It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we were witness to a deal struck between Nikola Stanković and Larry, whereby Stanković would give Larry some information on illegal activities that Lazar Popovic is doing. Larry would then arrest Popovic, removing he and Andrew’s concern about Popovic having them shot. In return, Nikola Stanković would be free to control the state of Nevada. The Lieutenant seemed to be ignoring the whole conversation, but Larry knew he was just setting up a deniable plausibly situation. So now, Nikola Stanković has given Larry the information to go ahead and get a warrant for Popovic’s arrest. Larry, Andrew, and the Lieutenant and ten SWAT team members are closing in on a warehouse where Popovic is supposedly directing a shipment of drugs to the East Coast. I think we better join the team, so we don’t miss anything.

“Okay, so Larry and Andrew, I think you two ought to stay out here. I don’t want you to get hurt. These guys aren’t going to give up easily. Our intel says these are not nice people.”

“I understand your concern, lieutenant, but speaking for myself, I want to go in with you.”

“Same here, Lieutenant.”

“Too bad I don’t have a liability release form here I would make you both sign it.”

“That’s pretty funny. So, how’s this going down?”

“Our tactical guys will go through the door and hit the group with some stun grenades. Hopefully, no one will feel like shooting.”

“We want Popovic alive. I have a few questions for him.”

“If all goes well, we will have everyone alive, and you can ask all the questions you want.”

“Sounds good. When do we start?”

“Let me raise the team. Team black. Radio check. Good, all present. We are going to execute the plan on my mark. We want everyone alive and safe, so be careful. Alright, we will commence in one minute. Stand by. Black leader out. You two will stay behind me agreed?”

“Yes, boss.”

“Good. We are ready. Black team, on my mark three two one, execute, execute, execute.”

“Holy crap, Larry, we are really doing this?”

“You had a chance to boogie.”

“You know I wouldn’t do that.”

“You two knock it off and stay with me.”

“Yes, boss.”

“The tactical team is inside, and the grenades have been deployed. Let’s go.”

“Right behind you.”

“The reports are good. We have ten suspects and no shots fired. I think you have all your witnesses.”

“Did we get Popovic?”

“We are here. Let’s find out. Okay, everyone. Keep your hands on your heads. which one of you is Lazar Popovic.”

“I am Lazar Popovic. What is the meaning of this outrage?”

“You and your team are under arrest on suspicion of transporting illegal drugs. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you understand the rights I have just read to you? With these rights in mind, do you wish to speak to me?”

“Yes, I do. What the hell is going on here?”

“I just told you.”

“Drugs? I don’t know anything about drugs. I’m an honest businessman. This is my distribution center, and I would like you all to leave.”

“Sorry, Lazar. We can’t do that. We have a warrant to search the place.”

“For these so-called drugs?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Okay, then. I will need to have my lawyer with me before I say more.”

“That is your right, sir. Please put your hands behind you.”

“You are going to cuff me then?”

“Yes, sir. We are also going to restrain your team.”

“Everyone be quiet. I have a lawyer coming.”

“Did you call him already?”

“No. Can I make the call?”

“Of course.”

“You. Are the nicest cop. Who are these guys in baggy suits?”

“Two associates from Boston.”

“Yeah, they look like out of towners for sure. I’ll just be a minute. My phone is in my pocket. I would like to get it.”

“Let me help you. Here it is. Make the call, then I’ll cuff you.”

 

 

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week, we learned from Nikola Stanković (A dominant Serbian underworld boss) that Lazar Popović (Another Serbian underworld boss) may be behind the attempts on Larry and Andrew’s life. We also found out that Lazar Popović’s sister was married to Igor Sandusky. So now that we have so many names we can’t pronounce, we should get on with the story. The gang has had their second drink of Stanković’s private vodka stock, so it looks like they are getting down to business.

 

“So, Mr. Dunfee, I have a proposal for you.”

“I’m all ears, Mr. Stanković.”

“Ha. ‘All ears.’ One of those American idioms, Yes?”

“Yes, sir. Means I’m listening.”

“Okay, then. You have a major enemy in Lazar Popović, yes?”

“I only have your word for that.”

“You. Can trust my word.”

“Okay, let’s just say that Lazar Popović is trying to kill Andrew and me for reasons unknown.”

“Good. Now let’s say Lazar Popović has some problem with the law, Yes?”

“Problem? What kind of problem?”

“Oh, maybe he is caught trying to distribute some illegal drugs or something like that.”

“How would we find out about illegal drugs?”

“Well, let’s assume you have a friend that has that information and can pass it to you.”

