Black and White Truth (The Syndicate-Born Trilogy Book 2) Read online

  Henry’s face reddened. “Sir, he’s dangerous and very difficult to keep under control. There has to be another—”

  The boss held up his hand. “Henry, if he’s under control, that’s all I need to know. You’re excused.” The security detail grabbed Henry by the arms to escort him out.

  “Wait, Boss, there is one more thing.”

  He glanced up at Henry and took a deep breath to calm himself. “What, Henry?”

  Henry shook loose and stalked towards him. His nostrils flared and his cheeks burned bright red.

  For a moment the boss worried that Henry might try to attack him, but Henry stopped short of his desk and hunched over the top so they were nose-to-nose. “The cops.” Henry paused and caught his breath. “They’re looking into things. The boys are worried and that ain’t good.”

  The boss nodded. “Thank you for your counsel, Henry. That will be all.”

  His men showed Henry the way out, giving him a moment alone. He thought of how he might solve his little problems, and a laugh escaped his tight lips. The police could work in his favor.

  As for Tidy... well, sometimes he had to play with monsters when doing the devil’s work.

  ***

  Manny Richards’s Brownstone

  Alexandria, Virginia

  June 17, 2025

  1:30 PM

  ~~~

  Manny listened as Marianna calmly explained her theory about The Syndicate being back in play. She showed him the list of names and how his wife’s car accident may have been intended for him. He had been one of the arresting officers and an important witness during the trial. Like most people in his field, he had his fair share of enemies.

  Manny’s shoulders slumped and he buried his face in his open palms as he listened to her. It’s all my fault....

  “I guess I always knew this day would come,” he said. “The murder the other night was Tim Mitchel. I saw it on the eleven o’clock news. I recognized you, but couldn’t place why I did. Now I remember. You were there when Jason Knettle got shot... and weren’t you at Katherine and Ben’s wedding?”

  Marianna nodded. “I didn’t remember it until I saw you today. We were at the same table at the reception.”

  Manny dragged his fingers down his cheeks and turned to face her. “There was something else about the footage that caught my eyes.”

  “Oh?”

  “The garbage and recycling cans were out because it was garbage pickup, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “On the news, they panned the street, and the cans were lined up evenly by color.” He cupped his hands together into a diamond shape. “I worked a case once where the serial killer had obsessive compulsive disorder and affected the crime scenes to pacify his unease of the disorder around him. He untied shoes or arranged items around the victims. The press called him The Tidy Killer. He was put away in a state-run institution. I’m not about to tell you how to do your job, but it might be a good idea to look into it, because it was the kind of thing that he did. Anyways, it may be a coincidence, but it got my attention.”

  “OCD... humph....” Marianna stood to leave, brushing the dust and debris off her skirt. She tilted her head towards him and a slow smile crept across her beautiful face.

  He smiled back. “Would it be okay if I called you if I think of anything else?”

  “Absolutely, please do. Thank you again, sir, and please accept my condolences to you and your girls.” As she walked down the steps, she turned back at the bottom to look at Manny, as though she might say something else, but seemed to change her mind and continued away

  As upsetting as the news was, he didn’t want to admit that focusing on her theory had helped him. Maybe retirement would have to wait awhile.

  ***

  Richmond Police Department, First Precinct

  Richmond, Virginia

  June 17, 2025

  2:00 PM

  ~~~

  Back at the station, Marianna reviewed the footage of the crime scene. Just as Richards had said, all of the orange garbage cans were neatly lined up together, and all of the blue recycle cans were lined up neatly together, instead of being staggered every other in an A-B-A-B pattern.

  Marianna jumped when her Dropbox sent her a push notification. The print results had come back on her partial thumb. She eagerly opened the file and her jaw dropped. The report showed they’d found a print with a five common point match of one Charles MacAvoy.

