Credible Justice II: The Devil May Laugh

By Gerry Stewart

In this, the second book of the series, the team continue their quest to enforce justice on those who have escaped from their grasp. They close the net on Napolitano's major drugs syndicate, which has caused the deaths and heartache for many people caught in it’s wake. Stone leads his team into the danger zone, while continuing his personal anguish over his capabilities, judgements and morals. Despite political interference and the unexpected involvement in a potential coup in Cuba; the team must find a route through to achieve their goals of credible justice.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Legend Press
• Release date: Mar 7, 2017
• ISBN: 9781787193345

Book preview

yourself.

CHAPTER 1

You are a Goddamn fuckwit! Cross shouted, as he slammed his closed fist down hard on the table. The noise reverberated around the featureless interview room, causing the uniformed correctional officer to jump forward and make his presence known.

Sir, please take your seat and calm down, he shouted.

Cross locked eyes on the officer, as he pointed into the top corner of the room. Cross followed his finger and stared for a moment at the camera.

I’m sorry. It’s okay, thank you. His attention returned to the prisoner in the blue overall, who sat in chains, at the opposite side of the table.

I know you can understand English, you son of a bitch, because you were speaking it very well at the apartment in Orlando.

The Hispanic prisoner smiled and said zip.

Cross sat back in the plastic bucket shaped chair; his actions mirrored by the prisoner. Cross stared at him for a few seconds in silence.

I know you can speak English, and I know you are Cuban.

The prisoner raised his eyebrows.

I know you have close connections with the Cuban government.

The prisoner smiled.

And I know that your government want you back.

The prisoner frowned and shuffled uneasily.

We think that it makes a lot of sense for them to pay to look after you, rather than our tax payers. What do you think, butt hole?

The prisoner sat back, stern-faced, but said nothing.

Cross nodded, stood up and beckoned the officer to open the door to let him out. As Cross moved into a holding area, effectively a big cage, a buzzer activated, followed by a clanking noise. The large sliding metal gate slowly opened up.

Cross stepped across the corridor and looked up at yet another camera. The door slammed shut behind him, causing him to shudder. He looked toward the heavens and shook his head, before noticing a smartly attired man in front of him.

Did that go to plan? the warden said.

Sorry, warden, I take it you were observing from somewhere?

Sure I was, but only to see if he would say anything, because so far, we haven’t a clue who he is. In fact, I am surprised he’s here in a State prison at all.

Cross agreed, The problems are complex, because there are implications at national level.

Yep, I get that, because we rarely get agents from Homeland Security here, but I also hear rumblings about him and his friend having to move out? You kinda reinforced that in there.

Cross nodded, That’s true, and I need to find a way to explain that to a buddy of mine, who was nearly killed by that guy. I think I can guess what his take will be.

Oh that’s too bad! His friend is equally disciplined, and my guess is that from my time in the military, is that those two are well trained in keeping their mouths shut.

I’ve interviewed him too, so I know where you are coming from, and I absolutely agree about their training. Is there any way you can make life a bit more unpleasant for them?

The warden smiled. I guess we can put them in orange coveralls; that way, they will think that are in for the duration, or even better, heading for the execution chamber.

That would be a bit of justice, as well as fun.

Cross held out his hand to say his farewells; there was nothing else to be gleaned from the two Cubans. Another officer escorted him through the maze of corridors until he found himself outside near his vehicle. He looked back at the entrance, thanking his lucky stars, he could leave when he wanted to.

Stone lowered himself onto the swing bench, which was on the porch outside of the lodge. As he did so, he pressed his abdomen with the palm of his right hand. He grimaced with pain, as he made contact with the seat.

Lozano edged herself toward him but was stopped by Stones’ extended left hand. She sat down on a chair nearby, close to a table, without taking her eyes off him. Cross joined them, carrying a tray of coffee and cookies, putting the tray on the table and grabbed a chair, sitting down beside Lozano.

Take your pick, Maria, I can only make coffee one way and that’s poorly, so they are all the same.

Lozano looked into the coffee with disdain, before diverting her attention to Cross.

Where’s the milk, Ty? I take mine white.

Oh jeez, sorry, honey, it’s because I take mine black and strong, you know, like my men.

Stone laughed audibly before the pain forced him to grab his abdomen again, trying desperately to stop himself from shaking. He glanced at Cross, who was wearing a big smile, which didn’t make it any easier to control himself.

