“I’m afraid we haven’t made a lot of headway,” Hank said. “But we’ve confirmed the drug money heist was perpetrated by three gunmen. We’re no closer to finding the killer or killers, but we’re pretty sure it wasn’t a revenge killing by the drug lords.”

King added, “And the best motive we can find is the money from the heist.”

“And that points to Rocky Shaft, does it not?” Diego asked.

“I’d say yes,” Hank said. “But we don’t have enough for a search warrant or an arrest warrant.”

Diego steepled his fingers under his chin. “What about that character who beat up Shaft?”

Hank shook his head. “Stanley Asher. He’s just a fool looking for revenge. I don’t think he’s involved in any other way. And he has solid alibis for both killings.”

“But he also confirmed Norton was in on the robbery,” King said.

Diego took his cap off, ran his fingers through his dark hair, and replaced his hat, adjusting it in place. “Any luck in finding the money?”

“No luck,” Hank said.

“It seems to me,” King said. “If Rocky Shaft killed his brother as well as Norton, he would make sure he knew where the money was hidden first. So whether or not he knew before that, you can bet he knows now.”

“I agree,” Hank said. “But with all this heat around him, I doubt if he’ll go near it.”

“He would if he thought it was in danger,” Diego said.

“That’s what Jake tried to do,” Hank said. “Jake told Shaft he knew where the money was. Jake told me he was pretty sure Shaft was headed to check on it when he got waylaid by Asher.”

“We’ve got a tail on him,” King said. “Ever since he was released from the hospital, he’s been watched. If he goes near the money, we’ll get him.”

Diego leaned forward. “That’s all well and good, but I’m more interested in getting him for murder.”

“So are we, Captain,” Hank said. “But we have to find something on him before we can get a warrant to search his rooms. Everything we have is circumstantial.”

Diego sat back, dropped his arms on the armrests, and blew out a long breath. “All right, guys. Get out there and find something. And keep me informed.”

“We’ll get him,” King said, as he straightened his back. “It’s just a matter of time.”

Diego waved them out and went back to his paperwork.

Hank returned to his desk, dropped into his chair and sighed wearily. He wanted to get this case cleaned up before somebody else turned up dead.

Chapter 41

Thursday, 3:15 p.m.

LISA KRUNK HAD already convicted Rocky Shaft. As well as being, in her humble opinion, the best reporter this town had ever seen, she considered herself a first class investigative journalist, yet to be nationally recognized, but unsurpassed in her chosen field.

She had everything it took—expertise, tireless perseverance, and a dogged determination. And with Don at her side, ready to capture tell-tale video and sound bites, she was always raring to go.

Recently, she had cracked a lot of cases wide open, and was confused she hadn’t received the recognition she so richly deserved. Unfortunately, others always stepped in at the last moment to claim the accolades belonging to her.

But this time, things would be different, and she resolved to get to the heart of the killings she knew Rocky Shaft was responsible for.

Her sources had confirmed Shaft was released from the hospital and returned home to nurse his wounds. One way or another, she had to speak to him.

Lisa leaned forward in the passenger seat of the Channel 7 Action News van as she directed Don on the route to the Shaft residence.

She pointed. “Pull over there.”

The van pulled to the curb, Lisa observed the house a moment, and then jumped from the van. Don got out, slid open the back door, and removed his camera.

She passed the red Ford pickup parked in the driveway and trod the brick pathway to the front door. Don dutifully followed, always ready to shoot at her pleasure.

She rang the doorbell and waited. There was no answer, so she persisted, ringing again and again.

“Go away. I don’t want to talk to you.” It was a muffled voice Lisa recognized as Rocky Shaft’s.

Lisa rapped on the door and raised her voice. “I want to tell your side of the story,” she lied.

There were a few moments of breathless silence as Lisa’s heart beat in anticipation. Then she donned her best smile as the security chain rattled.

“Get ready, Don,” she said through her smile.

Don was poised and so was she. The door swung open a few inches, revealed a frowning face, and Lisa was ready. “Mr. Shaft, I’m sorry you were attacked. It was a senseless and cowardly thing to do, and I was deeply disturbed to hear about it.”

The frown on Shaft’s face lessened at her words. He held a hand over his side and bowed slightly forward as if to lessen the discomfort. Lisa could see the bulky bandage under his thin shirt.

“May I talk with you for a few moments?” Lisa asked, her fake smile spread wide.

Another hesitation, then the door opened all the way and Shaft stepped onto the front porch. He turned to face Lisa. “I’ll give you a few minutes.”

The camera was recording, the mike was on, and Lisa spoke. “I hope you’re not in a lot of pain, Mr. Shaft?”

“It’s not so bad, but I find it hard to move around much.”

“Did you know your attacker?”

“He said he was Michael Norton’s cousin.”

“Is he blaming you for Norton’s murder?” Lisa asked.

Shaft glared at Lisa, an accusing look on his face. “He saw your newscast.”

“I’m sorry he misconstrued my story. I assure you, I didn’t intend this to happen.”

A brief look of doubt crossed Shaft’s face, then, “My brother and one of his acquaintances was murdered. You should be looking elsewhere for the killer.”

Lisa wanted to be careful, not yet ready to make her accusations. She cocked her head, tried to look puzzled, and said, “There’s a lot of evidence pointing toward you, Mr. Shaft. How do you respond to that?”

Shaft frowned again, a hint of anger. “What evidence?”

“There’s probably nothing to it,” Lisa said soothingly. “But your threat to kill Michael Norton might be seen by some as evidence of your involvement.”

“I was angry,” Shaft said. “He killed my brother.”

“You have a record of assault. How do you answer that?”

Shaft sighed. “That was a long time ago and had nothing to do with my brother’s murder.”

“I’m sure you’re right,” Lisa said, smiling again.

“Of course I’m right.”

It was time to ramp it up. Time for the big question. “Mr. Shaft, my sources have reported a rumor of a robbery you were involved in with your brother and Michael Norton. Can you confirm that story?”

Shaft’s body stiffened at the question. “As far as I know, no such robbery took place.” His face reddened. “My brother was an honorable man and I resent any accusations he was involved in anything criminal.”

“He was in prison.”

Shaft leaned in. “A long time ago.”

Lisa tilted her head. “Do people change, Mr. Shaft?”

He leaned in closer, his nostrils flared, and he raised a fist. “People can change. People do change, and I resent your accusations.”

Lisa moved back half a step. Don moved to one side and trained the camera on Rocky Shaft.

She spoke again, the smile long gone, replaced by a look of disdain. “Did you shoot your brother, frame Michael Norton, and then kill him as well?”

Shaft’s eyes bulged, his face turned crimson, and his raised fist came over and knocked the microphone from Lisa’s hand. It landed on the brick sidewalk with a clunk and rolled to the driveway.

Lisa stepped back against the brick wall of the house. Don leaped onto the front lawn, careful to keep the camera trained on the action.