The Puzzle of Murder

By Anthony Odom

The search for a wanted fugitive leads inspectors Box and Carl into the middle of a murder investigation. Teaming up with an LAPD homicide detective, the trio soon learn not only are the prime suspects prior adversaries, but an unsuspecting ally is supplying the suspects with Box and Carl's every move. In the end, the trio solved the puzzle, but

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stratton Press
• Release date: Aug 26, 2021
• ISBN: 9781648955426

Anthony Odom

Anthony Odom is gaining wide acclaim for the style in which he mixes action and dialog to place the reader inside the story. As with his other books, ‘The Puzzle Of Murder’ gives the reader the feeling he or she is part of the story, an unseen observer sharing every step, thought, and emotion with the characters. With thirty three years in federal law enforcement Anthony Odom has the backdrop to set the stage for an entertaining, emotional, and serious story. ‘The Puzzle Of Murder’ does not disappoint.

Book preview

1

"Carlos, we have got to quit meeting like this."

I know, Inspector Box. It’s just Sister Mary has not been looking over me very well, and my head gets all funny, and I end up here.

Box smiled as he sat down in the metal chair across the table from Carlos. Maybe so, Carlos, but Sister Mary didn’t put the candy in your nose.

Carlos leaned back in his chair and nodded his head in agreement.

And Sister Mary didn’t tell you to go out on the street and stumble around like a drunken sailor either.

Si, Inspector Carl. That was not wise of me either.

Carlos had always been a mystery to Box and Carl. They first encountered Carlos about two years ago when they were looking for a federal parole violator on the east side of Los Angeles. They saw Carlos walking the street, and by his short stature, thin frame, and wild hairdo, they figured he was a drug user and might know something of their fugitive. After a short conversation and a couple twenty dollar bills, Carlos came up with the piece of information that enabled Box and Carl to find their fugitive.

As the months passed, Carlos gave Box and Carl several pieces of information on a variety of fugitives. They never could figure out how Carlos came about his information but didn’t really care; he was reliable, and that was all that mattered. The only problem they had is Carlos had a propensity to get arrested on small beefs, and if they were going to keep him as an informant, they often had to go to the local district attorney’s office to have the charges dismissed.

And now, Carl continued as he sat down in the only other chair at the table, your parole officer wants you to stay here until a court hearing can be scheduled for you in state court.

Carlos bowed his head and shook it back and forth, as if trying to shake out the cobwebs. This jail is no good, Inspector Carl.

Carl looked around at the four bare walls of the interview room.

I don’t know, Carlos. You should have seen the apartment Box used to live in. It was decorated in divorce drab. At least here everything blends together. The gray floor matches the gray walls. The gray metal furniture matches the gray Formica countertops, and the gray bath fixtures match the gray blankets and gray linen.

Carlos looked at Box with a perplexed frown. Your partner very funny sometimes.

You are right, Carlos, he is funny some of the time. But most of the time he’s just a smart ass.

Carlos’s big smile showed off his mostly brown teeth. I like him though, Carlos responded, looking at Carl and then at Box. He give me money last time to buy cigarettes. He considerate with feelings. Carlos leaned forward and placed his forearms on the top of the table. Maybe we can again share feelings and work together, and you can get me released on my own name.

Box laughed and turned sideways in his chair to stretch his legs. Carlos, it’s released on your own recognizance.

Si, Inspector Box, that would be good also.

Carl laid a file on the table and acted as though he was reading as he flipped through a few pages of the file. I don’t know, Carlos. For us to try to get you out of here will require you to give us something really good.

What would be good, Inspector Carl?

Carl looked up from the file in front of him, laid his pen down on the table, and said, Rudolfo Montega.

Carlos leaned back in his chair and paused before he replied, Senor Carl, to say ill of Rudolfo Montega would be like asking for death and hell.

Why do you say that, Carlos? Box asked. You know as well as we do Rudolfo is a major drug dealer.

Si, Inspector Box, but he is considered a saint by the people of Mexico.