“Do you know such a friend?”

“It all depends.”

“On what?”

“On how much that friend can trust that you and your team will make a good case against Lazar Popović.”

“You know we will need probable cause to even enter a facility.”

“I’m pretty sure I will be able to supply that as you say, ‘probable cause. I know someone who is working for Lazar Popović who would be willing to exercise his good citizenship by coming forward at the right time to provide an eyewitness account of the illegal activities.”

“A solid citizen?”

“But of course.”

“What do you get out of all this?”

“An excellent question, my friend. I mentioned that an enemy of Lazar Popovic is a friend of mine, yes?”

“You did say that.”

“So, without Lazar Popović messing in my business, I stand to control all of Nevada.”

“Please don’t tell me what that means.”

“Ha. You are a knowledgeable man, Mr. Dunfee. Do we have a deal?”

“What about you, Lieutenant. You’ve been pretty quiet.”

“What did you say, Larry. I’m sorry, but I haven’t been paying attention. Sure, I’ll have another drink.”

“Okay. I get it. I guess we have nothing to lose Mr. Stanković. Let’s do it.”

“Ah, my friend. You will not be sorry. Here let me fill your glass.”

 

 

 

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we learned that one of the hitmen after Larry and Andrew is a former Serbian secret service guy. The lieutenant knows a guy who is a Serbian crime lord. The Lieutenant doesn’t think the guy is involved but might know something. He and our guys were just getting ready to leave when the Major of the highway patrol came in.  He reported that there is a rumor on the street of a contract on Larry and Andrew but nothing concrete. Let’s catch up with the Lieutenant, Larry and, Andrew as they arrive at the location of the Serbian crime lord’s place.

 

“I’m glad the Major decided not to come. I think it would have spooked my guy?”

“You have a name for this guy?”

“Nikola Stanković. Of course, this would be like John Smith here.”

“Popular name in Serbia.”

“The most popular.”

“Could be a fake.”

“Wouldn’t surprise me. Let me do the talking. These guys know me.”

“You hang around them a lot?”

“No, but I have put a number behind bars, and as Nikola once said, “Mrzim te, ali imaš čast.”

“Okay. I’ll bite.”

“I hate you, but you have honor.”

“Well, that is a happy note.”

“I hear someone coming to the door. Stand back, we don’t want to spook him.”

“Da?”

“Hello. My name is Lieutenant Mayfield with two friends, and we would like to see Mr. Stanković.”

“You have appointment, yes?”

“Well, we don’t have an appointment, but as an old friend, I’m sure he will see us.”

“Here, you wait.”

“How tall is that guy anyway?”

“I would say six-feet ten. Not one to mess with for sure. Here he comes.”

“Mr. Stanković will see you. Hands above your head.”

“Just do as he says. He will take your weapon, but from experience, I always get it back.”

“Be careful with that, Boris?”

“Not Boris. Vlado. Follow me.”

“These guys have a minimal sense of humor, Larry. Let me do the talking.”

“Ah, humor. Boris funny guy in Serbia. How you say funny stuff?”

“Comedy?”

“Da. Good joke, he does. Count of Serbs to kill vodka bottle?”

“Okay, Vlado. How many?”

“None.”

“None?”

“They drink bottle. Only kill people.”

“Okay, then. That was a good one.”

“Here, wait. Mr. Stanković comes.”

 

It is Wednesday Story Time again, and last week our heroes with a police escort began their trip to the airport. As luck would have it, there was some kind of ambush set up, which was interrupted by the State patrol. By the sounds of it, there was a big shoot-out. The escort thinks it is better to head back to SWAT headquarters until everything is sorted out. I see the group is at the headquarters, so let’s go there and see what the next move is going to be.

“Right in here, gentlemen.”

“Thanks, Sarg. Is the lieutenant here?”

“Let me go check. He’s not answering his comm. I’ll just be a second. Please have a seat.”

“This looks like their war room, Larry.”

“Yeah, I think that is what it is. What do you suppose is going on?”

“I think a bunch of folks want us dead. That’s what is going on.”

“Never in my life have I dodged so many close calls.”

“Well, the keyword is ‘dodged.’ As long as you are doing that, you are okay.”

“Gentlemen.”

“Lieutenant. Nice to see you again.”

“It is especially nice to see you both, detective.”

“What is going on?”

“Good question. We are running the prints and facial rec on the dead guys. The survivor is heading for the lock-up, but so far, he’s not talking. He gave a name, but we think it’s a phony. In any case, we think these guys are pros from out of town.”

“Looks like the same situation as when we arrived.”

