“This is what we’ve got so far,” I said, addressing the task force after lunch. I told them about Bandowe telling us that Nate mentioned investing in a casino and how Dorchester told me about the failed attempt to build a casino in Carter County in 2013. “Since Nate was killed in Carter County, I started to question if Nate’s death could be related to resumed talks of building a casino. It seemed like a long shot until we found the landowner shot dead in his home yesterday.”
“Let me guess, he was shot with a forty-five, and both the casing and bullet are missing,” Jade said.
“The M.E. hasn’t provided the caliber of the bullet, but the entrance and exit wounds look consistent with a forty-five to me. You’re right about the casing and the bullet, though; neither were found at the crime scene. It would appear to be the same person who killed Nate Turner and Owen Smithson. We need physical evidence and a name instead of supposition and guesses.” I blew out a breath in frustration.
“There are two trains of thought here,” Dorchester said, speaking up. “They might’ve been killed to prevent the casino from going up, or maybe they were killed by a competing casino who didn’t want attention drawn away from them. We’re not ruling anything else out, but these seem to be the most likely scenarios.”
“We need to start with McCarren Consortium,” I said. “He’s a Cincinnati-based guy. What do you know about him?”
“Douche,” Weston said in disgust. “He’s another one who vice was looking at for prostitution and drugs.”
“He has a reputation for being ruthless,” Harris said.
“Does anyone have a contact inside the Casino Control Commission?” I asked.
“Paul does,” Harris and Weston said at the same time.Of course, Paul does.
I rattled off the names of the guys involved in the meeting, except for McCarren’s attorney. I was saving that little bombshell for last. “I need you guys to dig up everything you can on these men. I want to know about any hint of illegal activity they’re suspected in.” I paused for dramatic effect. “We found the one string that’s connected to both Turner and McCarren.” That had everyone’s attention. I told them about Robertson’s notes and the initials he used to identify people at the meetings. “Robertson’s attorney confirmed that Rick Spizer was the attorney representing McCarren Consortium.”
“Whoa,” Jade said.
“That could be huge,” Harris said.
“We’re about to find out how huge it is,” I replied. “The connection,” I said to clarify, earning a lot of laughs from the team.
Dorchester divided tasks while I took my phone out and stared at it for several long moments. I dreaded the call I needed to make, but I couldn’t see a way around it. We’d gotten off to a terrible start, but I had to put that behind me. I just hoped that he could too because I was certain I’d need his assistance to solve these three crimes.
My call went to voicemail. I left my contact information, stressed the importance of my call, and asked Silver to get back to me at his earliest convenience. I disconnected the call with low expectations for a prompt response, but he proved me wrong when he returned my call within fifteen minutes.
“Detective Wyatt,” I said, answering the phone.
“You rang, Detective,” Jonathon Silver said sleepily into the phone. It was sometimes easy to forget that some people slept while you were awake and worked while you slept.
“I’m sorry that I woke you, Mr. Silver. There’s been a development in your brother’s case, and I need your help.”
“Are you serious?” he asked, suddenly sounding alert. “Um, give me an hour to wake up and get my crap together. Where do you want to meet me?”
“You name the place and time, and we’ll meet you,” I said.
“We?” Silver asked.
“Yes, you met my partner,” I reminded him.
“Oh.” He sounded disappointed. “I was hoping you were coming alone.” I was somewhat flattered by his attention, but that was all. My heart and body belonged to a man I adored more than life.
“Not going to happen,” I assured him. “Dorchester and I will meet you. When and where?” I asked him.
Silver let out a dissatisfied sigh and said, “Four o’clock in my office. I’ll even wear clothes this time.”
“We’ll be there,” I replied, ignoring the rest of his comment. I appreciated his attempt at humor to lighten the tone of the conversation, but I felt it was better to keep things very professional between us and laughing at his jokes might’ve given him the wrong impression.
I hung up from Silver and sent a text to Josh.Promising break in the case. Interview will run late. Hope to be home around 6. Love you!It was Josh’s night to work late so he wouldn’t even know I wasn’t home, but that didn’t matter. I wasn’t fucking up the best thing that ever happened to me.
Dorchester came over once he finished and I updated him on our interview appointment. “Maybe he’ll keep his clothes on this time,” he commented.
“He said he would,” I replied.
“You asked him?” Dorchester wanted to know.