Be that as it may, Carl added, we have a warrant for Montega, and any help you can give us in finding him might help you get out of here.

Carlos got up from his chair and walked over to the far wall of the interview room. He stared directly at Box and Carl without saying anything. For what seemed like an eternity, Carlos stood quietly, leaning against the wall with his handcuffed hands resting on the front of his leg. I may be of some help. But it is secure I am not the one telling you.

Carl shook his head. It is secure, Carlos. We will not tell anyone you talked to us.

Carlos returned to the table and sat back down in the chair he was sitting in before. I should have money in commissary to ensure I have enough cigarettes to last.

I will put enough money in your commissary, Carlos. Now tell us what you know about Montega.

One more thing. I have sister who is in junior school. Her name is Julianita. If this all work out, then I would like for you to take Julianita to see Rudolfo.

Carl leaned back in his chair and looked at Carlos like he was speaking tongue. Why would you want us to take your sister to see Rudolfo in prison?

No matter, Inspector Carl. It is important Julianita meet Rudolfo.

OK, Carlos, we will make sure Julianita meets Rudolfo. Now, if there is nothing else, tell us what you know, or we’re out of here.

"As I say, Rudolfo is saint in Mexico. He take care of many people, including corrupt policia. Because of fear of police in America, he not cross border very often. However, when he comes to America, it is always through Canada with fake passport."

Do you know the name on the fake passport? Box asked in hopes of getting at least one solid lead out of Carlos.

No, name changes each time.

OK, Carl added, also trying to elicit a solid lead from Carlos. Do you know why Rudolfo comes to America and where he goes?

I know where he goes but not exactly why.

Carl grabbed his pen to take down the information, but Carlos paused and didn’t say anything.

Box leaned forward in his chair and lightly tapped Carlos on his forearm. This metal chair, Carlos, is making my butt numb. When my butt goes numb, then my legs start to hurt, and I really get cranky. So if you have something to tell us, then get on with it because I’m getting close to cranky.

Rudolfo comes to America to see his aunt, the sister of his mother. She is close to eighty years and counts a great deal on Rudolfo.

Carl was writing as fast as he could and, without looking up from his note-taking, asked, Do you know the aunt’s name and where she lives?

Si, her name is Estancia Gomez. But her maiden name is Estancia Escobido.

Carl immediately stopped writing and looked straight at Carlos and then at Box. Box was staring straight at Carlos. For a moment, nothing was said. It was like Carlos’s words had not quite registered.

Escobido, as in Eduardo Escobido, the attorney general of Mexico?

Carlos nodded his head but didn’t say anything.

And how do you know this? Carl asked in a tone of disbelief.

Because, Carlos replied in sort of a defiant manner, Estancia Gomez and my grandmother are like sisters without being sisters.

So is Estancia the mother of Eduardo?

Si, Inspector Box, but because Estancia was given married name many years ago, very few people know she is mother of Eduardo. Especially since Estancia live in San Diego ever since Eduardo was in high school.

Does Estancia still live in San Diego? Carl asked, continuing to write as fast as he could. And what about your grandmother, Carlos? Where does she live?

Carlos looked at Carl with a blank stare for a minute. She live in city close to San Diego. I don’t remember name of city except it begins with Chula.

Carl looked up from his writing. Chula Vista?

Si, Chula Vista.

Carl looked at Box and quipped, We need to regroup.

Box looked at Carlos, who was still looking at Carl.

"Carlos. Carlos!"

Carlos rotated in his chair so he was looking straight at Box. Si, Inspector Box?

Carlos, we are going to take what you have given us so far and see what we can come up with. I do not want you talking to anyone about our conversation. We may be talking with the locals, and since their case on you is minor, they will probably turn you over to our custody. If that happens, we may move you to another location.

That is good, Inspector Box. But I would be most happy if you and Inspector Carl can leave commissary for me to buy cigarettes.

Box got up from his chair, came around the table to where Carlos was sitting, patted Carlos on the shoulder, and replied, You will have your commissary within the hour.

Carlos beamed that big smile of his and, with his brown teeth still showing, shook Box’s and Carl’s hands.

