Hypocrisy (29 page)

“Good morning, gentlemen,” Dupree said, trying to be as pleasant and non-threatening as possible. “I’m Detective Dupree and this is Detective Brown. We’ve met Dr. Mason, but haven’t yet had the pleasure of meeting either of you.”

Pointing, Mason said, “This is Michael Adelman, CEO of Hyland Laboratories and this is Dominic Gallo, Deputy Director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.”

Dupree and T.J. exchanged handshakes with the two men. Dupree observed that Gallo seemed calm and at ease, but Adelman was noticeably nervous.

“I know that you’re very busy men and we appreciate you taking the time to meet—”

“We didn’t come down here voluntarily,” Adelman almost yelled. “You dragged us out of an important meeting as if we were criminals.” He folded his arms across his chest.

“We just want to ask you a few questions,” Dupree said.

“Do we have a choice?” Adelman asked Dupree.

“I’m afraid you don’t.”

“Well, let’s get this over with,” Adelman said, his cheeks crimson red. “My colleagues and I have a full schedule and I have a flight to catch later today.”

“We’ll have you out of here as soon as possible.”

Dupree was surprised at Adelman’s appearance. She figured that the CEO of the biggest pharmaceutical company in the world would be wearing a Valentino original, but his suit looked like he bought it off the bargain rack at an outlet store. And he didn’t appear to be particularly well groomed. He wasn’t an unattractive man, just unremarkable. Gallo, on the other hand, looked more like someone you might see on the cover of
GQ
magazine. His full head of salt and pepper hair looked freshly cut and neatly combed. His charcoal grey suit, custom tailored no doubt, fit perfectly. He stood about six-foot tall and looked trim and in good shape. She guessed he was in his mid-fifties.

Dupree pointed to an area that looked like a doctor’s waiting room. “Please have a seat gentleman while I talk to my colleagues. We’ll be with you in a few minutes. Mason, Adelman and Gallo followed Dupree’s instructions without comment. Mason and Gallo didn’t seem annoyed by Dupree’s request, but Adelman glared at Dupree as he brushed by her and made his way to the waiting area.

Dupree huddled with T.J., Parisi, and Wells as if she were an NFL quarterback calling a play. She went over the strategy T.J. and she had discussed earlier.

“Any questions?” Dupree asked.

“Nope,” Wells said. “Can’t wait to get a crack at Adelman. Something about this guy really irritates me.”

“It might be a while,” Dupree said. “Keep Adelman and Mason on ice until T.J and I grill Gallo.”

Parisi and Wells escorted Mason and Adelman down the long hallway towards the interview rooms. They placed Adelman in room 1 and Mason in room 2, while T.J. and Dupree led Gallo to interview room 3.

Once seated, Dupree studied Gallo closely and he appeared to be calm, not at all intimidated by Dupree and T.J. He looked like a man who had nothing to hide. Considering Gallo’s involvement in Dr. Crawford’s murder—at least according to Hansen’s testimony—Dupree expected to see concern in his eyes. After all, earlier this morning, he was in Dr. Mason’s office, prepared to meet with Michael Adelman to discuss a joint venture between Horizon and Hyland Laboratories, and suddenly, he found himself sitting across from two homicide detectives. Even a perfectly innocent man would likely show signs of anxiousness. But Gallo remained rock-solid.

“So now that you’ve got me here behind closed doors, mind telling me what this is all about?” Gallo said.

“It has to do with your stepson, Jonathan Lentz,” T.J. said.

“You dragged the three of us down here to talk about my
stepson
?”

“Not exactly,” Dupree said “Is he in trouble again?” Gallo asked.

“I’m afraid it’s more than trouble,” T.J. said.

Gallo spoke in a calm, controlled voice. “What kind of predicament has Johnny gotten himself into this time?”

“I’m sorry to have to tell you this, Mr. Gallo, but Jonathan was murdered yesterday morning,” Dupree said.

