Текст книги "The Simple Truth"
Автор книги: David Baldacci
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Текущая страница: 24 (всего у книги 26 страниц)
She stared at him angrily. The marshal of the Supreme Court and the chief of its police, parties to a despicable crime.
Harms killed that girl, not me, Dellasandro said.
Have you made yourself believe that, Leo? You killed her, not Rufus, just as sure as if your hands were around her neck.
Dellasandros face turned ugly. That sonofabitch. If I had my way I wouldve pumped him full of lead instead of some damn drug. He was a disgrace to the uniform.
He was dyslexic, Sara screamed at him. He didnt follow orders because he couldnt understand them, you idiot. You destroyed his life and that girls for nothing.
A smirk appeared on Dellasandros face. I dont see it that way. Not at all. He got what he deserved.
Hows the face, Leo? John really popped you. He knows everything, of course.
Well just have to visit him too.
You, Vic Tremaine and Frank Rayfield?
Youre damn right, Dellasandro said with a sneer.
Your buddies are dead. Saras smile emerged as Dellasandros faded. They ambushed Rufus and his brother, but just like last time they couldnt finish the job, she added tauntingly.
Then I hope I get the chance to do it for them.
Sara stared him up and down and finally shook her head in disgust. Tell me something, Leo. How did vermin like you ever get to be a police chief of anything?
He slapped her across the face, and would have hit her again if Perkins hadnt stopped him. We dont have time for this crap, Leo. He gripped Sara by the shoulder. Thats when the phone rang. Perkins looked at Dellasandro. Fiske? He looked again at Sara. Fiske is with Harms, isnt he? Thats why you had to split up, isnt it? Sara looked away as the phone rang again. Perkins stuck his pistol under her chin and his finger tightened on the trigger. Ill ask you one more time. Is Fiske with Rufus Harms? He pushed the gun harder against her skin. In two seconds your head will disappear, I swear to God. Answer me!
Yes! Yes, hes with him, she said in a strangled voice as the metal pushed against her windpipe. He shoved her to the phone. Answer it. If its Fiske, pick a place to meet. Make it somewhere around here, but private. Tell him youve found some more information. You say anything to warn him, youre dead. She hesitated. Do it! Or die! Sara could see now that the mild-mannered Perkins was actually the more dangerous of her two captors. She slowly picked up the phone. Perkins stood next to her listening, his gun pressed against her temple. She took a quick breath to try to calm herself.
Hello?
Sara? It was Fiske.
Ive been trying to reach you everywhere.
Im with Rufus.
Perkins pushed the gun against her head as he listened. Where are you? she asked.
Were halfway to D.C. At a rest stop.
Whats your plan?
I think its time we went to Chandler. Rufus and I have talked it over.
Perkins shook his head and pointed at the phone.
I dont think thats such a good idea, John.
Why not?
Ive . . . Ive found out some things that you need to know first. Before you go to Chandler.
Like what?
I cant tell you over the phone. It could be bugged.
Come on, I kind of doubt that, Sara.
Look, I tell you what, give me the number where youre at and Ill call you from the car. She looked over at Perkins. We can arrange to meet someplace. Then we can go to Chandler. The FBI has the tag number of the car youre in. You have to get rid of it anyway.
He gave her the number and she wrote it down on a pad by the phone and ripped off the top sheet.
Are you sure you cant tell me over the phone?
I talked to your friend at the JAG, Sara said, whispering a silent prayer for what she was about to say next. If Fiske reacted the wrong way, she was dead. She had to trust him. Darnell Jackson told me all about the PCP testing.
Fiske stiffened and looked over at Rufus, who sat in the car at the darkened rest stop.Darnell Jackson.He answered quickly. Darnells never let me down before.
Sara let out an inaudible breath. Ill call you back in five minutes. She hung up and looked at the two men. Perkins grinned malevolently. Good job, Sara. Now lets go see your friends.
["C59"]CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE
After Sara called him back with the meeting place, Fiske made one more phone call. The news was not good. Not good at all. Then he got in the car and looked at Harms. Hes got Sara.
Whos got her? Harms asked.
Your old buddy. Dellasandro. Hes the only one left.
What you talking about, the only one left?
Rayfield and Tremaine are dead. That leaves Dellasandro. Sara tipped me off without him catching on Fiske stopped and stared at Rufus, who was staring back at him quizzically. Fiske spoke haltingly. Rufus, how many men were in the stockade that night?
Five.
Fiske slumped back. I only know about the three I just mentioned. Who are the other two?
