William Bernhardt - Perfect Justice

“No, I don’t. It wasn’t an ASP operation.”

“How can you be certain?”

“Grand Dragon Dunagan has released a public statement.”

“Well, you could hardly expect him to admit it.”

Banner seemed taken back. “Grand Dragon Dunagan does not lie.”

“Not even for the cause?”

“Our cause is a noble crusade. We have no need for lies or deception.”

Ben could tell he was getting Banner’s dander up. Much as it gave him personal satisfaction, he figured it was probably not a particularly smart tactic. “By the way, does anyone in this group drive a black pickup?”

Banner shrugged. “I expect several of us do, including myself. That’s the most common vehicle for this country. Why do you ask?”

“Idle curiosity.”

Ben felt a sudden slap on his back. “So you came after all, Ben. I’m genuinely pleased.”

It was His Exalted Grand Dragon Dunagan. For the services, he had tucked his short round little self into a brown sport coat and the club tie. “Have any trouble finding us?”

“No. We just turned left before the entrance to Coi Than Tien.”

An eyebrow rose. “You’ve been to Coi Than Tien?”

“Of course. As part of my investigation.”

“I see. …”

“In fact, I was there when the fire started.”

Dunagan nodded. “Terrible tragedy, that. Of course, I don’t think those people belong here in the first place, but I hated to see that happen. I suppose I’m not surprised, though. Those who play with fire will perish in the flames.”

“Is that from the Bible?” Ben asked.

“Actually, that’s my own.”

“Ah. I understand you issued a public statement disavowing any responsibility for the attack on Coi Than Tien.”

“True. If it was an attack. From what I hear, someone may have been smoking one of those weird chink pipes in bed.”

“The preliminary investigation indicates arson.”

“Really? I hadn’t heard that.” Dunagan stroked his chin. “I’m surprised anyone around here is sophisticated enough to make that kind of determination.”

Ben wondered if he was counting on that. “So you don’t have any idea who did it?”

“Of course not. Ben, we wouldn’t set someone’s house on fire. Especially on the eve of your trial. I like to think I’m a little smarter than that. I don’t want to see Lou Vick’s boy executed.”

Ben just hoped that was right. But for some reason, he was starting to wonder. “Do you know who the baby was?”

Dunagan’s face wrinkled. “The baby?”

“The baby who died in the fire.”

“They let a little baby burn to death?” Dunagan’s head shook with sudden rage. “Those goddamn godless heathens! Some people shouldn’t be permitted to have children.”

“Apparently the baby didn’t belong—” “This is an outrage. They should lock up whoever was smoking that goddamn pipe and throw away the key!”

The Grand Dragon’s shouting was attracting attention. “Calm down, sir. The sheriff has the matter—”

“Who let her in here?” Dunagan suddenly demanded. Ben whirled around and saw that he was talking about Belinda.

Belinda approached them. “Good morning, Mr. Dunagan. Nice to see you again. You look better without the hood.”

“Demon Hamilton!” he shouted back at her. “How dare you show yourself on these holy premises!”

“I invited her,” Ben interjected.

“You … what?” Dunagan stared at him as if he was lower than a worm. “What in the name of Christ did you think you were doing?”

“Ms. Hamilton has been very helpful to my investigation.”

“Demon Hamilton is Satan’s bitch!” Dunagan spit back. “Tainted Jezebel! Whore of Babylon!”

“Now wait a minute,” Ben said. “There’s no need for that kind of talk.”

“This woman and her malignant friends have interfered with our righteous cause for the past five years!”

Belinda did not back off. “We’ve tried to prevent you from stomping all over poor and defenseless minorities, if that’s what you mean.”

“This woman had the audacity to bring a civil lawsuit in Birmingham. Against me!”

“Yes. And you sent some of your goons out to beat and humiliate me. I’d say we’re about even.”

Dunagan’s eyes flared. “Get thee away, Lucifer!” He motioned to Banner. “I want this woman removed.”

Before Banner could act, Brother Curtis stepped into the fray. “Just a minute, my son.”

“Brother Curtis, don’t interfere.” Dunagan pushed him away. “I’m taking care of this.”

“This is my church, and my flock,” Brother Curtis said. “And what goes on here is my concern.”

“She’s an infidel. An unbeliever.”

Brother Curtis gave Belinda a head-to-toe examination. “She does not appear to be a member of one of the inferior races.”

“She’s a sympathizer.”

“Then it is all the better that she attend our services.”

Dunagan spoke through gritted teeth. “I don’t want her here!”

“It is God’s will we must be concerned with,” Curtis said. “Not yours. God has brought her here. We cannot subvert His will to serve our own petty goals.” On that note, he turned and walked toward the pulpit, apparently confident that his will—and God’s—would be obeyed.

Dunagan stood toe to toe with Ben and glared up into his face. “I won’t forget this,” he growled. “Demon Kincaid!”

Dunagan whirled around and stomped upstairs.

As they were leaving, Belinda whispered into Ben’s ear, “I’m afraid you’ve lost the Aryan seal of approval.”

Ben nodded. “I’m afraid you’re right.”

38.

COLONEL NGUYEN STRODE TO the back of the barn. There was no need for stealth this time; they undoubtedly knew he was coming and he knew exactly where they were. All he had to do was follow the noise of the hammers, the chain saws, and the electric drills.

There was no longer any pretense that Pham led a secret resistance; the ground swell of support he had received since the torching of the Truongs’ home gave him the confidence to act openly.

The largest inner room of the barn was used as a storage and construction facility. Today, the large swinging double doors were closed, and Pham and one of his followers stood guard outside.

Colonel Nguyen tried to push past them without comment, but they closed shoulders and blocked his passage.

“Let me through, Pham,” Nguyen said.

“I regret that I cannot,” Pham replied. His face was stony and impassive.

“I want to know what you are doing in there.”

“And I would like to show you. But under the circumstances, how can I? You have made it clear that you oppose me.”

“I oppose bloodshed, if that is what you mean. I oppose the wasted loss of lives. And families.”

“As do I,” Pham said solemnly.

“Don’t you see you’re leading all of Coi Than Tien on a path of destruction?”

“I believe I offer Coi Than Tien a chance to live with honor. Where we choose to live.”

This was pointless. They had had this debate a thousand times, and he had yet to make the slightest dent in Pham’s thick head. “What are your men doing?”

“We are … building,” Pham said.

“That much I know already. What are you building?”

Pham’s lips remained closed.

“Is it for the parade?”

Pham’s eyes widened in reaction to the last word.

“For weeks now, you have been extremely well informed about ASP’s activities, both past and future,” Nguyen said. “What is your source of this information?”

“I am more interested in learning how much you know, Colonel Nguyen.”

“I know you plan some sort of disruption. A surprise.”