Dead Presidents (An Aria Raymond Thriller Book 3), Thomas Ransom [best thriller books to read txt] 📗

about what happened with Aria and I wanted to help her. That was all real. At that moment, I wasn’t really aware of what was happening. And then… then things changed. They contacted me…”

“What?” exclaimed Sanjay. “Who contacted you? And how?”

“I am not exactly sure who. They have their own way of getting in touch with people without that person knowing who they are talking to. They threatened me to stop helping you.” He looked at Diaz.

“Why??”

Jake shrugged. “At first, I didn’t take it seriously. I figured since Aria’s case was so publicized, it must have attracted some crazy people like most publicized cases. I dismissed the call but then they blackmailed me. The … the mistakes I had made… right in front of me… things I would never want out… they knew about everything. I don’t … I have no idea how. Trust me, I have been a good cop throughout my career… but even good cops make some mistakes that they really want to forget. They had everything.”

Diaz and Sanjay exchanged glances, wondering what exactly Jake did that he had to be dragged into this mess.

“They gave me clear instructions that I was to make sure you guys don’t find anything. I was supposed to discourage you otherwise… they would leak all the information. I wasn’t fazed, though and I told them. Then… well then, they threatened to kill you both and blame the murders once again on Aria. I wouldn’t want that on my conscience, would I? They asked.” Jake gulped. “I… I didn’t think I would be able to live with myself if that happened.”

“But you didn’t really…” Diaz started.

“Of course, not. I made a few efforts just in case anyone was on a watch. I couldn’t stop you guys from investigating. I just had to pretend I was stopping you. However, I started taking their threats seriously after what happened to Wayne. I didn’t think they would kill him.”

“You knew him? You know why they killed him?”

“Yeah. That’s how I found out how deeply messed up this entire situation is. He had something important on them. Things that could bring them down. Initially, they had no idea, but they eventually found out. I thought he got away with it but…”

“What did he have? How do you know all this?”

Jake sighed and looked at his watch, “Wayne was the one who helped you with Aria’s case.”

Diaz and Sanjay nodded, “We recently found that out.”

“I figured. That’s the reason you guys are here. There was no other way of finding this place. At that time, he knew something was up but wasn’t entirely sure until he took over Whitney’s position. He had to attend certain board meetings and knew he was stuck at someplace bad. One day, they asked him to keep some files in the safe and he just couldn’t resist. I don’t blame him. When he saw the files, he knew he had to tell someone, but he didn’t know who to trust. He then heard Tanya talking to one of you on the phone and realized you guys were still investigating. He still didn’t want to drag Aria into the case and didn’t want to put your lives in danger. He figured someone trustworthy at an authoritative position would be best.”

“He sent the files to you.” Sanjay said. Jake nodding.

“With a letter explaining everything the day he was attacked. They never realized that he had mailed someone the files. I thought there were just sending him a message to keep his mouth shut since he survived the attack and was getting better. But then you told me he suddenly passed away. That is when I realized anyone who has these files is done for. I couldn’t share them with you guys. I saw those files. Their infrastructure is huge, and I had most of the things needed to bring them down. But after doing my own research and since I had already received threats, I wanted to play it safe. I realized they have people in high places, and this isn’t going to be easy.”

Jake looked at his watch again, “Time is running out. I know you have the files somehow. You must make sure no one knows you have them. Be very careful. Take your time with it. Honestly? I would say it is best to let it go…”

“What the hell ar…” Diaz started.

Jake raised his voice, “You can let it go Nicole. These people are dangerous. Even more so than we thought. You are not ready to take these people down yet. It will break you.”

“Why would it break me?”

“Just trust me Nicole. It is best to stay out of it.”

“You are still working for them, aren’t you? You want to stop us from bringing them down otherwise your “mistakes” will be out in public.”

“No… it’s not about that, Nico…”

“No! I have had it with this mess. I am going to end this soon.”

“Nicole, you have to unders…” he stopped short. They could hear the sounds of cars approaching. “Shit! They are here. Get out of here. Quick!” his voice filled with panic.

“We can get out of the same door. Let’s go,” said Sanjay. Diaz and Sanjay almost reached the door when Sanjay glanced back, “Aren’t you coming?”

Jake was still standing at the same spot. He shook his head sadly.

“What? Why?”

“I have to stay here to give you both a chance to escape. He has way too many people. They will find you within minutes. You have to leave. Be careful. Don’t stick around. Just go Sanjay. Save her and yourself.”

“You have to…” Diaz started. They could hear the cars being parked and the engine turning off. They only had a few seconds to get out. It was now or never.

“GO! NOW!”

Sanjay grabbed her arm and led her out of