Silenced Justice: A Josh Williams Novel (23 page)

Chapter 30

"Mr. Chairman, Senator Collucci is on line one for you," the administrative aide said over the intercom.

"Thank you Denise," Clevon Castillo, acting Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission replied. Unexpected calls from Senators are never a good thing.

Castillo reached over, picked up the phone, and pushed the button for line one.

"Good morning, Senator. To what do I owe the pleasure of this call?"

"Good morning, Clevon. I hope you are settling into your new office," Collucci replied.

"Well, I am not so sure I should unpack yet," Castillo said. "The confirmation hearing isn't until next week, lots of things can happen."

Collucci let the words hang in the air for a moment, "Well from what I gather, your friends on the Hill have done a good job of gathering support. I have no doubt it will be the right outcome."

Castillo wondered about the Senator’s phrasing, not a rousing show of support. "It may be presumptuous of me, but I hope I can count on your vote, Senator."

"Of course Clevon, I see no major obstacles to your appointment. You have my full support," Collucci answered.

"If I may, Senator, you said no major obstacles. Are you aware of any obstacles or issues? If you have some questions, I'd be happy to address them."

"No, no. Nothing specific except, well, there is some concern the FCC is moving too fast on the ZMI merger with ANM. Those opposed to your appointment may raise this as an example of politics entering into the process. The merger of two of the largest media companies in the world could be of concern to some."

Castillo could feel his anger rising, fighting to lash out.
This pompous, self-important
….

"Your previous job as legal counsel for ZMI became a point of contention in your nomination hearing," Collucci explained. "Perhaps a delay of the process, more a deferral until after the confirmation, is appropriate."

Clevon Castillo was an ambitious, yet cautious man. A two-term Congressman from Massachusetts, he was an early supporter of the President. He resigned his seat to manage the Presidential campaign fundraising organization. Surviving the firestorms of the President's first term in office as an envoy to the Middle East, he garnered much praise and admiration for his diplomatic skills. He'd learned the art of persuasion, threats coupled with concessions, from the best.   

When the President was re-elected, Castillo approached him for a new position. The President offered him the position of Secretary of State. He declined. He preferred one with influence, yet offering some measure of security and anonymity. He set his sights on the FCC, hoping to hide there for a few years and turn it into a nice, private sector offer when his term ended. Gaining allies and support for his own run for the Presidency was his long-term goal.

"Senator, both the House and Senate committees vetted the ZMI merger. They dealt with any issues or concerns," Castillo argued. "If I canceled a hearing scheduled for tomorrow, wouldn't that appear as political maneuvering?"

"I suppose, but I am concerned about discussions I have had with a number of other Senators. Those that, I should point out, have indicated their support for your confirmation. Hang on a moment," Collucci said. "Ah, would you excuse me, Clevon? Someone just walked into my office and I need to deal with an issue. I'll call you right back." Collucci hung up, not waiting for the response.

Sorin sat in a chair facing the Senator, "You seemed to get the point across, no?"

"I'll let him think about it for an hour or so. By the time I call back, I have no doubt he will already have delayed the approval hearing," Collucci said. "Once I confirm he has, we'll have a chat with our friends at ANM and persuade them to kill the story."

"This had better work, Senator. Our friends will not let all their work go for naught," Sorin said, adjusting his cuffs, concern in his eyes.

The look was contagious. "It will work," Collucci said, tapping his fingers on the desk. "Castillo is ambitious, but smart. He'll see it as beneficial to keep us happy."

Two hours later, Collucci called the FCC acting Chairman back.

"Clevon, I apologize for the delay. Senator Harrison, you recall him I am sure, one of your critical supporters. He needed me to co-sponsor some last minute legislation. I apologize again."

"That's fine, Senator. I understand you have many things pressing on your time," Castillo answered.

"Now, where were we? Ah yes, discussing the delay in the ZMI media merger. Have you had time to consider our concerns?" Collucci asked.

"I have, Senator. I spoke to my legal counsel and he agreed a short deferral may well be in the best interests of all parties," Castillo said. "My press secretary is preparing a briefing and I have spoken to the heads of both media companies explaining the delay. I told them I had concerns over political appearances in the midst of the nomination hearing. I assured them the process was not derailed, just delayed."

