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CHAPTER 28
Detective Connors stood. “It was discovered that a watch belonging to Nick Underwood was switched at the time he was murdered. We recovered the watch this week in Pensacola.” He then told them about the pawn shop, the church, and Reverend Mills.
“Detective Tomlin and I recalled seeing the same watch in a sting operation around six years ago with the local FBI. It belonged to the mob leader. A man presently serving time for murdering eight people.”
“Was it the same watch or one similar to it?” Agent Wells asked.
“Based on the serial number, it is the same watch. It was logged into evidence at the time of arrest, and a few years later, there’s an indication that it was disposed of or destroyed. However, neither was done.”
“That’s it!” Hollis spoke up and said. “I knew something about that watch was familiar when I first saw it. My first year as an FBI agent, I was assigned to help review evidence from major organized crime investigations across the country. That’s when I saw that watch or one similar to it. I noted several, as if they were achievement awards for reaching a certain level within the mob.”
Agent Wells spoke up. “To go on record, Agent Harris and I are presently investigating several instances of items that were logged in as evidence now resurfacing. We have identified the agents we believe are involved. The case was assigned to the organized crime division because it seems that they are part of a bigger picture involving FBI agents ─ both local and from other regions ─ as well as local law enforcement in several states, including Florida.”
The room got quiet, and then Irvin asked, “Do you believe it’s connected to what happened to Donnie Barcos?”
“Yes,” Agent Harris said. “We suspected as much but weren’t sure. Now we are.”
“Why now?” Detective Connors asked.
“Because that explosive device placed on those two vehicles today is identical to the one placed on the car of an agent in Ohio last year. He wasn’t so lucky and was killed the moment he opened the door. He, his wife, and two kids.”
“My goodness!” Hollis said, then she asked. “What about you two? Have your lives been threatened?”
It was Harris who answered. “No. We established a decoy where the mob leader believes our organized crime unit in Ohio is the one doing the major investigation.”
“But you’re doing it here?” Irvin asked.
“Yes. Some local police officers have been identified as part of the investigation. Several items confiscated during raids are back on the streets. Not just here in Tampa but other states as well.”
“Have you told our Police Chief?” Detective Tomlin asked.
“Yes.” Agent Wells responded by saying. “And he is aware of the identities of the officers being investigated. That is why we didn’t answer a lot of your inquiries, Detectives.”
Agent Wells then glanced across the table at Hollis. “Or yours, Ms. Calloway. We had to protect our ongoing operations that cover four states and prevent the suspects from finding out they are part of our investigation.”
Agent Harris then added, “So, unlike you three undoubtedly assumed, we aren’t two old senior agents just biding our time to retirement. Trust me, we aren’t ready to go to the pastures just yet.”
Hollis couldn’t help but smile at that because that was exactly what she’d thought. And she dared not tell them she even thought they were corrupt agents. “Do you think your lives are in danger now?” she asked.
“Probably, since we all met here today. But as you know, it comes with the territory.”
She truly did know. “Thanks for sharing that. It adds clarity to what I uncovered during my investigation.”
“Which is?” Detective Tomlin asked.
Instead of answering, she glanced over at Locke who headed the defense team. She needed his approval before sharing any information they had gathered. He spoke and said, “Since it is understood that charges against my client will be dropped, as part of the defense team, I have no problem with Ms. Calloway telling you the findings of her investigation.”
Hollis glanced around the table. “I also discovered two of Tampa’s police officers were not only suspicious of illegal activities, but they were involved in the framing of Karl Halifax.”
“How?” Detective Connors asked.
“I can’t say because doing so will reveal their identities. And as a matter of FBI protocol, which I know so well, it will be up to Agents Wells and Harris to decide when and how they will do so. However, I will say, Detective Connors, what they did was similar to the watch situation you’re investigating.”
“In what way?” Detective Tomlin asked.
“An item stolen eight years ago and documented in the police report, as part of a home burglary, resurfaced during the Halifax investigation, just like the watch.”
“And what was the item?” Prosecutor Irvin asked.
