Page 11 of The Guilty Trial

“Meaning the rumors about skimming aren’t new,” MacKenzie said. “Thomas wasn’t the first person to look into the pension fund. He was just the first one to actually start building a case.”

Park spoke up. “Tony Bianchi has a reputation. He’s protected that union like it’s his personal fiefdom. Anyone who threatens it usually backs off or gets buried in legal motions and political pressure. Bianchi’s got some power, for sure.”

Allie nodded. “And Sterling didn’t back off.”

“No,” Park said quietly. “He didn’t.”

Allie exchanged a glance with Jason. He gave a small nod.

“We’ll pay him a visit,” Allie said.

Park frowned, concern crossing her face. “Do you really think Tony Bianchi could be involved in Thomas’s death?”

“We’re following every lead,” Jason said evenly. “We can’t rule anyone out this early.”

Allie looked at MacKenzie. “I want all of Sterling’s cases over the last five years. Active, closed, everything.”

MacKenzie blinked. “That could be a couple hundred cases. Maybe more.”

“I understand.”

“Agent Bishop, that’s going to take time to compile. Each case has multiple files, documents, court records⁠—”

Allie met his eyes steadily. “Then the sooner you start, the better.”

MacKenzie glanced at Park, who gave a small nod. He sighed, resignation settling over his features. “I’ll see what I can do.”

“Today would be ideal,” Allie said.

“Today,” MacKenzie repeated, rubbing his forehead. “I’ll pull what I can from the database, but organizing it into something coherent will take longer.”

“Start with active cases and work backward,” Jason suggested. “Prioritize anything contentious or involving defendants with resources.”

“Understood,” MacKenzie said.

“Let’s start with what you have on Bianchi,” Allie prompted. “We’ll get the rest later.”

MacKenzie stared at the agents, but seemed to realize they weren’t going to leave without it. Allie and Jason stood, and the paralegal exited the boardroom. He returned a few minutes later and handed Allie a file.

“Thanks. We’ll be in touch about the rest.”

Park escorted them through the offices. Outside the conference room, the hallway buzzed with muted activity. “Thomas was a good man,” she said as they waited for the elevator. “If there’s anything else you need from us, anything at all, call me directly.” She handed Allie a business card.

“We will,” Allie said, and tucked the card into her jacket pocket.

The elevator doors opened with a soft chime. Jason and Allie stepped inside, and Park remained in the hallway, watching as the doors slid closed.

They descended in silence. When they stepped back into the marble atrium, Jason turned to her. “So, Bianchi first?”

“Bianchi first,” Allie agreed.

They walked through the grand hall, their footsteps echoing off the polished stone.

Allie pulled out the file as they headed toward Jason’s Charger. “I’ll skim this on the way.”

“Something tells me the regional director of a longshoremen’s union isn’t going to appreciate a visit from the FBI.”

“Probably not,” Allie said, opening the car door. “But we’re going anyway.”