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On the wayto Adams Morgan, Malone texted Gonzo to say someone named Hal Summers had picked Randy up when he was released from custody. Gonzo handed his phone to Cruz. “Figure out who that guy is.”
Two minutes later, Cruz said, “He’s Bryant’s chief of staff and a longtime operative in Wisconsin politics.”
He took a call from Malone. “What’s up, Cap?”
“I just got off the phone with Tori Stevens’s attorney. Apparently, the word is out about Randy being dead, and they plan to contest the deal.”
“Great.” Heartburn made Gonzo’s chest burn. “How did they hear about Randy?”
“I asked, but he refused to say.”
“This entire case stinks like ten-day-old dog shit.”
What had seemed like a simple murder-for-hire case—or as simple as such things ever were—had descended into chaos.
“We’ll be skinned alive when the media catches wind that we had him in custody, released him and now he’s dead, along with our case against Tori Stevens,” Gonzo said.
“The release isn’t on us,” Malone said. “The USA will have to explain that one. I’ll give him a heads-up to let him know Bryant is dead. Call me after you talk to the congressman.”
“Will do.” Gonzo ended the call, feeling as tense as he had in longer than he could remember. He hated the thought of their case imploding, especially when he was covering for Sam while she took a much-needed vacation. He didn’t want her coming back to a mess that she’d have to help clean up, even if it wasn’t a mess of their making.
“I’ve seen a lot of crazy crap on this job,” Freddie said. “But Forrester ordering us to release Bryant is right up there.”
“I know. Nothing about that makes sense. Since when are we in the business of letting murderers walk out the door?”
“It makes me think Bryant’s father has something on Forrester,” Cruz said.
“That’s a possibility. But what would a congressman have on a U.S. Attorney?”
“Who knows? Could be anything.”
“It’s weird, though. Randy was arrested a couple of days ago, and his father has enough on Forrester to get him to order Randy released? How does that happen?”
“I have no freaking clue.”
Jake wasn’t surprisedto find Joe still in his office long after nine o’clock. He’d heard that Marti had brought him dinner and made him eat it before she left. Joe had barely said a word on the ride back to town after their visit with Stahl, but he’d made the call to request that Stahl be moved to solitary confinement to contemplate his sins.
Maybe some time in the hole would give him a conscience.
Jake wasn’t optimistic about that.
“What’s up?” Joe asked.
“Randy Bryant has been murdered.”
“The guy Forrester ordered released?”
“Yep.”
Joe’s reaction was one of exhaustion mixed with disbelief. “No way.”
“According to Gonzales, whoever did it sent a message. The kid was nearly unrecognizable.”
“Have you told Forrester?”
“I wanted to ask you how you want us to handle him.”
“I’ll call him. He better be ready to explain this, because I’ve got enough to deal with without getting blamed for this, too.”
