Identity (15 page)
Authors: K. J. Cazel
The local police and fire department's ambulance arrived at the Lake Forest home. When they rushed through the door, they found Sarah sitting next to Rodney covered in his blood. The butcher knife lay beside Sarah.
***
Tom was at his desk when Steve rushed in and quickly turned on the television.
Across the screen the leaded announced, “Rodney Williams, Owner and Publisher of Robinson—Williams had been murdered in his Lake Forest home...”
Tom immediately call Sarah's cell phone. The call went to voice mail. He next tried Carole's number. Carole's looked at the caller I.D. and answered immediately.
“Tom. What's up?”
“Where's Sarah?”
“Right now she's probably arguing with Rodney as she went to pick up her SUV.”
“Oh, my God.”
“Tom, what's the matter?”
“Rodney's been murdered.”
Carole let out a gasp at the statement.
“You don't think Sarah did it?”
“Right now, I just have to find her. I’ll keep in touch.” Tom disconnected the conversation and turned to Steve.
“I have to get to Lake Forest. I believe Sarah's there now.”
“Tom, you have no police authority there.”
Tom reached over to his waist and removed his badge placing it on his desk. Then, he unbuckled his holster and laid it and the gun on his desk.
“Tom, you don't know what you're doing.”
Tom did not heed Steve's words as he fled from the building. Although Steve knew he had no clout at a Lake County Sheriff's office, he followed Tom out the building.
Tom jumped into his Camero and headed for Lake Shore Drive to get to Lake Forest as fast as he could.
Steve entered his car and in a more civilized speed heading in the same direction.
Tom arrived and pulled his car behind a long line of vehicles in the driveway of the Lake Forest home. Besides the various official vehicles, numerous news vans and reporters were trying to glean any comments from any individual at the boundaries of the crime scene tape. Tom had no official authority to cross the crime scene tape. He could only watch as the body of Rodney was moved to the waiting ambulance.
When Steve arrived, he stood next to Tom watching the proceedings. Finally, Steve showed his badge to the officer guarding the parameters of the scene. He asked to be let through to speak to the investigating officer. He received a nod of approval. Tom started to follow behind of Steve. The officer tried to stop Tom admittance, but Steve indicated that he was with him.
Tom walked with authority to the entrance of the house. Once inside the house, he could see Sarah sitting motionless in a pool of blood. Crime scene investigators were still taking pictures around the library while others were dusting for fingerprints. A woman officer approached Sarah and tried to get her to move from her position. Sarah pulled away and remained still. She didn’t utter a word. Tom turned to the woman and asked, “I'm her friend; perhaps, I might help.”
Tom walked over to Sarah and knelt down. He looked into her face. “Sarah, it me, Tom. I want to take you out of here.”
Sarah looked up at Tom. Her mind processed what he said and she gave a weak acknowledgement. Then, she wrapped her arms around Tom's neck and he assisted her to stand up.
Tom tried to walk Sarah out of the house to his car, but was stopped by the Chief of Police from Lake Forest.
“We need to talk to her.”
“I agree. I'd like to get her out of here and get her cleaned up.”
“Okay. We'll be in touch.”
***
Tom drove Sarah to Carole's house. For the entire drive, Sarah sat there in silence. When they arrived at Carole's, Tom helped Sarah to the doorway. Alerted by Tom's call from the car, Carole was waiting at the front door,
Carole looked at Sarah and recognized the same despondent woman she first met in the hospital. The vibrant Sarah had disappeared. Carole wrapped her arms around Sarah.
“Come on, let's get you cleaned up. Tom why don't you check with me later.”
Tom closed the front door and left the two women alone.
Sarah sat naked and silent in the bathtub while Carole sponge-washed her body and washed her hair. She still hadn't spoken a word to explain what had happened.
As Sarah stood-up in the tub, Carole assisted her out of the tub while wrapping a large bath towel around her. The view was reminiscent of a mother helping a child bathe. Once she was towel dried, Carole slipped a nightgown over her head and led her to a chair in the kitchen were she blew dry her hair. Carole could see that Sarah was absent to the scene and was wondering what was going through her head.