Once again, Lozano stood up with the intention of aiding her friend, and again, Stone rebuffed her.

Maria, I am fine honestly. He settled himself down for the second time, laying back onto the cushion which supported his back.

Lozano was anxious and very concerned about Stone. She was emotionally attached, and had been from the day they met off the plane from London.

Cross poured the coffee and handed one to Stone. He also wanted it white, but accepted it the way it was, because he didn't want to force Cross to share any more jokes, at least, not until his stitches were removed.

It’s good to be out of the hospital, Stone said.

It’s great to have you back buddy, especially after what could have happened to you.

Stone nodded, Yeah I know; I was a lucky guy and I am lucky to have a great team, when things go pear shaped. He smiled at Lozano.

Lozano grinned, before pouring milk into her coffee. Her refusal to comment didn’t fool him.

I owe you my life, Maria, and thank God, you all disobeyed my instructions.

Maria’s eyes moistened, I know we are all here because of our job, but even so…

Stone dropped his head, You are right, Maria, but I was wrong not to include you all in that operation. It’s clear, I was misled, duped or whatever you want to call it. Not for a minute did I expect to find myself tangling with two thugs, fighting for my life.

They weren’t thugs, Den, Cross offered.

Oh! What did you find?

Maria and I have done some checking up, and the problems were compounded because these two guys didn’t appear on our systems.

Stone’s face tightened, What do you mean?

Oh don’t worry, we did find something out, but they have no criminal record here in the States, or anywhere else for that matter.

Stone leaned forward and groaned. So what’s their story?

Cross looked toward Lozano; she continued: We could not identify them at first, because they weren’t giving anything away, including their identities. We understood them to be exiled Cubans, but it appears that they are not exiled, but part of the Cuban set up.

What do you mean by the Cuban set up? Stone asked.

Close connections with the government.

Doing what?

Apart from trying to kill you and kidnapping the girl in the apartment, we’re not entirely sure. That part of it needs to be looked at.

Stone relaxed back against the cushion. So they were going to kidnap Beccy Lane, the Prime Minister’s God-daughter. Okay, but what about George Lima, what was his part in all of this, because isn’t he some distant relative of the Castro dynasty?

Yes he is, Lozano said. We haven’t worked out what was going on here yet, Den.

Stone nodded, I know; it’s difficult, especially when they are not talking. Where are they now?

Cross interrupted, Florida State Prison, and that’s where we have the next problem, Den.

Go on.

The reason we could find out who they are, is because Maria put their photos around our internal system and one of our Miami based agents recognised them from dealings with Cuba in the past. Cuba is prepared to take them back and deal with them if released. This is now being discussed at the governmental level.

Stone exhaled, What the hell have I got into?

We! forced Lozano. It’s we now, Den.

Of course it is, sorry. I just don’t quite get what’s going on here. It seems there’s a whole lot of high level interest in a job I was asked to do personally for the Prime Minister and I am really pissed that there are more questions than answers.

Cross stood up and leaned against one of the porch’s wooden supports.

That’s not all either, Den. Unless we are prepared to let them go back, we will have to force them to court to stand trial for attempted murder on you. There isn’t much we can prove without us being soaked into the system.

Stone rubbed his forehead.

So the reality is, if I’ve got all of this right, the US and Cuban governments, want them out of prison and if that’s the case, I am guessing that the British hierarchy does too?

Lozano opened up her hands. Something is sure going on that is out of our pay grade, Den.

I get that, Maria, but it’s bugging me big time. I’ve walked into something that nearly ended my life, and there are no answers to any of it.

We? challenged Cross. We are getting no answers. Don’t forget the team.

Yeah, sorry again; both of you.

Answers would be good though, wouldn’t they? Cross said. And I for one think we can find them.

Stone nodded. The trouble is with going down this route, we are going to be a way off track from our prime purpose of sorting out the streets.

Lozano widened her eyes. But is that still our baby, Den? After all, you haven’t satisfied me that you are not involved with something bigger than us anyway.

Perhaps our scope is wider than I imagined, Maria, but the principal is the same; disruption of street crime and the biggest cause of that, can be tracked to drug supplying and creating gang bangers etc.

Maria scoffed, Open up, Den, if you can’t trust us, then how can we work with you?

