Burn in Hell_A Jake Carrington Mystery Read online

  *

  Angelo walked in the back door, looked around. Phil was still seated in the booth. “You ready, Phil?”

  “Not yet, Ang, I want to wait another ten minutes then drive down Route 16. See where Stack landed.” Phil grinned from ear to ear as he anticipated the scene.

  “Do you really think that’s wise?”

  “Stop being an old lady and enjoy your work.”

  “That’s the difference between us, Phil. I don’t enjoy it. I do what’s necessary.”

  “You can lie to yourself, I won’t. While we’re driving, I want to discuss the next phase of the plan.”

  “I think we should wait and see how this investigation goes before we move forward. This might fan the flames and bring unnecessary attention to us.”

  “We’ll see.”

  Ten minutes later, they found the site. Phil smiled. A lot of response for one guy. At the intersection to Route 66, Phil told Angelo to turn around and head back home. Just as they pulled into the commuter lot, Phil spotted Jake Carrington—lights flashing, sirens blasting.

  “He certainly got here fast.”

  “Who?”

  “Carrington’s in the green car with the lights. This is even better than I thought. Wait a few minutes, Ang. I want to see Carrington’s reaction when we drive by.”

  “Phil, the guy knows you. Look at his reaction on the news. I’m taking a different route home.”

  Angelo pulled out, headed straight on Route 66, bypassing Route 16. Pissed, Phil said nothing and stared out the window like a petulant child. Angelo had made the right move not taking Route 16—Phil would be damned if he’d tell him. Round One to me. Would Carrington find his way to him? It just hit Phil. Stack’s stupidity will lead him directly to him. Still steamed over Stack’s lack of discretion in using his home phone to call him last week. Phil never thought of it before… had Stack hidden his payments over the years? I’m sure I’ll find out soon enough. Angelo was correct. Killing a cop brought on the heat. Stack had gotten sloppy, and Phil hated sloppy. He didn’t mind the heat. It would give him a chance to watch Carrington in action.

  Enough of Carl Stack. I need to move on to the second part of my plan. Kyra, Kyra, Kyra. A toothy grin washed across his face as he thought of the next steps he’d take to tie up all the loose ends. Though Phil continued to tell himself taking caring of Kyra was a smart business move, deep down he understood it was her rejection of him that fueled the next part of his plan. And he didn’t care. Phil ignored Angelo’s suggestion to let Kyra go for another time. He also didn’t care that Angelo thought it was a mistake—what did he know?

  “Ang, are you all set to put the move on Tom Russell into play?” Phil held the police report detailing the arrest of Tom Russell on attempted rape charges.

  “Yes, I am. I’m going to use Pat Doyle again. Russell’s been out drinking most nights, getting shitfaced. All of a sudden, he misses his wife. The guy’s a joke. What’s that in your hand?”

  “It’s Russell’s police report. When he tried to rape Kyra in her condo, he didn’t check to see if she was alone, the idiot. Guess who was there?”

  “Carrington?”

  “Yes.” Phil tapped a finger to his chin.

  “Anyone who’d throw away Kyra is a joke. What the hell did she see in that guy?”

  “She was very young when she got married. This is a great opportunity for us. In one move, we take out Kyra and Carrington.”

  Angelo pulled over to the side of the road, turned toward Phil. “Phil, aren’t you doing the same thing? She’s a useful tool, and she can continue to be, if we use her right.”

  Phil didn’t like the way Angelo stared him down. He knew they were partners but Angelo seemed to be pushing too hard lately. Phil didn’t need anyone, not even Angelo. Smiling at him, Phil decided he needed to reconsider Angelo’s usefulness.

  “My mind’s made up, Ang. She has to go. Now that we see how it works, we’ll find another patsy to do the cremations, and at a much cheaper rate. An opportunity like this isn’t going to present itself again. We need to use it. Get me home, I’m tired.”

