Read Online Deadly Diamonds by John Dobbyn - Free Book Online

down at the floor and just shook his head. “Dear Lord, I wish I were dealing with Billy Coyne on this.”
    â€œDevlin! Are you out of your mind? What the h—”
    Mr. D. put it on speakerphone, but there was no need. I could have heard her in my office.
    â€œRelax, Angela. Relax. I just wanted your attention, not your obituary. I take it you’re ready to go into high gear over this Monsignor Ryan business, assuming you’re not there already. I’m sure there’s no point in telling you that of all of the priests from here to Rome, you’ve got your claws into the one who couldn’t do these things if his life depended on it.”
    â€œNo more than in my telling you that I’m personally going to put this predatory animal away for the rest of his life.”
    I could see the words stung. “Uh-huh. That should play well in the
Globe
. Here’s what I want, and I mean while the ink is still wet. I want a copy of the indictment with a full statement of all the particulars. Dates, times, locations, specific acts. If I sense you getting cute with any general allegations without details, I’ll smack you with a motion for a bill of particulars even Billy Coyne couldn’t fight.”
    â€œAre you threatening a public official?”
    â€œNo, Angela. I’m giving you a very accurate prediction. You’re playing with the life of a man who’s worth ten of you on your best day. And make no mistake. I am personally involved. And, Angela, keep this in mind. You’re not the only one with access to the boys at the
Globe
.”
    Mr. D’s phone hit the cradle, and I could see the steam go out ofhim. He’d been looking more tired in the late afternoons than I liked to see, but this time he seemed more depleted than ever.
    â€œHow’s Monsignor Ryan taking all of this?’
    That brought him up a bit. “A hell of a lot better than I am.”
    He finished telling me about his encounter with Casey and his wife when his phone rang. His secretary of many years, Lois Drury, knew to put the call directly through.
    â€œTom, what did you find out?”
    â€œYour instincts were, as always, on target. A man went out the back door about five minutes after you left. My man followed him to a bar on Prince Street in the North End. Collini’s.”
    Mr. D. and I exchanged confused looks.
    â€œMy man did some discreet checking. His name is Tony Napolitano. He’s mid-level muscle for the North End Mafia.”
    Tom interpreted the silence that followed. “You’re wondering what a lush in Irish Charlestown has to do with the boys in the Italian North End. Do you want me to do some more checking, Mr. Devlin?”
    â€œNot yet, Tom. This is very delicate. I’ll be in touch.”
    Mr. D. hung up and did a lap between his desk and the window that gives a long view of Boston Harbor. I knew this was a time to clam up and let his gray cells connect.
    It took twenty seconds for him to reach a decision. He was back at the phone dialing numbers with the speakerphone on. Apparently, I was invited to listen in. I wasn’t completely surprised to hear him connect with his old friend and former don of the Boston family, Dominic Santangelo.
    â€œDominic, I said I wouldn’t do this. Your old business is laid to rest. And thank God.”
    â€œMy friend, when you call me ‘Dominic’ instead of ‘Dom,’ I get nervous.”
    â€œI need one more favor. Some inside information. If you can. It’ll go no further. And Dom, this is for Matt. Have you heard?”
    â€œHe called me. He didn’t want me to hear it on the television and not know what to think. Can you imagine? That I wouldn’t know what to think about Matt.”
    â€œI know.”
    â€œSomeone’s behind this despicable lie. I could find out who it is and handle this in the old way. You understand, Lex? It’s only my promise to you and to Matt