Perkins. Dick Perkins.
Fiske thought he might be sick. Richard Perkins is the marshal of the Supreme Court.
I aint seen him since that night and damn glad of it. Except for Tremaine, he was the worst of the bunch. Hed come in and beat me with his damn baton. Hes the one who shot me up with the PCP.
And the fifth man?
Didnt know him. Never seen him before.
Thats okay. I think I know who it is. Sara had not told him about finding the mans name on Fort Plessys personnel roster, but Fiske had finally figured it out himself. Warren McKennas image appeared starkly in his thoughts. Thats why the FBI agent was trying to frame him. It all made sense. Fiske started up the car.
Where we going?
Sara just called back. She . . . they want us to meet them at a place off the GW Parkway in Virginia. I tried to get hold of Chandler, but he wasnt in. I left a message telling him where well be. I just hope he gets it in time.
And were going to go?
If we dont, theyll kill Sara. If you want to stay behind, you can.
In response, Rufus slid a pistol out of his pocket and handed it to Fiske. You know how to use one of these things?
Fiske took the pistol, pulled back the slide and made sure a round was chambered. I think I can manage, he said. *����*����* It was well after midnight now and the parkway was deserted. At various points there were pull-offs with picnic areas and small parks where, during the day, families would gather for barbecues and quality time. But now, as Fiske pulled the car down the road, the area was dark, isolated and, he knew, deadly. He eyed the exit signs until he found the one he wanted. At the same time that he saw the sign, he spotted Saras car parked in the otherwise empty parking lot. Large trees served as a backdrop to the grassy picnic area. Beyond them Fiske could make out the deeper darkness that was the Potomac River. Rufus was crouched in the back seat, his eyes level with the bottom edge of the window. His gaze swept the darkened landscape. Somebodys in the car. Cant tell if its a man or woman, though, he said. Fiske squinted and then nodded in confirmation. They had devised a plan of sorts on the way up. Now that the lay of the land had been established, they could implement that plan. He pulled ahead a little until they passed a bend in the road that took them beyond the line of sight from Saras car. Fiske pulled to a stop. The back door of the car opened, and Rufus quickly disappeared into the surrounding trees and headed through the woods toward the parking lot. Fiske drove into the parking lot and pulled up a couple of spaces from Saras car. He looked over and was relieved to see her in the drivers seat. He pulled his gun and slowly got out. He looked over the top of his car. Sara?
She looked at him, nodded and smiled tightly. The smile disappeared when the man next to her rose up and pointed a gun against her head. They both got out the drivers side. Dellasandro locked one arm around her neck, his free hand holding the gun tightly against her temple.
Over here, Fiske, Dellasandro said. Fiske did his best to look shocked. Wheres Harms? Dellasandro said. Fiske made a show of rubbing his cheek. He had a change of heart. Didnt want to go to the cops. Hit me and took off.
And left you the car? I dont think so. Give me the answer I want or your girlfriend gets a chunk of lead in her brain.
Im telling you the truth. You know hes been in prison all these years. He didnt take the car because he cant even drive.
Dellasandro considered this for a moment. Come over here. I want your hands way, way up in the air.
Fiske slipped the pistol in the back of his waistband and put his hands up in the air. He stepped slowly around the car and walked toward them. When he got close enough, he saw the ugly bruise on Saras cheek. Are you all right, Sara?
She nodded. Im sorry, John.
Right, right look, just shut up, Dellasandro said. Exactly where did Harms get away from you?
When we got off the interstate. We came up Route One.
That was pretty stupid of him to go off like that. Hell never get far.
Well, like they say, you can lead a horse to water . . .
Why dont I believe a word youre saying?
Maybe because youve been a lying sack of shit all your life and you figure everybody is the same way.
Dellasandro pointed his gun at Fiskes head. Its gonna be so much fun blowing you away.
Kind of hard disposing of a couple bodies.
Dellasandro glanced toward the river. Not when youve got the best of Mother Nature to help you.
And you dont think Chandler will suspect anything?
Whats to suspect? The cops think you killed your brother for the insurance money. The chick here got fired today because of you and your dumb brother. Her whole career ruined. You two meet up, things get violent. Maybe you kill her and then pop yourself. Maybe its the other way around. Who cares? Theyll find her car, and a few days or weeks later, theyll find your bodies floating somewhere whats left of them, anyway. Case closed.
Actually, thats a good plan. And since I know theres no way you could have thought of it, where are your partners?
What are you talking about?
The other two guys in the stockade that night.
