for. I’ll be right back.” He pulled on a pair of slippers and left the penthouse. The private elevator whisked him down twenty floors to the lobby. Jamie walked around the elevator block and frowned when he didn’t see the concierge. “Keane? You here?”
The feel of a gun barrel pressed into his back was not unfamiliar and froze Jamie in his tracks. “Detective Kennedy, we’re going for a ride,” a male voice said. It was not a voice Jamie recognized.
Jamie spun around, blocked the gun hand with one arm and slammed the heel of his hand under the man’s jaw. The explosion of the gun going off made his ears ring and he kept the gun hand pinned while he drove blows into the man’s throat and head. His fist slid against the black full hood mask pulled over the man’s head, so he grabbed the fabric at the neck and twisted, then used his knee to drive up into his assailant’s groin.
The gun clattered to the floor and Jamie’s attacker dropped like a bag of stones, hands clutching at his crotch. Jamie grabbed the gun and pointed it at the man writhing on the floor, his breath ragged, his heart racing. He pulled out his cell phone and hit the speed dial.
“Officer needs assistance,” Jamie said as he gave them his badge number and location. By the time backup came, the man was sprawled face first on the floor, hands and legs spread wide. There was no ID on the man, and he refused to speak, but Jamie took a couple of photos with his phone to see if his team could figure it out.
As soon as the uniforms had the man handcuffed, Jamie went to find Keane.
He found him in the small office behind the front desk, dead from a bullet to the brain. Jamie crouched beside him and sighed. “Sorry, Keane. I’m so sorry.” He got to his feet and grabbed one of the uniforms. “Call the coroner’s office and the techs. That asshole murdered my friend.”
“The prints came back for Alec Thomas,” Jack said as they sat in their precinct office the next morning. “Isn’t that one of the two that Deegan said took him out?”
“Yeah. Alec Thomas and Ken Ramsey. If we can match his prints to any of the ones the crime scene guys grabbed from the roof hatch and ladder at Deegan’s place, we can add a second murder to his file,” Jamie replied.
“Did Keane have any family?” Jack asked after a moment.
“He just got married last year and his wife is expecting their first child next month. I set up a trust fund for her and the baby, and paid for his funeral. He would still be alive if Burke wasn’t such an asshole.”
Jack winced at the news about Keane’s family and shook her head. “This asshole has to go down and soon. Too many bodies can be laid at Burke’s feet. Speaking of which, we need to get on the road, or we’ll be buried in traffic on the way home.”
“You drive on the way down and I’ll drive on the way back. I’m also bringing a full kit so if the kid is willing, we can get his prints and DNA, and make sure the blame lands squarely on the old man,” Jamie said.
“What vehicle are we taking?” Jack asked.
“My truck. It’s back, baby,” Jamie said with a grin.
“Oh, goodie,” Jack sighed. “At least it’s fun to drive.”
