November 1
1 AM
Merriman is sitting in a make-shift office.
He has just finished listening to Kari’s tape. Diane Lang approaches him
and says, “Merriman, I know you didn’t want to be disturbed, but Eve Hilliard
just called us from
“What?”
“Apparently, he decided to pay Ross a visit before today’s sting operation. Nobody is sure what was said in the meeting. Ross suffered a stroke. He’s in grave condition. We don’t know if he’ll be able to tell us anything or not! Becca Ross was at the house and Palazollo attempted to kidnap her. Hilliard shot and killed him.”
Merriman shakes his head in disgust. “Does Holmes know yet?”
“No. She’s in the air on the way back to
He looks through the glass at Renee in the interrogation room. “Is this everything that we have on Renee?”
“Yes, it’s not much. She knows how to cover her tracks.”
“We need her to fill in the gaps. I’m just going to have to make her an offer she can’t refuse.”
He walks into the interrogation room and sits down and says. “Well Mrs. Charnquist…”
“Please call me Renee. I never cared for that title.”
“All right, Renee. You didn’t exactly have a nice marriage with Ben, did you? In fact I’ve even gotten some information that shows you once tried to press charges against him for domestic violence and his little immunity code saved him from that.”
Renee looks at him with disgust. “You should all be thanking me! I did the world a favor!”
“Why did you marry him?”
Renee
smirked. “It wasn’t for love! I wanted a ticket to the good life and he was
in good with Palazollo back then, it seemed like the logical thing to do at
the time.”
“Well, Renee, I’m guessing you won’t be weeping any tears for your dead husband. In fact, I’m sure of it. Agent Holmes was wired, so you’re parting words to Ben will be heard by the jury.”
Renee is clearly startled, but she recovers and looks at him defiantly.
He smiles. “You still think Palazollo will protect you, don’t you? I know this will grieve you Renee, but Palazollo’s dead.”
Now Renee is really shocked. “You’re lying! I want to speak to a lawyer.”
“That’s a good idea. I’m sure he’ll advise you to cut a deal.”
“What do you want?”
“Just tell us everything about Palazollo’s
operation and we’ll make sure you get to
Renee still looks uncertain.
“Sleep on it, Renee. We’ll talk again in the morning.” He motions for the guard to take her back to her cell and walks away.
10 AM - FUGITIVE TASK FORCE HEADQUARTERS
Eve is addressing the task force in the meeting room.
“Kimble is being flown back later today, as soon as the extradition papers are signed.”
Eddie
shakes his head. “I can’t believe it. Gerard finally caught him.”
He looks up as Kari storms into the room.
“Yeah and then he lost him again, along with his self respect, but that’s another story. Kimble won’t be in jail for very long if I have anything to say about it.” She flings the zip drive on the table and stares at Eve. “Have you found anything at Ross Industries yet?”
Eve shakes her head.
“Why aren’t you over there for the meeting with Palazollo?” she demands. Then she stops at the look on Eve’s face.
“What?”
“Palazollo was tipped off and went to see Ross last night. There was a confrontation…”
“And?”
“Ross had a stroke. Either from the stress, or from something in the drink Palazollo gave him. We’re checking it out.”
“Where’s Palazollo?”
“He’s dead.”
Kari looks at her in disbelief.
“He took Becca hostage. I had no choice.”
Kari collapses on a chair, mute.
Eve looks at her sympathetically. “We heard what happened at the warehouse. Lang called though and Renee is starting to sing.”
“That won’t help Richard! She killed Charnquist
- the only one who could save him. He’s being taken back to
“Its not over yet. We still…” Eve stops as her cell phone rings. “Hello.” She listens in silence a moment, then exclaims, “You did? Where is he now?” She shuts the phone and says to the room with a broad smile. “We’ve got Harry!”
Kari looks up at the tone in her voice, surprised yet hopeful. Eve grabs her hand. “Come on. We’ve got a witness to interrogate. I’m betting you can get him to talk.”
“I need everything you’ve got on him first.”