Dupree expected that Gallo would react to such alarming news with strong emotions. Wouldn’t anyone in his position have
difficulty suppressing their feelings? But it seemed as if Dupree had just delivered an unpleasant weather report. Dominic Gallo didn’t even flinch.

“Mr. Gallo,” Dupree said. “Did you hear what I said?”

“Clearly.”

“And you have no questions, or comments?”

Gallo adjusted himself in the seat. “Would it shock you if I said I wasn’t surprised?”

“Yes, actually, it would,” T.J. said.

“When he lost his job with Lehman Brothers back in 2008, something snapped and he went from a hardworking, successful young man to a reckless fool. As much as I tried to put him on the straight and narrow, he was always flirting with disaster. Hanging around with the wrong crowd. Forever falling for some get rich quick scheme. He didn’t understand the concept of working hard anymore, of saving, and building a financial future. He bought Lottery tickets every week, played the horses, made frequent trips to Atlantic City. He’d hop from one job to another, always believing that the grass was greener on the other side of the fence. After his mom died five years ago—the most wonderful woman I ever met—I tried my best to assume the father role, but no matter what I did, Johnny just wouldn’t turn his life around. He was bitter, angry with the world. He was always borrowing money from me that I knew he’d never pay back. But I let it go; tried to look the other way, hoping that he’d get with the program.”

Dupree didn’t understand how Gallo could give such a speech without even the slightest sign of emotion. The man was an iceberg. He hadn’t raised his voice, never lost his composure, and he didn’t seem moved by Lentz’s murder. He hadn’t even asked how he died or if they had any suspects.

“What does Johnny’s murder have to do with Ed Mason and Michael Adelman? Why are they here?” Gallo asked.

“We’re getting to that, Mr. Gallo,” Dupree said. “How well did you know Dr. Crawford?”

“I worked closely with Lauren for over two years. She was spearheading the most significant medical research in history. If all of her theories proved true—and I have every reason to believe they would—she would have radically changed the future of medicine.

“Isn’t it highly unethical for any member of the FDA to work directly with a pharmaceutical company or independent research group? Isn’t it a conflict of interest?” T.J. asked.

“Under normal circumstances, yes, it would be a conflict of interest. But what you need to understand is that her research was a new frontier. It has the potential to save millions of lives and extend the lives of millions more. And who knows what we’ll discover if we continue on the same path? Perhaps in another five or six years cancer might be like polio and literally vanish from the face of the Earth.”

Time to connect the dots, Dupree thought.

“Were you aware that Dr. Crawford and Jonathan were romantically involved?”

For the first time since starting the interview, Gallo showed signs of nervousness. “They met at a little shindig Ed Mason had hosted at his home. Ed had invited me to this gathering and told me I could bring a date. Well, I thought Johnny might enjoy such an exquisite event—Ed really knows how to throw a party. Contrary to what you might think—especially after my unsavory description of my stepson—I wasn’t shocked when I found out they were dating. That was the fascinating thing about Johnny. When he turned on the charm, he could seduce the Virgin Queen of the Nile. He was a real player and knew how to hide his dark side. I suspect when Lauren got to know the
real
Jonathan Lentz, she didn’t like what she saw.”

Gallo glanced at his watch. “Are we almost finished? Ed, Michael, and I have a full day ahead of us working out the details of their partnership agreement.”

“Just a few more questions, Mr. Gallo,” Dupree said. Her probing eyes met his. “Forgive me for saying this, but you don’t seem fazed at all by your stepson’s death. I find that really strange.”

“I’ve never been one to wear my heart on my shirtsleeve. I have my moments when I’m alone. But I’ve always felt that Johnny was headed for an early grave. Maybe that’s why I’m not shocked by his death.”

“Tell us what you know about Margaret Hansen.”

Dupree watched Gallo’s Adam’s apple rise and fall several times. His cheeks blushed red.

“Does she have something to do with Johnny’s…murder?”

“We were hoping you could answer that question,” T.J. said.

“I don’t appreciate the implication,” Gallo said, his voice slightly louder.

