Drawing Close: The Fourth Novel in the Rosemont Series by Barbara Hinske Page A

office, followed by Chief
Thomas. Alex Scanlon brought up the rear. Their footsteps reverberated on the
metal stairs, making a racket that would wake the dead. It did not, however,
wake Chuck Delgado, who was sprawled across the decrepit sofa in the corner of
his office in a state of unconsciousness that was more hangover than sleep.
    The first officer knocked loudly. “Police. Open
up.” He listened at the door, then repeated his summons. This time, he could
hear sounds from within. After what seemed like an eternity, Delgado fumbled
with the door and opened it a crack.
    “To what do I owe the pleasure?” he slurred,
running his hand through the few remaining hairs on his greasy pate.
    Chief Thomas pushed past his officers and into the
office. Surprise and fear raced across Delgado’s face.
    “You’re under arrest.” The chief took the list
that Alex handed him and read the eighteen counts of fraud and embezzlement. “You
have the right to remain silent …” When the chief concluded the Miranda rights,
Delgado stepped toward the door. “Bastard,” he spat.
    “We’re not done yet, Delgado.” The chief took one
of his arms and motioned for Alex to take the other. The chief secured the
handcuffs.
    “What the … ? You bastards are taking me in in
cuffs? Afraid I can get away from Westbury’s finest?” he scoffed. “I’m a town
council member and an upstandin’ businessman. You don’t need no cuffs.”
    The chief grabbed Delgado’s arm and pulled him
toward the stairs. “Watch your step. We wouldn’t want you to fall and break
your neck. We’re looking forward to providing hospitality to our distinguished
guest in the town jail.”
    ***
    Alex punched Maggie’s number into
his cell phone as soon as he and the chief were back in the patrol car. “He’s
in custody,” he said as soon as Maggie answered.
    “Thank goodness. I was getting worried that
something had gone wrong. It’s almost ten.”
    “Delgado had a visitor last night, and the chief
thought it best to wait for her to leave.”
    “So you didn’t pick him up at his home?”
    “Nope. At the liquor store.”
    “Did anyone see him being taken away?”
    “There weren’t any customers at this time of day,
but the clerk noticed and was on his phone before we got to the car.”
    “He’ll spread the news, and I’m sure it’ll be no
time before it gets to the highest levels within the mob.”
    “I suspect you’re right about that. I wouldn’t be
surprised if Delgado’s lawyer isn’t waiting for him at the station.”
    Maggie remained silent, digesting this news. “That
might not be the worst thing, you know.”
    “How so?”
    “If he won’t talk, the next best thing is for him
to do something stupid. He can’t do something stupid if he isn’t out on bail.”
    Alex laughed. “You’re right about that. You always
find the silver lining in any black cloud, don’t you?”
    “I don’t always succeed, but I try.” She took a
deep breath. “Keep me posted. I’m in my office at Town Hall and will stay here.
Our phones will light up shortly, and the press will be all over this.”
    “I’ll stay with Delgado until he’s in a cell. I’ll
call you when he’s booked. Why don’t you schedule a press conference for three
this afternoon? We can make the announcement together. That’ll give the
receptionist something to tell callers.”
    “Will do.”
    “I’ll come to your office by two thirty.”
    “Perfect. And Alex—well done. You should be
really proud of yourself.”
    “I’m proud of us. We make a great team.”
    Maggie leaned back in her chair as she ended the
call. Alex was right—they made a great team. What had started as a small
group of concerned citizens tackling corruption at Town Hall could end up
taking down part of the Chicago mob. With any luck, pairing her expertise as a
forensic accountant with Alex’s experience as a prosecutor would prove the
undoing of those who stole so much from the people of