I agree with, Maria, buddy, Cross said.

Stone held out his hands, Look I get your concern and I’m sorry. The truth is, I don’t know how to do anything else, other than aim for the head of a snake. Our aim was to stay at street level, and punch away until we cleaned up different areas. The problem, of course, is that we have worked so well, we’ve had a chance of destroying lines of drug running and their links. The effects of which, have turned out much greater than we could have contemplated.

Cross shrugged his shoulders, It’s fine by me, buddy, as long as we get paid every month.

The problem is, that we have no direction from the people in power who set this up. Their attitude is that we know the game better than they do, so do what you do, and get on with it.

Exactly, Den, which means that they are happy to let you do what you think best.

I have no right to drag you all around, just because I think it’s the right thing to do.

Once again, I’m happy the way it’s going. I don’t feel I’m being dragged anywhere.

Okay! Stone said. Let’s look at this another way. We know that our team can be left in the dirt, as being unofficial renegades, mercenaries or whatever our paymasters call us. They will disown us if there is a cock up. My worry for all of you is that at some point, they may want to do exactly that, and we might not be able to judge when that will happen.

Cross rubbed his mouth, I think we have already stumbled into those realms with this Cuban fiasco.

I for one need to keep going, to get some answers, Stone said. I have no right to expect to want the same things.

Nothing’s changed, Den. We are where we are, and it leaves us with the same job to do. Finding out a little more about our own mini Cuban crisis is vital for all of us.

Lozano scratched her head, I am as sure as hell more confused than ever, but it sounds a bit more convincing, Den.

Stone chuckled, I love your Spanish accent, Maria; so sexy. He turned red.

Cross laughed, Well that’s a hell of a line to force a change in subject, buddy.

Okay, okay, back to work, Stone pleaded. And speaking of which, any news about Steve and Judy?

A surveillance job up in New York again.

Yeah I know, but any progress about slowing down Napolitano’s drug supply chain?

They reckon that there was some disruption since we got involved, Lozano said, and they prod it now and again to keep them on their toes.

Good, so if they don’t need us where they are, maybe we can do some investigating ourselves down this way?

Cross pointed at Stone. You know, Den, you’re not fit enough to do too much of anything yet.

Yeah, I will have to be careful, but at the end of the day, I don't intend to hang about doing nothing either.

I guess we will have to establish a starting point, but ultimately we have to find out why you were put in such a life-threatening situation?

I agree, Ty, and the problem is I don’t know who to trust, including our governments.

As long as we can trust each other, buddy, Cross said. In which case, we will have to feed them with information that we want them to have, and nothing more.

And have you something in mind? Stone quizzed.

I do.

Lozano smiled and nodded, as she stood up and pushed the chair aside. She looked at Stone and felt compelled to move closer to him, tenderly touching his face.

Stone nodded and whispered:

I’ll be fine I promise.

Cross winked at Stone and followed Lozano to the control room. There was work to be done.

CHAPTER 2

Stone opened the door to the balcony and was hit by the Miami mid-afternoon sun. He stepped back inside and retrieved his sun glasses, grateful to have the heat aiding his recovery. He leant over the balcony rail and looked at the marina below. It was a sight to behold, with yachts and a variety of vessels moored up. He shook his head at the sight.

Cross joined him, also leaning over and looking. Outstanding view from here, huh, Den?

It’s incredible what you can see, Ty. I was just thinking, we must be on the top floor; being the 30th that is?

Sure are, and I can see why Maria booked us in these rooms.

Yeah, we can’t miss anything moored in this marina, and if Maria is right, it’s around here that the two Cuban men came ashore, Stone said.

Well it’s an educated guess, judging from the pings she got from the photo analysis on the nearby cameras, but clearly, the photos show that this is definitely the right marina.

Stone was distracted, Yeah, well that’s true. Hey, look! You can just about jump into the pool from here.

What! Oh sure, if you’re crazy enough. It’s a long way down, and I wouldn’t like to do it, laughed Cross.

Stone scanned the views, taking in the ocean and the several routes, sea faring vessels can use to enter a number of marinas in the area. An impressive waterfront with a plethora of hotels as a backdrop along the waterfront. He lifted his head, allowing the hot rays from the sun to penetrate his skin. Closing his eyes, he listened to a chorus of squawking sea birds following a small fishing boat in the channel below him. For a few moments he thought of the healing properties of the sun and of Maria Lozano.