Just remember, Carlos, Box continued as he looked at Carlos and knocked on the visiting room door so an officer would know he and Carl were ready to leave, don’t talk to anyone until we talk to you again.

No problem, Inspector Box. And hope your butt not too numb.

2

Box and Carl stopped by the sergeant’s desk on the way out and put forty dollars in Carlos’s commissary. As Box and Carl walked down the sidewalk toward their car, both were on their cell phones. Carl was talking with the district attorney’s office to see if he could finagle getting Carlos in their custody sooner than later. Box was on the phone with Enrique Esparanza, an agent with the local office of the Drug and Enforcement Administration.

Yes, Henry, it’s worth you getting off your butt and meeting me and Bones at Starbucks over on Melrose.

Carl had just hung up his phone when he heard Box getting on Henry’s case. Carl made a few more notes in the file as Box called the office to let the boss know they would be out with the DEA and could be reached on their cell phones.

As Box hung up, Carl was smiling and shaking his head. What, Henry saying he’s too busy to meet with us?

The usual, Box replied. He always has something else going on. And I know that is bullshit because he was promoted to supervisor three months ago, and all he does is sit at his desk, read reports, and make sure the other agents don’t do something stupid.

That sounds about right, Carl responded, nodding his head in agreement. Pretty much what our boss does.

Not a bad gig, Box quipped as he turned into the Starbucks parking lot, if you’re ready to get off the street.

Box and Carl were placing their order with the barista when Henry came in the door. Without missing a beat, Henry yelled to Carl to get him a grande coffee and went back out the door. Henry found a table away from the other people sitting outside, enjoying the nice June weather in Los Angeles. Henry knew Carl liked to smoke one of his Jewels Sweet cigars while having his coffee, so being far away from the other patrons eliminated snide remarks about secondhand smoke. And in California, people would complain about secondhand smoke if they were within a block of someone smoking. As with most everything in California, restrictions on smoking in public places were carried way too far.

Here is your grande coffee, Mr. Esparanza.

Thanks, Carl, how very nice of you.

Yeah, like I had any choice, asshole.

Henry laughed as Box came over to the table and sat down.

Box, your partner here was telling me how much of an asshole I am.

Then that is definitely the case, Box responded as he patted Henry on the shoulder, because Bones here is a very good judge of character.

OK, enough of the pleasantries, what is so damn important I had to leave my drab office and get out in this nice weather?

That’s what I have always liked about you, Henry, your positive outlook on life."

Hey, if you two want to keep this shit up, then I can easily come up with a few quips of my own. You know, like the time you guys dressed up like doctors in a hospital just so Box could get the name and number of a particular nurse working in the emergency ward.

Henry smiled because Box and Carl knew he had plenty more where that came from.

OK, regarding our reason for asking you to join us for coffee, Carl quickly interjected to get the conversation going another direction.

Henry leaned back in his chair, clasped his hands on top of his head, and replied, I’m all ears.

As you know, we have a warrant issued on March 23, 2004, for one Rudolfo Montega.

Yes, I know, Carl, because I was the investigating agent on the case until Montega was arrested. And our office is now looking at Montega because he has grown up to be a major distributor in Mexico.

Well, Carl continued as he looked up from reading the notes he had written in the file during his and Box’s interview with Carlos Jiminez, we now have an informant who may be able to give us a means to arrest Montega here in the US.

Henry quickly returned his chair to all four legs and leaned his forearms on the table.

You’re not bullshitting me, are you, Bones?

Not in the slightest, Henry, but we need you to verify a few things so we can vouch for our informant’s veracity.

OK, give me an example.

Box grabbed one of Carl’s cigars and, as he was unwrapping it, said to Henry, Do you guys at DEA know if Montega has any relatives involved in politics in Mexico?

Henry looked at Box with a perplexed look. We have never picked up anything like that. Why?

Never mind for now, we will get to that later.

Henry was getting ready to throw a complaint at Box, but Carl jumped in with another question.

Do you guys know if Montega comes in to the US, and if so, where he crosses the border?

