By Reason of Privilege
A Novel
by
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He spotted the big Lincoln right away as if it were calling out to him... As he got closer to the car from behind, he could see a shock of blond hair erupting beyond the headrest. That lady was a blonde. Maybe she’d be generous again if he asked. What the hell, nothing ventured… What was she doing all alone in this deserted part of a deserted downtown on a Saturday? Not that it mattered. Asking for and receiving a few bucks from this kindly lady was what he really cared about. A sixth sense that he had developed in all his years roaming the streets tugged at his brain as he approached the car. Goosebumps covered his arms, and a voice in his head told him to get away from there, fast. But the dryness that had overtaken the inside of his mouth told him that he needed to get enough money to buy some more wine very soon. Zack Street was a one-way and the car had been parked on the left side of the road, the driver’s side closest to the sidewalk. Willie’s tenuous walk had become little more than a crawl as he got closer to the driver’s door. The window was open and the only visible movement inside the car was the gentle dance a few blond follicles made in response to the breeze’s melody as it blew through the open window. He had managed to get up to the door and found himself staring at the same classy lady who had given him that fin last Thanksgiving. Only now she had two ugly holes in the side of her head, and the inside of the car was spattered with blood and brain tissue. If Willie had had any food in his stomach, he would have thrown up. Sometimes, even hunger can be a blessing. He ran to the next corner and saw a TPD cruiser approaching. Better to call the cops than to be suspected of having committed the murder, he thought. Willie flagged down the officer, told him about the classy, blond lady and pointed him in the Lincoln’s direction. And the adventure begins...
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About the Book
When nine-year-old Tomás Colón is run over by the drunken son of a wealthy businessman, police uncover evidence of an international heroin-smuggling operation that is responsible for several murders.
The young victim's uncle, Detective Luis Ortiz, heads up an investigation that begins as a slam-dunk arrest. But a slick, influential attorney convinces the State Attorney's Office that the evidence is circumstantial and insufficient to secure a conviction, and the charges are dropped.
Determined to gather concrete proof, Ortiz continues the case. He soon meets Kathryn DiAgostino, a forensics investigator who stirs up passion in him that he thought had died with his previous marriage.
It's up to Ortiz and his fellow law enforcement officials to sift through a superficial, shallow world of privileged thugs in their effort to put a stop to a string of heinous crimes. As they do so, however, treachery and deceit spread like a cancer among business associates, friends, and lovers. They all seem to have the same goal: to get cash-and as much of it as possible.
Follow the money trail and Ortiz's relentless pursuit of justice in By Reason of Privilege.
About the Author
Frank Cáceres, a native of New York City, holds a doctorate in natural health. He is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Tampa Writers Alliance, and the Florida Writers? Association. He lives with his wife, Magali, in Zephyrhills, Florida. This is his third novel.