Read The Big Gamble for Free Online Page A

stood six one when he squared his shoulders and straightened up, was a big-boned man. He carried a scant ten pounds more than his playing weight as a high school lineman. Hewitt’s best cop attribute was an ability to adopt a frank, honest interest in whatever he was hearing, no matter how boring or revolting the subject might be. It had paid dividends for Hewitt over the years in terms of managing people and catching bad guys.
    Clayton reported that the canvass had been finished with no positive results, and that Quinones and Dillingham were visiting local businesses in Carrizozo and Capitan on the chance that Humphrey might have stopped to buy booze or a meal as he passed through the towns.
    Hewitt nodded and smiled as Clayton pitched him with a plea to be allowed to work both homicide cases, all the time thinking that it made no sense all. He wondered why Deputy Istee wanted to juggle two major felony murder investigations, especially when one was a cold case that might prove impossible to solve, especially by long distance.
    Clayton stopped talking. Hewitt leaned forward, put his elbows on the desk, and said, “I think the Humphrey homicide needs to be our priority.”
    “I understand, but I’d still like to keep working the Montoya case.”
    Hewitt smiled sympathetically. “Let’s concentrate on the most recent crime. That’s where we have the greater chance of success.”
    “I’d hate to see the Montoya investigation go on the back burner.”
    “I don’t think the Santa Fe PD will let that happen.”
    “The body was found here. It isn’t their jurisdiction.”
    Clayton sounded uptight. Hewitt muzzled a quizzical look. “As far as we know, the crime occurred in Santa Fe. That gives them jurisdiction. Have you got a problem with the PD that I need to know about?”
    Clayton shook his head and stopped arguing. “No. I’ll fax everything to them right away.”
    Hewitt nodded. “If you need me to grease some wheels in Santa Fe, let me know.”
    “That’s not necessary, Sheriff. The officer who originally handled the case is now the police chief.”
    “Kerney was the primary? That should get the case some serious attention. Do you know the chief?”
    Clayton hesitated. “Yeah, I met him a few times when he was down here working those campground murders.”
    “I’ve known Kerney for years,” Hewitt said, relaxing against the back of his swivel chair. “Some may disagree, but I think he’s a good man and a damn fine cop. How do you plan to proceed with the Humphrey investigation?”
    Clayton laid it out. He’d make some calls to Veterans Administration employees who had dealings with Humphrey, get as much background information as he could, and then start tracking down others who knew the victim.
    “You’re going to have to spend some time in Albuquerque,” Hewitt said.
    “I’m going up there today. If the Santa Fe PD sends some people down here while I’m gone, will you ask Sergeant Quinones to keep an eye on them?”
    Hewitt kept his tone amiable and his smile bland. “What aren’t you telling me, Deputy?”
    “Nothing,” Clayton replied, rising from his chair. “I just want to make sure I stay informed. Who knows? There’s a chance the murders could be linked. I’ll call Santa Fe now.”
    “Good deal.”
    From the hallway desk, with people brushing past him on their way to and from the supply closet and the access corridor that led to various other county offices in the courthouse, Clayton read through the Montoya autopsy report and called Kevin Kerney.
    “What can I do for you, Deputy?” Kerney asked.
    “My boss is kicking the Montoya homicide investigation back to your department,” Clayton said.
    “That makes sense,” Kerney said flatly. “Update me.”
    Clayton summarized the autopsy findings. “I’ll fax you a copy of the report,” he said.
    “Get it to me ASAP,” Kerney replied.
    “I’ll do that,” Clayton said.
    “You don’t sound too happy about giving up the