Henry switched his stare to Carl. Yes, we have heard he comes through Canada using fake passports. OK, what’s going on here guys?

Box took a drag off his cigar, leaned in toward Henry, and quietly said, You have just verified our informant is telling us the truth. So we will now get back with our informant and see if we can obtain more information. Once we do that, we will get back to you.

And needless to say, Henry, Carl added, this has to stay very quiet.

Henry looked at both Box and Carl. This could be very, very big guys. We have tried to get close to Montega where he lives in Mexico, but everyone in the nearby city treats him like he is some kind of saint or something. And since we can’t trust the Mexican police, there is no way we can get Montega in Mexico. But if you guys can get Montega over here, we may be able to get him to help us with the bigger fish.

Carl looked at Box and then back to Henry. And who would that bigger fish be, if I may ask?

Henry paused for a minute and then quietly replied, Don Luciano. And you guys can’t breathe that name to anyone. We have been monitoring a number of Luciano’s lieutenants for over a year, and we have enough to go to the grand jury. But we need somebody who can say they have seen Luciano handling either the drugs or the money from the operation of the Luciano organization or has seen Luciano giving orders to his lieutenants.

And you think Montega will have this type of personal relationship with the Don? Carl asked as he unwrapped one of his cigars.

Hopefully, Henry replied, although we have not heard Montega’s name on our wiretaps. But maybe he can tell us how to get close to the Don. Anything would help because we can’t get enough on either Montega or the Don.

Well, I don’t have to tell you, Henry, Box interjected. You guys at the DEA better be ready to give Montega something really special if he helps you with the Don. Because when the Don finds out Montega talked, and the Don will find out, both Montega and his daughter will be dead.

Henry sat back in his chair and stared at Box. Montega has a daughter? Where is she, do you know?

Box could see Henry was getting more excited and knew what Henry was thinking: grab the daughter and make a deal with Montega.

No, Henry, we don’t know where the daughter is, nor do we even know her name. So forget what you are thinking.

Henry shook his head and frowned. Hey, it was just a thought. Anyway, Henry quickly continued, when do you guys think you will be able to find out more from your informant?

Carl could see Box didn’t want to take the question because he was still pissed off at Henry for thinking of grabbing Montega’s daughter for leverage.

I think we can be back in touch with you, Henry, by the day after tomorrow, Thursday.

That sounds great, Carl. You have my cell number, right?

Ten-four, Henry, we are set. And you have our numbers as well, right?

I do, Carl, and I will most definitely call if we come up with something from the wires we have up.

OK, Henry, we know you have to get back to the office, so expect us to get together Thursday.

Henry got up from his chair, shook Carl’s hand, and thanked him for the coffee. He then turned around and waved to Box, who was on his way back in to Starbucks.

Box came out of Starbucks with two coffees, and as he was walking toward the table where Carl was sitting, Carl could tell Box was getting ready to explode. Box set the two coffees on the table, grabbed another cigar out of the pack lying on the table, and proceeded to sit down and light the cigar.

Carl held his breath, waiting for the explosion.

I can’t fucking believe that asshole Henry would even consider grabbing Montega’s daughter. What a fucking prick.

Hey, he was just thinking, Box, just like you and I do when we are brainstorming on how to catch a dirtbag. And speaking of brainstorming, where in the hell did a daughter come from?

It’s a hunch. There is no way Carlos wants us to take his daughter to see Montega when we arrest him.

I agree, that was really an odd request from Carlos. So if you are right, then that means Carlos knows more than he is saying.

Correct, Bones, and we are going to find out tomorrow.

Box looked at his watch and finished the last sip of his coffee. It’s almost 4:00 p.m., so how about we call it a day?

Carl nodded his head in agreement and walked over to throw their coffee cups in the trash receptacle. As he and Box headed for their car, Carl quipped, I never object to getting home before it gets dark because I can get the lawn mowed so I don’t have to do it on the weekend.

Box smiled and as he got in the car. What more could a man want?

