“You wearing sunscreen, Lucy?”
“Umf. Uh. yeah.”
“Have to be careful. Two more days till Friday.”
It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week, we met Pricilla Thomas, the Assistant District Attorney for the Federal judicial district covering Reno and Lake Tahoe. She also met Lazar and made it quite clear who was in charge. It looks like she is ready to start questioning Lazar, so I think we better get over there.
“Mr. Stennis, I will be recording this session, so that we have an accurate depiction of the conversation. This recording will not take the place of a signed affidavit and will be used to simply record today’s discussion for possible use in an affidavit. I hope you understand that this recording is in lieu of a court reporter. A court reported may or may not be necessary in the future, but for today, the recording will suffice. A copy of this recording will be made available to you. Let me advise though, anything your client says can and may be used against him in a court of law. Do you understand what I have covered?”
“Yes, ADA Thomas. My client and I understand.”
“Okay, then let me turn on the recording, and we can get underway. Ahem This is an informal discussion with Lazar Popović. Present is his attorney Jerry Stennis as well as representatives of the State patrol and Boston police department. I have explained that this recording could be used in a court of law, but that official documents would be generated should this become necessary. Council for Mr. Popović has agreed to the terms. My first question to you, Mr. Popović, do you swear to tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth?”
“I do.”
“You understand that lying to a federal officer is a felony and punishable by up to ten years in jail per count?”
“I was not aware but don’t intend to tell any lies.”
“Fair enough. For the record, please state your full name.”
“Uh Lazar Matija Popović.”
“And your address?”
“1663 Piney Woods Drive. Reno, Nevada “
“Thank you. Are you an American citizen?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, now to some more interesting stuff. Please tell me how you came to have all those drugs in your possession.”
“Objection.”
“Yes, Mr. Stennis.”
“It has not been established that Mr. Popović was in possession of any drugs.”
“Fair point. Let me ask you a different way, Mr. Popović. Have you ever been in possession of large amounts of illegal controlled substances or street drugs?”
“Yes, I have.”
“Were you in possession of the drugs seized in a raid on your warehouse yesterday?”
“It was my warehouse, and I knew the drugs were there.”
“That doesn’t answer my question.”
“Well, it is hard to answer your question truthfully.”
“How so?”
“I didn’t own the drugs.”
“I didn’t ask if you owned them, I asked if you were in possession of them.”
“Does possession mean that they are on my property?”
“Yes, it does.”
“Okay then, yes, I was in possession of the drugs.”
“Now to your other point. Who owned the drugs?
“See, I’m not really sure. I know who paid me to store them.”
“Okay, who was that?”
“Mr. Taggert.”
“The assistant city attorney for Reno Taggert?”
“The very same.”
“How did he pay you?”
“in cash.”
“You were paid how much in cash?”
“For that lot, three million give or take.”
“Where is the money now?”
“Still in my bedroom at my house. It’s a pretty big bundle.”
“I’ll bet it is. Back to Taggert.”
“Yes?”
“Do you have any idea who he is working for?”
“I do, but it would be conjecture. At least I know who Taggert said would be very disappointed it anything happened to the drugs before they were distributed.”
“Okay, who was that?’
“He mentioned Cortez.’
“Did he also mention Nikola Stanković?”
“He wouldn’t dare.”
“Tell me more.”
“Stanković has the power to eliminate Taggert just for saying his name.”
“So, he’s not involved in your deal?”
“Not to my knowledge.”
“Just Cortez and Taggert.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Okay, let’s take a break for a minute. We’ll be right back.”
Fiction Favorites 
Seriously? Can we trust a word Popović says?
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Well, he is under oath after all. 😁
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🤐
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Sounds like a whitewash to me…
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Or even hogwash. 😁
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I think this could be a long proceeding. That photo is hilarious, John! ❤ If only I could sleep that well.
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I know right? These two have an advanced degree in napping. Thank you, Jill.
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Another splendid shot, dear John! Twiggy resort’s sleeping beauties. 🙂 Come, brave knight Friday! Rescue them! 🙂
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They need a rescue. Thank you, Maria.
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🙂 😉 😉
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😊
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Uh oh, a bigger bad guy enters the mix? This is getting interesting. I hope they send someone to his house to get that money. I’d volunteer if I lived closer.
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I think someone will go there right away. Got to get a warrent first. Thanks for the offer but we got this. 😊
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Dang
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Sorry. Here have a Corona.
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That helps.
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The plot thickens . . .
I’m with Lucy and Twiggy. Just let me sleep the rest of the week until Friday.
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Wouldn’t that be wonderful? Thanks, Liz.
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You’re welcome, John.
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😊
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I’m enjoying this, John. I hope never to be in this situation, but it’s good to know the procedure! By the way, I actually thought today was Thursday. Thanks for setting me straight 😉
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Yes. Now and then it is good to label the day so we all stay on track. Thank you, Barbara.
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Haha, true!
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That looks like a lot of progress. I assume something will go off the rails soon.
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Hahahha. The sad thing is you are probably right. Thanks, Charles.
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You’re welcome.
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Oooo… now we’re getting somewhere (I think). This is exciting, John! Keep that sunscreen on the girls. They’re adorable!
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Thank you, Jennie. 😁 They need to wear it for sure.
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You’re welcome, John. 🙂
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Oh my! Well, that all came out way too easy. I don’t believe a word he is saying, but I also think Taggert is behind it somehow. Guess we’ll just have to wait and see. 🙂 Good segment, John! I love the reveals (if indeed they are.) 🙂
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Thank you, Jan. On the legitimacy of the reveals let’s just say this serial can go on for another five years or so. 😁
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Lol, John! 🙂
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😂
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I knew Taggert would show up somewhere in all this. Lucy and Twiggy look plumb tuckered.
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They always look plumb tuckered when the temp hits 100. 😁Thanks, Teri
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Seems to me that, with that hunk of cash in the mix, this story wouldn’t have just popped out of his mouth so glibly. My antennae are out, but I’ll hang on until next week and see where this goes. The girls have a lovely place to snooze!
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Keep those antennae will tuned. Thanks, Debbie.
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The pups have the right idea. ♥ They look so comfy! A great development of the story, John. It’s in high gear, and like the weather, I’m not sure what’s ahead — but I don’t trust Taggart.
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Good not to trust Taggert for sure. Thanks, Gwen.
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That was very simple. I’m suspicious of the person he is denying has any part in it.
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Yes so true. Thanks, Denise
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If feels like progress to me. I’m usually wrong, but it feels like it.
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Yeah, it’s progress. Sort of.
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That was quite a session…
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Yes it was. Thank you, Billy Ray
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Oh my, that was tense, John. Great scene with the legalities deftly described. I can see how they’d need a break. Wheew… Hugs on the wing!
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Thank you, Teagan. Hugs
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Excellent chapter. Now if he is telling the truth, this can be a step in the right direction. That if is rather big, though.
Those two have it right. No wasting energy when the temps are so high.
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Thanks, Dale. I agree with you.
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Hmmm
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Good comment “hmmm.”
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Boom! I know this is going to lead me to a name that I WASN’T expecting, since Taggert has been on the list. But I’m impressed that he added a “give or take” to the sum of three million dollars. Must be nice!
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When you’ve got it flaunt it. 😁
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