  Mari pulled up the Automated Pistol Registration System for the state of Virginia and looked him up. Sure enough, he was listed as having a Glock 42 registered in his name. He also had a concealed carry permit license—all thanks to the new gun laws passed in Congress a few years ago, which allowed convicted felons to own firearms.

  She sighed and rested her head in the palm of her hand as she continued to read the report. The specialist listed that the first digit, a number five, of the serial number had not been scratched off. The serial number of Charles’s pistol was listed as 552ECP.

  Out of curiosity, she searched their system and found that he had filed a report on his pistol, claiming it had been stolen during a work party at his mansion, where he was serving out the last three years of house arrest.

  Mari picked up the tablet she’d been working on and walked over to her lieutenant’s office to show her what she’d found. She would need to go and have a talk with MacAvoy.

  The sooner the better.

  ***

  Church Hill Neighborhood

  Richmond, Virginia

  June 17, 2025

  2:00 PM

  ~~~

  Jason was lost in Katherine’s early journals when several push notifications on his smart watch startled him back to reality. He moved his fingers over the sensors of the watch and found a message from Lisa, containing a search algorithm and an article about a recent car accident. The article listed the victim of the accident as a Ms. Richards. Lisa had written a note asking if this was Emmanuel Richards’ wife.

  It is. I have the first name for my list.

  The new algorithm helped him add several more names to the list, including the judge and prosecuting attorney of The Syndicate trial. While he was making notes, another message came through from his new source.

  ~~~

  To: [email protected]

  From: [email protected]

  Date: Monday, June 17, 2025 at 2:00 PM

  Subject: Obituary

  ~~~

  Dear Mr. Knettle,

  The police haven’t released the name of the man who was murdered in the slip a few days ago. I’ve attached some copies of the police forensic photos. I’m thinking you might recognize him.

  Sincerely,

  True Blue

  ~~~

  Jason opened up the attached photos and gasped. The deceased was Katherine’s father. True Blue had also attached the coroner’s report. Katherine’s father had been shot at point blank range the night before her funeral.

  Jason jumped up from his bed and began to pace back and forth, wiping his clammy hands on his pants. The compounded interest of the abuse he had been inflicting on himself manifested itself in the form of an epic headache. He shoved his hand into his pocket and felt the cool plastic of Katherine’s 24-hour chip.

  Instead of getting a drink, he walked downstairs, grabbed some water and aspirin, and laid down for a nap.

  He awoke in the dark, alone, several hours later. Ellie had left soup and a note saying she would be out for the night and not to wait up for her.

  Well, isn’t that special... off to fuck her mystery man.