3

"Hey, Julie, I’m home!" Carl listened for a response from his wife, and when none came, he mumbled out loud, "Probably out shopping again."

I heard that.

Carl started walking toward the master bedroom. Where are you, and why didn’t you answer?

I’m in our bedroom, and the reason I didn’t answer is because I was under the bed getting a shoe.

Carl walked into the master bedroom and noticed Julie was now in the closet looking through her hanging clothes. Are you going somewhere and desperate to find the right thing to wear?

Julie turned around, grabbed Carl by the shirt collar, and gave him a quick hard kiss. No, I’m not going anywhere tonight, but yes, I am trying to find a certain blouse I bought a month or so ago, which goes perfect with these shoes.

Carl looked at the shoe Julie had in her hand, shook his head the way all men do when their wives talk about shoes, kissed Julie on the lips, patted her on the back side, and as he headed back out the bedroom door, said, I’ll make me something to eat while you look for that special blouse.

Carl was in the kitchen looking out over the backyard and looked up at the clock hanging on the wall over the bay window. It’s not quite 6:00 p.m., so I have about two hours to get the yard mowed and edged. About the time Carl sat down at the kitchen table to quickly consume his sandwich and beer, Julie walked in dressed in a completely different outfit.

Well, what do you think? Don’t you agree this blouse and skirt go perfect with the shoes?

Carl looked Julie up and down and, as he had many times before, said to her, You look gorgeous, sweetheart. And yes, the outfit matches perfectly.

Julie smiled and walked over to Carl and kissed him on the forehead. Nice dinner you made for yourself. Can I make something else for you?

No thanks, sweetheart, I want to get out and mow the yard so I can do something more enjoyable this weekend.

Well, I will try to have my wardrobe squared away by the time you finish the lawn so we can have a beer out on the patio. Or is there a game tonight?

No game, gorgeous, so beer out on the patio it is.

4

"Well, this is a nice surprise, Sarah said as she put her arms around Box’s neck. Can I expect this to be a more common occurrence in the future?"

Box squeezed Sarah around the waist, lifted her off the floor, and gave her a passionate kiss. If there were any way, other than changing jobs or doing something illegal, then I would be home every night at 5:00 p.m.

Sarah smiled as Box let her feet touch the floor. I should have known I would end up with a man who will only do so much to be with me.

Is that so, Box replied as he headed toward Sarah, who was opening the door to the patio.

Just as Box came through the patio door, Sarah grabbed him by the crotch and giggled. Just make sure you remember who these belong to.

Box raised up on his tiptoes and, in a nervous voice, replied, OK, OK, I promise I’ll remember.

Sarah let go of Box’s crotch and giggled again as she pushed him down on the chaise lounge. You seem to be a little nervous, Inspector, so why don’t you relax, and I will get you a rum and Coke.

As Sarah walked back in the house, Box said under his breath, Sure hope I don’t ever really piss her off.

Sarah came back to the patio with Box’s rum and Coke and her usual glass of chardonnay. Box was looking off in the distance as the setting sun gave a hazy gold tint to the Los Angeles skyline.

Damn I like it out here. It is so relaxing.

Sarah pulled the other chaise lounge over next to where Box was sitting and threw a lightweight woven blanket over her shoulders.

Box put his hand on Sarah’s shoulder. You OK, honey?

Sarah patted Box’s hand and took a sip of her wine. Yes, big boy, I’m fine. It’s just I don’t have as much meat on my body as you do, so consequently, I get cold quicker.

Box sat up and turned to face Sarah. "Muscle would have been a much more complimentary term than meat."

Sarah started laughing so hard, she sprayed the front of Box’s shirt with the wine she had in her mouth. The resulting look on Box’s face made Sarah laugh even harder to where she had to put her wineglass down.

"I’m sorry, honey, I didn’t mean to spit on you, and yes, I should have said muscle instead of meat because I really do enjoy your muscle."

Before Box could respond, Sarah caught what she had just said and started laughing again. I mean muscles, not muscle.

