Identity (23 page)
Authors: K. J. Cazel
Tom sat at his desk reviewing and completing case files. It was tedious work, but since Steve did a lot of the footwork while he was in LA, he felt it was the least he could do to re-cement their friendship. As he closed the last file for the day, his cell phone rang. Tom checked the caller. It was his attorney, Ray Stevens.
“Hello.”
“Ray Stevens here.”
“Hi, Ray. What can I do for you?
“I don’t need your help. What I’m calling about is to let you know that Ginny has contacted me and has asked to wire $15,000.00 to a bank account in Salt Lake City. She verified the appropriate pass codes and stated that she was okay. She said she needed
the money to buy a car.”
“Well, it is her money. She can do what she wants. You sent it?”
“Like you said, it’s her money. I know you wanted to find her and this is a clue to her whereabouts.”
“I appreciate your help Ray. She evidently is doing okay. She knew you would let me know about the request. I have to wait her out. When she wants to contact Jenny, or me she will. Thanks for your diligence. We really appreciate your handling of our accounts.”
“The pleasure is mine. Are you going to Peterson’s party Saturday night?”
“Yes, Sarah and I will be there.”
“Karen has been waiting to meet the love of your life.”
“Enough. Bye.”
Tom ended the cell conversation. Steve turned to him, “That about Ginny?”
“Yea. But this time I’m not getting involved. I promise. She appears to be okay.” Steve could tell that Tom didn’t want to talk anymore and let the subject drop.
***
Once the money came into Susan’s brother bank account, Ginny and Susan went out to buy a good used car. It was hard for her to say good-by to her new friend and her brother. She knew everyone she came in contact with would be in danger. She had to leave so they would be safe.
It was time for her to be on her own. She needed
a new life. She gave a small wave as she drove her 2005 Honda Civic toward Interstate 80 East. There was no rush. She was going to take her time and enjoy the scenery.
***
Ginny had been in Irving, Texas for three weeks. She was fortunate that she found a job at the local TV station as a production assistant. She had rented an apartment three blocks away from work. To Ginny, life was good.
When she was hired, she assured the station manager that she would be happy as an assistant and had no desire to be a reporter. For the first time since she was hired, Ginny was assigned to be Gloria Howell’s assistant. Gloria was the top field reporter at the station. The crew left the station and headed to the local courthouse. In the van, Gloria made it quite clear that she was in charge of the shoot and there would be no debate.
***
It was after 7:30 a.m. when Tom’s phone rang. He reached over to his side table and looked at his cell phone. It was Jenny.
“Hello.”
“Did I wake you?”
“What do you think? What’s so important?”
“You have to turn on cable news. You’ll be interested in the latest heroic effort.”
“Tell me. I’d rather go back to bed. It was a late night.”
“It’s Ginny!”
Tom quickly sat up. “Tell me.”
“You really should see it. Until you can, I’ll give you the skinny. It seems she works at a TV station in Irving, Texas. The reporter had a heart attack during the report and Ginny stepped in, gave her CPR, had the crew call 911, and once the ambulance drove off she continued with the report.”
“Well, I’ll be damned. Our little sister is all grown up.”
***
Angelo sat in his apartment trying to figure out his options. His last call from Naldo wasn’t good. He knew that his life was on the line. He wondered if he could hide out in Canada. He turned on the news. As he watched, he future became brighter.
He placed a call to Italy.
***
Tom got up and turned on cable news. He knew they always repeated their news cycles. At last, they repeated Ginny’s story. He watched and smiled as he saw his younger sister being so professional. All he had done was worth it. His phone rang. The number was unidentified. He answered anyway.
“Tom Cassell.”
“Yes.”
“Giovanni Marino here. Perhaps you don’t remember me.”
“Oh, I do. You’re the chief of police in Italy. What can I do for you?”
“I wanted to alert you to the fact that Naldo Rizzo has booked a flight to New York City with a connecting flight to Dallas, Texas.”
“When?”
“He should arrive in New York tomorrow night.”
“Damn.”
“I don’t understand. I thought you wanted to catch him on American soil?”
“It’s a long story. I’ll let you know when I have him in my sight. I really appreciate your call.”
Tom called the executive jet rental company at Wheeling Executive Airport and arranged for a flight later in the day. He next placed a call to Steve to update him on the situation and asked that he accompany him to Texas.
After getting things set-up, he went into the
precinct to talk to the Captain. He had to get the arrest warrant. When he arrived, he went directly to the Captain’s office.
“Yes, Tom, how can I help you.”
“I’ve had word from my contact in Italy that Naldo Rizzo is coming to the states. It is our opportunity to finally serve his arrest warrant and bring him to justice for murder.”
