Read Online Frame-Up by John F. Dobbyn - Free Book Online

father been notified?”
    â€œThat’s been more difficult than it sounds. There’s no listednumber or address for Mr. Santangelo, sir. We’ve kept it from the press until he can be notified.”
    Mr. Devlin closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead. I know he was trying to absorb the blow and cover every base at the same time. I scribbled a note and put it in front of him. He read it and asked the question.
    â€œDo you have the videotapes that covered the front and back entrances to the lockup?”
    â€œYes, we do.”
    â€œHave you checked them? Did anyone come into the building or leave it after Mr. Santangelo arrived?”
    â€œThat was the first thing we did. No one entered or left the building all night after you were here.”
    â€œAnd you haven’t a clue about movements of any of the other prisoners?”
    â€œI can only say there was a full count in each cell last night and this morning. All cells were locked during that period. As I said, the videos in the—”
    â€œYeah, I know. Captain, you’ll be getting calls from the press in about five minutes.”
    â€œDon’t worry, Mr. Devlin. I won’t say a word.”
    â€œYes, you will, Captain. You’ll tell them exactly what you’ve told me, including the fact that Mr. Santangelo was brought in last night in secrecy. Do you understand?”
    â€œYes, but I’ll need clearance from Mr. Santangelo.”
    â€œYou have it. I’m his attorney.”
    As soon as he hung up, Mr. Devlin made calls to news editors at both the Globe and Herald. He also notified the three major television stations and WBZ, the major news radio station. The word was brief. Call the captain in charge of the lockup facility in the city of Springfield just west of Worcester. Be prepared for a major story.
    That done, he made the call that we could both have lived a full and happy life without experiencing. The speakerphone was on, and he left it that way when Dominic Santangelo came on the line.
    â€œDominic, it’s Lex.”
    There was a heavy sigh on the other end. “I’m an old man, Lex. When you call me ‘Dominic’ instead of ‘Dom’ I know you’re going to make me older still.”
    â€œDid we ever pull punches with each other?”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œThere was a murder last night.”
    A pause, then “Yes?”
    â€œI’m sorry, Dom.”
    There was a silence followed by one word.
    â€œHow?”
    â€œIt was quick, Dom. His throat was cut.”
    There was nothing but silence. Eventually, Mr. D. spoke very softly.
    â€œI’m terribly sorry, Dom. I wish we had more time. We have to make some plans.”
    â€œI’ve tried your plans, Lex. I’ve even tried your law. I don’t think they serve me very well. I’ll keep my own counsel now. Good-bye once again, Lex.”
    â€œDom, this won’t go away. Before you do anything, meet with me and Matt. What can you lose? Just listen to me, and then do what you wish.”
    There was a heavy silence. We were at a fork in the road. Before a choice was made, Mr. Devlin spoke once more and then hung up.
    â€œI’m leaving now, Dom. I’ll be at Matt’s church in half an hour. I’ll wait there one hour.”
    When we pulled up in front of the Church of the Sacred Heart, there was no other car parked on the road within a block. Monsignor Ryan met us at the door and took us back to his office. Mr. Devlin excused himself to use the phone in the curate’s office while we waited. When he returned, it was still just the three of us.
    I could hear the seconds ticking on the wall clock. We had arrived at ten o’clock exactly. I knew that we’d be leaving at eleven o’clock exactly if no one showed up. I knew there was nothing left todo but listen to the ticking and pray. I also knew that if we left that office without some agreement with Mr. Santangelo, there would