The Runaway Reporter (A Police Procedural Mystery Series of Crime and Suspense, Hyder Ali #3) (9 page)

Realizing he didn’t have much time, Hyder jumped in. “My name is Hyder Ali and I work for the
Daily Times
,” he said.  “This advertisement belonged to a colleague of mine and it looked like she wanted to meet you about something.  Her name was Francine Robeault.  Do you know what it was about?”

Munn wasn’t offended by the direct question.  He merely said, “You should ask your colleague, she might be able to tell you more than I could.”

“She’s dead.”

Munn wasn’t surprised, or if he was, he didn’t show it.  “I’m sorry, but I don’t know a person by that name, and I don’t know what this is about.”

Hyder wanted to push further, but one of Munn’s handlers came over and said, “Sir, there are people waiting in line.”

Hyder looked at the crowd behind him.  They were giving him dirty looks.

Hyder left. He didn’t want a mob of devotees after him.

TWENTY-FOUR

Hyder returned to the
Daily Times
and found Felix not at his desk.  He decided to go see Lester.

Lester was staring intently at an odd device.

“What is it?” Hyder asked.

“I don’t know,” he replied.  “It came in the mail and I have no idea what it does.”

Lester regularly received products from companies who wanted him to review them in his column.  Lester always made sure to check out each product, and if any of them piqued his interest, he would write about them.  Lester also made sure to be nice or somewhat positive, even if he didn’t fully appreciate the product.

In this case he was just flummoxed.

“It didn’t come with instructions?” Hyder asked.

“You would think it would, right? But it doesn’t.  All I got with it was this.”

Lester handed him a piece of paper.

Hyder read it out loud. “The future is here.  All your entertainment needs in one place. Coming soon.”

Lester took the object and dropped it in the waste basket.  “I don’t care when it’s coming because I don’t want it.” He turned to Hyder.  “What’s up, bro?”

“Have you seen Felix?” Hyder asked.

Lester shook his head.  “I saw him earlier, but not recently.” His phone buzzed. He grabbed it, smiled.

“What’re you smiling about?” Hyder was curious.

“It’s my girlfriend.”

“Have you even met her yet?”

“Yep.”

“And?”

“We’re soul mates.”

Hyder rolled his eyes.  “Be careful, Lester.  Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Hyder had known Lester long enough to know that he knew very little about women.  Hyder didn’t know that much either—maybe that was why they got along so well, but the last thing he wanted was for his friend’s heart to be broken.

“You want to meet her?” Lester asked.

“For real?”

“Yep, I’ve told her all about you and she’s excited to meet you.”

“Sure, why not,” Hyder shrugged.  “But make sure you set it up around the time of
Iftar
. There’s no way I could watch
you
eat while I’m fasting.”

Hyder went back to his desk. Felix was waiting for him.

“Any updates from the police?” Hyder asked.

“They're still sticking to their original statements,” he said.  “I couldn’t get them to confirm or deny the names the landlord gave us.”

“Oh well,” Hyder said.  “It was worth a try.”

“But…” Felix paused.

“What?”

“While you were gone, there was a call on your desk phone. I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to answer it, but it kept ringing, so I picked it up.”

“Who was it?”

“The caller didn’t leave a name, but he was male, and his voice was deep and heavy.  I had a feeling he was trying to conceal his identity.”

“What did he say?”

Felix pulled out his notepad. “I’ll read you his exact words: ‘
The victims at Riverfield Street were all involved in a drug study by Devon Pharma
.’ ”

“He didn’t say any more?”

“Nope. He hung up.”

Hyder checked and found the number had been blocked.

Over the years, he had received many anonymous tips. Some turned out to be true, while others were nothing more than a hoax.

Hyder had a feeling this might be in the former.

“What should we do?” Felix asked.

“Nothing yet. I need to confirm it first.” Hyder pulled out his cell phone and speed dialed a number.

TWENTY-FIVE

Nolan sat in a booth at the far end of the bar.  He avoided making eye contact with Damian.

Damian wasn’t sure why Nolan kept coming back when he was trying to stay sober. If it weren’t for Boris, Damian would have thrown him out by now.

