Silenced Justice: A Josh Williams Novel (21 page)

Chapter 27

        Josh and Maggie sat outside the office of East Providence City Manager Paul Wilson. As they waited for their scheduled meeting, the city's finance director, Jean Teixeira, came in
.

"Lieutenant Williams, how are you?"

"Fine, Jean, and you?"

"I'm good. To what do we owe the pleasure of this meeting?"

"Jean, this is Margaret Fleming. She's the one for whom I arranged the meeting."

"Nice to meet you, Ms. Fleming," extending her hand.

"Maggie, please," Fleming replied, shaking her hand.

"Well, then call me Jean and we can all be friends," Teixeira smiled, "I'll go in and see if Paul is ready for us."

Josh waited for the door to close. "Okay, here's what's going to happen. Paul is a good guy, trying to do the right thing for the city. He's going to be pissed if he thinks our little maneuver here will disrupt the development on the waterfront."

"We're going to do that, no?" Maggie asked.

"We're going to put a wrench into the plan, not disrupt it. Once the Russians find out what we've done, they'll try to find a way to fix it. It will force them to do something. I suspect they'll use Jennifer Sorin," Josh folded his arms. "When they make their move, we'll be able to see who's behind this. And use it to unravel the whole thing."

Maggie, looking at her notes, said, "So it will derail the project. If I know politicians, they'll try everything to prevent us from doing that."

"All we need is for them to believe we can do this, by the time they figure out a way to prevent it, we'll have what we need."

Maggie shook her head and laughed, "You missed your calling, Josh. You are Machiavellian in that brain of yours. You should run for office. You'd fit right in." Smiling, "Well, except for the conscience, that's a big liability." She looked over as the door to the City Manager's office opened.

"Lieutenant, how are you?" City Manager Paul Wilson asked, as he came striding out the door. "What is this important business we so urgently have to discuss?"

"Good morning, Paul. This is Margaret Fleming, Attorney at Law. She was once an Assistant United States Attorney," Josh replied by way of introduction.

"Ms. Fleming, Paul Wilson," Wilson extended his hand.

"Maggie, please,"

'"Well then, Paul for me as well. Unless there is a reason I have to adopt a more adversarial attitude," arching his eyebrows. "Why don't we join Jean in my office and see what havoc Lieutenant Williams is trying to create."

* * *

"Are you freaking serious?" The veins in Wilson's neck throbbed and bulged. "I manage to get some serious waterfront development started and you're here to tell me it is dead in the water," slamming his hands on his desk. "You give me one good reason I should let this happen, one good goddamn reason."

"We're not saying it is dead in the water. It's a matter of an opportunity. One that was available to anyone who took the time to research it. My client wants to follow the provisions of the City charter and protect her interest," Fleming answered.

Wilson glared at Fleming, and then looked at Josh, "And what does this have to do with the Police Department, Lieutenant. Why is the City paying you to be here? Is Brennan aware of this, this, this extortion?" folding his arms and leaning back in the chair. "That's what this is, extortion. Well, boys and girls it is not going to work. Jean, go find the city solicitor. Find a way. We'll end this nonsense now."

Texeira rose from her seat, an uncomfortable look on her face, and fled the office.

When the door closed, Wilson smiled. "This had better be worth it, Josh," leaning forward and putting his arms on the desk, eyes wide. "If it does screw up this project, I'll find a way to have a lieutenant at the sewer treatment plant on the midnight to eight shift. Understand?"

Maggie looked back and forth between the two men, "You planned this little escapade? The whole thing was a setup?"

Josh laughed, "Not a setup, more a disinformation campaign. Your new friend, Jean Texeira, is the sister-in-law of the head of the City Council. They have ambitions to replace Paul. She'll run around to all the politicians spreading the news of our little play here."

Wilson laughed, "I bet she's already buying new curtains to redecorate this office. Now, onto the gory details, tell me what this sudden discovery involves and what we're going to do about it."

Fleming laid out the information discovered by Vera Johnson.

Almost forty years ago, Vera Johnson's grandfather deeded a right of way to a small parcel of land for the city to use. East Providence used the deeded right of way to build the city's animal control shelter.   

City records show the property as a Water street address on the right of way deeded by the old gentleman. This was not accurate. Prior title searches missed it because of the incorrect address.