Box shook his head, turned back around in his chair, and took a swallow of his rum and Coke. You are a silly girl, Sarah, and I love you for it.

Sarah took another sip of her wine, sat her glass down on the little table between the two chairs, and lay down on Box’s lap with her back against his chest. You better like it, big boy, because I don’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon.

5

"Yes, sir, we talked with DEA yesterday, and they verified what Carlos had told us. So, Box continued as he motioned to Carl to check his notes in the file, we definitely think it is warranted to get Carlos in another jail facility where we can talk with him without a concern for his safety."

So you want to get Carlos in federal custody. That’s fine, Bill Tyson replied, but don’t the locals have charges pending on Carlos?

Not anymore, Carl interjected as he raised his head from reading his notes in the file. I talked with the district attorney’s office yesterday, and they said their case was minor, and they would just as soon close it out and turn Carlos over to us.

Bill got up from his desk and walked over to look out his office window. Tyson, the head guy at the Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force in Los Angeles, never doubted what Box and Carl told him. The two of them were the best he had, and he was never uncomfortable letting them do what needed to be done. He had been in the Marshals Service for over twenty years, worked fugitives for over twelve years, and had a reputation of being a straight-up guy who didn’t like catching bullshit from anybody. Box and Tyson hit it off from the very first day because both of them were big in stature and had similar personalities, although Tyson was a lot smoother around the edges.

OK, so what is your ultimate objective? Just getting your fugitive or helping DEA get the Don?

"Boss, you know Carl and I want Montega first, and then we will help the DEA if Montega knows anything. Or I should say if Montega will say anything."

Tyson looked at Carl. When will you be able to pick up Carlos and get him in federal custody?

Box and I can pick him up when we leave here, and we thought we would put him down in the Santa Ana jail.

That sounds good. So if there is nothing else, then get the hell out of here, and be careful.

As Box and Carl headed out the door, Tyson yelled, And keep me up to date on what is going on! This could very well develop into something a lot bigger than we know.

Box and Carl raised their hands to let Tyson know they heard what he said and headed for the elevator lobby. Little did they know those words would prove to be prophetic.

Box pushed the elevator button for the underground parking and leaned against the wall of the elevator. I’m ready for some coffee because after we pick up Carlos, it will be a few hours before we catch lunch.

Works for me, Carl replied as he pulled a candy bar out of his bag. It’s important to keep nourishment in the body.

As Box and Carl exited the elevator and headed for their SUV, Box remarked, I don’t want this stuff with Carlos to be a marathon. Let’s find out what else he knows right now and get after it. We’ve already danced the dance with informants who want to string things out so they can continue to get preferential treatment.

As Carl opened the back passenger door to the SUV, he looked over the roof of the car and replied, I’m with you. Besides, if we do end up getting Rudolfo and he wants to talk, it will end up being a marathon anyway.

Box pulled out of the parking garage and turned left toward Starbucks.

Carl was looking at his notes in the file and quipped, The first thing we have to do is find a way to interview Rudolfo’s aunt in San Diego. She is the only person who can get Rudolfo back in the US to where we can grab him.

I agree, Bones, so let’s see if we can come up with an idea over coffee and a cigar.

Well, that didn’t take long, Box remarked as he took a slow sip of his latte with no whip. Damn, they make this stuff hot.

You know, Box, I have always admired your ability to recognize the obvious.

You’re a real smart-ass, Bones, you know that? Just remember you’re going to miss me when I’m gone.

Are you planning on going somewhere?

No, Box replied as he took one of Carl’s cigars out of the pack and unwrapped it. But it’s possible, I will win the lottery this week and tender my resignation.

Can I help you buy some tickets?

OK, asshole, keep it up, and I won’t leave you my nice wood-and-metal desk set.

Carl leaned back in his chair, took a swig of his coffee, and replied, Damn, I never thought of that, my apologies.

Box turned sideways in his chair to stretch his legs. OK, so we agree we have to talk to Montega’s aunt. But to get to the aunt, we need an introduction from Carlo’s grandmother. You agree?

