Triple Shot Read Online Free PDF Page A

that’s on your birth certificate?’
    ‘Of course it is.’ Chitown looked offended. ‘Probably pronounced differently when my ancestors arrived here, but as spelled out it most certainly was – and remains – our surname.’
    Sarah still looked skeptical, but I said, ‘Was your father killed in the raid?’
    Chitown shook his head. ‘No, thank God. He lived to retire from the agency and died just this past year, in fact.’
    Riordan stuck her hand out to Chitown. ‘I’m sorry for your loss, sir, but it’s truly an honor to meet you. I’m Elaine Riordan, of the County Historical Society?’
    ‘Oh, yes, Ms Riordan. I appreciate the help you’ve given Deirdre on my behalf.’
    Everything, seemingly, revolved around Ward the Sun.
    And Elaine Riordan certainly wasn't immune to his gravitational pull. She hadn’t let go of the man’s hand. ‘Were you able to obtain access to the buildings? I believe there’s split ownership, with the slaughterhouse having reverted to the county? But as I told your producer, I’d be more than happy—’
    ‘Oh, yes. Yes,’ Chitown said, gently extricating his hand from her grip. ‘We’ll be all set. And, again, thank you so much.’
    ‘Don’t look now –’ Kate said, nodding toward the table where Riordan had been sitting – ‘but your friends are leaving.’
    MaryAnne Williams was nowhere in sight when I turned, the brunette was scuttling out the door and the drag Barbie – in relative position, not manner of dress – was gathering her handbag.
    Riordan ignored Kate and returned to bobble-head mode. ‘In fact, six men died that day. Three were La Cosa Nostra lieutenants and the others FBI agents?’
    Chitown mimicked her nodding. ‘With four special agents wounded, my father included.’
    ‘Only one man left standing,’ Riordan intoned solemnly. ‘Or running, should I say?’
    Chitown looked at her appreciatively. ‘You really do know this story.’
    ‘I find all history fascinating, but this case, what with the mob connection and the missing . . . loot?’
    ‘Loot?’ I asked.
    ‘Until now, the consigliere was thought to have escaped with the money,’ Chitown explained.
    OK, I admit when I’m lost. Or more lost. ‘ Consigliere? ’
    ‘The “counsel” for Chicago’s “Outfit”, the organization that demanded tribute be paid by the local Milwaukee family. The big-city consigliere – an attorney – attended the meeting to keep peace between the different factions.’
    Keeping the peace, I thought. Like a marshal in the old west, but in this case the ‘good’ town-folk were a bunch of squabbling mobsters.
    ‘I believe you just said “until now”?’ If Elaine Riordan’s eyebrows went any higher she’d have to pluck her hairline. ‘Have you uncovered new information, Ward? Is that the reason you’ve reopened the case? ’
    I registered Riordan's switching to 'Ward,' but it was her last two words I repeated to the man. ‘The case? Are you here in some sort of law enforcement role?’
    Chitown didn’t look the part, but then neither did Jake Pavlik when he was riding his Harley, me as passenger behind him, my arms wrapped around his buttery leather jacket.
    ‘No, no. Merely an investigative journalist,’ Chitown replied. ‘But Elaine -- if I may? -- is correct. Some information has come my way that indicates that while the consigliere may have escaped, he did so with out the money.’
    ‘But then where is it?’ Riordan asked.
    ‘That, my dear,’ Chitown touched her nose with his finger, ‘you’ll need to tune in to see.’
    Hmmm. First, 'Ward' and 'Elaine' and now the playful tap.
    Riordan was blushing. ‘But mightn't you need me before that? For local fact-checking, I mean?’
    ‘Well, I’m not certain.’ Chitown turned and raised his voice. ‘Deirdre? What do you think? Can we use Elaine as a consultant?’
    The producer joined us, looking annoyed yet resigned. I had a feeling she’d fielded this kind of request before. ‘I