At the time, Johnson's grandfather ran a boat service on the waterfront and used the property for extra storage. His wife, a longtime supporter of the animal shelter, wanted the city to build a new one. She convinced her husband to deed the right of way and grant the city access to the little used property.

In the early 80's, the city built a new Police Station and moved the animal control shelter to city property on Commercial Way. They abandoned the deeded property.

The land remained unused.

During the intervening years, the City never moved to annex the property. Under the terms of the right of way deed, if the City abandoned the property it would nullify the right of way. It would then revert to the original owner. Vera Johnson inherited the property from her father and her son ran his own boat storage business there. They paid taxes on the property, which included the long forgotten right of way.

Johnson now owned the property that stood directly in the path of the access road to the waterfront development project.

The phone rang on Wilson's desk. "Yes? Hmm, as we suspected. Remind me to keep a closer eye on our friend the Captain there. Thank you Chief. What?" listening for a moment, "Of course, I'll give the Lieutenant the message," hanging up the phone. "The Chief said the line activity is up. I suppose that means something to you?"

Josh leaned forward, arms extended, palms up, "It means it is already working."

Wilson walked from the desk and poured himself more coffee. "Brennan also said Captain Charland just hosted an impromptu meeting of politicians. The coup d’état has begun. Just as you said it would, Lieutenant."

Josh pointed at the City Manager. "Like Brennan always says, keep your friends close, your enemies closer, and everyone under surveillance."

Chapter 28

"What does that mean?" the Russian accented voice asked.

"It means a minor delay. It is a minor issue. We will negotiate a more than generous price and continue with the project," Sorin answered.

There was a delay in the response. "Fix this," the angered tone rising, "or we will fix it our way. Understood, Mr. Sorin?"

"Of course, I will take care of it."

"Mr. Sorin, it has been some time since you've been in Russia, no?"

Sorin did not respond.

"If you fail us, you will be seeing the motherland again. However, it will not be a pleasant trip for you, or your entire family. I hope, for their sake and yours, you do understand."

The call ended.

Sorin walked down to the Senator's office. Entering without knocking, he announced, "We need to talk. Now."

The Senator, looking up from his desk, saw the fear in Sorin's eyes. "What is it now, Anthony?"

"Not here, we need to go for a ride."

The surveillance team watched as the two men left the building, heading towards the Senator's car. As the two men arrived at the vehicle, the preemptive idea Josh had paid off.

Collucci got on his cell, made a quick call, and then walked to Sorin's vehicle. The flat tire on the Senator's car served its purpose.

Getting a Court-ordered electronic surveillance warrant for a Senator's aide was one thing. Getting an order for a United States Senator was near impossible and dangerous. No telling what hidden ambitions sat on the bench of the United States District Court of Rhode Island.

"Senator, there is an issue with certain rights of way which pose a problem to the project moving forward."

"Anthony, this is important to many, many people. What is the issue?" Collucci replied, keeping his plausible deniability options wide open.

"There is a small parcel of land blocking the development. It is an overlooked right of way abandoned by the City of East Providence. The project backers want this matter resolved. They have emphasized the urgency behind the timetable. They are adamant in this."

"Well then, find the owner and negotiate. Make it irresistible for them to sell. If that fails, we can approach the City for an Eminent Domain proceeding."

Sorin thought for a moment. "Senator, you're missing the point. Why is it this problem surfacing now? Think, Robert. This is not a coincidence. I think we have a bigger problem. I may regret my association with Jennifer, but she is not a stupid woman. She either held back the info as leverage or…." Sorin watched to see if the Senator caught on.

"Or somebody created this problem," Collucci said. "Williams. Damn him. He used his contacts within the city to falsify the records."

"I suspect as much," Sorin said. "We may have to resort to more direct measures to deal with this."

Collucci looked out the window. "Talk to your ex-wife. Let them know, we know. Then find a way to fix it."

After driving around Providence during the conversation, Sorin dropped off Collucci. He then headed towards the East side of Providence.

* * *

"Delta 1, Delta 5," the surveillance team leader radioed. "Subject headed your way, they bought the story. Sort of."

"Delta 5, got it. We are waiting for him with eyes and ears on the office," Josh replied.