“There
is
no implication, Mr. Gallo,” T.J. said. “We would just like to know if you were aware of any conflict in their relationship.”

“I didn’t even know they
had
a relationship. Last I heard, they had a fling and that was that.”

“They had more than a fling,” Dupree said. “They were quite the item.”

“Do you have evidence that incriminates Maggie?” Gallo asked.

Interesting, Dupree thought. He knew Hansen well enough to call her “Maggie.” “Sorry, that’s something we can’t discuss while we’re in the middle of an investigation.”

“Well, I’m really sorry I can’t offer more assistance,” Gallo said. “Are we done
now
?”

“Not quite,” Dupree said. “You might be interested to know that Jonathan Lentz made a full confession regarding his part in the Crawford murder. We know that you—or one of your cronies—paid
him one-hundred-fifty thousand dollars to find someone to steal Dr. Crawford’s computer. But we have evidence—strong evidence—that your ultimate goal was not to get your hands on her computer but to have her murdered. We have sworn statements from both Jonathan and the man hired to murder Dr. Crawford.”

For the first time since speaking to Gallo, Dupree saw his expressionless face break a smile. “Unless you intend to arrest me, I’d suggest that the two of you continue your investigation elsewhere and let Ed, Michael, and me conduct our business.”

Ignoring his comment, Dupree said, “Who are you working with, Mr. Gallo? We know you’re not a solo pilot on this. Is it Dr. Mason? Michael Adelman?”

“Apparently,” Gallo said, “English is not your first language, Detective. Let me make it abundantly clear: This conversation is over, and I strongly suggest that both of you release me before I contact my attorney and file a formal complaint against the police department.”

“Let me also make it
clear
,” Dupree said. “You’re under arrest as an accessory to murder and conspiracy to commit murder, for the death of Dr. Lauren Crawford. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say or do can and will be held against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you understand these rights, or are they not clear enough?”

“What I understand is that both of you are making a huge mistake.”

“I think not, Mr. Gallo,” Dupree said.

“You have no basis for your accusations,” Gallo said. “Do you think that a dead man’s statement is going to stand up in court? Do you really believe that the word of a criminal like Cassano holds any credibility at all? I have an unblemished record of accomplishment and strong business ethics with the FDA. Once the DA examines the evidence, this case will never make it to
court.” He grinned. “Excuse the expression, but you’re pissing in the wind.”

“That’s interesting,” Dupree said. “We never mentioned Cassano. Where did you hear his name?”

A look came over Gallo’s face that Dupree had seen many times before. It was what she called an “oh-shit-moment.”

“Well, Mr. Gallo,” Dupree said. “I really hate to ruin your day, but I have more bad news for you.”

Gallo’s eyes were wide open.

“You see, along with the testimony and sworn statements from your stepson and Oscar Cassano, Margaret Hansen sang like a whippoorwill. She spilled her guts and told us
everything
. You knew that once Dr. Crawford was out of the way, you could manipulate Dr. Mason and convince him to partner with Adelman and then rehire Hansen, and the four of you would be on your merry way to Emerald City.

“Using your tremendous influence with the FDA, you were going to cut through all the red tape and push Dr. Crawford’s treatment for cancer through the approval process. And then the floodgates would open and all of you would get filthy rich. Your stepson was nothing more than a pawn.”

T.J. pushed a legal pad and pen across the table, in front of Gallo. “We want your confession in writing.”

“I want to speak to my attorney.”

“Suit yourself,” T.J. said. He stood and reached for his handcuffs. “Please stand and turn around.”

“Is that really necessary?” Gallo said. “At least let me preserve some dignity. What do you think I’m going to do, outrun the two of you?”

“You compromised your dignity when you conspired to commit murder,” T.J. said. “Now please stand and turn around.”

Gallo complied and T.J. cuffed him and escorted him to a jail cell.

“Good luck with Adelman,” Dupree said.

“No worries,” T.J. said. “I’ll have a written confession in thirty minutes or less.”