Ghost River: A Novel by Jon Coon

Author:Jon Coon [Coon, Jon]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Iron Herring
Published: 2020-12-22T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 20

0900

DA Jessica Carruthers’s Office

Lots of wind

In the DA’s office, Jessica Carruthers, Bob, Gabe, and Captain Martin huddled around a conference table.

“We’ve got all points on Rogers,” Bob began. “We got his prints off the file boxes taken from Carol’s, and Peterson’s housekeeper said he was a frequent visitor. She also said the old man was pretty upset at him about something the last time he was at the house.”

“Any word on where Peterson went after he ditched us?” Gabe asked.

“Nothing yet, but we don’t think he could have gone far.”

“How sick is he?”

“The housekeeper says stage-three or stage-four cancer, but he’s still able to get around a little with help. Hasn’t got long . . . probably a few weeks or less.”

“Have you tried the daughter, Zack’s mom?” Gabe followed up.

“She’s gone too. Neighbors saw her pack the car the morning before Rogers broke into her house.”

DA Carruthers made notes in an iPad then looked up at Gabe, “Have you got anything substantial on Peterson and the bridge? Bob said you have new evidence.”

Gabe pulled out his pocket pad and quickly glanced at his notes. “Before Rogers took the inspection reports, we went through them looking for anything on the I-10 bridge.”

Gabe and Bob told the rest of the story ending with the attack on Zack and Mickey last night.

“We suspect Peterson was in bed with McFarland Construction,” Bob said. “Owned by the Conners family with ties to the congressman. Can’t prove it yet, but my gut says they were skimming state money back into political campaign funds and pensions for cooperative state engineers. After making a tidy profit for themselves of course.”

“Congressman Conners? Friend of law enforcement, defender of pensions and benefits? That Congressman Conners?” Captain Martin asked.

“Afraid so,” Gabe answered.

“Going after him is a career move the up-and-comers will want to avoid,” Captain Martin noted.

“Well, fortunately . . .” Gabe replied.

“Oh, great. I have two kids who want to go to college. But you go right ahead, get us all fired without insurance or retirement. Ex-cops are always in high demand as night watchmen,” Bob said.

“Bob is right,” DA Carruthers added. “We need to be dead certain we’ve got proof before we make those kinds of allegations.”

“Okay, what’s next?” Captain Martin asked.

“Find Peterson, Rogers, and the wounded attacker. Get a team on McFarland and the connection to Congressman Conners. Zack Greenly says the owner of McFarland is the congressman’s brother. Let’s check it out,” Gabe answered.

Captain Martin chewed on his unlit cigar, thought of losing his pension, and said nothing.

Uneasy about the New Orleans conversation with Carol, and wanting to get back in her good graces, Gabe called her again on his way back to the camp.

“Did I ever tell you I have a thing for nurses?”

“Doesn’t every cop?” she fired back, still wondering why he’d called.

“I suppose, but I’m serious. Nurses are great.”

“Okay, I’ll bite, why are nurses great?”

“Most of us have to go out of our way to find ways to serve. If you’re a nurse, it’s right there in front of you every day.

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