Under the Color of Law by Michael McGarrity Read Free Book Online

stared out the window and said nothing.
    "Can you tell me anything that might be helpful?" Kerney asked.
    "Phyllis was never a cautious woman when it came to her personal safety."
    "Any enemies?"
    "My wife didn't make enemies," Terrell said, swiveling slightly to face Kerney.
    "She prided herself on being gracious to everyone, and she was. Please tell me what you've learned so far." Kerney did as Terrell asked, saving for last-without revealing his source-Applewhite's imputations about Phyllis Terrell's moral character. It brought a sigh from the ambassador.
    "I didn't realize it was such common knowledge in Santa Fe," Terrell said.
    "You were aware that your wife had lovers?" Kerney asked.
    "She made that very clear to me after we began to grow apart. My wife and I have been married in name only for the last two years. She built a house here so we could have totally separate lives. I came infrequently to visit and only on family business. We were moving amicably toward a divorce settlement."
    "Do you know any of the men who have been involved with your wife?"
    Terrell shook his head.
    "I've been asked not to discuss anything of substance with you or your detectives until it is determined if my wife's murder has any connection to my official capacity."
    "What can you tell me about the trade mission?" Kerney asked.
    "Very little. It is a confidential, joint enterprise of various federal departments that has operated quietly with White House approval for the past eighteen months. Our existence, who we're dealing with, and why, haven't been publicly disclosed, and will not be unless an accord is reached."
    "The FBI has claimed case jurisdiction for national-security reasons,"
    Kerney said, checking the rearview mirror.
    "They'll be here in full force tomorrow morning. Meanwhile, the two men who got off the plane after we entered the terminal have been behind us since we left the airport."
    "Yes, I know. I'm staying at the Hotel San Marcos."
    "And your traveling companions?" Kerney asked.
    "Where will they be staying?"
    "I have no idea, Chief Kerney. But they will be at my wife's house shortly on official business. Please have your people give them full access. You do understand that my conversation with you is strictly off the record."
    Kerney made a turn onto a narrow street that led to the downtown plaza and the nearby hotel. The car behind continued on, out of sight.
    "Under pain of federal prosecution?" he asked.
    Terrell's hand was on the door latch as Kerney pulled to a stop in front of the hotel.
    "I'm sure it won't come to that. Thank you for the briefing. I'll be in town for a few days. There are people to notify and arrangements to be made. Perhaps we'll talk again."
    "I'll be available," Kerney said.
    As Terrell passed through the lobby door, Andy Baca called on Kerney's cell phone and requested a quick meeting in the Wal-Mart parking lot.
    He wouldn't say why but sounded a little peeved. Kerney gave him a five-minute ETA and drove hurriedly through the empty downtown streets, wondering what was up.
    As he cruised through light traffic on Cerrillos Road, Lieutenant Molina made radio contact, asking for clearance to allow two FBI agents access to the crime scene.
    "Let them in," Kerney said, "and meet me in my office in twenty minutes so I can bring you up to speed."
    "Ten-four," Molina grumbled after a slight hesitation.
    At Wal-Mart, Kerney spotted Andy's unmarked unit at the side of the building away from the parking lot lights and got in beside him.
    "I got a telephone call right after I spoke with you," Andy said.
    "Applewhite?" Kerney asked.
    Andy shook his head.
    "The U. S. attorney. Supposedly he wanted to let me know about the task force and make sure the resources of my department would be made available to the FBI."
    "How polite."
    Andy grunted.
    "Yeah, right. When was the last time you ever heard of the FBI using a U. S. attorney as a front man for a task force investigation?"
    "Never. What did he really