  He waved his hand as an indication for Angelo to turn around and start driving. Anger sparked across Angelo’s face, but who cared? This subject was not up for debate. He’d never seen Angelo press a matter so hard. Why? Did he like her also? Phil had never known Angelo to cheat on his wife—was Kyra the exception? Jealousy raged within Phil, burning his gut until the bile reached his throat. Calm down, Ang wouldn’t do that. Shake it off, Phil. You’re losing it. The car slowed down as they approached the house. Before Angelo could get out and open the door for him, Phil stepped out of the back and started walking away from the house. Angelo rushed up to him.

  “What are you doing?”

  “I need some air to think. I’m going for a walk.” Phil turned. Angelo slipped alongside him. “No, Ang. I need time alone.” What’s with this guy? I know he’s only doing his job, but this is my home. No one would dare go for me here. It’s an unspoken rule.

  “Phil, if you don’t want me to walk with you, I’m sending a couple of the guys to follow at a distance. This isn’t the time to be careless.”

  Phil reached up, patted Angelo’s check. “You worry too much.”

  “You’ll do me this favor? Take the two guys with you.”

  Phil ignored the concern in Angelo’s voice and continued to walk away. “Not a problem, as long as they keep their distance.”

  *

  Aggravated, Kyra took the afternoon off to go to the casino. Right from the beginning she knew Jake wasn’t hers, but damned if she hadn’t fallen in love with him anyway. Life’s so unfair. Why did Mia get to keep Jake after she threw him away? Wiping the tears that ran down her face, she pulled into the casino’s ramp garage. Not superstitious—well, maybe a little—she headed to the level and the general area where she always parked. The garage wasn’t that busy this time of day; most people worked. Well, she hoped to hit it big early, so she could get home in time to see Jake tonight. Funny, this used to be all she thought about. Now it was only a distraction to keep her mind off the pain of losing Jake. Weird, she hadn’t felt this down about losing Tom. What did that say about her marriage?

  Kyra got on the elevator, hit the button marked C for the casino floor. As she got off the elevator, she walked right into Joe Dillon. Shit!

  “Er, sorry…Kyra! What a surprise.”

  “Joe.” Startled, Kyra kept moving, Joe at her elbow. “I thought you were leaving, Joe.”

  “I thought we could visit a bit. Not happy to see me, Kyra?”

  “Do you really need to ask that question? I’m pressed for time here, so I’ll see you later.”

  She increased her pace. Walked away from him and never turned back to see if he followed. There was one thing she was certain of—he’d be on the phone immediately to Phil, reporting her arrival. Kyra wished there was a way to give Joe what he deserved.

  Maybe she’d drop his name to Jake, or maybe to Phil—that’s just mean. She smiled at the thought.

  She walked over to the five dollar section and started playing her favorite machine. A shadow crossed over her. Looking up, she stared into Joe Dillon’s mean eyes.

  “What?” she spit out.

  “I don’t deserve this kind of treatment.” Joe looked dejected.

  “Oh, really? You set me up with a mob boss so you’d get brownie points. You think I should thank you? Well, Mr. Dillon, I don’t want to ever see or talk to you again. Got it?”

  “Shut up, Kyra, use a little discretion.”

  “No, you use some and disappear, Joe.”

  “You’ll regret this.”

  “I already regret having ever met you. Now run along and report back to your boss.”

  Turning back to her machine she understood Joe could bring her trouble though she didn’t care. Once again, her life was crumbling. Kyra turned to see Joe walk up the stairs, his cellphone at his ear. Only one person he’d be speaking to ri
ght now. That meant she should high-tail it out of there. An encounter with Phil right now was not on her agenda. Joe probably just saved her some money. Pressing the button to redeem her credits, she took her ticket and cashed it in before heading to the garage. I should’ve gone to the other casino. Phil’s too involved in this one. What I do with my time and money’s nobody’s business but mine.

  As she raced to her car, her cellphone started ringing. Thinking it was Phil, she almost pressed the ignore button. Looking down, Jake Carrington flashed across the screen. Breathlessly, she answered the call just in time, before it went to voicemail.

  “Jake.”

  “Is this a bad time?”

  “No, I’m just getting into my car…” Joe Dillon was leaning against her car, not good.

  “Kyra, everything okay?”