“Just exactly what happening?”
“I’ve received a call from Inspector Marino in Italy. Naldo Rizzo is landing in New York tomorrow on his way to Dallas. It is our opportunity to arrest him.”
“Tom, this is out of our jurisdiction. I assume you’re in here because you want to bring Rizzo back.”
“Tom that’s not going to happen. Once the Dallas authorities pick up Rizzo, it will be up to the federal marshal to bring him back to Chicago for trial.”
“In that case, I’d like to request an emergency family leave.”
“Tom, you are being ridiculous. The Dallas police are more than capable of handling the situation.”
“Who said I was going to Dallas?”
“All right see the sergeant to sign the papers. Is Steve’s having the same emergency? If so, I suggest he get in here to complete the paperwork.”
“Thanks, see you in a few days.”
Tom and Steve arrived at the Wheeling Executive Airport late in the afternoon. Each man carried a duffle bag and their side arms.
Once inside the jet, Steve couldn’t help commenting, “I like the way you travel.”
“It’s not always like this.”
“So what’s the plan.”?
“The captain called. He said the Dallas Police have the warrant and plan on picking up Naldo when he steps off the plane.”
“You know Tom, I think it’s time for you to talk to me.”
“About what?”
“Don’t be evasive. You have been on the search for Ginny for the past two years. You have kept everyone in the dark about what you found out. Now, I’m going to Texas with you. I think I deserve some answers.”
Tom sat there and pondered Steve’s request. He knew Steve covered his butt during the times he was out of town. He also knew that he never questioned his actions.
“Your right. I owe you. Let me start at the beginning. Several years ago, Ginny came to the family Christmas party with Sergio on her arm. Both Jenny and I were not impressed with him, but we decided not to say anything. We figured it was a phase and if we said anything negative about him, she would be that more enamored with him. Then, she went missing.
“From what pieces I can put together, Sergio was working for Naldo managing his Chicago prostitution business. He decided he wanted to strike out on his own. To do so, he needed a prostitute. Ginny wasn’t going to do it willingly, so he got her hooked on cocaine. He knew Chicago was too close to Naldo’s operation so he took her to Vegas.
“As you know, we wouldn’t have known where she was if it wasn’t for Rodney’s death. So I started looking for Ginny there. The trail led to Los Angeles.
“The private detective in LA found her in a private halfway house. I went to LA to see if I could bring Ginny home. Unfortunately, she didn’t want to be found and left LA for points unknown.
“The dick also gave me some information about Sergio and his current business activities in prostitution and drugs. I decided I wanted to confront the scum bag. I went a little too far and relieved him of his drug money and his stable. Unfortunately, the cartel was not happy with there losses and they ended his life.”
“And we’re going to Dallas why?”
“When I received the call that Naldo was on his way to Texas, I knew he was seeking revenge. He isn’t dumb. He’s not going to walk into the hands of authorities. My concern is Ginny. He’s not going to stop until he gets his revenge and I’m going to be there to stop him.”
***
Naldo stepped through the jetway bridge. He looked around and saw a grey-haired man holding a sign with his name on it. He walked directly to the man.
“My car is ready?”
“Yes, Mr. Rizzo. All gassed up and ready to drive to Reagan International.”
Once inside the limo, an associate greeted Naldo with a new passport and a new identity. Six hours later Frank Salareno was flying to Dallas. Naldo had spent over twenty hours to reach his destination, Irving, Texas.
***
“You have found the location of the girl?”
“Yes. She is renting a small house. She drives home around eleven every night after work. It is not so nice of a neighborhood and it will be easy to make it look like a break in.”
“I’m not worried about how it looks. I want the detective to feel the same loss I have. Once done, we’ll drive across the border and I’ll return home.”
The sun was just starting to set when Tom and Steve drove the rental car to Irving, Texas. Upon entering Irving they stopped at the Sheriff’s office. After introductions, Tom asked them to check their database for Ginny’s address. After a few calls, the sergeant on duty handed Tom the address and directions to Ginny’s home.
Tom took the directions and drove to Ginny’s house. It was late in the afternoon when they arrived. The house showed no signs of activity. Tom wasn’t sure when Ginny would be home, but decided that he and Steve would wait for her
to return home.
While they watched Ginny’s house, Steve’s phone rang. “Detective Harrington.” Steve listened to the caller. When the call ended, Tom turned and asked, “What’s up?”
“That was the Dallas Police. They met the flight that Naldo was supposed to be on. No show. They checked other arrivals from New York City for the next three hours. No luck. They can’t spend anymore time at the airport and said if we have any other information we are to contact them.”
