“No, not acceptable,” Bennie shot back. “You have a big problem, Detective, and I’m about to make it bigger. You’re estimating your downside risk right now.”
“What’sthatsupposed to mean?”
“Julia’s statement proves police corruption with respect to Glushenko and others on the Buckley force. I’m not sure how high up the conspiracy goes, but if you don’t release Courtney right now, I’m going to file suit not only against Glushenko and the Buckley police, but against you both.”
“Us?” Detective Kowalski scoffed. “Forwhat?”
“For being co-conspirators.”
Detective Brennan paled. “Are you serious? We’re not dirty.”
“How do I know that?” Bennie’s sharp blue eyes fixed on them. “Are you involved? Or just covering it up? Have you arrested Glushenko? Interviewed him? How about other members of the Buckley force?”
“That’s police business,” Detective Kowalski shot back. “It’s confidential.”
“Why? You just admitted we’re entitled to the information, and we are. You wouldn’t know any of this but for Julia. She risked her life and discovered an illegal gun manufacturing operation that funded a white supremacist organization and put God knows how many ghost guns on the street.” Bennie spoke with authority, yet her manner remained cool. “Valley Forge could’ve been the site of one of the biggest attacks of domestic terrorism in this country. Julia prevented it. Courtney helped with the legwork until she got framed for murder and was almost killed herself. You didn’t protect her in prison. Why?” Bennie folded her arms. “So, are you going to make me go to the feds to get my client released? Where are they?”
Detective Kowalski’s expression hardened. “I’m not at liberty to divulge that.”
“Or are you just unwilling to? Funny, you were willing to charge Courtney with murder on evidence so meager it wouldn’t have survived a preliminary hearing. Now you have proof of her absolute innocence, yet she’s still in prison. If you ask me, that’s highly suggestive of complicity.”
“We’re notcomplicit,” Detective Kowalski spat out.
“Tell it to the judge. Better yet, tell it to the jury. Your inaction will damn you in court, believe me, I try official corruption cases for a living. The scope of any conspiracy is a fact question, which means itgets to the jury. You’ll be in litigation for the foreseeable future. With me.” Bennie glowered. “And if anything happens to Courtney while she’s still behind bars, I’ll file suit against you both in your personal capacity. That means you pay damages out of yourownpockets.”
Detective Kowalski reddened. “But these things take time and—”
“Keep up. I can prepare the complaint and file it tonight, electronically. Or not. Your choice.” Bennie cocked her head. “What’s it going to be, gentlemen?”
Detective Kowalski blinked.
Detective Brennan turned to him. “Let’s make a call, boss.”
“Thank you.” Bennie closed her laptop. “Let’s go get Courtney, shall we?”
Julia sat up, excited. “I’m coming, too. I feel fine.”
Gianluca smiled indulgently. “We should ask the doctor first. It’s his decision.”
Julia snorted. “Good luck with that.”
60
Julia hurried with Gianluca to Bennie’s car, which was idling in front of the hospital. Incredibly, Leni remained asleep on his shoulder as reporters surrounded them, shouting questions at Julia and thrusting microphones in her face.
“Ms. Pritzker, is it true you tipped off the police about the attack at Valley Forge?” “How did you know about it?” “How did you discover the gunrunning? What about the secret gun-manufacturing operation?” “Julia, look over here!” “Julia, was McKenna the mastermind?” “Ms. Pritzker, were you at a truck stop on Route 422?” “Julia, how does it feel to be a hero?”
Julia ducked into the car next to Gianluca, closed the door behind her, and they took off.
“Good job.” Bennie checked the rearview mirror as she drove way. They left the hospital parking lot and turned onto a main drag among several strip malls, closed now. “Shit. They’re following us.”
“Really?” Julia turned around to see a line of newsvans behind them.
“It’s going to be the same way at the prison. Just keep your head down and keep walking. You’re doing great.”
Gianluca looked over and took her hand. “You sure you feel okay?”
“Yes, thanks,” Julia lied. Her head hurt more than she’d told the doctor, but she’d wanted to go get Courtney.
