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That was how simple it had been. As Lela’s closest friend, she hadn’t been able to turn down law enforcement’s request for her assistance. Ortiz had ducked out of sight, since it was vital to remain anonymous in this scenario.
*****
Before Ashlee’s arrival at the police station, the senator pulled up in a nondescript vehicle. He wore jeans with a jacket and cap. Then he took the back entrance, where Morris greeted him and escorted him to a small room. “It’s a one-way mirror, right?”
Morris had a long tenure with the police force. He knew the ropes, and his confidence showed. “She won’t be able to see you, but you can watch the interview from here. And there’s audio, so you’ll be able to hear.”
The senator settled into a wooden chair and leaned his elbows on the table. He’d been assured the room was secure, so no one would walk in. It wouldn’t do to be identified, as it would be awkward to explain what he was doing there.
Within fifteen minutes, Ashlee Vidal was escorted into the adjoining room. The furniture wasn’t any more accommodating than what the senator had available. There was a rectangular metal table with four metal chairs, and a tall lamp.
Ortiz took the opportunity to look her over. Ashlee was five eleven with a slender figure. Her long blond hair was twisted up in a ponytail, but she looked as gorgeous as she did when dressed to the nines. He’d seen her at office parties and holiday events. In a cocktail dress, she was stunning. Yet she was just as beautiful in her business suit.
It annoyed Ortiz that she’d made herself inaccessible to him. In a few minutes, she wouldn’t be so high and mighty. He was going to get pleasure watching Officer Morris put the screws to her.
Morris motioned for Ashlee to take a seat, so she sat across from him. The officer was in his late forties, stocky, but more muscle than fat. He had a friendly face and a fatherly demeanor. That should put his interviewee at ease.
“What is this about?” Ashlee glanced around, taking in the intimidating atmosphere of the interrogation room.
Ortiz liked the fact that she couldn’t see him. He stared at her shapely legs when she crossed them under the metal table.
Morris made casual conversation as a warmup, before he began the interview. At first, he posed questions with obvious answers, and inquired about subjects that Ashlee had no reason to shy away from. He wasn’t aggressive, just understanding and concerned. “Since Lela is your friend, you must be worried about her.”
Ashlee lifted her chin. “What do you suggest I do?”
“You can tell me where she is,” the officer said. “I only want to help her.”
If looks could kill, Ashlee’s surely would have. “What part of what I’ve said don’t you understand?” She took a breath. “I don’t know where Lela is. She hasn’t contacted me.” She glared at Morris. “And I’ve already been interviewed by the FBI. I told them all I know, which is very little.”
“I thought maybe you’d remembered something else.”
“Well, you thought wrong,” Ashlee said. “And I don’t see how you’re involved. You called me down here and led me to believe that you had new information.”
Morris was tipped back, balanced on two chair legs. He lowered the chair back to the floor, then leaned forward. “Ms. Vidal, this is a very serious matter.”
Ashlee crossed her arms. “Do you have a point here?”
“I hate to be the one to tell you, but Lela Cabelo has been accused of stealing records.”
That seemed to get a reaction from Ashlee, but she didn’t say anything.
“Your friend is allegedly in collusion with gangs,” Morris said. “She’s in a lot of trouble. So you must turn her in…if she contacts you.”
Ashlee stood up and grabbed her purse. “Unless I’m under arrest, I’m leaving…right now.”
Morris appeared apologetic. “You’re free to go.” He reached for the doorknob. “It would be best if you kept this meeting confidential. This is a high-profile case, and you wouldn’t want to do anything to further endanger your friend.”
Ashlee stabbed a finger at him. “Lela Cabelo is in trouble because of creeps like you. And since you claimed you had new information…I’ll give you some. My friend is not guilty of what they are saying. She wouldn’t do anything dishonest or immoral.” She stepped past the officer and disappeared out the door.
Morris had botched the interrogation. It had been awful to watch—so much for gaining cooperation. The senator’s efforts had been foiled by the officer’s ineptitude.
Ortiz was frustrated. He wasn’t the villain in all of this. The cartel shouldn’t let him take the fall for their misdeeds. And the FBI had fumbled. If they’d been able to keep Lela in custody, the cartel would have found her. Then the senator wouldn’t need to track her.
Lela had stolen from him. Morris had been correct in his accusation. She must have copied records from his private computer, before he’d destroyed the files. He couldn’t see how else she’d obtained incriminating evidence.
He wasn’t going to get the short end of this deal. All he’d done was earn a little extra cash. He needed it. Christ, he’d gone through two divorces, and both of his ex-wives had taken him to the cleaners. Thank God he had no kids from either marriage. But how was a guy supposed to survive?
Ortiz deserved a decent life. He provided a public service as a senator, and did his share of good deeds in constitutional law. It wasn’t as though he was ripping off fellow citizens. The money he’d taken was right out of the cartel’s hands. He couldn’t fathom what the big stink was about.
Yet here he was with the cartel breathing down his neck, and the FBI nipping at his heels. Where had he gone wrong? His side business had been rolling along without a hitch, until Lela had decided to meddle.
If only she’d come to him first. Ortiz could have made her a substantial offer, a sum too tempting to refuse. He would have been willing to do so in order to avoid all this hassle. But she was out to screw him, just like the rest. And her friend Ashlee was no better. After that woman had rebuffed the police officer, he intended to make her life miserable.
For now, he had more pressing matters. Ortiz had to get his hands on Lela. How hard could it be to capture a woman alone and on the run? Yet she’d evaded the feds and the cartel. That couldn’t last. Without help, she was doomed.
The senator stood and headed toward the door. He needed to get back to the office. He was concerned, and unsure what his next move would be. But he’d better figure it out fast.
