Act of Deceit

Chapter 52

D onnally didn’t bother knocking. He just pushed open the door to Lieutenant Ramon Navarro’s homicide unit office and charged inside.

“You told me he wasn’t going anywhere,” Donnally said.

“What do you mean?”

“I just found out from a neighbor that she saw Sherwyn loading suitcases into the back of his Mercedes last night.”

Navarro reached for the telephone and called the Berkeley Police Department. He asked the dispatcher to send officers by Sherwyn’s house and office.

“Did the neighbor have any idea where he was going?” Navarro asked after disconnecting.

“Not a clue. She said he travels about once a month, but never talks about it.”

Navarro squinted up at Donnally. “And how did you happen to be talking to this neighbor?”

“I like to keep track of people who try to kill me.” He glared down at Navarro. “And now it looks like I’m going to have to find him myself.”

Donnally surveyed Navarro’s desk. “Will I have to break into his house to find evidence of where he went or did you get the search warrants?”

Navarro tapped a manila folder. “I had planned to do his home and office this afternoon, but I think I’ll do them right now.” He rose from his chair and shook his head as he looked at Donnally. “Not a chance you’re coming along.”

Donnally pulled out his cell phone and scanned through the stored numbers.

“What are you doing?” Navarro asked.

“A reporter for the Chronicle called the cafe after Brown’s competency hearing and left his number. Maybe he’d like to be there when you kick in Sherwyn’s door.”

Navarro waved off the threat. “Give me a break. How’s it going to look if we allow you in there when Sherwyn’s already accused you of manufacturing evidence?”

“How about you let me look through the stuff once you get it back here tonight?”

“Why? Chain of evidence. That’s why.”

“I won’t touch anything. You turn the pages.”

“What pages?” Navarro inspected Donnally’s face. “What do you know that I don’t know?”

“Nothing. Phone records, that’s all I meant.”

Navarro squinted up at Donnally. “Like maybe you want to compare them to some you already have?”

“Man, you’ve become a suspicious son of gun in the last few years. I just want to see if there are any leads to where he might have gone.”

Navarro held his gaze, then shrugged. “Have it your way.”

Donnally pointed at Navarro’s phone. “You may want to check with ICE to find out whether Sherwyn left the country.”

Navarro glanced toward the hallway. “You see your nameplate hanging on an office out there with the rank of captain etched into it?”

Donnally smiled and shrugged. “Just a thought. I’ll be here this evening when you get back.”