Boris, meanwhile, gave Nolan the space he needed to work through his problems on his own.

To his relief, Nolan saw someone enter the bar and come straight to him.

“How are you, Hyder?” Nolan said.

Hyder sat down across from him.

“I’m doing well, Tom.  How about you?”

Nolan shrugged. “I’m surviving.”

After the Monkey Murders, Hyder and Nolan had decided to meet as often as possible.  Damian’s bar had become the go-to place because it provided them the privacy they needed.

“How’s the fasting going?” Nolan asked.

“It’s going,” Hyder replied.  “The heat and humidity isn’t making it any easier, though.”

“I don’t know how you do it,” Nolan said.  “I’m barely surviving not drinking.”

“We could have met somewhere else, you know.”

Nolan leaned closer. “Let me ask you this. You are constantly surrounded by food and drink, but does that make you break your fast?”

Hyder shook his head.  “The temptation is there, but I won’t give into it.”

“Exactly,” Nolan exclaimed.  “I like to think I’m stronger than the alcohol.”

Hyder didn’t look convinced.  “How is Marina?” He asked.  Hyder owed his life to Lopez, and when he had found out Nolan and Lopez were seeing each other, he was more than happy to give his approval.

“She’s fine.  She always asks how you are doing,” Nolan replied. “How is your mom?”

“She wants me to invite you and Marina over for dinner one day.”

“We would love to come.  You know how much I love your mom’s cooking.”

“Maybe after Ramadan we could set up a date.”

“Sounds good. Now, what’s going on, Hyder?”

“It’s about the murders on Riverfield Street.  We know the names of the victims.”

“We?” Nolan asked.

“Someone is helping me out.”

“Is it Echo Rose?”

Hyder laughed.  “No, I wish.  I haven’t had contact with her since the Monkey Murders.  We’ve actually got a new intern at the
Daily Times
.  I’m teaching him the ropes.”

Nolan nodded.  “And you want to print the names?”

“Yes, but one of them is your captain’s son, isn’t it?”

Nolan looked away. He hoped Hyder didn’t know that Rudy Jr. was also a suspect.  He didn’t want to be put in a position to confirm or deny it.  “Hyder, the department is being pretty tight lipped about it, but I won’t stop you from doing your job.”

“Thanks,” Hyder replied.  “Also, what about the fact that all three victims were part of a drug study by Devon Pharma?”

“How did you know about that?” Nolan asked, surprised.

“We received an anonymous tip.”

“I thought I was the only one working that angle,” Nolan said.  “So far, I’ve found no direct proof that the victims’ involvement in the study had anything to with what happened to them, but I would appreciate if you don’t mention the study in your column yet.  It might be pertinent to the investigation down the road. But again, it’s your call. You don’t tell me how to do my job, and I won’t tell you how to do yours.”

Suddenly, Nolan’s phone buzzed.  He checked it and then said, “I gotta go.” He got up. “Nice seeing you again, Hyder.”

“You too, Tom.”

TWENTY-SIX

When Nolan reached the department, he found Lopez by the elevators.  “What’s going on?” he asked.

“You’ll see. Follow me.”

They went to the briefing room. There was already a large group gathered inside.

Ross and Halton were standing by the front, with everyone else either seated or standing by the walls.

Once he saw Lopez and Nolan, Captain Ross quickly got down to business.  “I would like to thank you all for coming to this impromptu meeting.  As you already know, my family has suffered a great tragedy, and I thank you all for your condolences and support at this difficult time.  Three young people have died, including my son, and the department is doing an exemplary job in finding out what exactly happened.  I would like to thank Sergeant Halton and his unit for understanding the sensitivity of this case.  They have been put in a difficult situation and they are doing their best work with it.  Having said that, I feel it is in the best interest of the force that I take some time off to spend with my wife and our remaining children.”

Ross choked up, quickly controlled himself.

“Therefore, after seeking approval from the board, I have decided to appoint Sergeant Doug Halton as Interim Captain until my return.”

Nolan looked around the room, saw no signs of disapproval on anyone’s faces.   Halton was second in command. The opportunity should rightly be given to him.  Nolan wondered what would happen to him once Ross wasn’t there to watch his back. Halton would surely enjoy making his life miserable from this point on.

