Parker 02 - The Guilty by Jason Pinter Read Free Book Online Page A

child forced to admit wrongdoing in front of an angry
    parent.
    "Ladies and gentlemen," he began. His eyes traveled from
    right to left. Making sure he made eye contact with every
    camera he could. Give each station their half second of exclusive content. "At approximately one thirty-seven this
    morning, Athena Paradis was shot and killed as she was
    leaving a nightclub. This is a shocking and heinous crime, perpetrated by an individual whose depravity knows no bounds.
    At this very moment we have unleashed the very best men
    and women upon the crime scene to establish just who is responsible for Ms. Paradis's death, as well as their motives in
    doing so. No stone will remain unturned, not a second will
    go by where Ms. Paradis's murderer will have a chance to
    breathe."
    Jack was scribbling in a notepad. I was watching their
    eyes. Mayor Perez. Costas Paradis. Joe Mauser. There was
    worry in them. Right then I knew they had nothing.
    The mayor continued.
    "The true test of a city is challenge. The test of a family is
    grief. In this investigation, we will grieve for the memory of
    Athena Paradis, but rise to the challenge of bringing her killer
    to justice."
    "Second book," Jack said, pen hanging from his mouth.
    56
    Jason Pinter
    "What?"
    "That line. From Perez's second book. Just made himself
    another ten K in royalties right there."
    I shook my head as Perez continued. "What we do know
    at this time is that the shooter is most likely a lone assailant,
    the murder weapon a high-powered rifle which was discharged from the roof of a building several blocks away from
    the club where Ms. Paradis was performing that evening. We
    have taken casts of footprints discovered at that rooftop, and
    are matching them with known offenders as we speak."
    Bullshit, I thought. Officer Lemansky told me the rooftop
    was covered in gravel. Unless they developed some way to
    detect footprints in rocks, they're throwing us a hollow bone.
    He continued. "We have many unfortunate witnesses to the
    crime itself, but as of yet nobody has come forward who has
    been able to positively identify the assailant."
    At this point Costas Paradis moved a half inch closer. His eyes
    seemed to be burning a hole through Mayor Perez's neck. The
    mayor swallowed. He held his hand up, index finger extended.
    "Let me assure you that the NYPD is using every available resource to find this heartless and soulless coward, and
    the NYPD will not rest until the assailant has been brought
    to justice."
    Perez's eyes became sorrowful and he lowered his head.
    "At this time I would like to express my sincerest condolences to the Paradis family. I have known Athena's devoted
    father, Costas, for many years, and suffice it to say his daughter's death is not only felt by the Paradis family, but is felt by
    his family and friends both in this city and around the world.
    Justice will be served."
    Hotel Paradis, Paradis Park, Paradis Skating Rink, I
    thought. Not only was there a murderer loose, but there were
    The Guilty
    57
    millions, perhaps billions of dollars at stake. Maybe Perez
    should quote a few more lines from his book. Catching
    Athena's killer was not only a moral and legal priority, but
    one the mayor needed to help pay for those campaign reelection ads with spiffy production values.
    Perez went on for another few minutes. He spoke a great
    deal but said very little.
    "I've seen mimes more eloquent," Jack said. He leaned in
    closer. "Listen, I've got a contact in the medical examiner's
    office. As soon as this little soiree breaks up I'll have him on
    the phone. I want you to talk to him before we file any copy."
    "What do you want me to do?"
    "He owes me a solid. After you talk to him, I want you to
    go back and canvas the area around the Kitten Club. People
    don't like talking to cops. Answering questions makes them
    feel like they're being accused of something. Too many
    freaking Law & Order spin-offs. Anyway, tell them who you
    are. A newsman, their voice, the