Perkins is one, Sara blurted out. Hes here too.
Shut up! Dellasandro yelled.
I actually knew that one. I think I can guess who the other one is.
Run your theories by the fish. Lets go.
They all started to move toward the riverbank. Fiske glanced back at Dellasandro. Dont even think about it, Fiske. I could blow you away from fifty yards, much less two feet. And if your plan is to have that stupid lummox jump me from the trees, well, then just bring him on.
Since that was their plan, Fiskes heart sank. Then a bullet hit the dirt next to Dellasandros leg. He shouted and moved the pistol away from Saras head. Fiske hit him hard in the belly, doubling him over, and then clocked him in the head with his fist. Before Dellasandro could recover, Rufus exploded from behind a tree and hit him with the force of a runaway tank. The man sailed down the bank and into the water from the impact. Fiske pulled his gun. Rufus was about to go after Dellasandro when more shots zipped past them and everybody hit the ground. Fiske had one protective arm over Sara. You see anything, Rufus?
Yeah, but you aint going to like it. I think those shots came from two different places.
Great, both his backups are here. Shit! He clenched his pistol. Look, Rufus, heres the plan. Well fire two shots each and draw their fire in return so we can see where the muzzle flashes are coming from. Then Ill cover you and you take Sara and get the hell out of here. Make it to her car and go. Before Sara could say anything, he added, Somebodys got to go get Chandler.
Rufus said, I can stay behind. I owe these suckers a lot more than you.
I think youve carried the ball long enough. Fiske aimed his gun. You fire left and check left, one-two-three, now! Sara covered her ears as the shots rang out. A few seconds later their fire was returned. Fiske and Rufus quickly analyzed the muzzle flashes. Fiske said, One of thems aiming wild. Maybe we hit him. Okay, Im going to fire in both directions. Keep your gun ready, but dont shoot. Im going to move to my right about ten yards. Ill draw the fire my way. Give me to the count of twenty and then when you hear the first round go, hit it.
Fiske started to move away, but Sara clutched at his hand, unwilling to let him go. Fiske wanted to say something confident, cocky even, to her, to show he wasnt scared. But he was. I know what Im doing, Sara. And I guess fifty years of living is better than nothing.
She stared at him as he crawled off, convinced it would be the last time she would see him alive. A minute later the shots began. Rufus half carried Sara as they raced for the car. They made it and Rufus threw open the door and pushed Sara inside before climbing in. Fiske moved slowly through the underbrush, the smell of hot metal and flamed gunpowder clinging to him. His spirits had faded to nothing. He had counted his shots carefully, but, unknown to him, his clip had not been full to begin with; he had no more ammo. As he heard the car crank up, he smiled grimly. With his thoughts distracted for a moment, his ears still ringing from the shots he had fired, he didnt hear the sound behind him until it was too late. Dellasandro, dripping filthy river water, pointed the gun at him. Fiske couldnt speak, his mouth too dry. He also couldnt breathe, as though his lungs had sized up the situation and decided to stop working a few seconds before the slug would force them to. Two bullet holes in him, the third would do the trick. Darnell Jackson had been facing Fiskes gun, had been off balance after killing Fiskes partner; Dellasandro would have no such problems. Fiske looked in the direction of the river. A week in that water and not even his father would be able to identify him. He looked back at Leo Dellasandro: his last image before death. When the shot came, Fiske watched in stunned silence as Leo Dellasandro pitched forward and lay still. Fiske looked up. What he saw made him wish Dellasandro had been able to get off his own round. McKenna looked down at him. Fiske could only shake his head. Why couldnt it have been Chandler? Why couldnt he catch a damn break just this once? And then he saw Dellasandros pistol where it had landed very near to him.
Dont try it, Fiske, McKenna said sharply.
You sonofabitch!
Actually, I thought youd want to thank me.
Why? For killing your accomplice before you kill me?
In response, McKenna pulled another pistol from his pocket. Heres your pistol. I just happened to find it.
Right. Some way, someday youre going to get whats coming to you.
McKenna glanced at Dellasandro. Actually, in a way, I just did.
The mans next actions absolutely astonished Fiske. McKenna flipped the gun around and handed it to him, grip first. Now dont go and shoot me. He put a hand out and helped Fiske up. Chandlers on his way. I managed to catch him at Evanss house. I got there just as Perkins and Dellasandro were leaving with Sara. I figured they were trying to use her to set you up. I followed along as your unofficial backup. A little better than the last one you had. Ineverlet my guard down.
Fiske just stared at him, unable to speak.