“I now hand it over to Doug,” Ross finished.

Halton shook Ross’s hand and said, “Thank you, Captain.  I am only occupying this position until your return, sir.”

Nolan wanted to scoff.  It was a known fact that Halton had been eyeing that position from the moment he had made sergeant.  Now that he was Interim Captain, he would do everything in his power to make a mark for himself.  This way the board would never forget his accomplishments, in case a permanent position opened up in the future.

Halton turned to address the room. “In my place, I have decided to appoint someone who is both respected and admired and who will fully dedicate themselves to the position.  I call on Detective Angelo Pascale to come forward.”

Moans and groans greeted his announcement.

Pascale walked up to the front, grinning from ear to ear.

Nolan couldn’t say he was surprised.  Pascale got along well with Halton, but Nolan knew that Lopez should have been given the position.  She was respected and admired. There was no doubt in anyone’s mind about her dedication.   She lived and breathed her job.

Nolan knew Halton had nothing against Lopez, but he was punishing her for being with him.

Nolan looked over at her.  Her face didn’t betray what she was feeling.

“I expect everyone to give their full support to Detective Pascale.” Halton continued.  We have a lot of work to do and we need to continue to work together in order to do it.  You are all dismissed.”

TWENTY-SEVEN

The moment Hyder returned to the
Daily Times
, Felix quickly asked, “So what do we do?”

“We’ll print the victims’ names, but right now let’s not mention the link to Devon Pharma.”

“Are you sure?” Felix replied. “What about the anonymous tip? I thought we were supposed to follow up on that.”

“I did, and it might be a dead end.”

“Ok, you’re the boss.”

TWENTY-EIGHT

Nolan was at his desk, staring out the window when Halton said, “Nolan, my office,
now
.”

“I’m busy,” Nolan replied, picking up the telephone receiver.

Halton’s face turned red.  “I don’t give a
damn
.  Get your ass in here now.”

Nolan shrugged and spoke into the phone. “I’m sorry, I have to go.  I understand you have some vital information regarding a very important case, but my boss needs to see me.  Thank you for calling the Franklin Police Department and have yourself a nice day.” He hung up on the imaginary caller.

Halton looked like his head would explode.

Nolan walked casually into the office.

“Sit down,” Halton growled.

Nolan sat.

“Now, listen here,” Halton said.  “I’m now in charge, which means you have to do exactly what I say, got it?”

“Yes, sir.  You said come to your office and I left everything and came.”

Halton clenched his jaw. “Remember this and remember it well: Ross is no longer here to protect you.”

“You’re right, in this room, at this moment, he’s not here to protect anyone.”

Halton’s eyes widened.  “Are you threatening me?”

“Absolutely not, sir,” Nolan replied.  “But I would like you to remember this and remember it well:  I have not had a drink in many days, even weeks.  Alcoholism is a disease, and if I were to snap and do something erratic, my plea would either be insanity by virtue of having withdrawal symptoms, or it would be due to alcohol dependency, which would explain my impaired judgement.  Either way, I’ll get off with a slap on the wrist, but God help the person who is at the other end of my outburst.” Nolan grinned, revealing his gums.

Halton coughed.  He didn’t know what to say.  “Ok… I’m glad we had this conversation… you are dismissed.”
“I’m glad too.  Have yourself a nice day.”

TWENTY-NINE

Nolan was heading back to his desk when he passed Pascale’s and he suddenly stopped.  In Pascale’s in-tray was a large envelope.  Nolan knew where it had come from by looking at the emblem on the upper corner.

Nolan looked around and then picked it up.  Inside were several files.  Nolan quickly scanned through them until he found one with a case number he recognized.  Nolan pulled it out and then scanned the contents inside.  The forensics report confirmed the prints found on the knife were that of Rudy Ross Jr. This meant, without a shadow of a doubt, that he was the one who had killed his neighbors.

Nolan took the file. He needed time to find out what exactly had happened.  If Halton and Pascale got a hold of this file, they would break the news immediately.

THIRTY

The next day, Hyder was getting ready to leave for work when he received a call.  It was from Lester.