"Excellent," Collucci said. "Your sensitivity to these matters reinforces in my mind your qualifications for this position. I am sure this will go far to insure adequate support for your nomination. Thank you Clevon, or should I say, Mr. Chairman? Take care and we will speak soon."

Collucci ended the call, and then pushed the intercom button. "Would you find Anthony for me and tell him I need him in my office as soon as possible, thank you."

Sorin arrived moments later, "Well?"

"Done, he delayed the hearing. Arrange a meeting with our friends at ZMI, I want to make sure they know what I am capable of with just a phone call," Collucci said.

Sorin's eyes narrowed, "Be cautious in dealing with Dmitriev. He may appreciate your influence, but he will value it as he sees fit, not as you would like. You and I are important to this. Nevertheless, should it suit their needs, they will replace us. Be cautious, Senator. It is best to keep them as supporters, not adversaries."

"Of course," Collucci said. "I just want them to see me as a valuable partner. One they should protect."

Sorin watched the Senator pack up his briefcase. "Don't you have another aspect to deal with?" he said.

"Yes I do as a matter of fact," Collucci said. "I have one more call to make.” Pushing the intercom button he said, "Would you please get Maurio Bartoletti from ANM Media on the phone for me, thank you."

"How are you going to handle him?" Sorin asked.

"It's simple. Bartoletti wants this merger to go through. It is his ticket to the good life, cashing in on his work at ANM. I will show him the risk running the story poses to the merger. Getting him to pull it will be the best solution. He will do it. Mark my words," Collucci said, a smile crossing his lips.

The voice over the intercom interrupted, "Mr. Bartoletti on line one for you, Senator."

Collucci grabbed the line, putting the call on speaker. "Maurio, how are you my friend?"

"Not happy at the moment, Senator. It would seem the FCC has put a hold on our petition for merger with ZMI. Do you know anything about it?" Bartoletti asked.

"Well, I must say it is a surprise to me. I was under the impression it was moving along well. I spoke to the acting Chairman earlier today. He never mentioned it," Collucci said.

Son of a bitch, goddamn son of a bitch
. “What can I do for you, Senator?" his voice coarse and curt.

"Maurio, do you recall the story we discussed? The one you spoke with me about, this nonsense over an old criminal case in which I had little involvement?"

"I do, Senator. One of our affiliate stations was running something. Why do you ask?"

"Well, Maurio, one of the concerns of the Senate is too much consolidation within the media," Collucci said.

"Go on, Senator. I am listening," Bartoletti said.

"Given these sensitivities, don't you see the risk a controversial story, such as the one by your affiliate station, poses? I have no issue with their right to run the story, but there needs to be fair and balanced reporting. Some of my colleagues may see this story as illustrative of a lack of diversification among the media as a real problem. Do you see where this is leading?" Collucci said.

"I do indeed," Bartoletti replied, his response angry, but controlled. “What would assuage these fears, Senator?"

“An opportunity to present a different side, my side, and show these allegations to be frivolous. Given adequate time, I can get your reporters access to information they may find illuminating.” Collucci paused a moment, letting the seed take root. "But as I said, Maurio, it will take some time to arrange."

There was no immediate response. Collucci could make out muffled, angry voices in the background.   

"Senator, what say I do this? I will call the local station manager. See if he is willing to defer the story, pending this new information. I am making no promises here. We pride ourselves on the independence of our affiliate stations. I am sure the manager will appreciate your--" catching himself, "or rather, our concerns. I am certain he will take the opportunity to check these other sources. Would that address your concerns?" Bartoletti asked.

Collucci smiled, nodding at Sorin. "Maurio, don't misunderstand me. I am not in the least worried about this so-called expose`. It is baseless and unsubstantiated political slander. I have dealt with bad press before; this is nothing new. I am trying to give you an opportunity to avoid jeopardizing the process. I will call the Chairman back and see if I can clear up the issue before the FCC."

"I will make some calls, Senator. I am sure I can handle this to your satisfaction."

"Thank you, Maurio. It is always a pleasure to talk to you my friend.” Collucci hung up. "Well?" he asked, rubbing his hands together.

Sorin nodded. "He got the message. I'll know soon enough if they kill the story."

