Killing the Blues - Michael Brandman [29]
“I’m waiting for the complete forensics report. Perhaps it will contain a clue.”
“And the car thefts,” Hasty said.
“I’m working on that also,” Jesse said.
“None of these answers seem to indicate you’re making any real progress,” Hansen said.
Jesse didn’t say anything.
“We pay you to deliver results, Chief Stone,” Hansen said. “We’re entering our most important season, and we seem to be plagued by a series of image-damaging events.”
Jesse didn’t say anything.
“Well, dammit, what are we going to do? We can’t afford to frighten the tourists away.”
“We’re going to continue to investigate these matters,” Jesse said.
“And if you can’t bring us results?”
“Then you can fire me.”
“Wait a minute. Wait a minute,” Hasty said. “Nobody said anything about firing you. Mr. Hansen has some serious concerns, as I’m sure you can appreciate.”
Jesse said nothing.
“Work with us, Jesse,” Hasty said. “Is that too much to ask? We’re all a bit nervous here.”
“Everything that can be done is being done,” Jesse said.
“You’ll keep us in the loop,” Hasty said.
“When there’s a loop to keep you in,” Jesse said.
No one said anything.
Jesse stood up.
“If there’s nothing else . . .” he said.
Hansen shook his head.
Comden said nothing.
“We appreciate all that you’re doing,” Hasty said.
32
Once back in the office, Jesse phoned Captain Healy.
“Zenith Enterprises,” Jesse said.
“Television manufacturer,” Healy said.
“John Lombardo works out of a converted warehouse at the Old Harbor. The name on the door reads Zenith Enterprises.”
“Why didn’t you say so?”
“Can you push this to the top of your list?”
“You know what I’m thinking,” Healy said.
“What are you thinking?”
“I’m thinking of having new business cards printed.”
Jesse waited.
“State homicide commander and personal research assistant. How does that sound?”
“Beneath you,” Jesse said.
“Should I ask how you found out where Lombardo works,” Healy asked.
“Not if you want to claim deniability.”
“I’ll see what I can learn,” he said.
The next call he made was to Suitcase.
“What’s up, Jesse,” Suitcase said.
“Tomorrow morning. Three-thirty a.m. I’d like you to awaken our friend, pass his clothes through the food slot, and tell him he’s got five minutes to get dressed.”
“What are you gonna do?”
“I’m gonna keep him stewing for another half hour, then you and I are gonna pull him out and deliver him elsewhere,” Jesse said.
“So all this will be over?”
“Yep. You and Pete can pack up, and when we’ve gone, Pete can close it down.”
“Where are we taking him, Jesse?”
“It’s a surprise. I want him ready to leave at four. With his blindfold on and his hands cuffed behind his back.”
“He’ll be ready.”
Jesse arrived at four. He parked and went inside. He found
Lopresti dressed, cuffed, and blindfolded.
Jesse went into the room.
“Morning,” he said.
“Why am I wearing the blindfold?”
Jesse didn’t say anything.
“What about my family? You told me that if I did what you said, I’d be released. You’re gonna kill me, aren’t you,” said Lopresti.
“No,” Jesse said. “But if I were you, I’d make it my business not to return to Paradise. If I see you here, regardless of the circumstances, that’s when I’ll kill you.”
Jesse and Suitcase walked Lopresti to the Explorer. Suitcase got behind the wheel. Lopresti sat in the passenger seat. Jesse was in back.
They drove to the Boston warehouse, arriving just before dawn. Once there, Jesse pulled Lopresti from the vehicle. He removed the handcuffs.
“Keep the blindfold on for five minutes. If you attempt to remove it before the five minutes are up, you’ll be accosted. It’s been nice knowing you, Robert.”
Jesse got into the Explorer, and Suitcase drove away. When they turned the corner, Jesse noticed through the rearview mirror that Lopresti was still wearing the blindfold.
On their way back to Paradise, Jesse and Suitcase stopped for breakfast at a highway coffee shop.
“Can I ask a question,” Suitcase said over eggs and coffee.
“Go,” Jesse said.
“Tell me again why we did it?”
“Why we did what?”
“Held Lopresti like