Chapter 20
Arizona/Mexico Border Crossing, Saturday at 12:00 pm
"His name is Tony Vincenzo. He's got connections with Scarpini and his van has a nice little hidey-hole right behind the driver's seat that extends under the undercarriage. It's a slim place but big enough to hide a man if he were lying down," Jason explained to Agent Cary Blachura as they stared at their suspect through the glass of the interrogation room.
"Did you ask him about Scarpini?" She wanted to know.
"No but he's probably still trying to figure out how that bag of weed got into his van," Ernesto laughed as he handed the FBI agent the bag of planted oregano.
"So he played nice with you at the border and you planted Italian spices to get him in here," she said.
"Planted is such an ugly word. I prefer deposit," Ernesto chuckled.
"I know you border boys play it fast and loose to catch your criminals but there is no way that would hold up in court," Cary told them.
"It would in a Mexican court," Jason smirked.
"Uh huh well at least he didn't try to get away or kill somebody. Good work. Now why don't you introduce me to our friend?" She smiled at the men's ingenuity.
"Right this way madam," Jason walked to the door and held it open for her. The two entered the room while Ernesto stayed behind to watch from the other side of the glass.
"So Mr. Vincenzo, have you seen your boss Vinny Scarpini lately?" Cary asked without introducing herself.
"I don't know this Vinny Scarpini," Tony replied.
"Uh huh then why were you driving a van that is owned by Scarpini for his construction business?" She wanted to know.
"I bought the van from some guy. It was sitting on an empty lot and I needed a vehicle," the mobster told them.
"And the wacky weed? You said you let someone borrow your van. Who was it?" Jason asked.
"I don't remember," Vincenzo answered.
"So I take it you like Federal prison. I hear the Mexican jails are lovely this time of year," Cary told him.
"The weed isn't mine! I told you!" Tony shouted.
"Possession is nine tenths of the law whether you're from Mexico or the United States," Jason told him before the two of them turned to head for the door.
"I'll tell you what you wanna know as long as I don't end up in a Mexican prison," the prisoner squealed.
"We're listening," Cary said as they both turned back to him. She took the seat across from him while Jason leaned on the wall.
"He threatened to kill me if I didn't do as he said," Tony said.
"How can we believe that? You're on of Scarpini's goons," Jason raised an eyebrow.
"He said if I botched this up he'd kill me just like he had that Phoenix cop killed," Vincenzo explained.
"Ok tell us the location of Scarpini and you won't end up in a Mexican jail cell," Cary told him.
"He's at Quintana Roo and Nuevo Leon in Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City. Now will you let me go?" He asked.
"Your van is parked outside," Cary told him. Quickly the snitch got up from the table and left the room. Ernesto showed him to his van and watched him drive across the border where the van was promptly pulled over by two large black SUVs. He smirked and headed back inside.
"Your friends got him," Ernesto smiled.
"I did promise him he wouldn't end up in a Mexican prison. However he will end up in an American prison for aiding and abetting a fugitive and whatever else we can dig up about his drug trafficking career. It's been a pleasure boys. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to make a call to the Federales," Agent Blachura shook their hands and then went for her cell phone.
Booth's Hospital Room, Saturday at 4:00 pm
"I take it from that look on your face, you got him," Booth smirked as Agent Blachura entered the room.
"Right where the snitch told us he'd be. The Federales were all too happy to hand him over. Then once we're done with him, they get to try him for all those drugs he smuggled into their country. I'd say he'll be in prison for the rest of his life," she smiled.
"That's great. Well done," he extended his hand and she grabbed it and gave it a shake.
"Couldn't have done it without you and Dr. Brennan," Cary said.
"Anytime we can lend a hand, let us know," Booth told her. She turned to leave and bumped into Officer Chambliss.
"Heard you nabbed him. Great work," he smiled.
"Thanks," she smiled back and walked out.
"Well I came to thank you two. It was great to have you hear. Hope you get to go home soon," the officer said.
"In about a week we'll be out of here. The doctor's like the way I'm healing," Booth explained.
"Then I have more great news, Champ will be going with you," Chambliss pulled out a folded up packet of paper from his coat pocket and handed it to Brennan.
"This is fantastic. Thank you," the forensic anthropologist had a large smile that lit up her face.
"You're welcome. I'll catch you two later," Chambliss turned to leave and Booth called after him.
"Take it easy Officer,"
"That's Sheriff but that's a common Fed mistake," Chambliss chuckled and gave him a wink.
To Be Continued…
Only an epilogue remains. I hope you all have enjoyed this.