"Okay," Collucci said, rising from his chair. "I am off to a meeting with the Banking subcommittee, time to push the Chairman out, and put me in. I take it you had things delivered to the appropriate people?"

"Done," Sorin said. "I will make the arrangements for us to meet with our friends later this evening. Call me when you finish."

Returning to his own office, Sorin took out one of the disposable phones. Dialing a number from memory, he waited for the call to go through.

"Da?" a voice answered.

"It's me. Have him call back, this number," Sorin hung up.

A moment later, the disposable phone rang.

"We need to arrange a meeting. Tonight," Sorin said.

"Come to the club on Wisconsin Avenue near the Embassy, 9:00 o'clock. Take the usual precautions.” The call ended.

A moment later, Sorin received another call on the disposable. "Yes?" he answered.

"Can we rely on this solution?" the accented voice said.

"I am not sure, Shashenka. I believe they will kill the story. I will know soon. Whether it is permanent or not remains a mystery," Sorin replied.

"The Senator is coming with you tonight, is he not?"

"Yes, he wanted to meet you."

"Excellent, I will impress upon him the urgency of this matter. Perhaps, educate him about our level of determination. He needs to realize our success in paramount, not his. His usefulness to us depends on it. I look forward to our meeting."

Sorin stood up, dropped the phone on the floor, and crushed it. Taking the pieces, he disposed of them in a variety of trash containers on the way to his car.

Chapter 31

Monday, September 28, 2009

Alpha Babes Investigations

Providence, RI

Vera, Maggie, and Loren gathered around the television in the conference room. Promotions about an important investigative report ran every few minutes or so along the bottom of the screen. They were planning to air it on this evening's nightly news.   

Chris and Keira arrived, carrying several boxes of Chinese food and some drinks. As they set the food down on the conference, the phone rang.

Vera answered the phone, "Alpha Babes Investigations."

"Hey Vera, Josh. Is Chris there with you?"

"Yup. Hang on a minute," motioning for Chris to take the phone. "It's Josh."

"Hey, Josh. What's up?" Chris said.

"I'm not on speaker, right? No one can hear this but you?" Josh asked.

Chris could not stop herself and glanced around the room. Maggie caught the look and raised her eyebrows at Vera.

"Nope,” Chris said. "What's going on?"

"The State Police are sending a protective detail to your office," Josh said. "Somebody at the TV station tipped Sorin to the subject of the impending story. He made some calls to certain cell numbers of suspected MS-13 gang members. Nothing specific, just arranging a meeting. We just want to be cautious. They're sending one to the TV station as well, for Candace."

"I see," Chris said, nodding her head, trying to control her reaction. "Okay, thanks. I'll take care of it."

"Good, the troopers will stay out of sight for the most part," added Josh. "The bad guys may assume we're listening. We don't want to confirm it for them though. The troopers are just a precaution. Now I gotta call Hawk and hope he doesn't decide to go to war over this."

"Well, good luck with that. I will handle it here. Thanks," ending the call.

The three other women looked at Chris, waiting for an explanation. "What are you looking at?" Chris said.

"Chris, we are ace investigators here, remember?" Maggie said. "I know the look on your face, so out with it. What's going on?"

"Nothing, it's nothing. Josh wanted to know if I was going to be here. That's all," Chris lied. "He said he was sending some troopers over to talk to me about an old case of mine."

Vera stood up, walked over, smiled at Chris, and then slapped her on the back of the head.

"Ooww, hey, what the--" Chris said, rubbing her head.

"Girl, you know you can't lie to me. When you gonna get it through that thick skull of yours?"

Maggie and Loren were chuckling.

"Okay, okay. Go sit down and I'll tell you. Jeesh, that hurt," massaging her head. "Josh called to tell me the State Police are sending some troopers here." Chris held up her hands as Vera began to rise from her seat. "Listen, he's sending troopers here as a precaution. There have not been any direct threats, but Josh found out the bad guys know about Candace's investigative report."

"See, I knew something like this would happen," Loren said. "I wish Josh would let this go. I’m happy with what you found out for me. I don't want anyone hurt over this."

Chris sat next to Loren, taking her hand. "Listen, I don't know everything Josh is working on in this case but I do know it's much bigger than you think. Even if they wanted to, they could not stop this. Once the whole story comes out, you'll understand. Until then, one of us will be with you all the time," Chris said, looking at Vera and Maggie nodding in agreement. "No one's going to get anywhere near you."

