For the People Chapter 37
Rick's grin almost cracks his face. "You want me to go over the transcripts of Angela Racine's recordings of Pulco doing mobster business?"
"Business that Mertree might have kept from being brought to light. The arsons and murder arson Leibowitz and Lautner dug up seen to fall in that category. They never got beyond the FDNY. But I only want you to do it if you can spare the time away from your book," Kate clarifies.
"Well, the book could be a blockbuster, but G&S isn't holding me to any firm deadlines. You, on the other hand, have a definite deadline if you want to make it through this case before the baby is born."
"Or make it through enough of the case to set up for a win. But from what I've seen so far of Denny Liebowitz, he's one of those jerks who do just enough to get by. And right now I need more than that – much more. I checked with Shapiro, and he said it's fine as long as you maintain complete confidentiality."
"As I have on the other cases we've worked together. I'm not about to go blabbing to the press, Kate. The last thing we need is to have paparazzi buzzing around, especially with the baby coming. I had enough hassles with reporters when Alexis was born, and Meredith, despite her best efforts, didn't attract nearly as much attention as you do. Speaking of which, how about attention from Pulco's operation? Any threats?"
"Strangely enough, they've been pretty quiet. I believe that part of that is out of respect for Racine's family. Pulco never had their vote to take over, so some of them are actually on board with Angela working against him. I think the rest are keeping their heads down hoping they won't get pulled in with Pulco. And they probably couldn't care less about Mertree. But if the press stirs things up too much, someone could decide to demonstrate that the family's not dead yet. Keeping a lid on things is best for everyone involved."
"Copy that. So, do you want me to work with you at the DA's office or can you have the files delivered here?"
"Quite a few of the transcripts are digitized. I can give you access to those. And after that, it would probably be better if you're still here. The way you shop online, we get packages delivered all the time. I don't think a few extra boxes will attract much attention. And during the times I'm home, we can discuss whatever you find."
Rick smacks his palms against his thighs. "Sounds like a plan. When do you want me to get started?"
"Now, would be great."
Rick takes a sip of the double-strength dark brew he doesn't feel as guilty drinking in the privacy of his office. In spite of her resistance to slumber's tug, Kate's finally dropped off to sleep, but Rick's too keyed up to join her. If he were writing pulp novels or a film noir script, he'd have a cornucopia of material. The Pulco in the transcripts seems to see himself as a reincarnation of a character from the Untouchables, but with modern code speak. He implies rather than stating what he wants his people to do. Shapiro's going to have a hell of a time nailing him. But that's not Rick's problem. Rick needs slips from Mertree, who seems to give only tacit agreement to many of Pulco's requests. Maybe he nodded a lot, but unfortunately, Angela Racine didn't record video.
What Rick is trying to do is sift through piles of chaff for a few grains of unquestionable evidence. Smile lines suddenly fan from the corners of his eyes. And there it is: Mertree promising Pulco that he won't have to worry about the NYPD sticking its nose in his business. Mertree vows to short-stop any inquiries. Rick wonders if he should wake Kate to show her his prize, but decides against it. She'll be awake again too soon – for an inevitable trip to the bathroom if nothing else. But he can cuddle up against her and tell her when her eyes open on their own. She can't do anything with the information in the middle of the night anyway.
"You should have woken me," Kate chides. "What Mertree said is exactly what I want – up to a point. But it needs some context. I have to know exactly what business Pulco was referring to. We should pick up that thread, and possibly coordinate with Shapiro. He and his people may have more details."
"None of which you could have done if I woke you in the middle of the night," Rick points out. "But I am putting the reins in your able hands now, Kate. I'm sure you'll cross the finish line triumphant. However, before you do that, can I offer you and the baby some breakfast? The Ledger had what looks like a great recipe for apple cinnamon pancakes."
"Shapiro's in even earlier than usual these days. I want to get to the office ASAP. Can you make them while I shower and get some clothes on?"
"Much as I would rather keep you company while you perform your ablutions, I shall do my best."
Denny Leibowitz takes a seat at a back table at Trattoria Russo in Little Italy. It's only six am but the morning crowd is already wandering in for espresso and pastry. As the bell over the door tinkles, Denny looks up and smiles as a woman approaches his table. "I ordered for you. Mario should be bringing your cornetto any second. It's from a fresh batch of pistachio."
Denny's dark and shapely companion returns his smile. "My favorite. And what other treats do you have for me this morning?"
"Beckett bit on the arsons I threw her. I think she'll get Shapiro running around after them now. He'll be looking for a torch for quite a while. And if either of them ever figures out that Maggiano set the fires, it won't matter. They can question his headstone all they want."
"So, Beckett hasn't got any new evidence directly linking Mertree to Pulco?"
"Not as of last night. And I'm doing my best to drag things out as much as possible. By the time we make it through all the files, Beckett's kid is going to pop, and she'll be off the case. I can't see Kari Lautner doing the kind of job Beckett can. Shapiro will have to pitch in. That will distract him from Pulco. Chiara, will that be enough?"
Chiara presses her fingertips to her generous lips. "It's a start. The family doesn't care whether Mertree goes to prison or not. One dirty cop more or less means nothing. But Pulco knows too much. And they don't trust him to keep his mouth closed if Shapiro makes a good enough offer. So either Shapiro's case against him falls apart or Pulco will have to disappear from the picture. Either way, you don't want to be connected when that happens. So watch your culo. I'd miss playing with it."
"I'll be careful," Liebowitz promises. "And Mario said the back room is empty this morning. Beckett and Lautner will probably show up at seven, but I don't have to be at work until eight. We could play a while."
Chiara's eyes narrow. "If they're in at seven, you should be too. You need to know everything that's going on. We can play later."
"Is that a promise?" Denny asks.
"Of course, Tesoro. Any game you like."
