“We can put your family in protective custody for now.”
“No thanks, Ken. I will be extremely diligent in setting my alarm system and with my dog’s intuitive input, we’ll be in our upstairs safe-room in moments. I wish to inform you now that I do have a conceal carry permit, and I intend on carrying from now on.”
“Thank you for letting me know. I hope you will not be forced to shoot anyone.”
“That makes two of us,” Nick lied, shaking Dickerson’s extended hand. “Thanks for your help. Want to go out and do a joint press conference with me?”
“Very funny, Castle. Get the hell out there and face your public. You writers have all the answers, right?”
“Yes, we do, but no one listens.”
“I was listening when you told me we’d be getting an Espresso machine tomorrow.”
“Of course you were.”
Gus had been enjoying the exchange. He shook Dickerson’s hand too. “It’s good to see Castle get put in his place once in a while. When will you bring in Gutierrez for questioning?”
“I’m thinking of waiting until you two meet outside together with the press, and get the cameras rolling. Then I’ll send two officers out there to collect her.”
“I think I better send over a couple dozen donuts to have with the Espresso machine.”
“Thanks, Castle. I’ll let you know if someone releases last night’s visitors to your house. With Hadad here, he’ll be pushing for immediate arraignment, which would be great if the judge denies bail, but bad if he doesn’t.”
“I appreciate that.” Nick grinned. Yeah, let them out. I bet it will be suspected they fled the country when no one hears from them again. Unfortunately for them, they won’t be going far.
Chapter Seven
Media Manipulations
“I know what you’re thinking,” Gus said as they walked together out of the precinct.
“Probably. If you’re thinking Jamal and Aban will likely disappear if they get out on bail, I believe you’re right. I don’t think they’ll be going real far though.”
“That was exactly what I figured. Where do you want to take them?”
“I’m thinking we’d take them on a cruise aboard The Loose Lady.”
“Lucky Lady, damn it - and don’t say not for them! Are you thinking of a sea cruise for Gutierrez too?”
“I wish. There she is now, leading the pack. I guess my plan for some honest journalism fell through.” Nick met the throng of reporters led by a solemn faced Gutierrez. “Hi folks. Jamal Kader, and his partner in crime, Aban Kassis were formally arrested after I picked them out of a lineup. I see Flo here leading the pack once again, so apparently investigative journalism is dead, so how can I help you?”
“Do you believe in freedom of the press, Mr. McCarty?”
“Sorry, no nitwits today, Flo. You don’t get to ask a question until I hear why you were involved with two would be murderers. If you don’t have that answer, you don’t get to ask me anything. Anyone else have a question?”
“Do you believe you’re being targeted?” A tall man at the back called out.
“Absolutely. You heard the name Jamal Kader. Why would a Kader be breaking into my home if not in connection with Saif Kader?”
“Are the police going to charge you in the death of Saif Kader?” Gutierrez again attempted a question.
Before Nick could tell her to step off, two police officers approached. Officers Dialo and Higginson moved by Nick and Gus.
“Ms. Gutierrez,” Officer Higginson said. “We’re taking you into custody. Please come with us. We have some questions for you in regard to suspects in custody involved in a home invasion.”
“You can’t take me anywhere,” Gutierrez retorted. She spun on her heel to leave, but was grabbed by Higginson.
“We will put you in handcuffs if you force us to,” Higginson said.
“This is an outrage!” Gutierrez tried to tear free, but couldn’t. In seconds, her hands were behind her back with Higginson’s cuffs restraining them.
The two officers bracketed Gutierrez without a glance in Nick’s direction, and marched her toward the entryway to the station. A hush had fallen over the crowd while watching the police action.
“Well… justice in action,” Nick said. “I was not charged for anything in Saif Kader’s death. I have no idea why Gutierrez keeps trying to make me into a murderer. The woman he was trying to kill, Dimah Kader, doesn’t think anything of the kind. She would have been dead if I hadn’t done something. She expressed her heartfelt thanks for saving her life.”
“Do you think your family will be in danger from the Kaders,” a young woman reporter who had taken Gutierrez’s place asked.
“If they let those two in custody out on bail, they will be,” Nick answered. “I’m hoping the judge rules they’re a flight risk and refuses bail, but I doubt I’ll get my wish.”