The Genesis Illusion

Chapter 28

City Correctional Center in Manhattan, New York, is a federal prison facility holding offenders of all security levels. Inspector Jaylon Lewis and CSI team leader, Anita Roberts, waited in the prison interview room for the guard to bring in Marco Hernandez.

"Listen, but if you have a question that can help clarify anything this guy says, ask it," Inspector Lewis said. "We need this guy to tell us who he was working for. He's already serving time for the ATF Depot robbery that took place a couple of years ago where the University bomb was stolen."

"I understand," Anita said. "We need to find out who paid for the bomb. Follow-the-money?"

"Exactly." A guard appeared outside the small glass door window. The guard escorted the handcuffed prisoner, wearing a prison jumpsuit, to a chair at the table where Jaylon and Anita were waiting.

"This is Marco Hernandez," the guard said. "I'll be outside. If you need me push this button."

There was a single buzzer button on the table along with a telephone. After the obligatory introductions Inspector Lewis asked the prisoner, "Now, what we'd like to know about the M116 grenade you stole in the ATF Depot robbery," Inspector Lewis said. "Who you sold it to."

"Sure, and I'd like to know who Santa Claus is too," Hernandez said. He slumped forward, leaning on the table and looking down, not making eye contact. This guy is a real hard ass.

"Look we're conducting a murder investigation. I can't guarantee you anything, but I can tell you if you cooperate it will look good to the parole board."

Hernandez continued talking down at the table. "I've heard that story before. I need something more than that. My memory isn't too good. What was your name again?"

Jaylon looked at Anita without saying a word. We need to play hardball with this guy. He's been through this before. "Someone used this weapon in a murder, so that make you an accessory. That means you could get life."

The prisoner squirmed in his chair. He didn't look Jaylon or Anita in the eye. He just stared down at table. After a long pause Hernandez said, "All right, but I need you to tell the DA that I was a good boy. Told you what you wanted to know, and when my parole comes up, I can get some consideration."

"Yes, I'll do that."

"Well, I'm not one-hundred percent sure about that one item. I sold a whole box of those grenades. They were the only ones I had like that. So, I guess the one you're talking about was inside that box." Hernandez unexpectedly looked up at Lewis his forehead wrinkled and eyes drawn tight. "Man, you got a promise that when you go after this... You won't say anything about me being your bird."

"We won't mention your name. Not even during the prosecution. We'll need other evidence to prove our case."

"This guy is a real bad dude. He works for the Simms gang. Dope suppliers all over New York. They're at war to control the territory. Dealin' mostly Meth and that new one, Magic. Money man. Money, it's crazy."

"We know about that. We'd like to cut off the head of that snake, but all we get are little pieces of the tale."

"You just nippin' away at the corners while the big boys are free. Anyway, this guy is one of the little pieces but he's better than nut'in'. I guess he's the one you want? Carlos Montoya."

"Do you to know where? Where we can find him?"

"Well now, you don't want too much do you? I'm supposed to keep track of where everybody lives, am I? I sup'ose you want his email too?"

"That would be nice." Inspector Lewis was tiring of sparing with this low-life.

"I don't have that, but I do know... He must live around the Maverick bar area on Staten Island? That's where we met to do our business. That's all I know. Now you put in the good word for me with the parole board and forget about me as an accessory to your murder."

Inspector Lewis pushed the button on the table. The guard entered the room removing Hernandez. Inspector Lewis and Anita waited next to the interview table for the informant to leave.

"That went well," Anita said. "We got a name and his possible location and we didn't give away anything either."

Inspector Lewis responded cautiously. "He said the right things. But you can't always believe everything these guys say. I'll assign an investigator to check out his story. If he's right, it looks like a drug connection. Either Montoya or someone else involved in the drug gang probably planted the bomb."