“You don?t have any ideas?” he asked, pressing the question.
“It could be Raines. Maybe that?s the reason he?s so coy. He?s keeping arm?s length from the action.
And Donleavy could be his front.”
“That don?t even make good sense, Jake. They got more to lose than anybody, particularly Harry.”
“Harry Raines didn?t get where he is by running on empty,” I said. “He?s ambitious and he?s got more
than his share of pride. The mob might be making him a bigger offer than just governor of the state.
Their clout in Washington is scary.”
He shook his head. “You got one helluva devious mind,” he said.
I didn?t say any more. I couldn?t tell him that I wanted Raines to be in it. Or Donleavy. Or that my
reasons were purely selfish because I was in love with Raines? wife. Hell, I?m only human.
24
DUE PROCESS
Charlie One Ear was killing time near the water fountain when I left Dutch?s office. His expression
asked the question. I made a circle with thumb and forefinger and winked.
“Just your basic lack of communication,” I said.
“Good,” he said. “He?s a fine man, Dutch. There?s not a man in the squad who wouldn?t kill for him.”
“He deserves it,” I said. “He?s got a mean job and right now the local hotshots have got him shoved
against the wall.”
“I just wanted to make sure you understood,” said Charlie One Ear. “You?re a nice chap and all that,
but we?re throwing in with you because it appears to be the only chance he?s got.”
It was obvious that Charlie One Ear was the spokesman for the SOB?s, or perhaps chairman would be
closer to it.
“I appreciate your honesty, Charlie. Just so there?s no misunderstanding either way, I intend to take
advantage of that loyalty every chance I get.”
He smiled and put out his hand. “Thus far you seem to know what you?re doing. Someday I hope to
add a new chapter to the legend that seems to be growing around me. Busting the Triad with Jake
Kilmer.”
“Let?s hope you can write it,” I said. “We got the clock against us.”
“I have already come to that conclusion,” he said as we walked toward the door. “There seems to be a
covert attempt in Dunetown to ignore the Tagliani kill-out.”
“You noticed that, huh?”
“Yes. Obviously they?re hoping for a break before they have to fess up,” he continued. “I?m certain
