Alex Kava Bundle - Alex Kava [653]
“I saw the news this morning,” Tony said. “Sounds like you think Monsignor O’Sullivan’s murder could be connected to the one in Columbia, Missouri.”
“Possibly,” Pakula told him.
“What possible connection could there be?” Nick asked.
“That’s what we’re hoping Father Gallagher might be able to tell us.”
Nick thought that Pakula had definitely slipped back into his tough-detective role.
“I don’t know what you think Tony might be able to tell you,” Nick said, glancing at Tony, still wondering what Tony had omitted earlier.
“We actually have three victims, even though we only released two of them to the media. All three were stabbed to death in very public settings. Two were priests. One was an ex-priest,” Pakula said, crossing his arms, watching Tony. “I can’t tell you any of the details, but there are similarities. Now, if there is a connection between these three victims, we’re hoping Father Gallagher might tell us what that might be. Especially since he’s one of the few people who knew all three of them.”
“What?” Nick shot a look at Tony. “Is that true?”
“Surely you’re not saying I’m a suspect, Detective Pakula.” Tony avoided Nick’s question and his eyes. “If you are, I’m sure my friend and lawyer would advise me not to answer any of your questions.”
“Actually, Father Gallagher, no disrespect,” Maggie said from the corner, “but if you do need an attorney, Mr. Morrelli can’t represent you as long as he’s still a deputy prosecutor for the state of Massachusetts.”
“Is that right?” Pakula asked while Nick stood speechless, staring at his friend.
And then it occurred to Nick exactly why Maggie had come to this so-called interview. She was here to observe Tony. Was she already calculating whether or not he matched her profile? Did they really believe Tony could murder someone?
He looked over at Tony who was now sitting on the corner of his desk, appearing cool and calm and unfazed by Pakula’s questions. And despite confiding to Nick earlier that he had told Monsignor O’Sullivan he wouldn’t keep quiet this time if the allegations were true—despite that warning, here he was remaining quiet and evasive. And Nick couldn’t figure out why in the world he would do that.
CHAPTER 53
Reagan National Airport
Washington, D.C.
He was fidgety today, more so than usual. His eyes darted around the crowded airport as he waited for his flight to start boarding. He had another hour to wait, if the digital bulletin board was correct. Why did he feel as if he was constantly waiting?
He readjusted his laptop computer, stretching his legs before settling down again. His wireless connection allowed him Internet access anywhere. It was the best investment he had made. He continued to surf for news articles, anything and everything about the murdered priests, two of them over the holiday weekend. The first had been over the Memorial weekend.
Was that how it worked? Did it have to be a holiday weekend? If that was the case, the next holiday was…what? Labor Day? That was September. He couldn’t wait until September. He wouldn’t wait. He had waited long enough, more than fourteen years.
His foot tapped out his nervous energy. He was annoyed by his restlessness. It hadn’t stopped. Why wouldn’t it stop? There had been no reprieve like there usually was right after one of his outbursts. At least, there used to be a reprieve for a month or two. The rage would retreat for a time. Oh sure, he knew it was just beneath the surface, but still he felt that it was manageable.
He thought he had learned