Part 19 (2/2)
”You're so good at what you do; it doesn't matter who you work for and you know it. By the way, I'm starting my first college cla.s.s soon.”
”What is it?”
”Journalism. Then political science. Maybe I'll do politics someday.”
Lei felt a wide grin stretch the bruises on her face. ”Perfect.”
”I guess I had to get stuck in here to see that I had other choices than to do what I did. You're the reason I didn't give up back then when I wanted to kill myself, and you're the reason I know I can do it even though I'm not the best student.”
Lei hugged the girl, the dog sandwiched between them. She thought of DyingFriends and of the vulnerability of suicidal teenagers, who could, if supported, go on to lead productive lives. Thank G.o.d the site was shut down-Sophie had texted her that, and that she'd be by to tell her about the case soon.
On the way home, Lei's cell rang.
”Hi, Lei. It's Marcus.” Lei wondered when her breath would stop freezing at the sound of the big detective's voice.
”Hey, Marcus. Any news on the Bozeman thing?” Be proactive not reactive, she told herself. Another Dr. Wilson-ism.
”That's what I'm calling about. We got Bozeman's shooter. Grieving wife of a client he'd offed. The lady extorted Bozeman's name out of the business partner who'd ordered the hit, then shot him. Tracked Bozeman, shot him too. Lady's a bada.s.s. I wish we could give her a medal instead of locking her up, but oh well. Everything's all tied up on the case.”
”Wow, she sounds like a force to be reckoned with. So . . . everything's tied up?” She gave a delicate emphasis to the word ”everything.” Kwon lay between them, an unspoken ghost.
”Yup. Everything. Case closed.” Kamuela's voice was brisk.
”Well. Thanks for the call. That's really good news.”
”Yeah. Marcella and I want to go out with you and that mystery man of yours.”
”I know. Soon, I hope. Thanks again.” Lei hung up, and breathed a huge sigh of relief.
Kwon was finally behind her for good.
Chapter 32.
Sophie pulled the Lexus up to the curb on the quiet side street where Lei Texeira lived. She took a minute to close her eyes and lean her close-cropped head on the steering wheel, gathering courage to go talk about the case and its aftermath. She was still haunted by all she'd seen and by Castellejos's utter lack of remorse.
She'd had no idea IA would get involved regarding Healani Chang's death and that they'd investigate Lei for murder! Her stomach clenched at the thought of Lei's stress, but she hoped her visit would help a little with that.
Sophie took one more breath, blew it out, and stepped out into the pearly light of approaching dusk in Honolulu. The plumeria tree by Lei's gate was in bloom, and the yellow throats of creamy white pinwheel blossoms emitted a sumptuous scent as she rang the bell set in the metal gate frame.
The reaction was immediate-a chorus of barking. A deep, bellowing bark was punctuated by a shrill timpani bark, and two dogs burst into view, matched perfectly and yet never more different. One was a big Rottweiler and the other, a teacup Chihuahua barking so hard she flew off the ground on stiff legs.
Lei followed the dogs out to the gate. Her bruises were fading but still evident. ”Sophie, hi! Come on in.”
Lei opened the gate, and Sophie entered, hesitant because of the dogs' cacophony. ”Meet my dogs. Keiki, sit. Angel, sit.” Lei did a hand signal and the dogs shut up and sat. ”Put your fist out, Sophie, fingers down. Let them get a sniff of you.”
Sophie did so, realizing in that moment that a dog might be something she was missing out on. She'd never had a pet, and the empty echo of the apartment came to mind. Imagine having the company of a dog on her runs, happy toenails clattering across the teak floors to greet her. Her father couldn't complain the place was unlived in with a dog at home. She smiled and knelt, stroking the dogs' smooth heads.
”They're beautiful. I think I might like a dog.”
”Lots of great animals needing homes at the Humane Society.” Lei led the way back into the cottage. ”You're never really alone when you have a dog. So what brings you to my house? I should tell you, I've been forbidden by Waxman to discuss the IA aspects of the case at all while I'm being investigated.” She went to a cabinet, took down a couple of gla.s.ses. ”Can I get you something to drink? A beer?”
”Okay.” Sophie sat down on one of the small aluminum chairs. Maybe some alcohol would make this easier. She looked around the tidy, bright little s.p.a.ce. ”Cute place.”
”It's perfect for me and the girls.” Lei poured a couple of Heinekens into the gla.s.ses, brought them to the table. ”To the successful shutdown of DyingFriends. You made this case, Sophie, and you're going to make it for the prosecution.”
They clinked the gla.s.ses in toast and Sophie sipped. ”Did Ken call you about KevorkianFan's confession?”
”No. What's the latest?”
”Bad news on Terence Chang but good news on the real monster behind the site.” Sophie drank more, chugging down half her gla.s.s while Lei watched, tilted brown eyes wide.
”Thirsty? There's more where that came from.”
Sophie burped behind her hand. ”I'm sorry. I'm just having a hard time since the interview with KevorkianFan. Turns out he's Robert Castellejos, the cancer victim.”
”What?” Lei's shock looked genuine. ”Seemed like such a nice guy. Gave me some honey.” She gestured to the jar on the counter.
”I hope you didn't try any. Throw it away. G.o.d knows what he put in there!” Sophie pushed the gla.s.s away, looked at Lei. ”Terence Chang rolled on Castellejos as the power behind the site. Castellejos came in and made a full confession on the a.s.sisted suicide of more than three hundred victims. Guy's a psychopath but sees himself as a patriot.”
”Holy G.o.d.” Lei stared at her for a long moment, then picked up her gla.s.s and drank. Set it down. ”What happened with Chang?”
”We cut him loose. Going to get a year or so for his administration of the site in return for testimony about Castellejos.”
Lei frowned. ”That kid hates me. I better watch my back.”
”Yes. I'd agree with that. I think we'll see more from Terence Chang in the future. He's got the att.i.tude to step into Healani Chang's shoes as head of the family, but we've got him under surveillance and on an ankle bracelet at the moment. Marcella told me they're investigating you as if you might have shot Healani Chang. It's just crazy.”
”That IA guy? Pillman? What a piece of work. I get that it's his job to investigate irregularities in the department, but he doesn't have to like it so much.” The beer appeared to burn Lei's throat going down, and she coughed.
”Well, I just came to bring you up to speed. I know we aren't supposed to discuss the IA investigation, so all I'll say is this: None of us believe that s.h.i.+t, and Ken's got evidence backing you up. It will blow over.”
”Thanks for that.”
”We've also been able to prevent at least three more deaths so far by intercepting communications that were in motion from the site. A lot of people will have an opportunity to live a little longer, and maybe that will make a positive difference. I don't know.”
”I know, right? Tough case. So sad-a bunch of dying people helping each other die faster. I felt so bad for the DyingFriends members. Even Chang-he seemed to really love his grandma and hate to see her suffering. This is one case I'm happy to be done with.”
”Speaking of happy. Marcella told me your boyfriend is back in your life.” Sophie wished she wasn't the only one of their trio without anyone to come home to.
<script>