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Chapter 99
At the reception following the ceremony, I met many of Alonzo’s former comrades from the Colombian national police. Alonzo sat whenever he could, and I was worried he was getting tired. Seamus was watching him like a mother hen, so I figured he’d keep Alonzo from overdoing it.
One of Alonzo’s early partners was second-in-charge of the entire force, and he was clearly proud of his friend. He stepped over to speak with me.
The tall colonel said, “We’re aware of the woman who was arrested for shooting Alonzo. Alexandra Martinez works on the fringes of the underworld, and there are many rumors. Some people call her the Beautiful Death.”
I said, “She certainly had me running in circles. If it wasn’t for Alonzo, I’d be dead.”
“Every man in this room who came to pay respects from Colombia could say the same thing.”
“I’m sure Alonzo appreciates you guys traveling so far.”
“We were also interested in gathering any information you have on Miss Martinez.”
“She hasn’t said much. But at least we have some clear booking photos and she’s in some computer systems now.”
“You will be able to convict her, correct?”
“I think we have enough. Not just for shooting Alonzo but also for the murder of a receptionist in the building she was escaping from. We’re also looking at several other homicides we believe she was involved in. You can never count on it, but this sure seems like a strong case to me.”
Almost as soon as I was finished speaking to the colonel, a well-dressed man in his early forties extended h
is hand and said, “My name is Oscar.” He had an accent, but I couldn’t tell from what country.
I said, “Are you here with the contingent from the Colombian national police?”
He smiled and shook his head. “No, Detective. I am decidedly not with them. I am from a business organization based in Mexico.”
I gave him a sidelong glance and said, “What kind of business organization?”
“The one you’re thinking about right now. The one that wishes you to know they would like to have a truce. They will no longer support any efforts to harm you or anyone associated with you.”
“And why do I receive such an honor?”
“Purely economics. We don’t want trouble. We don’t want violence. Both things cost us money. You got caught up in something that really shouldn’t have escalated. You have my personal and sincere apologies. And my assurances that it will not happen again.”
“Would you care to share that information with any of my coworkers or the visitors from Colombia?”
“I would not. And I was really just showing my respect. This was a courtesy call. You need not look behind every door anymore.”
“And my son?”
“The attack at the prison will never be repeated. He is safe. At least from us.”
“And if I believe you and let down my guard, who’s to say it’s not just a trick?”
“We don’t need to use tricks. We have an army at our disposal. We chose not to use that army and hired someone with a good reputation. She was unable to complete her assignment. And now I’ve completed mine. Choose to believe me or not. But life will continue. Good day, Detective.”
I could’ve stopped him. But what could anyone do? There was no warrant out on him, and it wasn’t a crime to say that you may or may not be associated with a criminal organization.
Something told me his message was sincere. I stepped over to Mary Catherine and gave her a hug. I felt the weight lifted off my shoulders.
As I watched the man walk away, a hand on my arm made me jump.
I spun to see the smiling face of Father Alonzo Garcia.
He said, “A little nervous, are we?”
