LATER THAT DAY
“The boy’s got himself some serious skills,” Pearl said. “Back when I was his age, I was lucky if I could finish a damn crossword puzzle. He has put together a very convincing set of facts. Based on what’s in these files, that sure as shit wasn’t a car accident.”
“We need to prove motive,” I said, nodding. “It could be Jack caught wind they were double-dealing some clients and putting the skim money in play.”
“With no one the wiser,” Pearl said. “You do have to ask yourself the why of it. This firm your brother worked for, they were pulling down big numbers just by going at it legal. Well respected by all accounts, a boatload of clients trusting them with their money. Based on the numbers, the three partners had to be taking home high-six figures easy. So why go dirty?”
“Same reason why anyone goes south, Pearl,” I said. “Making good money doesn’t make you immune to debt, divorce, living beyond even the means found on the big table. Most folks, given the chance, will always spend more than they should, no matter how big the wad of cash they hold.”
“We’ve never gone up against a white-shoe firm,” Pearl said. “These folks got means. I’m not saying don’t go after them. I’m just pointing out we’ve never ventured into these waters.”
“If we’re right—and based on what’s in those files, it looks like we are—then white shoes or no, they’re just another band of crooks and killers,” I said. “They may wear fancy suits and eat in bend-your-wallet restaurants, but they’re no different than any gangbanger we hunted down.”
“You talk to the chief of detectives about this?” Pearl asked.
“He’s aware and has read through the files,” I said. “We work this on our own, but he’ll be there if we need a helping hand.”
“What about the team?”
“Chris is going to be on it,” I said. “He’s done all the grunt work, and even if I wanted him off the case, there’s no way he’d listen. This is about his dad. There’s no out for him on this one.”
“And the rest of the crew?” Pearl asked.
“I’m not sure yet, Pearl,” I said. “I can’t offer them cover like I can on the cases Chief Connors hands us.”
“So, it’s just you, me, and the kid?”
“And Carmine,” I said. “He’s going to flash a full load of cash in front of them and see if they bite. On paper he’s a perfect client. They’ll want his money and his contacts.”
Pearl cracked a smile. “They take a nickel of Carmine’s money, there’s going to be some missing persons missing body parts. No doubt about that.”
“They won’t make a move for his money,” I said. “They’ll want him to trust them. Bring them more clients with cash in hand. Down the road, it might be a different story.”
“So, when’s the ball start to roll on this?” Pearl asked.
“Soon as we get you settled,” I said.
I stood and stepped behind Pearl’s chair and began to wheel him toward the entrance to the physical-therapy wing. “Settled where?” Pearl asked.
“I’m checking you out of here, Pearl,” I said. “You’ve spent more than enough time in rehab, even one as nice as this. Time you had a place you can call home. A place of your own.”
“And where would that place be, exactly?” Pearl said.
“The brownstone,” I said. “You’re moving in with me and Chris. The bottom floor’s all yours. Had a couple of guys from Mike Trucco’s construction crew make it wheelchair-accessible. Both inside and out.”
“And you went and did all this without asking me?” Pearl said. “Or any of the doctors here?”
“I checked with your docs,” I said. “Physical therapist will come to the apartment three times a week, soon as the two of you set up a schedule.”
Pearl pushed down on the brakes of the wheelchair, bringing it to a sudden halt. He turned and gazed up at me. “Don’t go and do this because you feel sorry for me,” he said. “I would hate that and, in the long run, so would you.”
“I’m doing it because you’re my partner and my best friend,” I said. “I need you by my side working these cases. And Chris needs you, too. He seems to find it easier to talk to you than me. And, besides, after the way you handled yourself on that last case we worked, you proved that you’re a lot more than a smart man in a wheelchair.”
“Making me what?” Pearl asked.
“What you always were,” I said. “A great cop.”
Pearl lowered his head and nodded slowly. “Thank you,” he said in a near whisper.
“Don’t be so quick with the thanks,” I said. “I’m going to need you more than you can imagine. This situation with my brother is going to open some dark doors for me. It’s not just another case. Goes deeper than that. I don’t know how I’ll be when I come out the other end. But I do know I’ll need someone to be there if my biggest fears come to pass.”
“And be there I will,” Pearl said. “Count on it.”
“I always have,” I said.