Perkins took off. He was the other guy firing. I tried to hit him, but he was too far off. I also fired the shot to distract Leo. I figured Rufus was around here somewhere.
I thought you were one of the guys in the stockade that night, said Fiske.
I was.
Then what are you doing? Clearing your conscience? If you are, youre the only one of the five to do it.
I wasnt one of the five.
But you just said you were in the stockade that night.
There weresixmen there that night other than Rufus.
Fiske looked bewildered. I dont understand.
I was the guard on duty that night, John. It took me twenty-five years to figure out what happened, but I couldnt have done it without you and Sara. I think the PCP angle hit me right after it did you at your office. I never even knew about the drug testing at Fort Plessy, although I guess it wasnt something they broadcast.
Whether anybody else knew or not, I dont think anyone back then cared about what happened to Rufus Harms.
Actually, I cared. McKenna looked down. I just didnt have the balls to do anything about it until it was too late. I could have stopped this whole thing. His body seemed to sag for a second as his mind went back to the past. But I didnt.
Fiske studied the man for a moment, still reeling from this last development. Well, youre doing something about it now.
Twenty-five years too late.
Rufus is going to be free, isnt he? Thats all he cares about.
McKenna looked up. Rufus is free now, John. No one will ever put him back in prison. If they try to, they have to go through me first. And believe me, they wont be able to.
Fiske looked toward the road. What about Perkins?
McKenna smiled. I know exactly where Perkins is going. We can call Sara in the car and let her know. As soon as Chandler gets here, well go.
Go? Go where?
Perkins is going to see the fifth person who was in the stockade that night.
Who? Who was it?
Youll find out. Soon youll know everything.
["C60"]CHAPTER SIXTY
When the woman opened the door, Richard Perkins burst in past her. Where is he?
In his study.
Perkins raced down the hallway and threw open the door. The tall man looked back at him, a calm look in his eyes. Perkins shut the door. Everythings gone to hell and Im getting out of here.
Jordan Knight sat back and shook his head. If you run, theyll know youre guilty.
They know Im guilty now. I kidnapped Sara Evans. Leo is probably dead by now.
You followed her ever since she left the Court today. I hoped, when I contacted you, it would all have been taken care of. But its still only her word against yours.
Why would she make up something like that?
Jordan rubbed his chin. Think about it. She was fired today. You escorted her out the door. She makes wild accusations against you; perhaps you can invent some others to bolster your position.
Rufus Harms is still out there. I saw him.
Jordans face darkened. Ah, the celebrated Mr. Harms.
He killed Frank and Vic.
Two fewer people to worry about, then.
Thats damn cold-blooded of you. You were the one who told them to kill Michael Fiske. You got all this started.
Jordan looked thoughtful. I still dont know how Rufus Harms was able to identify me in that appeal. He knew all of you. I wasnt even in the Army.
He didnt ID you.
Knight looked shocked at first; then there was a glint of hope in his eyes. Perkins explained, I talked to Tremaine. Rayfield lied to you. You werent named in the appeal. Just the four of us.
So Im the only unknown. Jordan stood up and looked at Perkins. God, that meant he still had a way out. Only one more thing, one more person to deal with, and this nightmare was over. He almost trembled at the thought of it.
Who knows for how long. God, all this for what? We shoot the bastard up with PCP and it comes down to this.
You actually shot him up, Richard.
Dont act high and mighty now. It was your idea to use the PCP, Mr. CIA.
Well, naturally I was there conducting the testing. And listening to all of you complain about Harms. Just trying to do you a favor. He eyed Perkins with an unnerving calmness. Im very anti-drug now, of course.
Stumping to the end? How about anti-murder? How do you feel about that, Senator?
I never killed anybody.
How about that little girl, Jordan? How about her?
Rufus Harms pled guilty to that crime. As far as Im concerned, that plea hasnt changed.
Well, it will soon enough if we dont do something.
Are you certain you want to run?
Im not hanging around for the ax to fall.
I suppose youll need money?
Perkins nodded. I dont have a nice little retirement package like we put together for Vic and Frank. I have the bad habit of always living beyond my means.
Jordan took a key from his pocket and unlocked his desk drawer. I have some cash here. The rest will have to be by check. I can give you fifty thousand, to start.
That sounds good. To start.
Jordan turned and pointed a pistol at Perkins.
What the hell are you doing, Jordan?
You burst in here, clearly out of your mind, telling of these outrageous crimes youve committed, including kidnapping Sara Evans, for what purpose I dont know. You threaten me. I manage to get out my gun and kill you.