“All right, sweetie, let's get you to bed. Things will be better tomorrow.”
***
Daylight was breaking earlier as the spring days were getting longer. Carole peaked in to check on Sarah. She could see from the jumble of blankets that Sarah did not have a peaceful sleep.
She headed for the kitchen to get the coffee going, knowing that having some coffee and a good breakfast might help. Before she could finish getting the coffee pot on the stove, she heard a harrowing scream from Sarah's bedroom. She rushed to her room. Sarah was sitting up in bed shaking. All that Carole could was try to comfort her, telling her everything is going to be okay. Once Sarah seemed settled down, Carole helped her out of bed.
“Let's get you dressed. It will make you feel better.” Carole was stymied on what to do with Sarah’s condition. Once dressed, Carol brought her to the kitchen table.
“Sit here and I'll get you some nice breakfast.”
Like an obedient child, Sarah sat down in a limp position with her hands on her side. Before the meal was ready, Carol heard the doorbell.
“Don't worry. I'll be right back.”
Before opening the front door, Carole went to front window and peaked out. News people and vans lined up and down the street. Double-parked was a Chicago Police car and a police car from Lake County. She swallowed hard. She knew when she opened the door it wasn't going to be good.
Carole moved to the front door hesitating before she opened the door. The Sheriff from Lake County was the first to flash his badge in Carole's face.
“Is Sarah Robinson Williams here?”
“Yes.”
“I have a warrant for her arrest.” He handed the warrant to Carole. She glanced over the paper knowing there was really no option for her.
“Just a minute and I'll get her. But, I have to tell you that she is no condition to go anywhere.” Carole left the vestibule to get Sarah.
“Sarah, you have to come with me. The police are here and they want you to go with them.”
Sarah looked up into Carole's eyes. She obediently got up from the chair and followed Carole to the front door. When they arrived, the Sheriff stepped forward.
“Sarah Robinson Williams, you are under the arrest for the murder of Rodney Williams.” He reached for her hands and tied them together in front with cable ties. Carole turned with tears in her eyes and reached for her coat to throw around Sarah's shoulders.
Sarah sat across the table from the investigative detective for the Lake County Sheriffs Department. She hadn't said a word throughout their questioning. She kept shifting her eyes toward the door anticipating help from someone. At last, the door opened and a distinguished tall brunette-haired woman entered. She walked immediately over to Sarah and introduced herself as Olivia Lynn who had retained in her behalf. Sarah gave a weak smile at the woman.
She addressed the detective, “Before you go on, I'd like to speak to my client in private.”
The detective and the police officer that were guarding the door left the room.
“Sarah, have you said anything to them?”
For the first time since yesterday afternoon, Sarah answer, “I didn't do it.”
“I don't believe you did. Did you say something to the detective?”
Sarah shook her head in the negative.
“Good. There is going to be a bond hearing tomorrow. I won't be able to get you out of hear until then. Is there anything I can get you?”
Again, Sarah shook her head in the negative.
Olivia stood and then bent down giving Sarah a hug. “It's going to be all right.”
Once Olivia left the room, the detective and the police office came back and assisted Sarah in her walk to the holding cell.
***
He enjoyed sitting in his parked rental car watching the activity at Williams' the house. As time when by, he couldn't resist checking out the cache from the safe. He counted the bundles of money...$250,000.00. He thought “not bad.” He next opened the various jewelry boxes. He could see that his wife was going to excuse his absence when he presented her with the ruby and diamond necklace. His mistress would be pleaded with the emerald earrings. He reached down into the plastic bag and pulled out a CD case. He threw it back in the bag and thought, “wonder what the asshole had on that DVD.”
Naldo left Lake Forest later that evening and checked into a hotel near the airport. Early in the morning he took the rental car back to the O’Hare parking lot.
***
After Olivia Lynn met with Sarah she returned to her office. Waiting for her in reception area were Tom and Carole. Olivia realized this was going to be another high profile case for her. Rather than saying anything were ears could hear, she signaled them to follow her into her office.
“Have a seat,” she opened her briefcase and pulled out several sheets of papers.
