Dave had drinks coming from everywhere. Mario knew only a few people at the club so his arrest did little to dampen spirits. Several members toasted Mario as they sipped the free drinks. Sven was withdrawn, but the rest of the Swiss group was in good spirits. After all, they now had controlling interest in the Cabo casino and several other potentially lucrative projects.
Bill Martin bought a round of drinks on the house and instructed the kitchen to put out some munchies. As club owner, he could afford to. He had lost some money betting on Buzz today, but not enough to matter. Bill and Ginny would be joining Dave and Mary for dinner.
Bill was chastising Buzz for missing that putt on 18 when his cell phone beeped. He took the call. The table went quiet when the revelers saw his face turn ashen. “Martinez was assassinated,” he whispered to Buzz, as the caller gave him more of the details. Word spread quickly around the room. This was big news.
Buzz spotted Hector Armas, at the doorway with two other FBI agents. He quickly walked over to them and told them the news about Martinez. “We know, Buzz. It’s not good timing but we are here to arrest Bill for drug smuggling and distribution. You are the key witness now that Jesus is dead. Are you up to it?”
Buzz nodded
“Good. We found a couple things on Jesus’ body that tied him to Bill, but nothing solid. We will need your testimony.”
“Give me a few minutes, Hector, and I’ll bring him out to you. II don’t want to embarrass him in front of his friends and employees. I’ll tell him you are here to provide protection.”
“Good idea. No sense crashing in and making a scene if we don’t have to.”
Bill had finished the call and was being consoled by a few club members. He was obviously broken up and in shock. “I should have been with him. I was supposed to be until this golf match came up. We were best friends since high school. He had such a great future. What a waste.”
Bill stood up; “Friends, I would like to propose a toast to Joe Martinez.” Everyone stood. “I’ll miss you, Joe, and everyone in Florida will be poorer for the fact that you won’t be their next governor. Cheers.”
Buzz grabbed Bill by the arm. “Bill, these agents need to talk with you. I think it’s about security.” Bill nodded and followed Buzz out of the room while the rest of the group resumed their celebration.
“Mr. Martin, I’m Special Agent Hector Armas with the FBI. I am sorry to hear about your Joe Martinez, but you are under arrest for drug smuggling and accessory to attempted murder. You have the right to be silent and ….”
Martin had no reaction other than to give Buzz a glazed look as if to ask what Buzz had to do with this. There is only so much shock the human mind can absorb. He was quickly handcuffed and led outside to a waiting patrol car.
Buzz returned to the party feeling sorry for Bill but resolute in the knowledge that he had made the right decision. The timing of Bill’s arrest sucked, but couldn’t be helped.
Chapter 5
The Celebration Ends