Youre crazy. No one will believe that.
Oh, they will, Richard. Jordan pulled the trigger and Perkins dropped to the floor. He heard a scream from the hallway. Jordan moved to the body, quickly searched Perkins, found his gun, placed it in the dead mans hand and fired a shot into the wall. Its all right, he called out, rising from the floor and putting the pistol down. Im all right. He opened the door and froze as Rufus Harms stared back at him. Behind Rufus were Chandler, McKenna, Fiske and Sara. Jordan finally pulled his gaze from Rufus and looked at Chandler. Richard Perkins burst in here making wild threats. He had a gun. Fortunately I was a better shot.
McKenna stepped forward. Senator, you dont remember me, do you? I mean, outside the FBI? Jordan stared at him without recognition. McKenna edged closer to the man. Perkins and Dellasandro didnt remember me either. Its been a long time and weve all changed a lot. Besides, everybody was pretty drunk that night. Everybody except you.
I have no idea what youre talking about.
I was the guard on duty the night you and your friends came calling on Rufus at Fort Plessy. It was my first and last time pulling guard duty at the stockade. Probably why nobody remembered me.
Jordan Knight flinched. Am I supposed to know what youre talking about?
I let you in to see Rufus because I was a greenhorn scared private and I had a captain ordering me to. And then Rufus came busting out of his cell, knocked me down and changed everybodys life forever. For twenty-five damn years Ive wondered what really happened in there. I kept quiet about all of you because I was scared. Rayfield was the most senior. He probably wouldve remembered me. Guess no one mentioned my name to him. Lucky. Rayfield fixed it up so I wouldnt get in trouble, but he made it clear I had better keep my mouth shut about all of you being in there. And I never knew what had happened anyway. And by the time I got the courage to say something, it was all over, and Rufus was in prison. Ive lived with that guilt all these years. But I got off easy. McKenna looked over at Rufus. Im sorry, Rufus. I was weak, a coward. It probably doesnt make any difference to you, but there hasnt been a day gone by that I didnt hate myself for it.
Jordan cleared his throat. Very touching, Agent McKenna. However, if you think you saw me in the stockade that night, youre mistaken.
CIA records will show that you were at Fort Plessy conducting PCP tests on soldiers stationed there, McKenna pointed out.
If you can get those records, get them. Even if I was there, so what? I was in the intelligence service back then. Thats no secret. The public is aware of that.
I wonder if your constituents would be bothered by the fact that you were administering PCP to soldiers, Chandler said heatedly.
Even if I did and Im not admitting anything the program was perfectly aboveboard and legal, as my wife could certainly tell you.
U.S. v. Stanley? Sara said bitterly. Jordans gaze did not leave McKenna. Quite a coincidence that you claim to have been in the stockade and now youre involved in this matter, he said.
It was no coincidence, it was intentional, was McKennas surprising reply. After I left the Army I finished college, and then went to the FBI academy. But I kept tabs on you and the others. Guilt is very strong motivation. Rayfield and Tremaine moved around with Rufus. That I found suspicious, but not conclusive. Perkins and Dellasandro moved around with you. They had positions in your various businesses. I got myself transferred to the Richmond Field Office so I could be close to you. When you jumped into politics they again went with you. When you went to D.C., you got Dellasandro and Perkins jobs at the Senate. So I got transferred to D.C. When you were given a seat on the Senate Judiciary Committee a few years ago, you got them their positions at the Court. Real nice of you. It must be part of the payback, the agreement all of you made. Rayfield and Tremaine baby-sat Rufus. You took care of Perkins and Leo. I bet if we checked their accounts, wed find some nice little retirement funds somewhere.
When I got wind of Michael Fiskes murder, I jumped on it only because it was at the Court. When I discovered Rufus was connected somehow, I prayed all those years of following you were going to pay off. Now the truth has finally come out.
Absurd speculation, you mean, Jordan Knight countered. From your own words, its obvious you have some deranged vendetta against me. I find it outrageous that youve come into my home making all these accusations, particularly after Ive had a man try to murder me, forcing me to kill him. And other than Detective Chandler, who has to investigate this act of obvious self-defense, I want the rest of you to get the hell out of my home.
McKenna pulled a cell phone from his pocket, spoke into it and listened to the response. Im placing you under arrest, Senator Jordan. Im sure Detective Chandler will do the same.
Get the hell out of here. Now!
Im going to read you your rights now.
Ill have you in the FBI equivalent of Siberia by dawn. You have no proof of anything.
