Dead Ends by Don Easton Read Free Book Online Page B

conditions. Connie has a team sitting on the parents’ house, but it doesn’t look good.”
    â€œI’m sure it’s not. When’s his next court appearance?”
    â€œHe’s had his prelim and is scheduled for trial at the end of April.”
    â€œThree months away.”
    â€œConnie wasn’t happy when she heard.”
    â€œWe’ll find him before then,” replied Jack.
    Laura gestured to a mound of reports on her desk and said, “I’m trying. I’ve collected every scrap of info I can on him and anyone he has been known to associate with.”
    â€œHe could still be taking orders through some prospect with Satans Wrath.”
    â€œI know, but nothing is popping up to indicate who. I’ve been trying to triangulate any common denominators, phone numbers, anything I can find. Keeping track of Satans Wrath and their associates was bad enough before. Now that they are affiliating with all these street gangs it is worse. This is a mess,” she said, gesturing at all the reports. “It didn’t sound like he actually lived in Gabriel’s basement, but where he is staying is anybody’s guess.”
    â€œHe probably didn’t sleep at Gabriel’s because of the danger to his health,” said Jack. “Also it was booby-trapped, so that’s another sign that they weren’t there all the time.”
    â€œWith what we’ve got it seems hopeless,” lamented Laura.
    Jack swept half the mound of paperwork onto his desk and looked at Laura. “We will find him,” he said determinedly.
    * * *
    It was early evening when Connie stopped in.
    â€œAnything on the surveillance?” asked Laura, glancing up from her desk.
    Connie shook her head. “The parents are there, but no sign of Herman yet. He could be in the house, but the only car in the driveway is registered to his parents. I’ve got a feeling he isn’t home. Let’s hope he shows up later.”
    â€œI wouldn’t count on it,” said Jack. “How did Forensics make out?”
    â€œNo prints,” replied Connie, while wheeling an office chair over and sitting down. “Not even a footprint or tire track.” Her face brightened a little and she added, “Did find one black hair stuck to a piece of skull out on the lawn. Father Brown had grey hair, so it’s not his.”
    â€œVarrick has red,” said Jack.
    â€œYeah, I know,” frowned Connie. “That’s why I’m here. How are you making out? Did he have a buddy with him last time he was arrested? Someone he might be staying with?”
    â€œHe did,” replied Laura. “I checked him first. Confirmed that he’s been in jail for the last two months for assault.”
    â€œAnother dead end,” muttered Connie. “Tell me you’ve got something else. What about the prospect who was acting as a go-between last time?”
    â€œFull-fledged member now,” said Jack. “He wouldn’t have any hands-on involvement. Times have changed. We have The Brotherhood to contend with, as do Satans Wrath.”
    â€œThe Brotherhood? I’ve heard of that gang. What have they got to do with this?”
    â€œNot a gang,” replied Jack. “A conglomeration of gangs. Mostly gangs with mixed ethnic backgrounds. The Brotherhood started off as East Indian, but now encompass lots of other gangs, including Vietnamese, Chinese, Anglo-Saxon … everyone. I’ve checked with the Gang Unit. Dozens of gangs have sprouted up in the lower mainland. About half a dozen gangs in particular are composed of hardcore seasoned criminals. Most of the gangs have an abundance of juveniles, as well, which means light or no jail sentences.”
    â€œAnd they call themselves The Brotherhood?” asked Connie.
    Jack shook his head and said, “Several of the gangs don’t have names. Just groups of criminals, both male and female. Many of the gangs