“Sarah is being charged with second-degree murder. Since there is no other witness, it is based entirely on the crime scene evidence. I don't believe they have much, but they must have some reason why they are focusing on Sarah. Tomorrow at the bond hearing will give us some idea what the prosecution has in mind. Is there any problem getting bail?”
Tom looked at Carole, and then turned back to Olivia. “I have sufficient funds, but it would take me a few days to make it available.”
“Fine. I'll see you in court at 10:00 a.m.”
Naldo disembarked at the Rome International Airport. Although tired from the long flight, Naldo was glad to be back home. It was unfortunate that Michael, his brother, was dead; but that, too, was expected considering his lifestyle. Smiling he thought, in spite of his brother’s death, the trip was financially successful. He stood in line holding his carry on close to his body. After waiting in line to go through customs, he kept watching as the police scanned each passenger suitcase. He wondered why they were being so careful in their search. As he stepped up to the agent, he placed his carry-on bag on the table and opened his passport. The agent looked at his photo and then, again, at Naldo. The agent then glanced at the officer who was standing at the end of the line. Naldo hadn’t seen the action as he was opening his carry on for inspection. Rather than doing an intrusive search of the bag, the agent waved Naldo on. Naldo wasn’t sure why his was easily overlooked. Naldo picked up his bag and headed for the exit. He was stopped before he could leave the building.
“Mr. Rizzo would you please come with us?”
Naldo looked at the man who had several officers standing behind him. He had no choice but to follow the man.
One of the officers reached and took the carry on from Naldo's hand. Naldo gave the man a sneer, but knew he had no choice in the matter.
Later Naldo sat across from Agent Holmes from Interpol and Giovanni Marino, Chief Inspector of Polizia di Stato.
“Mr. Rizzo, we have had contact with Interpol for some time regarding your business in other countries.”
“I don't know what the problem could be. I am an import/export agent dealing in antiquities.”
“Yes, I believe that you do engage in import and exporting. However, your main activities are not in antiquities but human trafficking.”
The news media crowded into the available seating anticipating the day’s activities. Sarah sat at the defendant's table with Victoria on her left. Tom, Sarah and Jenny sat directly behind her in the visitor's gallery. Tom could see how the past few months of investigations and pre-trial hearings had taken their toll on Sarah. She had lost weight. Her black hair showed her grey and some natural red hair growing in. Still, Tom’s eyes rested on her reserved manner. His hopes were strong that she would be found innocent.
Although Sarah was at the crime scene, the only incriminating evidence were her fingerprints on the kitchen knife. Tom believed, and so did Victoria, that was insufficient evidence to convict her on second-degree murder.
At precisely 10: a.m. the bailiff escorted in the jury. The bailiff announced the arrival of the judge. After going over the specifics of courtroom procedure for the preceding, the judged banged his hammer to begin.
In his opening remarks the prosecution laid out that Sarah had the means and the desire to see her husband, Rodney Williams, dead. He also stated that the evidence and witnesses would prove beyond a doubt that Sarah is guilty of murder.
Olivia opening remarks indicated that Sarah was unable to attack and kill her husband who out weighted her by over 75 pounds and was 7 inches taller. Sarah's size made her incapable of overwhelming Rodney. Olivia then speculated that Mr. Williams had other enemies who could have committed this murder.
The prosecution began by calling the Lake County Medical Examiner to the witness stand. After he was sworn in and the witness outlined his credentials the examination began.
“Tell me, Dr. Knight, what were the causes of Rodney's Williams death?”
“Mr. Williams received two stab wounds from a sharp blade, causing him to bleed to death.”
“The prosecution would like to enter Exhibit A, the kitchen knife that was found at the crime scene.”
“Dr. Knight, what DNA was on Exhibit A?”
“Yes, we found blood evidence on the knife that matched the DNA of Mr. Williams.”
“Did you find any other DNA?”
“No.”
“Did you find any fingerprints on the knife?”
“Yes, we found Mrs. Williams fingerprints on the knife.”
“Thank you Dr. Knight.”
Olivia rose and approached the witness.
“Dr. Knight, based on the two wounds that were inflicted on Mr. Williams, how long would it take for him to bleed to death?”
