GOTU - A Robin Marlette Novel by Mike McNeff Read Free Book Online

Blackhawk.
    Robin scanned his team assembled before him. They were all coated with a mixture of dust and droplets of mud formed by the sweat on their uniforms. “Okay, folks,” Rob began. “Nobody talks about what happened out here to anyone. I'm sure there will be lots of people asking questions. Refer them to me. A loose tongue could jeopardize any follow-up investigation. All reports will be disseminated on a need to know basis only.” Robin turned to Mike Hayes. “That goes for the shooting team also, Mike.”
    “You got it, Rob.”
    “Good. Jack, Burke and I will take the Cessna in. Follow us if you would.” Jack nodded in agreement. Both Robin and Burke Jameson were private pilots.
    “Rick, you and Mike take the Blazer to the Sky Harbor office.”
    “Ten-Four, Sarge.”
    “Chris, are you assuming responsibility for the body?”
    “Yeah, and I'm formally taking custody of the Cuban now at least until I'm told otherwise.”
    Robin smiled at Chris. Chris wouldn't do that unless he had the whole thing figured out.
    “Okay, let's do it, troops,” said Robin. “We'll work out the rest when we get to the office. Now mount up! We're burning daylight!”

FOUR
     
    Robin's squad worked another ten hours before all the loose ends were tied up. The mounds of paperwork he needed to do, when he could hardly keep his eyes open, was the hardest part of deals like this. He fought sleep with gallons of coffee. The coffee itself did not necessarily guarantee he would stay awake, but the fact that he had to urinate every thirty minutes did.
    Robin's immediate priority focused on the security of the operation. Within four hours of landing at Sky Harbor, the heads of all the agencies involved ordered the strictest secrecy be maintained on the case. The chain of command became simplified, with Robin in tactical command subject only to the orders of Assistant United States Attorney Jim Adams, who spoke for the joint agency chiefs. For a cop, it doesn't get any better.
    The jurisdictional issues worked out well for Robin. DPS assumed lead agency for the investigation. It would be a joint state and federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) prosecution. Because the case involved public corruption, the FBI had primary authority over that aspect federally. U.S. Customs had primary authority over the money smuggling. Although the FBI and Customs could both do the money laundering investigation, Robin all but insisted the IRS do that part of the investigation. They were by far and away the best at it.
    At this early stage, Robin thought he had a chance to keep DEA out of the investigation. Robin did not like DEA and DEA did not like Robin because he had kicked them off two prior OCDETF cases for not being willing to do the grunt work. He knew DEA would be snooping around to find out what happened and try to get into the case because it involved Rodriquez-Lara's cartel.
    Robin's thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of the phone. When he answered it, Emmett's happy deep voice greeted him.
    “Hey, Boss, you still awake?”
    “Yeah, how 'bout you, cowboy?”
    “Shit, Rob, what this guy has told us will keep us all awake for a long time.”
    “Good stuff, huh?”
    “Sarge, this is going to be the biggest case we ever dreamed of doing. This guy is going to do some very big assholes.”
    “Okay, Emmett. I should be there in about an hour.”
    “No hurry, Sarge. We're comfortable.”
    “See ya.”
    “Bye.”
    Emmett's phone call reminded Robin he needed to get some relief troops to watch Newman. Time to call the crazies of Victor Thirty-Two squad. Robin picked up the phone and punched squad Sergeant Ernie Jackson's home number. The phone rang.
    “Jackson residence, Judy speaking.”
    “Hi, Judy. This is Uncle Rob. Is your Dad home?”
    “Hi, Uncle Rob. Dad's home. I'll get him.”
    “Thanks, Judy.”
    A few seconds later, Ernie came on the phone. “Yo, Rob! What's up?”
    “I need help, Ernie.”
    “Will