Josh radioed to his other team members, "Okay, boys and girls. Sorin is on his way. Time for some fun.” Tommy jumped out of the car and headed inside.

He fumbled with the tie as he walked into Jennifer's office, uncomfortable in the suit.

Jennifer came over and straightened his tie. "You look fine, stop fidgeting. You're making me nervous."

"Sorry, not used to wearing one of these, I try to avoid them."

"So, did you tell Williams?"

Tommy looked at Jennifer, "He knows we went to school together, went out a few times. That's it. He doesn't need to know anything else."

Jennifer frowned, "This will come out, Tommy. They will find out you are a cop. They'll do anything they can to make you look bad. You need to let Lieutenant Williams know the whole story."

"There's nothing else to say," Tommy argued. "It was a long time ago. Past history. What can they do with it? Besides, how is he gonna find out I'm a cop? This will never come out."

"He will find out, Tommy, “Jen said. “ I know him all too well. He will stop at nothing. Anthony did not get to where he is by leaving loose ends. Once they find out you are a cop, they look into your background. They will do anything to discredit you. If they can't find something, they'll create it."

"Williams won't care. He knows me, trusts me. It won't make any difference," Tommy answered, turning away.

"Tommy," Jennifer pleaded, "Put yourself in his place. What would you think? We were engaged, Tommy. That's more than a casual romance. I never thought any of this would come out and look where I am. When this is over, I'll either be dead or in jail."

Tommy spun around, "You're not going to jail and nobody, I mean nobody, is going to get near you or Kelsey. Understand?"

Tommy's cell chirped. Looking at the display he smiled, "Sorin's almost here. Show time."

Tommy went to the desk, turned on and checked the concealed cameras and microphones. Jennifer went to her desk and brought up an Excel spreadsheet with property listings. Business as usual

"Delta 5, just coming down Waterman," Josh radioed.

"Delta 1, got him. Delta 5 continue over the Henderson and go grab another car."

"Delta 5, Delta 1, Where the hell am I supposed to get another car, this is East Providence not some goddamn TV show," Josh laughed.

"Delta 1 Delta 5, go to your back lot, I had some extra vehicles brought over," Zach Kennedy replied. "I knew you poor locals wouldn't have any spares."

"Can we keep 'em when this is over?" Josh asked.

"No, and I have a list to verify I get them all back, Delta 1 out."

Josh headed back to the PD.
Nice working with the Feds sometimes; hope one is a convertible
….

Sorin pulled into the back lot.

"Delta 3, subject entering the back door."

"Just how you troopers like it," Josh radioed as he drove back to the surveillance operation. "Reminds you of sleeping in the barracks, doesn't it?"

"Delta 3, Delta 5 remind me of that in person, smart-ass," Donahue answered.

The sound of a wet kiss came over the radio.

"Delta 1, could we be serious for just a few minutes?" Kennedy asked.

"Where's the fun in that?" Josh answered.

"Delta 2, video and audio is up. Live from inside, Sorin just walked into the office."

Anthony Sorin walked into Jennifer's office and eyed Tommy. Jennifer came around her desk, "Anthony, I didn't expect you. This is Tom Meadows, he and I have formed a new partnership. We're looking into abandoned properties with historical tax credits available. There is great market potential."

Tommy, aka Tom Meadows, stood and shook Sorin's hand. "Nice to meet you, Anthony."

Sorin returned the handshake, "Yes, well it is my pleasure. Jennifer, can we discuss our current project? A small issue has been brought to my attention," glancing back at Tommy.

"Of course. Tom is up to speed on the project in East Providence. He was most helpful in furthering many of the property acquisitions there," Jennifer answered.

"Really?" his eyebrows arched, "Why is it this is the first I've heard of Mr., ah, Meadows is it? Or his contribution," watching Jennifer, his eyes narrowing.

Jennifer looked at Sorin, "We agreed I would have full control on this end. I found Tom's experience with these matters most helpful. We have worked on other projects together. I decided to take advantage of those skills. I recently convinced him to join my firm. There was no need for me to clear it with you," staring Sorin down. "What is this new issue? I am sure we," nodding at Tommy, "can deal with it."

This seemed to placate Sorin. He took a seat, withdrew a file from his briefcase, and placed it on her desk.

