The Priest, The Politician and Murder

About the Book

About the Author

CHAPTER 1

Friday, the Day after the Murder

Vince Masterson, Kent Ellison, and Arthur Ortiz

     After radio, TV and then the newspapers had headlined the story, everyone was asking questions. “Who would want to kill a priest, for Pete’s sake?”

    “Yes and why would anyone want to kill him? That’s an even better question!”

      Television interviews with the man-on-the-street reported the following responses, among others:  “I bet it was a plain old robbery attempt gone awry.”   “Well, the killer had to be a strong man to be able to gut a guy that way with only a knife. That blade must have been at least eight inches long!”

“I think it could have been done by some kid who was abused by that pedophile and now the kid’s gotten older and decided to get even.”

     In response to that last comment, another said, “I don’t believe that! If you follow the papers, they have reported that dozens of abuse cases have been filed back there in the Boston area alone -- and now only one guy gets mad about it?  Statistically, you’d think there would be dozens of murdered priests around if you buy that suggestion.”

     “Yes, but also those cases back east were settled with the victims receiving over $150,000 according to what I read.”

     “That may be true, but have you heard of anyone getting paid off out here in our part of the country?  Those people back east aren’t going to kill a priest if they can get $150,000.  But out here – here in Albuquerque?”

     “Well how about the Los Angeles area? They may have more predatory priests out there than even on the east coast.”

      The TV announcer thanked them for their comments and returned to the regular programming which followed an ad proclaiming, “Everything is faster with Saxter! Saxter for Governor!”

     Vince Masterson, Commander of Criminal Investigations, accompanied by two of his detectives, Arthur Ortiz and Kent Ellison, had arrived at the St. Gregory church early that morning in response to the 911 call. He was surprised they had reached the church as soon as the medics and fire truck had.