Nothing but Trouble_ A Kevin Kerney Novel - Michael Mcgarrity [102]
“I am obligated to inform Interpol and the Americans that Spalding is in custody, but I can dawdle about it until the end of the day.”
“I’ll start the ball rolling,” Weber said, eyeing Fitzmaurice speculatively. “You’re going after this Carrier fellow, aren’t you?”
“It seems a reasonable thing to do.”
When Weber left, Fitzmaurice dialed Deputy Commissioner Noel Clancy’s private line and said, “On behalf of the Canadian government and with their assistance, I’ve taken George Spalding into custody.”
“Well done,” Clancy replied. “Have you informed the Americans?”
“I’ve nary had time to catch my breath. The Canadians would be most pleased if we didn’t bring charges against Mr. Spalding. It would serve to hasten his extradition. Their embassy should be calling soon to discuss the matter.”
“How unfortunate for the Americans that the Canadians became involved. Very good. I’ll inform the commissioner and recommend he take a decision promptly. How long will it be before you catch your breath?”
“Surely not before the end of the day,” Fitzmaurice replied. “I’ve yet to interview Mr. Spalding.”
Clancy chuckled. “You would have made a grand politician, Hugh Michael Fitzmaurice.”
“I am deeply offended by that remark, Commissioner,” Fitzmaurice replied.
Clancy laughed and rang off.
Fitzmaurice put the telephone in the cradle, picked up the thick evidence book, and went to the interrogation room where Spalding waited. He was, at best, a nondescript-looking man, what the Yanks would call a good-old-boy type. A bit fleshy in the cheek, he had a wide nose that sloped down to a broad chin, and a bit of loose skin at his Adam’s apple.
Fitzmaurice dropped the evidence book on the table with a thud and sat across from Spalding. “Where to begin,” he said amiably. “Let’s start with the crimes you’ve committed in Ireland.”
“I want a solicitor,” Spalding replied.
“Yes, of course, but first allow me to inform you of the bill of particulars which will be presented against you. The courts are particularly harsh, when it comes to punishment, on those who launder money.”
Spalding blinked. “What money?”
“Those many millions you’ve secreted away over the years in a Galway bank.”
“You must be mistaken.”
“Ah, George, don’t make it hard on yourself.” Fitzmaurice patted the evidence book. “We’ve uncovered the money, and the court will rule very quickly to freeze your assets. You’ll soon be penniless.”
Spalding stared silently at his hands for a few moments.
“Then, of course, there are the additional charges of illegal entry into the country, forgery, conspiracy to commit fraud, and a number of lesser indictments.”
Spalding slouched in his chair.
“This must be depressing for you,” Fitzmaurice said. “There you were, about to put all your troubles behind, get on with a new life, and it all vanishes like a puff of smoke. Unfortunately, I’m afraid things will be much worse for you when we turn you over to the Americans.”
“What are you talking about?”
“The Yanks want you to disappear, and because you are a wartime deserter from the United States Army technically still under the control of the military, I imagine they can easily do it without any fanfare.”
“Disappear?”
Fitzmaurice shrugged. “I can’t be totally sure of it, but that’s my distinct impression. They’ve asked for you to be released to them under their National Security Act.”
Spalding looked completely nonplussed. “National security? That doesn’t make any sense.”
“It has something to do with a member of your smuggling ring, Thomas Carrier.”
“I don’t know who you’re talking about.”
Fitzmaurice took out the information on Carrier he’d downloaded from the Internet and handed it to Spalding. “This may refresh your memory. He’s quite highly regarded by the current Washington administration.”
Fitzmaurice continued talking while Spalding read. “Were it not for Carrier, you would not be in such a pickle. As I’ve reflected upon it, apparently the Americans wish to avoid any unpleasantness you might cause them by seizing you up and holding you incommunicado in some military