  Ignoring Jake, she emphasized Joe’s name. “Joe Dillon, what are you doing leaning on my car?”

  “Hang up now,” Joe said.

  “No.”

  She heard Jake shout her name. Never taking her eyes off Joe, she put the phone back to her ear. “Jake.”

  “What’s going on, Kyra? Are you safe?”

  “I don’t know, Jake. Joe Dillon’s my casino host. We just had words, now he’s leaning on my car.”

  “Kyra, don’t go anywhere with him, okay.”

  “I won’t, Jake—”

  “And don’t hang up,” he cut her off.

  “Joe, Lieutenant Carrington would like to know why you’re following me?”

  “I’m not following you. I think we should go for a ride to discuss why you won’t talk to me.” He grabbed her wrist and pressed down hard.

  “Ouch! You son of a bitch, let go of my wrist.”

  “Kyra, this isn’t a game. I said get into the car, now,” Joe demanded.

  “No.” Scared shitless, she wasn’t going to back down. Where were the security people?

  In her ear, she heard Jake say ‘scream.’ It was then she saw the security car. “Jake, there’s a security car coming around from the next aisle.”

  Kyra said this not only for Jake’s benefit—she hoped the mention of security would scare off Joe. He let go of her wrist. The look on his face, along with his tone of his voice, frightened her. Phil couldn’t have ordered him to intercept her, could he? Did he?

  “Kyra, are you in the casino garage?”

  “Yes.”

  “Walk back to the elevator and get security if the one in the car doesn’t stop, understand?”

  “Yes.”

  “This isn’t over, Kyra,” Joe said as he marched away.

  “Jake, he’s leaving. I’m going to unlock my car and climb in while you’re on the phone.”

  “Okay. What’s going on, Kyra?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Why are you at the casino?”

  Shit, what do I tell him? “Jake, this week’s been upsetting. I came here to escape. I’d only just gotten here when I ran into Joe. We had words, so I decided to leave. That’s when you called. Great timing by the way.”

  She rambled on, nervous and talking at the speed of light. Why was she explaining herself?

  “Words about what?”

  “Nothing I want to share, Jake.” Silence. What was he thinking? Maybe she could have handled this differently. “Jake, are you still there?”

  “Yes.” Oh good, now I have someone else pissed at me.

  “I’m sorry, thanks for your help. Uh…why did you call?”

  “I was going to suggest we go out tonight, but I’ll bring dinner instead. We need to talk.”

  Fucking great! “About what?”

  “Is seven good?”

  “Yes.”

  After she hung up, she put her car into drive. Slowly pulling out, she drove past Joe Dillon standing by his beautiful Mercedes, staring at her. Should she call Phil? If he did set this up, would he send someone more professional to deal with her when he learned she didn’t go with Joe? Why would he have someone grab her, especially in broad daylight? It didn’t make sense. Halfway through dialing Phil, Kyra changed her mind. Over the phone she’d never be able to tell if he was lying. Plus, she needed to put distance between her and the casino—or, more to the point, Joe. Shivers ran down her spine and up her neck. She didn’t want to be in Phil’s zip code at the moment, whether he ordered the abduction or not. She couldn’t say why.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Jake hung up, angry. His gut told him she was in deep trouble, yet she acted like it was nothing. Didn’t she trust him by now? Once again, whenever she was in trouble it reverted back to the casino, which, in Jake’s opinion, reverted back to Phil Lucci. Jake was actually calling to cancel on her tonight until he heard the man threatening her. Kyra had to have picked up on the deep hatred in Dillon’s voice, because Jake did and he didn’t even know the guy. What was that about? It couldn’t have anything to do with Kyra not gambling anymore, could it? And why was she there today in the middle of the day? All he had were questions and that pissed him off. Kyra had the answers and for some unknown reason she wasn’t sharing. He needed to get to the bottom of it before she became one of his victims. The phone rang, interrupting his thoughts.

  “Jake, it’s Tom Jones.” The guy got more ribbing over his name, and he couldn’t sing worth a shit. The idiot got drunk at the Christmas party and sang his heart out, much to everyone’s dismay.