  ***

  Charles MacAvoy’s Home

  Danville, Virginia

  June 17, 2025

  3:00 PM

  ~~~

  The gate attendant hadn’t wanted to let Marianna onto Charles MacAvoy’s estate, but her badge and a little determination got her through. The five-million-dollar mansion had 200 acres of land that included a small vineyard. She pulled up fro
nt along the circular drive and put her car in park.

  Her heels clicked in time with her hammering heart on the walk up. She tapped the brass knocker three times against the heavy wood door.

  A man in a tailored suit answered. “He’s in a meeting, ma’am, but if you insist, you may wait in the front room.”

  “Thank you, yes. I can wait.” She wasn’t about to back down now.

  He ushered her into a sitting room and held out a metal dish. “All electronics, ma’am.”

  She relinquished her phone and mini.

  “For security purposes. You’ll get them back when you leave.”

  My electronics are more worrisome than my service weapon. Interesting.

  The man then pulled out a small device from his pocket. “I’m sorry, ma’am, but I am going to have to scan you for Smart Dust surveillance.”

  “Smart Dust? Why?” She held out her arms, submitting to the scan.

  “You’d be surprised how many people carry them and don’t even know it. Mr. MacAvoy can’t afford to have any electronic surveillance come into the house.” He finished scanning her and put the device back into his pocket. “You’re clean. Please take a seat, and Mr. MacAvoy will be with you at his earliest convenience.” He indicated the chaise and chairs in the middle of the room before walking out.

  Marianna sat down on the chaise. It didn’t take long until she found her mind slipping into thoughts of Jason. She wasn’t sure how much longer she could stay with him if he continued to drink the way he had been. She’d grown up with an alcoholic parent, and had no patience for addiction. She would have to give Jason an ultimatum: get help or they were quits.

  The clearing of a throat interrupted her thoughts. Charles’ well-pedicured feet were adorned with a pair of dark brown Frye Lawson Huarache sandals, and his Hugo Boss shorts and white linen shirt showed off his overly tanned skin. A pair of Bulgari sunglasses, resting on top of his thinning blond hair, was the cherry on top of his opulent attire.

  “I’m sorry to have kept you waiting, Detective Espinoza.” He crossed the room with his hand extended in greeting.

  She stood and shook his hand. “I know you’re a busy man. I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me.”

  She sat back down on the chaise, and Charles rested comfortably on the arm of the matching armchair.

  So he can look down on me—let me know who’s in charge.

  “Mr. MacAvoy, in respect to your time, I’ll be quick. Three years ago you purchased a Glock 42 pistol with a registration number of 552ECP. Recently, you filed a police report on this same pistol, as well as some valuable family heirlooms, that were stolen during a work gala.”

  Charles shifted on the edge of the chair and crossed his arms over his chest. “Yes. Has it turned up?”

  “Yes, we believe your pistol was used in a recent shooting.”

  The muscles around his jaw tightened and his lips formed a thin line. “I’m very sorry to hear that, officer. I gave your department the list of people who attended and worked the gala. I wouldn’t dream of telling you how to do your job, Detective, but I would think that would be the best place to start your investigation.”

  Marianna wet her lips with a slow sweep of her tongue and tried to hold back an angry retort. His condescending smile made her efforts to remain cool even more difficult.

  He stood up from the chair. “If there is anything else I can provide you with to help in your efforts, please let me know. You’ll have my full cooperation in this matter.”

  I guess this meeting’s over.

  She stood and reached out to shake his hand. “I’m glad to hear that, Mr. MacAvoy. We’ll be in touch.”

  “I look forward to hearing from you, Ms. Espinoza. I always enjoy visits from beautiful women.” His jaw muscle twitched again.

  What is he hiding from me?

  “Weston!” Charles yelled, summoning his manservant.

  The butler came into the room with her electronics and presented them to her, still on the platter.

  As she put them away, Charles walked out of the room and said over his shoulder, “Weston can show you out.”

  “Ma’am.” The butler guided her back to the front door, gave her just enough time to clear the frame, and closed it behind her with a thud.

  ***

  Powhatan Mill Apartment Building

  Richmond, Virginia

  June 17, 2025

  5:00 PM

  ~~~

  The anticipation of being with Chris again made Ellie shuffle back and forth nervously on the edges of her feet while she waited for him to answer the door.

  The door swung open slowly and Ellie shifted the bag of Chinese food in her arms.

  “Ellie?”

  Ellie’s heart skipped a beat when she saw not Chris at the door, but his Auntie Vivian. ”Viv!”

  “Come in, dear.” Viv ushered Ellie inside. “I didn’t know you and our dear Christopher still kept in touch.”

  As Ellie walked in, Chris and his Auntie Mae greeted them from their seats at the kitchenette. He stood and glanced down at her with a wide-eyed expression and a smile that slowly crept across his chiseled features.

  Auntie Mae stood up and took the food from Ellie, motioning for Ellie to sit down. “How sweet. Chris, she’s brung you some supper.” Mae gave the other woman a suggestive wink. “We should be heading out, Viv. Let these young people visit. Call me when you get back from your tour, Chrissy.”

  The Aunt’s words began to sink in.... Chris was leaving. When they were married, she’d grown used to the long stretches of time that he was gone, but now that they were on the precipice of getting back together.... Well, the timing sucked.

  She barely registered the Aunties leaving. “You’re shipping out? When?” A thought suddenly hit her hard. “Did you know about this the other night?”