Dr. Knight consulted his notes, “Based on the depth of each wound and the closeness to vital organs, I would estimate it would take several hours. A slow death.”
“Thank you Dr. Knight, that's all I have.”
Dr. Knight was excused. Tom turned his head to view the news reporters. He could see they were quickly putting Dr. Knight's comments into their notes.
The prosecution next called Mrs. Green.
Once sworn in the prosecution continued.
“Mrs. Green, would you tell us your relationship with Mr. Williams?”
“Mr. William was my immediate boss for the past six years.”
“And, how would describe Mr. Williams relationship toward his wife?”
“He always seemed a very dedicated husband. He was devastated when he learned of his wife's automobile accident and death.”
“How did he feel when Mrs. Williams was declared alive?”
Victoria objected. “Leading the witness. Mrs. Green could not tell how Mr. Williams felt.”
“Sustained.” The judge struck his gavel down.
The prosecution continued.
“Mrs. Green, after Mrs. Williams was declared alive, did you have any conversations with her?”
“Yes. One.”
“Would you tell us about your conversation?”
“Mrs. Williams called around noon on the day Mr. Williams was murdered. She wanted to talk to him, but he was in meetings. She left a message for him that she would be going to the house to get her SUV.”
“Thank you Mrs. Green.”
Victoria stood up and asked, “Did Mrs. Williams sound angry?”
“I couldn't really tell.”
“Thank you Mrs. Green.”
The prosecution called, Ms. Jennifer Abbott to be sworn in.
“Ms. Abbott, could you please tell us your relationship with Mr. Williams.”
“Yes. Mr. Williams hired me to represent him in divorce proceedings between he and Mrs. Williams.”
“During your discussions with Mr. Williams did he indicate to you any concerns.”
“Yes.”
“Would you like to tell us his concerns?”
“I can do better than that. I tape, with the client's permission, our conversations.”
“The persecution would like to enter into evidence this cassette tape of conversation between Mr. Williams and Ms. Abbott as Exhibit B.”
“It is so noted,” the Judge replied.
“Your honor at this time I'd like to play the tape at the point where Mr. Williams expresses his concerns regarding Mrs. Williams.”
“I object.” Olivia tried to stop the playing of the tape for the jury. Nothing could be worse than to hear the victim's voice expressing his feelings.
“Overruled.” The gavel again came down.
“Bailiff, would you be kind enough to start the tape?”
The bailiff took the cassette tape and placed it in the machine and pressed the 'Play' button.
“She was always trying to get me to sign over my ownership in Robinson Williams. Then she implied that I was responsible for her injuries and death. I believe she would have killed me if she had a chance. People don't know how evil she is.”
“You can stop the tape bailiff. I have no further questions Ms. Abbott. Thank you.”
Olivia remained seated. She looked up at Ms. Abbott. “We have no questions your honor.”
“You're excused.” The judge took a moment and looked at his watch. It was just before noon. We'll adjourn until tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. Let me remind the jury that they are not to discuss these proceedings
Tom and Carole sat on the sofa in the corner of Olivia’s office. Olivia sat across from Sarah. Everyone eagerly anticipated Olivia’s strategy to combat recent events in the courtroom.
“Sarah, the prosecution has amended his witness list to include your corporate attorney, Paul Hendrix. Can you give me some insight why he would be on the prosecutions witness list?”
Sarah looked at her and shook her head negatively.
Olivia looked down at the witness list again. “Carole, I see that your name has been added.
Carole looked at Sarah and then at Olivia, “I haven't the foggiest reason why.”
“Well, it looks like we're going to be in store for another interesting day.
“I do want everyone here to know that I will be calling the various doctors that Sarah has had since the trauma she experienced. I am hoping that these professionals will be able to demonstrate to the jury that Sarah had no evil intentions towards her husband. I do have one other witness I would like to call. Unfortunately, my investigator says he doesn't wish to testify because of his immigration status. It is to be hoped that we can work through that problems. Not, unless anyone has any more questions, I think we all should go home and get some sleep. Tomorrow is going to be quite an interesting day.”
***
The following day, the prosecution next called, Paul Hendrix. Sarah's head turned to watch her long time friend and company lawyer enter the courtroom. Olivia leaned toward her and whispered, “Be prepared. Keep strong and don't show any emotions.”