The TV screen showed the opening news segment, the teaser for the investigative report no longer running.

Good evening and welcome to the 6 o'clock News you can trust…

They watched the first few opening stories and then the broadcast turned to sports.

No story.

"Why'd they pull the story?" Maggie asked.

"Don't know," Chris answered. "We'll have to wait to talk to Josh."

There was a loud knock on the door, startling the group. Chris looked at the others. She motioned for Maggie to get the door. As Maggie opened the door, Chris slid her hand into her top desk drawer.

Standing in the doorway, were two of the biggest men they had ever seen.   

"Let me guess, State Police?" Chris said, closing the drawer.

"Yes ma'am, I am Detective Dussault and this is Detective Cunningham. I take it you were expecting us?"

"Yup," Chris answered. "Come on in, I'll put on some coffee. Make yourselves comfortable," although Chris doubted they would even fit in the chairs.

* * *

After the call to Chris, Josh looked through his contact list for Harrison 'Hawk' Bennett.

Bennett, one of the premier defense lawyers in New England, was not one to trifle with. A former Green Beret, he served three tours of duty in Viet Nam and had a slew of medals for bravery in combat to show for it. He kept himself in amazing physical condition.   

His appearance and demeanor could be deceiving, as Josh learned the hard way several times. To tell Bennett there may be a credible threat against his wife, and convince him to take no action, was not going to be easy.

Josh took a deep breath, hesitated over the call contact button, and then put the phone back in his pocket. He decided this was a message best delivered in person.   

"Hey Zach," Josh called to Kennedy, "feel like taking a ride? Meet a living Rhode Island legend?"

"Sure," Kennedy answered, the confusion evident on his face. "I didn't realize you knew any legends."

"Wait 'til you meet this guy," Josh said, "then you'll understand."

Josh and Zach left the station, heading to downtown Providence. Finding a rare open parking spot on South Main Street, Josh grabbed it. "Hope you don't mind walking a bit. We'll never find parking near his office."

Kennedy shook his head, "No problem for me. I like walking."

The pair headed toward the financial district of the city. Providence being on the small side as cities go, calling it a district was a bit of a stretch. A block maybe, or perhaps a square, but district was a clear exaggeration.

They walked towards the building housing Bennett's office. Kennedy pointed at the large head protruding from the front of the structure. "What the hell is that?"

"That, my friend, is the Turk's Head on what is the Turk's Head building for obvious reasons," Josh said. Kennedy paused to study the large, turban-wearing, mustachioed figure. "Makes for a perfect landmark reference, you can't miss it."

"I should say not," Kennedy agreed.

Taking the elevator to the seventh floor, Kennedy followed Josh down the narrow hall. This ended at a door bearing a hawk etched in the glass and no other identifying information.

"Rather subtle, don't you think?" Josh said, turning the handle.

Kennedy just smiled and nodded.

Entering the office, they encountered the latest in Hawk's rotating stock of administrative assistants. Josh was somewhat disappointed this one did not resemble any of the others. No breast augmentations, or other cosmetic improvements, in evidence.

"Good afternoon, gentlemen. How can I help you?" the woman said, with remarkable poise and professionalism.

"Good afternoon, ah, Samantha," Josh said, glancing at the nameplate, "Is Mr. Bennett available?"

"And you gentlemen are?" she asked.

"Lieutenant Josh Williams, East Providence Police and FBI Special Agent Zach Kennedy," Josh answered.

"Please have a seat and I will be right back."

Josh sat in one of the two available chairs looking around the office, surprised by the change. The organized bookcase, neat files, the office tidy; the transformation was remarkable.

"Mr. Bennett will see you now, gentlemen. Right this way," Samantha gestured to the back office.

Josh smiled as he passed Samantha, watching as she returned to her desk.

"Josh, what a pleasant surprise," Harrison 'Hawk' Bennett said, shaking Josh's hand. "And this must be Special Agent Kennedy," turning to face Zach. "The FBI in my office is not usually a welcome occurrence, but I trust the Lieutenant's judgment." Reaching out, he shook the agent’s hand.

