Free Above Ground by Don Easton Page A

the number of people in our office, there’s no way we could protect everyone, let alone their families and friends. Even if we did, it would effectively shut down our office. We have to continue working the way we are.”

    â€œI agree,” said Isaac, “but I want you in particular to keep an extremely low profile until we solve this matter.”
    Jack knew he would not be able to convince Isaac otherwise so said, “Yes, sir. I agree that would be prudent. The note indicates that the victim was killed simply for having my name. That doesn’t make sense. We’re dealing with someone whose ego is so big that they simply won’t admit it was a mistake.”
    â€œI agree,” said Isaac, “and someone with an ego like that will likely try to carry through with his threat in order to authenticate this letter.”
    â€œSir, it goes without saying,” said Randy, “that I have every person in my office working on this.”
    â€œGood. Don’t worry about the overtime. Consider it approved.”
    Jack thought for a moment and then glanced at Danny and said, “Maybe I should go solo for a while.”
    Danny shook his head and said, “I don’t scare that easy. Besides, as you said, the note threatens our whole office. We would have to either shut the whole office down or stay inside and play solitaire — exactly what this person wants.”
    â€œWho do you suspect is behind this?” asked Isaac.
    â€œNot Satans Wrath,” said Jack, wondering if he had blurted that out too soon.
    â€œWhat other crime families have you been actively pursuing?” asked Randy.
    â€œI’ve been working entirely on Satans Wrath.”
    â€œIf you believe they are not involved with this ... threat,” said Isaac, “who do you propose as an alternate suspect, then?”
    Jack grimaced. His answer was not something that Isaac would like to hear. “I don’t know, sir.”
    When the meeting was over, Jack and Danny returned to their office.

    â€œForget the low profile,” said Jack. “Holly’s husband was definitely murdered because of me. This just made it personal! Not to mention, we’ve got two shiploads of cocaine due any day. This isn’t the time for low profile!” Jack grabbed his jacket.
    â€œWhere we going?” asked Danny.
    Jack shook his head. “I’m going alone to see Holly. Let her know that I am to blame. I’ll be back after lunch.”
    Staff Sergeant Legg called Isaac’s secretary, who transferred his call.
    â€œHello, Harry. What’s up?”
    â€œJust heard from my people, sir. Constable Molen is in a coffee shop right now with Lawrence Leitch’s secretary. He just handed her an envelope.”
    â€œIt would appear that Corporal Taggart was correct in his assumption,” replied Isaac. “Frankly, I’m a little surprised.”
    â€œWhy is that, sir?”
    â€œI was in a meeting with him this morning. He was almost protective of Satans Wrath. Tried to assure me they had nothing to do with a threat the office has received. I really would like to find out what Taggart is all about.”
    â€œThe photos have been passed on to our liaison officer in Mexico City, sir. We should have an answer fairly soon.”
    â€œExcellent. Let me know as soon as you hear from the LO.”
    â€œYes, sir. As for now, I’ll have my people follow the envelope that Molen handed over. I’ll notify you as soon as anything develops in that area as well.”

    â€œHolly doesn’t live here anymore,” said the landlord. “Who are you?”
    Jack showed the man his police identification and was relieved that he didn’t notice his name.
    â€œShe couldn’t hack staying here after what happened. Can’t say I blame her. Didn’t mind that she didn’t give me thirty days’ notice. Feel bad about keeping her damage deposit, but the