Once sworn in, the prosecutor preceded with the questioning of Hendrix. After several rudimentary questions, the prosecutor finally asked,
“Mr. Hendrix did you ever have a conversation that didn't relate to the company?”
“Yes.”
“What was this conversation about?
Hendrix pulled out a piece of paper from his inside coat pocket. “I always keep notes on my conversations.”
In a strange quizzical manner, the prosecutor asked, “Was it normal for you to keep notes on personal conversations?”
“Well, the police had questioned me regarding Mr. Williams and his relationship with several employees. I didn't want any mistakes if I was asked about these conversations.”
“And, were there any conversations about Mrs. Williams?”
Paul flipped through several of his note cards. He stopped on one of the 3 x 5 cards. “This conversation was made just after the court executed the order to exhume Mrs. Williams' body.” He again, looked down at his notes, and read, “Fooled everyone. Sarah planned to discredit him. Sarah arranged someone else to be killed in the accident. Asked many times to sign over rights.” He looked up when he finished reading.
“What did you think of this conversation?”
“Well, at that time I thought this was all a fabrication by Mr. Williams, but since his death…” He stopped leaving the jury to ponder the pause.
Olivia stood up offering her objection, “Your honor, the prosecutor is leading the witness.”
The gavel, came down, “The jury to dismiss the last comments from Mr. Hendrix.
Ms. Lynn, do you wish to cross?”
“Yes, your honor.
“Mr. Hendrix, if Mrs. Williams is convicted of murder of Mr. Williams what would happen to the Robinson—Williams Publishing Company?”
“I'm sure that their are going to be some law suits for the ownership?”
“How could that be? I thought it was a family owned business. Who would gain in a law suit?”
“Well, I wouldn't want to speculate.”
“Would am immediate heir to Mr. Williams?”
Paul Hendrix shifted in his seat indicating that he was uncomfortable with the questions. Olivia noticed his body language.
“Your honor, please instruct Mr. Hendrix to answer the question.”
“Mr. Hendrix, please answer the defense attorney's question.”
Olivia gave a slight smile to the judge and then turned to see the reaction of the prosecution. The prosecutor knew the answer and knew the answer would damage the creditability of the witness.
Hendrix swallowed and answered, “I'm Mr. Williams biological father.”
Every head in the courtroom perked up with the answer to the question. There were murmurs in the gallery.
“I have no other questions for Mr. Hendrix.”
The judge excused the witness and addressed the prosecution.
“Does the prosecution have any other witnesses?”
“Yes, your honor. We'd like to call Carole Swanson.”
Carole rose from the gallery and walked to the witness stand. She wondered what the prosecution could possible want of her. Once she sworn in, the prosecution continued with questioning her about her relationship with Sarah.
Then, the prosecution asked, “Mrs. Swanson, on the day that Mr. Williams was murdered could you tell us about your conversation with Mrs. Williams?”
“Certainly. At breakfast, Sarah told me that she was going to contact Mr. Williams about getting her SUV back. She said she was tired of taking cabs everywhere.”
“Did she say when she was going to meet with Mr. Williams?”
“She said she was going to contact him that day.”
“Were you concerned about her meeting with the man who allegedly harmed her?”
“Yes, I offered to go with her.”
“But, you didn't?”
“No, she said Rodney didn't like strangers.”
“So, she went alone to meet him.”
“Yes.”
“Mrs. Swanson, at any time did Mrs. Williams ever express any animosity toward Mr. Williams?”
Carole thought for a moment. She suspected where the prosecutor was going and hoped she could escape anything that would harm Sarah's defense
“She didn't like him.”
“Did she ever say anything threatening?”
Again, Carole paused giving thought to the questions. “I don't believe so.”
The prosecutor knew Carole wasn't going to take her where he wanted to go, but he felt he got what he wanted when she said Sarah didn't want any company when meeting Rodney.
“I have no to further questions.”
The judge addressed Ms. Lynn. “Ms. Lynn do you have any questions for Ms. Swanson.”
“Not at this time your honor.”
“You're excused Ms. Swanson.”