“You don’t have many friends in Reno that’s for sure.”

“Any way to trace these guys to Cortez?”

“Not sure right now. I’ll tell you what, though?”

“What?”

“I’m pretty doubtful Cortez would hire outside help. His guys are about the best there is. I can’t believe he would want to risk having the job mishandled if he was behind it. I’m sure if it was Cortez, we would be zipping up the body bags and shipping them to Boston instead of chatting here.”

“So, who do you think is behind all this.”

“I’m going to reserve my judgment until we find out what the prisoner has to say.”

“You think he will talk?”

“If we give him some kind of deal, he will. Hold on, I got to get this. Yeah, Mayfield here. No shit. Uh-huh. Damn. Okay, thanks for letting me know. Mayfield clear.”

“A problem, Lieutenant?”

“The prisoner just took something, and it looks like he’s dead.”

“How can that be?”

“Looks like he had some poison, and he used it.”

“How often does that happen?”

“In spy novels all the time. Here not so much.”

“You would think we could catch a break.”

“Well, detective. The fact that you are still alive is a break. I think these guys are operatives at a different level, and we need to get to the bottom of this. You two are going to need round the clock protection.”

“How about we help with the case? Could kill two birds with one stone.”

“Interesting choice of words, detective, but I think it will work. Let’s coordinate with the State patrol and get a plan together. In the meantime, how about some coffee?”

“Sounds good. Everyone would expect that offer to come up sooner or later.”

“Huh?”

“Private joke, Lieutenant. Let’s get to work.”

 

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week there was some help from the SWAT commander. He arranged an escort to the airport for Larry and Andrew. He, too, is perplexed by the fact that Spencer Tagget the ADA, could be involved in any misdeeds. So I think we are 🎶on the road again.🎶 (Thanks, Willy.) We ought to join our boys who are following the patrol car.

“That was nice of the lieutenant to arrange the escort and not hassle us about killing that thug.”

“I still won’t feel right until we land at Logan.”

“What’s bothering you?”

“Having a bunch of people continually throw lead our way is bothering me.”

“Yeah, it is annoying.”

“Annoying? It is downright hazardous to our health.”

“You still have your gun?”

“What do you think? I always have my gun. Why the question?”

“Not sure. This whole trip has been one series of unusual circumstances. The sad part is we don’t know any more than when we left Boston.”

“We know Dixon and Janet Rafferty spent time together here. We also know Cortez thinks Taggert is involved.”

“I guess we also know Taggert wants us dead.”

“We sure it’s Taggert?”

“Why do you say that?”

“Think all the way back to what started this case. Sandusky’s blown up heart.”

“Yeah so?”

“Who is at the center of everything?”

“Cortez.”

“Right. It would make sense for him to tell us Taggert was involved to throw us off the trail. The way I see it, we got to get Mrs. Rafferty and Dixon to come clean, and then if they finger Cortez, we go get him.”

“Or let Taggert go get him.”

“Whatever. Why is the patrol car slowing down? He has his turn signal on, but there’s no exit.”

“Looks like he is pulling off onto the shoulder.”

“Maybe we should just pass him up.”

“I’m going to pull in behind him. Get ready for anything.”

“Maybe I can beat them off with my briefcase.”

“Very funny. Here comes the sergeant. This should be interesting.”

“Hey, detective. We got a call from the lieutenant that we should go back to headquarters. Something has come up.”

“Did he say what it was?”

“He had a chance to talk to his boss, and they think you are in danger and might better put off your plans to leave.”

“Danger? Hell, that’s nothing new.”

“Looks like the State Patrol came upon some guys up ahead. They were on a bridge over the freeway, and they had some weapons. That’s all I know.”

“They capture the guys?”

“In a manner of speaking. Big shoot out. One is still alive. You want to follow me. We are going over the median. I’m not taking any chances.”

“Okay, Sarg. lead the way.”

 

It is Wednesday Story Day time again and last week, Larry, Andrew, and Bob were confronted by the Reno SWAT team lead by Lieutenant Mayfield. After some discussion, the lieutenant gave his word that no one would be shot and that he was coming into Starbucks. He also said he thought something funny was going on, and he wanted to get to the bottom of whatever it is. He was led to believe there was a hostage situation, and now he has come to see that not to be true. I think we ought to get back as Larry has hung up the phone. The Lieutenant and four serious-looking men are coming through the door.

“Larry Dunfee, I presume.”

“Lieutenant Mayfield, so nice to meet you face to face. You look nothing like your voice.”