"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Bennett," Kennedy said. As they shook hands, the strength of the grip surprised Kennedy. Bennett, slight of build, wore a rumpled sweater over a shirt and tie. He resembled a professor of philosophy, not a former Green Beret.

"Hawk, please. All my friends call me Hawk."

"You'll have to explain how you got the nickname," Kennedy said.

"I was hoping to explain it to you myself," Josh interjected. "But the new receptionist didn't fit the normal mold. What is up with that, Hawk? I was looking forward to the reaction of agent Kennedy. Imagine my disappointment. Your receptionist is literate and competent, with no signs of plastic surgery or body enhancements. What gives?"

"Yes, well… you see, it is Candace's doing," Hawk grumbled, folding his arms and sitting on the corner of his desk. "Damn woman has taken over my office staff, she's managing my practice. The woman controls everything."

"Perhaps she was a bit more aware of your behavior pattern before she married you. She won't let you replace her, will she?" Josh chuckled. "I think you may have met your match in her; no wife number five for you, in this lifetime anyway."

Hawk smiled, gesturing for them to sit. "Aside from poking fun at my domestication, what brings the East Providence Police, along with the FBI, to my office?"

"Well, as a matter of fact it does concern your wife. Some issues with a story we fed her," Josh said.

"She's told me about it; getting a little payback on our friend Collucci, I see. Good for you," Hawk said, "couldn't happen to a better guy."

"That is a bonus to the whole thing, but it's not why we're here," Josh replied. "I can't tell you how, but I can tell you we have good information your wife may be at risk for doing this story."

Josh watched Hawk's expression change, the muscles in his face tightened. His eyes narrowed. He faced Josh. "Go on," Hawk said.

"There's a security detail of troopers at the station now. They will stay with her until this is over. I wanted to tell you myself so you knew how serious we're taking the threats," Josh said, glancing at Kennedy.

Hawk rose from his desk and began pacing the room, arms locked behind him. "When I was on my second tour in Nam, they sent us to a small village in the highlands. They wanted us to protect a village chief from the Viet Cong. We stayed with the man for a month. Then, new orders came down from Saigon, and they pulled us out.” Hawk stopped pacing, studying the Viet Cong flag displayed on the wall with bullet holes evident in the cloth.

"Do you know what happened?" Hawk asked, “I mean, to the man, after we left."

Josh shook his head.

"The VC came two days after we were gone. Killed the man and his entire family. Do you know why?"

"War, things happen?" Kennedy asked.

"True, but this had to do with the incredible patience of the Viet Cong. They knew we'd lose interest. Eventually, we would leave. So what happens when you leave, Josh? What happens then?" Hawk asked.

"We're gonna close them all down, lock 'em up. That's what will happen," Josh said.

"Josh," Hawk said, turning to face him. "Candace told me about the story, the whole story. She showed me the documents you gave her. These are serious people. You will not get them all. You will not get most of them. You'll get a few and then what?" Hawk, arms folded, rocking back and forth on his heels, looked for their reaction.

Josh looked at Kennedy, then back at Hawk. "I don't know. I suppose you're right."

"Look," Hawk said, "Once I found out about the people behind the story, I took my own security measures. I appreciate the troopers being there, but they have different rules of engagement. Under my rules, we do not worry about grand juries, prosecutors or, with all due respect to Mr. Kennedy here, the FBI. I will protect Candace. Use those troopers somewhere else for someone also at risk, like Keira."

Josh shook his head, "I knew you'd never let us do this. I got Keira covered. Believe it or not, she agreed to carry a gun."

"Not a smart move my boy. Never, ever arm your wife," Hawk laughed. "You let me worry about Candace. Get the story out there and burn that son-of-a-bitch Collucci. Speaking of which, shouldn't the first part be on soon? Tonight, I believe.” As the words came out, his cell phone rang.

"We were just talking about you, Candace. Oh, with Josh Williams and my new friend Zach Kennedy from the FBI. What's that? What do you mean pulled it? Hold on a minute, let me put this on speaker phone so they can hear this."

Hawk hit the speaker button and put the phone on his desk. "Go ahead, we're all listening," Hawk said.

"Hi Josh," Candace's voice filled the room, "the station pulled the story. They said on advice of counsel. They want us to get more information. This is bullshit, the station manager is hiding, and I can't get a direct answer from the producers."