  “What’s up?”

  “I did the blood work on Stack. You’re right. He had poison in his system. A poison you don’t see very often.”

  Just spit it out? “What was it?”

  “Strychnine.”

  “Hmm. That was the ME’s guess at the scene.”

  “Yeah, you normally only see this one in books. Mystery writers of days-gone-by loved this one. The thing is, Jake, someone wanted him to suffer, and suffer he did, with the amount he had in his system. It was an over-the-top kill. He was dead the minute he took it into his body.”

  “Thanks, Tom. Email me a hard copy.”

  As he hung up, Jake thought about the cause of death. Who had Stack pissed off and why? Jake opened his email, printed out the lab results, and headed down to Missing Persons. He needed to interview each and every one of his detectives who’d worked with Stack. Not fun, he thought.

  A group of detectives stopped talking when he walked into the bullpen and gave him the fisheye. Jake understood their resentment and didn’t care. He had a job to do.

  “Listen up. I got the tox report back on Carl, and it’s not good. He was poisoned.” Jake looked around him as he took in the expression on each of their faces.

  “The poison used was strychnine, which would’ve caused extreme pain in the vic… I mean Carl.” Jake waited out the murmurs before he continued. “I’m going to interview each of you to see if you knew what Carl was working on or if he complained about any threats. Any one of you who wants in on this is welcome to participate, though you need to know the state police think this is their case and their jurisdiction. Physically it is, but Carl was one of us, and we’ll work this until we get him justice. Understood?”

  “Lieutenant, I’m in, and I’m sure everyone here feels the same way,” Detective Joe Green said as he looked around the squad room. “Are the state police going to share?”

  “The sergeant in charge said yes,” Jake replied. “I’ll set up in my temporary office. Detective Green, I’ll start with you.” Jake turned toward his office and heard the groans and whispers behind him.

  Green walked into the office, shut the door behind him without being told. He looked as though he had something to say before they began. Jake waited him out.

  “Lieutenant, we all heard of your reputation and some of us even know you, but Carl was ours. We heard you were investigating him and threw him to rats in Internal Affairs. Is that true?” Green stood at attention, every muscle in his face taut.

  “Take a seat, Green. Whether Stack was being investigated or not won’t interfere with the investigation i
nto his death. And to answer your question, no, I did not turn him into Internal Affairs.”

  Jake stared him down while he spoke. Green still stood. Jake gestured to the chair, again waiting him out. Green sat, his back straight, at attention.

  “I’m serious about wanting in on the investigation.”

  “I understand that, Joe. Can you be objective?”

  Green studied Jake for a few minutes. “Objective how?”

  “You might not like where the investigation leads.”

  Patiently waiting for Green to answer, Jake scanned the office—he personally hadn’t done anything to it because it was a temporary assignment. The last lieutenant must not have filed a report in five years. The paper clutter on the desk gave Jake a headache. He directed his gaze back to Green.

  “Well, Joe?”

  “Carl was a loner. He didn’t really socialize with anyone in the department. He had his own agenda, but he was a solid detective. You’re saying he was dirty?”

  “No, I’m not.” Jake didn’t elaborate.

  “But you’re not saying he was clean?”

  “Same answer. No, I’m not.”

  “What are you saying, Lieutenant?” Green made ‘lieutenant’ sound like a curse.

  “I’m saying Detective Stack’s death gets every consideration, as any other homicide does, and more, because he was one of us. If there’s an investigation into his practices, that wouldn’t play into the homicide investigation—unless his dealings with undesirables are the reason he’s dead.”

  “Okay, I’m in.”

  They shook hands across the desk. Jake started the interview. He found out a lot about Stack and his personality from Green and the other detectives, but nothing about his actions. They were all protective of Stack because they heard he was being investigated. Each treated Jake like a traitor. Only Green had come around, the rest were noncommittal. One even refused to answer questions without his union rep being present. How stupid of Detective Carrusso. He’s now in my line of sight.

  A phone started ringing. Jake looked around to see which one it was. The office and his cell both had similar rings. Noting the out-of-town area code on his cell, Jake answered immediately.