Page 33 of Saltwater Promises
“Completely by chance, I discovered that a state employee was chauffeuring Lorraine Benzini around.”
Joe leaned in. “What’s this?”
Now he had Joe’s attention. Mike thought that the smell of corruption would pique his interest. “Yes. The employee, who is terrified that she’ll be terminated from her position if this gets out, was driving Lorraine around in a Rolls-Royce Phantom.”
Joe raised an eyebrow. “But why?”
“It was done as a favor to John Benzini. Do you know him?”
“I do.” Joe sat back, crossing his arms. “Funnily enough, he approached me once and offered to help me with my re-election campaign.”
“And did you find him to be helpful?”
Joe laughed. “I turned him down. I didn’t need it. It was my second term, and I was running virtually unopposed. Until Benzini threw his weight, and his money, behind a new opponent.”
Mike smiled. “Fascinating.”
“I thought so.” Joe stared into space for a moment before speaking again. “I didn’t think much of it. I get these sort of vague threats occasionally.”
“But you didn’t bite. And Benzini backed off.”
“Yes.”
Mike let out a sigh. Really, his only option was to trust Joe. Thankfully, his instincts said that he could. He leaned forward. “It’s my theory that John Benzini has considerable power over someone important in the state.”
“But the employee wouldn’t tell you who?”
“No. She was terrified. Perhaps, if your office was investigating, she would talk? If she felt protected?”
Joe frowned. “Perhaps. But I can’t investigate John Benzini. He’s a private citizen. I’d need something to go on, at least some evidence of wrongdoing or corruption.”
“Right.” Mike nodded. “I thought you’d say that.”
Joe continued. “If you could tell me who we’re looking at, provide some sort of evidence, I could start an investigation. I believe you’re on to something.”
Mike understood exactly what Joe was saying. There were certain advantages that he had now. Since he was no longer part of the FBI, he was no longer tied down by their rules. Not that he was ever particularly adherent to the rules, but still. He didn’t need warrants, or probable cause, or approval from any managers this time around.
On the flip side, Mike had no protection should he get caught. Joe couldn’t order him to do anything, certainly not anything illegal. Joe wasn’t going to support some rogue vigilante. However, if the evidence just showed up on his desk one day…
Mike stood up. “That’s better than I expected. Thanks for your time, Joe. You’ll be hearing from me.”
Joe stood and stuck out his hand. “I look forward to it.”