  “I was going to tell you, I swear. It was supposed to be three weeks from now but they moved up the date to tomorrow. I just found out a couple of hours ago. Please, don’t be upset with me, El.”

  “I’m not your wife. I don’t get to be upset anymore.” She looked away from him, not wanting him to see how deeply the news affected her.

  “El....” He pulled her up from the chair and onto his lap, then wrapped his arms around her and buried his face in the crook of her neck. “I’m so sorry.” His voice shook.

  “It’s Special Forces, isn’t it?” She already knew what the answer would be; she could hear it in the tone of his voice.

  “Yeah.”

  Her emotions burst forth and she began to sob against his neck.

  “I’m sorry.” He kissed the soft skin of her neck until she turned her head to meet his lips with her own. “Stay tonight.”

  His plea tugged on her heart. How can I say no? “I’ll stay and see you off tomorrow.”

  Chris pulled away and looked her straight in the eye.

  ***

  Church Hill Neighborhood

  Richmond, Virginia

  June 17, 2025

  6:00 PM

  ~~~

  Mari quietly pushed open Jason’s bedroom door and walked inside the dark room.

  “Mari?”

  As her eyes adjusted to the darkness, she could make out the outline of his body as he sat up in bed. “Hey, you’re awake.”

  “I’m something.” The sheets rustled and papers slipped to the ground as he moved to rub his eyes.

  She walked over and picked up the fallen papers. The hall light illuminated the top sheet.

  What the.... “Where did you get this list?” She held up the paper in front of him.

  Jason rubbed his red eyes—from lack of sleep or from drinking, she wasn’t sure. Either way, he looked like crap. He pulled her arm so she tumbled into bed beside him. “Researching something for the book. I think The Syndicate might be responsible for those deaths.”

  He gave her a quick kiss, and she was pleased to find that he didn’t taste or smell of booze.

  “I missed
you today.”

  Despite how good it felt to be entwined in his arms, she needed to get to the bottom of how he had come by the list—the same one she had made herself. “Jason, how did you know about Katherine’s father? We haven’t released anything to the press yet.”

  “A source.” He nibbled his bottom lip.

  Does the department have a leak?

  “Can you tell me anything?” His eyebrow rose expectantly.

  “You need to keep this quiet,” she warned.

  “Off the record.”

  “He was killed execution-style with a pistol left at the scene.” She paused a moment, shifting in bed. He pulled her closer to him and her breath hitched in her throat.

  I shouldn’t be telling him any of this.

  “Well that sure sounds familiar.” He put a pillow behind his back and reclined against the headboard.

  “What do you mean?” She turned to face him—putting a little space between them.

  “Katherine,” he said. “When she was shot all those years ago, the pistol was left at the scene, too.”

  She had forgotten about Katherine getting shot.

  In for a penny.... Might as well tell him the rest. “It might be Charles MacAvoy’s pistol.”

  “No fucking way!” Jason sat straight up, his eyes wide.

  “I talked to him today.” She let her hair down and rubbed the nape of her neck.

  Jason sat across from her impatiently, eyebrows up, staring at her like a puppy waiting for a treat. The anticipation radiated from him.

  For a moment, she saw the man he was when they’d first met. He had always had a nose for news. He’s damn sexy when he takes to a story.

  “What?” he asked. “Tell me.”

  Mari slipped her shoes off and ran her thumb down the middle of her sore foot. “It was stolen a few months ago, and he said he would be available to help the department in any way he could.” She used air quotes to emphasis Charles’s words, and rolled her eyes.

  Jason chuckled as her phone buzzed with an incoming message from one of her fellow officers.

  Jean Morel has come forward to say Charles MacAvoy contacted him to take out Timothy Mitchel.

  “What is it?” A look of concern shadowed Jason’s face.

  Her phone slipped from her grasp. “Someone’s claiming that Charles solicited his help in taking out Mitchel.”