“It’s Wednesday. Go back to sleep Little One. I set the alarm for Friday.”
It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we were present when Andrew and Larry questioned Louis about his involvement with Joachim Cortez the head of the Mendoza cartel. We learned that Cortez is somehow part of a legitimate medical device company and he never paid Louis. We also determined the reason Louis didn’t mention this information when first questioned is he was afraid. In fact, it is the same reason he never tried to collect the money from Cortez. I see Larry and Andrew have entered the Healthway Medical Device Company and are approaching the receptionist. I guess they decided to take the bull by the horns and visit Cortez. I think this may not be the best move but certainly want to be there when they confront Cortez. Andrew is taking a seat and Larry is talking to the receptionist.
“Yes, that’s right. I’m Detective Dunfee. Here is my card. I would like to visit with Mr. Cortez.”
“Mr. Cortez is in a meeting. Do you have an appointment?”
“No, but this is official police business.”
“Can I inform Mr. Cortez the nature of the meeting?”
“You can tell him I have some questions regarding Mr. Sandusky.”
“Very well, sir. If you have a seat, I’ll see if Mr. Cortez can be interrupted.”
“Thank you.”
“So, what did she say?”
“To have a seat and she’ll see if Cortez can be interrupted.”
“You tell her about Sandusky?”
“Of course. “
“You sure this is the best approach?”
“I’m telling you, Andrew, I would rather be anywhere else but her. I don’t know if this approach is the best or not. I do know we need to push this case forward. Hell, we may just scare up a few leads while we are here.”
“You use the term, ’scare’ very lightly.”
“Ha ha. That’s pretty funny.”
“What about the person Louis talked to here.”
“A Miss Alverez? I think we can contact her anytime. I have a feeling she isn’t going to give us anything new.”
“So it’s the big guy or nothing?”
“Yup.”
“Mr. Dunfee?”
“Yes?”
“Mr. Cortez will see you now.”
“Okay, thank you.”
“Please follow me.”
***
“Ah, detective please come in. Who else is with you?”
“This is Andrew Cummings the former city Medical Examiner.”
“My pleasure sir. Won’t you both have a seat? Can I get you something to drink? A coffee perhaps.”
“No thank you, Mr. Cortez. We both had ours.”
“Well then what can I do for you today?”
“We have opened Sandusky case since we believe he was murdered.”
“I see. I think I remember that unfortunate situation. It was about ten years ago. Didn’t he take his own life?”
“I would rather no comment on a case currently being investigated. I do have some questions for you though.”
“For me? I don’t know how I can help, but please go ahead.”
“Did you hire Sandusky’s company to develop a medical procedure?”
“I believe we hired an employee of that company as a consultant. His name was Louis something or another I believe.”
“Yes, Louis Stamos.”
“Ah yes. That’s it.”
“What was the nature of the equipment you wanted to be developed?”
“We were looking for a non-invasive surgical method.”
“Did Louis develop it”’
“He said he did.”
“What do you mean?”
“We got the prototype, and it didn’t work.”
“So you didn’t pay him?”
“Correct. How do you know all this.”
“We talked to Louis.”
“Why’s that?”
“We have reason to believe that the device worked just fine.”
“I would be cautious what you say from here on out, detective. I have been nice enough to visit with you. This courtesy will end very soon if I believe you are hinting that I’m less than truthful. In any case, I do believe this conversation is over. My person will show you out.”
“Thank you, for your time.”
“One more thing detective. I have friends who don’t take kindly to people insulting me. Am I making myself clear?”
“Chrystal, Mr. Cortez.”