“Damn. I don’t know how he’s getting here, but I’m sure he’ll be here. We’ll just have to wait.”
At 10:55 p.m. Ginny’s car pulled in the driveway. Tom stepped out of his car and called out her name. She froze in her steps. Tom called again identifying himself. She turned as Tom came up the walkway. Tears started rolling down her cheeks.
“Oh, Tom,” she cried. She ran and fell into his waiting arms. Tom embraced his sister. He held her so tight she was having trouble breathing.”
In a weak voice, she asked, “What are you doing here?”
“I’m here to protect you. I brought Steve with me. He’s in the car.” Ginny looked across the street and gave a small wave to Steve in the car.
“Protect me from what?”
“I believe Sergio’s brother, Naldo, is going to harm you.”
“For goodness sake, why? I don’t even know him.”
“Let talk inside.” The two went inside the house while Steve stayed in the car keeping watch.
Tom looked at his sister. “Let’s sit down.”
Ginny led him to the small kitchen. She opened the fridge and took out two cans of soda. She handed one to Tom. Ginny pulled out the old chrome chair, sat down and snapped opening the soda can. She listened to the fizz. When it stopped, she looked up. Tom watched her. She was no longer the little girl he knew in Chicago.
“Sergio is dead. He was a victim of drug dealers. His brother, Naldo, believes it was because of me that he met his end.”
“But, why would he want to hurt me?”
“Some people don’t look to themselves for the consequences they experience. They have to blame others.”
Ginny shook her head trying to understand what Tom was saying.
“It doesn’t make sense to you and me; but Naldo believes an eye for an eye. He believes I was responsible for his brother’s death, so he can take your life. Once your news video hit the web, he knew where to find you. We have word that Naldo is on his way here.”
“I knew when the video when viral something was bound to happen.”
“Ginny, we’ll get him. You’ve had a long day. Steve is watching outside and I’m here. Why don’t you go to bed.”
“I don’t think I can sleep.”
“Steve and I are here to protect you. The local police are aware of the situation. If Naldo shows up, we’ll be waiting for him. Try to get some sleep.”
Ginny got up from the table and walked over to Tom. She gave him a peck on the cheek. “I love you.” Tears welded up in her eyes as she entered the bedroom off the kitchen.
When the bedroom door closed, Tom walked back into the living room. He walked over to the window and looked out. There was enough light from the corner street light for Tom to see Steve’s shadow in the car. He sat down on a well-worn lounge chair. It was a waiting game.
Tom had drifted off to sleep and was woken up by the vibration of his cell phone. He reached in his pocket and
flipped the phone open. The phone identified Steve. The time read 3:03 a.m.
In a groggy voice Tom answered. “What’s up Steve?”
“A black sedan has pulled up. The driver got out and is going around to open the door for the front seat passenger.”
“Okay, I’ll get ready to greet our visitors.” Tom tightened the slack in his bulletproof vest.
Tom’s phone vibrated again. “There are two very big men going around to the back.”
Tom moved quickly to the kitchen. He stood by the bedroom door and cracked it open.
“Ginny, Ginny,” he tried waking her.
A sixth sense whispered her reply, “Whaaat?”
“Get in the closet and stay down. Do not come out until I tell you.”
Ginny slid out of bed and entered the closet, closing the door behind her.
It was just in time as Tom heard the window in the back door being
smashed open. Tom waited for the intruders to enter before flipping on the light switch.
Angelo’s arm reached in and opened the back door entering first with Naldo falling behind. Tom stood quietly waiting with his gun in his hand. Once inside, Tom flipped on the kitchen light. The brightness startled the two intruders. They immediately started firing in the direction at the shadow on the opposite side of the kitchen. Tom quickly flipped the chrome table to use as protection. He heard Ginny screams as the bullets pummeled the wall while some ricocheted off the old table. Tom kept firing back. Angelo and Naldo were experienced in gun fighting and managed to avoid any deadly hits as they moved around the kitchen.
As the first sound of a gun shot Steve ran for the front door. Before bursting in he listened for a brief moment and slowly opened the front door.
“This is the police. Put your weapons down.”
His response was met with a spray of bullets directed at him. Even with his bulletproof vest on, one of the bullets struck Steve in the right shoulder. With Naldo and Angelo concentrating their firefight with Steve, Tom aimed his gun directly at Naldo and fired. Unfortunately, Naldo moved at that precise moment as the bullet entered his heart. He fell to the floor. Angelo looked down and panicked. He turned and fled the building.
As Angelo round the corner of the house, he was met with the Irving police that were alerted at the sound of gunshots in the neighborhood.