“Hahaha. I’ll take that as a compliment. So, what the hell do we have here?”

“As I tried to explain on the phone, Andrew and I were getting coffee, and two guys came through the door. One with a shotgun and that guy over there with a UZI.”

“Lieutenant?”

“Yes, Sarg.”

“This one is gone. Shot through the eye.”

“Thanks. That is some shooting, Larry.”

“I am a trained police officer, after all.”

“Figures, I suppose. So, Bob. You have anything to add.”

“N-no, sir. Larry here saved my life, and I won’t forget that.”

“Thanks, Bob.”

“Larry. Where did the guy with the shotgun go?”

“He ran through the kitchen and out the back door. I saw him booking across the parking lot.”

“I wonder why the dispatcher called this a hostage situation?”

“You want my take?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

“We have been investigating the murder of a Boston citizen. Our investigation led us to Cortez.”

“He did it?”

“Not that we can prove, but he did say that Taggert could be involved.”

“As in ADA, Taggert?”

“The very same. Anyway, since we have come to Reno, we have been attacked twice. We have killed the attackers all except for the guy with the shotgun.”

“Taggert didn’t press charges?”

“No, he threatened to, but we got the head of our police department and prosecutor to vouch for us. Cortez thought we ought to get back to Boston and see if we can connect our people of interest with Taggert.”

“I find this hard to believe.”

“I don’t think Cortez will talk to you.”

“No. I can’t imagine that he will. As a law office, I find it very disquieting that the person responsible for upholding the law may, in fact, be breaking it.”

“So, what do we do?”

“When is your flight?”

“Four o’clock.”

“I’ll give you an escort, and I think you can make it.”

“What about this mess?”

“Let me take a picture of your ID’s I think it will be a matter of filing some paperwork and finding out who that guy is on the floor.”

“I don’t want you to get into trouble.”

“I have full authority here, detective. I have your statement, so, as long as we can get in touch, you’re free to go. There is no reason to suspect you of a crime.”

“Thank you, Lieutenant.”

“Sergeant?”

“Yes sir.”

“Give these gentlemen an escort to the airport. Take one of those patrol cars and let the officer drive.”

“Yes sir.”

“Have a good trip. Nice meeting you both.”

“What are you going to do about Taggert?”

“Until I have something, I don’t know what to do.”

“If there is anything we can do, please call.”

“I think I will have a discussion with my boss and try to figure out a path forward.”

“Good luck then.”

“Thanks.”

 

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week. It was clear that the Reno SWAT team had information that Larry and Andrew were holding hostages. In discussion with the SWAT team leader, Larry convinced him to give a call to his boss to confirm the fact that Andrew had placed the 911 call and that it is not a hostage situation. Larry also offered to give himself up if the press was a witness. The SWAT leader told Larry the media was not in the area. We better get back since I see the SWAT team leader walking back to his position outside the Starbucks. He gives Larry’s phone a call.

 

“Yes, Lieutenant.”

“I made the call and talked to the operator who took the 911 call.”

“Yes?”

“She confirmed that an individual made the call and pretty much described what you told me.”

“She didn’t get a name, did she?”

“No. But she gave me the phone number of the caller.”

“Well, that’s something.”

“Is there another phone in there?”

“Yes, it’s the one belonging to Andrew Cummings, my associate. He’s the one who placed the call.”

“What’s the number?”

“Hold on, let me ask. Andrew, what’s your phone number? The SWAT guy wants to verify you made the call.”

“It’s a 617-555-4000.”

“Lieutenant it’s—”

“Never mind, I already heard it. Okay, it checks out. Who else is in there?”

“The barista who calls himself Bob.”

“Let me speak to him.”

“Hey, Bob. The lieutenant wants to talk to you.”

“M-me? What for?”

“Why don’t you ask him. Here’s the phone.”

“Er… hello?”

“Yes, hello. This is lieutenant Mayfield of the Reno Swat Rescue team. Do not say anything. Just respond to my questions with yes or no. Understood?”

“Y-yes.”

“Are you in any danger?”

“No.”

“Is anyone listening to this call?”

“No.”

“Do you believe you are there against your will?”

“No. These guys saved my life.”

“Give me back to Detective Dunfee.”

“Yes, sir. Here he is.”

“Detective?”

“Yes, lieutenant?”

“We are coming in.”

“That’s fine, but how do I know you won’t shoot us.”

“You have my word. There is something funny going on and intend to find out what it is.”

“So, you believe what I said.”

“Yeah, no reason not to at this point. Put your gun away and stand back away from the door. We are coming in.”

“I hope I don’t regret this.”