Actually, Im basing my arrest on your own words. While everyone watched, McKenna knelt under the desk kneehole, probed for a moment and pulled out a listening device. Your statements came through loud and clear in the surveillance van parked outside. He looked at Fiske. Knight was the one who told Rayfield to kill your brother.
Jordan was furious. That is completely illegal. Theres not a judge in this city who would have given you a warrant for that. Im not going to prison, you are.
We didnt need a warrant. We had consent.
Bullshit! Jordan roared. He looked like he was about to attack the agent. I demand you give me those tapes immediately. Youre an imbecile if you think anyone will believe that I gave such consent.
You didnt, Jordan. I did.
The blood drained from Jordans face as his wife stepped into the room. She didnt even look at Perkinss body. Her gaze remained fixed on her husband.
You?
I live here too, Jordan. I gave that consent.
In Gods name, why?
Elizabeth held his gaze for a moment, then touched the sleeve of Rufus Harms. This man is why, Jordan. This man is the only reason strong enough to make me do what I did.
For him? Hes a child killer.
Its no good, Jordan. I know the truth. And damn you for what youve done.
What Ive done? All Ive ever done is serve my country. He stabbed a finger at Rufus. This man never did shit for anything or anybody. The bastard deserved to die.
Moving faster than his bulk would seem to have allowed, Rufus reached Jordan, his big hands encircling the senators neck as he slammed him up against the wall.
Damn you! Rufus screamed. His grip tightened and Jordan started turning red. McKenna and Chandler trained their guns, but couldnt bring themselves to shoot. They looked helpless. They grabbed Rufus, but it was like pulling on a mountain.
Jordan, Elizabeth screamed.
Rufus, stop, Sara yelled. Jordan was nearly unconscious. Fiske stepped forward. Rufus, Rufus? Fiske took a quick breath and then just said it. Josh didnt make it. Rufus instantly loosened his grip on Jordans throat and stared at Fiske. Hes dead, Rufus. We both lost our brothers. Fiske was visibly trembling and Sara put a hand on his shoulder. If you kill him, youll go back to prison and Josh will have died for nothing. Rufus relaxed his grip even more as tears wound down his face. You cant do it, Rufus. Fiske took another unsteady step forward. You just cant.
As the two bereaved men looked at one another, Rufus simply let go, and a gasping Jordan Knight slumped to the carpet. *����*����* Jordan did not look at his wife as he was led away in handcuffs by McKenna. An hour later the forensics team had completed its work and Perkinss body was removed. Chandler, Rufus, Sara and Fiske remained behind. Elizabeth Knight was in her bedroom.
So how much did you know about the truth, Buford? Fiske asked.
Some of it. McKenna and I had talks. At first I think he really believed you were involved, or at least he genuinely didnt like you. Chandler smiled. But after he learned Rufus was somehow connected, his opinion changed. I didnt like the idea of him setting you up for the fall, though. And he pushed the buttons on Sara getting fired.
Why? Sara asked.
You two were getting close to the truth. That meant you both were in danger. McKenna knew the people involved were capable of a lot. But he didnt have any proof. He had to make them think you two were the primary suspects. And every time we were around Perkins and Dellasandro, McKenna made it clear he thought Rufuss appeal was bogus and John was the killer. He took your gun and made sure Perkins and Dellasandro knew it was missing. He hoped that meant they would feel safe and might slip up. Also it was meant to keep you two safe.
I dont think it accomplished the last part, Sara said with a shiver.
Well, he didnt count on you losing his surveillance team either. Once McKenna got Justice Knight to agree to the bug, he just had to spring the trap. McKenna had already told Justice Knight that he knew her husband from Fort Plessy, so when the senator told her he had to call to get that information, she knew he was lying.
So Justice Knights quick thinking probably saved my life, Sara commented. Chandler nodded in agreement. When everything went down, McKenna knew Perkins would make a run for it and would need Jordans help. It worked out okay. Jordan killing Perkins was not in the game plan. But Im not going to lose any sleep over that. Chandler looked at Rufus Harms. I need to take you into custody, but it wont be for long.
I want to see my brother.
Chandler nodded. I can arrange that.
Ill go with you, Rufus, Fiske said. As they walked to the door, Elizabeth Knight met them in the hallway.
Justice Knight, you did a very brave thing tonight. I know how painful it was for you, Chandler said. Elizabeth reached out her hand to Rufus Harms. It cant possibly be worth anything to you after all you have suffered, Mr. Harms, but I am so sorry for everything. So very, very sorry.