“Bro, something happened,” he said.  “You better get here fast.”

“What?” Hyder was worried.

“I don’t know, but Veronica’s been looking for you all morning.  She’s asked me a half a dozen times when you are coming in.”

“She has my number.  Why didn’t she just call me?”

“Again, I don’t know.  As your friend, it’s my duty to let you know if something’s up.”

“Thanks, Lester.”

Hyder ended the call.  He suddenly had a bad feeling.

He quickly left for the
Daily Times
.

The bus ride wasn’t long, but it felt like an eternity.  He quickly raced up the stairs and headed for his cubicle.

He saw a note on his laptop.

Come see me when you get here.

Veronica

Hyder rushed to her office.

She was at her desk, a serious look on her face.  Felix sat across from her.

“What’s going on?” Hyder asked, looking from one person to the other.

Veronica pushed a newspaper before him.  Hyder leaned over and saw it was the latest edition of the
Franklin Herald
.

The headline read:
Victims of the Riverfield Massacre were involved in a major drug study
.

“How come we didn’t print this when we were the first to know about it?” Veronica asked.

Hyder looked over at Felix. He refused to make eye contact.

“Don’t look at him,” Veronica said.  “He doesn’t work for you, he works for me. Also, it seems strange that you visited the
Franklin Herald
and the next thing you know they print this before us.”

Again, Hyder couldn’t help but look at Felix.  No one knew of his visit except for him.

“I went to the
Franklin Herald
to pay my respects regarding Francine’s death; and as for the story, I was asked not to mention the drug link as it could interfere with an investigation.”

“Who asked you?” Veronica asked.

Hyder hesitated.

Veronica looked at Felix. “Do you mind giving us a minute?”

Felix quickly left the office.

When they were alone, Veronica said, “I know you have been through a lot with Detective Nolan, and I know you are loyal to a fault, which is something I highly admire in you. If it were not for this trait, I probably wouldn’t be where I am now.”

Hyder knew what she was referring to.  After the TriGate Scandal, when Hyder was offered the position of lead city reporter, which was occupied by Veronica at that time, his first question was, “What happens to her?”  He knew if it had led to her losing her job, then he wouldn’t have taken it.  Fortunately, the editor position had become available and she was offered that instead.

Veronica leaned closer. In a soft voice, she said, “Hyder, our job has not changed since the day we started. We still have to write stories that will pique people’s interest.  This helps our sales. If our competitors do it better than us, then why would people want to read our paper? Just remember, we still have a job to do.”

Hyder wasn’t happy with being questioned about his loyalty to the
Daily Times
, but he understood where she was coming from.  He was accountable to her, and she was accountable to her superiors.  In the end, however, they were
all
accountable to the readers.  If they failed to do that, then they were being negligent in their duties.

“It won’t happen again,” he promised.

“I know,” she said.  “Thanks for coming, Hyder.”

Outside the office, Felix rushed over.

“I’m so sorry, Hyder.  Veronica wanted to know about the headline in the
Franklin Herald
and I didn’t know what else to tell her.”

“You did what was right, you told the truth,” Hyder said.  “It was my decision not to print it, and I shouldn’t have put you in a difficult situation.”

Hyder walked away.

THIRTY-ONE

“Are you okay?” Lopez asked.  “You haven’t touched anything.”

Nolan and Lopez were in a fast food restaurant.  Lopez had already finished her cheeseburger. She was now working through her fries.  Nolan, on the other hand, had barely touched his chicken burger, and more than half his fries were still on his plate.

Nolan shrugged.  “I feel bad about what happened earlier,” he said.

“You mean, Pascale getting the position?”

“Yeah.”

“Don’t be.  It’s not your fault.”

“I just…” he paused.

“What, Tom?”

“I just don’t want to see your career affected by me.”

Lopez placed her hand over his.

“Whatever happens to my career has no bearing on our relationship.”

“You know my reputation,” he said.  “I’m a walking, talking time bomb.”

“You’re being silly.”

“No, I really could explode.”

“How so?”

“You see those kids making all that noise over there?”  Lopez turned and saw a mother with three young children having lunch.

“What about them?”