"There is a small piece of property, overlooked in your original work, which requires your attention." He pointed to the file. "I find it troubling you missed this. Seems odd this problem arises now. How did that happen, Jennifer?"

Jennifer took the file, looked it over, and pushed it back to Sorin. "These are old files we are dealing with. The process of digitizing the files is not 100% accurate. It may be simple as that."

Sorin looked at Jennifer, then at Tommy. "What do you say, Mr. Meadows? Do you think this is just an oversight? Dissuade me from my feeling this is incompetence by this company of yours."

Tommy walked over and looked through the file. "A deeded right of way for a narrow piece of property dating from the 1950s, not surprising it didn’t show up in a title search. Most of the property involved here sat undeveloped for years. There was no reason for anyone to notice the error. Once we contact the owner, I have no doubt we can arrange a sale and transfer."

"That's your problem," Sorin answered, closing his briefcase. "If you and your partner here are as good as you claim, I trust you'll resolve this quickly," rising from his seat. "I hope you appreciate the urgency in this. The investors have many options available to them. You wouldn't want to miss out on the contract bonuses," opening the door, turning back to look at the two. "Or face the consequences." Nodding his head, "Mr. Meadows," and left the office.

Tommy waited a moment to insure Sorin was out of earshot, "Well, he seems pleasant enough. I can see why you married him," turning off the surveillance cameras.

Jennifer shot him a glare as she turned to the computer.

"Remember, we swept the place for bugs, it's safe to talk, but I would bet they track your email and online activity."

"Okay then," Jennifer answered. "Let me give them something to look at," returning her attention to the computer.

Leaving her to her research, Tommy called Josh on the cell. "So where is our friend now?"

"He's sitting in his car, parked across the street. My guess is he's going to see if you go anywhere, or if someone shows up here."

"Okay," Tommy said, "Jen is going through the motions of researching the property online. We'll do that for a bit, then head to East Providence City Hall."

"Okay, cool. I'll let you know if Sorin moves or gets company," ending the call.  

* * *

Sorin sat in his vehicle and considered this unexpected personnel addition and the land issues. He lived by the Russian expression, Doveryai, no Proveryai. Trust, but Verify. Reaching for his cell phone, he called a number. "I need you to do some research for me. A Tom or Thomas Meadows, about thirty, thirty-two or so, from Rhode Island I would guess. Find out everything for me and do it right away," ending the connection.

"Delta 1, subject just called the main trunk line number at the office building. Looking to find out about our undercover guy. It would seem we have another associate in the building. I'll call the AUSA in Providence. We need to get up on that phone ASAP," Kennedy said.

A few moments later Kennedy radioed, "Delta 1, US Attorney's office is working on it. Delta 3, do you think one of you could reach out to the retired trooper at Cox and get a quick look at any outbound calls from that number today?"

"Delta 3, I'm on it. I'll call Danny right now," Donahue said.

* * *

As soon as Sorin left the office, Jennifer was on the computer going through the motions of discovering what they already knew. She made a production out of tracing the incorrect addresses and information relating to the right of way. Printing out all the documents and storing them on her backup system. She now had no doubt Sorin monitored all the office activity. She hoped her activities cemented the story in his mind.

"Okay, now what?" she asked.

"We take a ride to City Hall and get copies of the original deed, tax payments. Make a big production out of it."

"Cool, I'll get my jacket."

As they walked to the car, Tommy spotted Sorin parked across the street. Not too good at surveillance are you, Ivan? You Russian prick.

"Our friend is watching us," he told Jennifer as he opened the door to the car for her.

She started to look. He touched her shoulder, "No, no we're just a couple of dumb property managers, remember? Just act normal."

Once they were both in the car Jennifer said, "Anthony never did that."

"Did what?"

"Never opened a car door for me. It's nice of you. I miss that," Jen answered.

"Oh that," Tommy chuckled. "Force of habit. My grandparents raised me after my mother and father died. My grandfather was a bit of a traditionalist. He drilled those habits into me. To this day, I cannot sit if there is a woman standing. Just can't do it."

Jennifer's eyes grew wide, "I never knew about your parents. Why didn't you ever tell me?"

A sad smile crossed Tommy's face. "By the time I got to college, both of my parents and grandparents were dead as well. There wasn't any point. It wasn't something I talked about to anyone."