Hugo was late for the meeting, and while they waited Geismar reviewed the new photos and the travel records as Lacy returned e-mails. “Any idea why these go back only seven years?” he asked.
“None. Myers doesn’t know but speculates that the mole arrived on the scene at about that time. Obviously, the mole is someone close to McDover, and perhaps that’s when he or she got involved.”
“Well, he or she is certainly spending some money. It’s hard to believe these photos could have been taken by someone sitting in a car on the street. It’s more likely that the photographer was inside one of the condos.”
“There are four of them in a unit directly across the street,” Lacy said. “Two are available for rent, at a thousand a week. We are assuming he or she rented one, set up the camera, and knew precisely when McDover and Dubose would arrive. That’s some pretty serious intel.”
“Indeed it is. Myers knows what he’s talking about, Lacy. These guys are doing some dirty business. Not sure we can prove it, but the evidence is looking stronger. What will McDover say when confronted with all this?”
“I guess we’ll find out soon enough.”
The door swung open and Hugo appeared. He said, “Sorry I’m late. Another rough night.” He tossed his briefcase on the table and took a sip from a tall coffee. “I would have been here sooner but I’ve been on the phone with a guy who won’t give me his name.”
Geismar nodded, waiting, still holding one of the photos. Lacy said, “Okay?”
“He called first around five this morning, a bit early but I just happened to be awake. Said he worked at the casino and had some information that might be useful. Said he knew we were investigating the tribe and the judge and he could help. I pressed a little and he hung up. About an hour ago, he called again, from a different number, and said he wanted to meet and talk about a deal. I asked what kind of deal and he got pretty vague. He said there was a lot of shady stuff going on and it was just a matter of time before it blew up. He’s a member of the tribe, knows the Chief and the folks who run the casino, and doesn’t want to get caught in the storm when it all hits the fan.”
Hugo was pacing around the room, as was his habit of late. Sitting made him sleepy.
Lacy said, “This could be interesting.”
Geismar fell into his swivel and locked his hands behind his head. “Nothing else?”
“No, but he wants to meet tonight. Said he works a late shift and is not free until after 9:00 p.m.”
“You think he’s for real?” Geismar asked.
“Who knows? He certainly sounded nervous and he used two different phones, probably disposable. He repeatedly asked me about secrecy and wanted to know how we can protect his identity. He said a lot of his people are fed up with the corruption but afraid to talk.”
“Where does he want to meet?” Lacy asked.
“He lives not far from the casino, on the reservation. He said he’ll find a spot and call us when we get close.”
“We gotta be careful here,” Geismar said. “This could be a setup.”
“I don’t think so,” Hugo said. “I got the impression I was talking to a guy who needs help and wants to help.”
“Which cell phone are you using?”
“BJC’s. I know the rules, Boss.”
“Okay, how did he get your number?” Geismar asked. “So far, in this investigation, who have you given your numbers to? Both of you.”
Hugo and Lacy looked at each other and tried to remember. She said, “Myers, Junior Mace, the authorities at the prison, Wilton Mace, Razko’s widow, Al Bennett, the lawyer who ran against McDover five years ago, Naylor at the Gaming Commission, and I think that’s it.”
“That’s all,” Hugo said. “Driving in, I asked myself the same question.”
“Sounds like enough to spring a leak,” Geismar said.
“But none of those people are even remotely involved with Dubose and the corruption,” Lacy said.
“As far as we know,” Hugo said.
“So, you want to go?” Geismar asked.
“Of course we’re going,” Lacy said.
Geismar stood and walked to his narrow window. He said, “This could be the break. Someone on the inside.”
“We’re going,” Lacy said.
“Okay, but please be careful.”
—