I agree, Carl replied as he got up and threw his coffee cup in the trash receptacle. So let’s go get Carlos, get him down to Santa Ana, and see if we can get lucky.

Box threw his cup in the trash, and as he was walking behind Carl to their SUV, he remarked, Speaking of lucky, let’s stop on the way and get a lottery ticket.

***

Box and Carl handed Carlos over to the booking sergeant at the Santa Ana jail and advised him that they would be in one of the interview rooms waiting to talk with Carlos as soon as he became an official resident of the jail. The sergeant indicated he would have Carlos over to the interview room within a half hour.

What a difference between here and the county jail, Carl remarked as he and Box walked down the hallway to where the interview rooms were located.

As Box and Carl entered the room they were assigned by the control officer, they both smiled and shook their heads. Instead of a gray metal table and three small gray metal chairs, the room was equipped with a dark mahogany-colored wooden desk, three good-size chairs in dark blue–colored fabric, and overhead lights that could be dimmed for a less stressful environment.

Did you notice how the walls are painted a pale blue and the ceiling an off white?

Yes, Carl replied, and the cream-colored granite tile on the floors. From what I understand, they did a study and found the colors light blue and soft white are calming and relax people more than any other color.

Box shook his head and quipped, Beats buying all the prisoners Prozac.

Carlos entered the interview room with a huge smile. Man, this be a nice jail. Next time I get stupid, I make sure I do it in this city.

Carl motioned for Carlos to take a seat at the table. Did you get your money and cigarettes?

Si, señor Carl, Carlos replied as he pulled two packs out of the pockets of the newly issued jumpsuit he was wearing. And I can use commissary at all times.

We are very pleased you like it here, Carlos, Box interjected, so if we may, let’s get down to talking about what we need to do.

No problem, señor Box, tell me what you need me to say.

Carlos, we need to talk with your grandmother. And we need to talk to her in person. Do you think you can make that happen?

I don’t think so, señor Box. My grandmother is over eighty, and it would be hard for her to come here.

Carl snickered as he turned in his chair to face Carlos. No, Carlos, we will go to your grandmother’s house. We just want you to call her and tell her we would like to come and talk with her tomorrow.

Oh, that is no problem. My grandmother enjoy people coming to her house. You have phone?

Carl pulled his cell phone out of its belt case and handed it to Carlos. Carlos looked at the phone for a minute, and then punched in a number. After a few seconds, Carlos began talking to someone in Spanish. Carl had no idea what Carlos was saying, but Box knew enough Spanish to know Carlos was in fact talking with his grandmother and discussing him and Carl coming down for a visit. Box knew he and Carl were in when Carlos mentioned to his grandmother how they had helped him get out of a bad place. Box thought it was cute the way Carlos said bad place instead of bad jail.

Carlos hung up the cell phone and handed it back to Carl. Grandmother will be home tomorrow, and she will make tea after lunch.

Very good, Carlos. Now Box and I would like to ask you a few questions.

That is no problem, Carlos replied as he pulled out one of his cigarettes and leaned back in his chair. What is it you want me to say?

Carlos, you said Montega always comes to the US through Canada because he is afraid of the police in Mexico and the police in the US. What does that mean?

Carlos looked at Box as if he was trying to think of the right words. "Montega know there are policia on both sides of border who work with drug cartels. He feel if he captured on Mexican border, he would be used for ransom and then killed. Policia in Canada not involved with cartels in Mexico."

Carl finished with his note-taking and looked up at Carlos. The majority of what you know about Montega is from your grandmother, correct?

Si, my grandmother very close to Montega’s aunt. They are like sisters.

So, Carl continued, the aunt tells your grandmother stuff, and then your grandmother tells you. Correct?

Si, señor Carl, that is correct.

How often, Carlos, do you go see your grandmother? As you said, she is too old to come here and visit you.

Carlos pulled out another cigarette. I go to San Diego first of month. Grandmother help me with money.

Before I forget, Carlos, can you tell me the address of your grandmother’s house?

Carlos looked up and to the right, as if trying to remember the address. Carlos then looked at Box and, after a short