Den, are you okay?

What? Yeah, sorry, Ty, I was miles away.

It’s time to get organised and meet our contact.

Sure, Ty, I’m all yours

Look, I can do this on my own; there’s no danger on this one at all.

No, Ty, count me in, because I am no good just sitting about while someone else does all the work.

Okay, Den, I need to get a cab for this part of the trip.

You just carry on, Ty. This is your baby, and I am more than happy to take a back seat.

Cross smiled as he lifted the room phone. "No you’re not, Den. You’re not happy, are you?’

No, I bloody hate it, so hurry up, you smart assed American.

It’s all done, Cross said. There is a yellow cab coming for us in fifteen minutes. It was weird though. The receptionist asked if I required a regular cab or water cab; you don’t often get asked that?

So what are we getting?

For this one, a regular cab.

Shame.

I know you like the water, Den, but I promise we’ll have a go in a boat before we leave. Is that okay?

Yep! You promise?

I do.

Stone reached for his abdomen. You need to cut out the wisecracks until I heal. Come on, let’s jump into the elevator and get going.

No problem, we can travel light because it’s a tourist area we are going to; plenty of folk around in the afternoon, as well as the cops.

"Where to, Ty?’

A place just a few blocks from here. Little Havana it’s called, obviously a Cuban district. I guess I could have walked it…

If it wasn’t for me?

Stop feeling sorry for yourself and let’s get downstairs.

Stone closed the room door behind him, double checking it was secured, then walked toward the elevator further down the corridor.

Cross pulled out the vibrating cell phone from his shirt breast pocket.

Yo! Buenos Dias yourself, he answered. Yes, we’re leaving the Epic Hotel now, Ricardo. Yes, we’re going to meet a cab now, and I guess we’ll see you in a few minutes… okay, see you soon.

Wrong number? Stone joked.

Yep! Jeez, you really hate playing second fiddle, bud.

So this guy is called Ricardo?

I’m not sure if that’s his real name, but it’s all that’s necessary, I guess.

They exited the elevator on the ground floor, close to the reception. The foyer was a hive full of multi-coloured shirts, with a wide variation of headgear. Now and again a suit would appear and hurry through the masses of tourists, to get to where it needed to go.

Their cab was waiting for them when they stepped outside of the hotel and into the sunshine and Cross confirmed it was theirs. A young man in one of those busy suits, made a mistake of presuming the ride was his for the taking, and was unceremoniously pulled back by Cross from his attempt to get in. With an apology and a necessary straightening of the tie, he moved to the next cab in line.

Cross beckoned his friend to get inside first, before following and closing the door. The driver asked him to confirm his destination.

Domino Park please.

Sí, Señor. Hey, you could have walked there! I saw the way you dealt with that young man; I am sure you are fit enough. Stone lowered his head.

Thank you, Señor, but sometimes we have to think of those less fortunate, and with their problems. He put his arm over Stone’s shoulder.

Sí, Señor.

Stone reluctantly opened his mouth. Domino Park.

It’s actually called Gomez Park, but you will understand when we get there.

The cab winded its way in-between the busy lanes that all converged on the bustling port area. Breaking through the melee, with vehicles inter-weaving at every opportunity, they arrived at their destination. Cross attempted to help his friend out of the back of the vehicle, but Stone shrugged him off.

As the cab doors shut behind them, Cross searched through the crowds in and around a number of tables, which were all encased within a red-tiled roof, held into place by green framed wooden posts. Ideal for shelter from the sun and from the afternoon tropical showers. Stone soon realised why the name had been changed by the locals, when he heard a clacking noise coming from the tables, due to the several games of dominos in progress.

I understand that this is a daily event happening here, Den.

Yeah, and why not in the sunshine, a great place to spend retirement.

I still can’t see my man yet.

Okay, Ty, what and who are we looking for?

Ricardo in the first instance. He’s local, and has unbelievable connections in the Hispanic community. I have met him face to face once, but he’ll find me before I see him.

Why do you say that?

Have a good look around you, my friend, apart from the tourists, most faces are Hispanic or Latino.

They deployed themselves among the jostling spectators of the dominos and even a chess game thrown in for variation. Something