SECRETS AND LIES
Part one takes place 4 weeks after "ties that bind"
Danny and Steve rush to New York when Bobby is abducted. Meanwhile Theo Kojak is on the trail of the suspect an older woman known as CLARA WILLIAMS."
" Hello Danny", Clara Williams greeted her nephew down the phone line.
"Aunt Clara nice to hear from you." Danny sat back in his easy chair a smile on his face. "Yes dear, I'm just phoning to see WHEN you are coming to see me"
Clara HAD a purpose for ringing her nephew. "Umm well Clara we ARE busy and.."
"DANNY WILLIAMS give me a STRAIGHT answer young man."
Danny cringed no longer so at ease. "Probably not for SEVERAL weeks Aunt, I'm SORRY." "You TOLD me that several WEEKS ago Danny. Now I've been PATIENT but I really WANT to see BOTH my nephews," Clara tried to sound patient but a trace of irritation was creeping forth. " I KNOW Aunt and I AM trying to get time off", Danny's tone was placating. Clara sighed. "Robert is a grown MAN, he doesn't HAVE TO hold your HAND Danny. He COULD come by HIMSELF."
"Aunt Clara, you have to UNDERSTAND about Bobby's SITUATION", Danny was feeling more tense by the minute. "SITUATION, Danny, he's MY nephew, my brothers eldest child, FAMILY", Clara was passionate about family.
" I KNOW Aunt, he's just really NERVOUS about his MOTHER finding OUT the truth," Danny KNEW he was making excuses for Bobby but that's what brothers were for. "Danny WILLIAMS I AM NOT a GOSSIP", Clara was offended by even the SUGGESTION she'd spread the knowledge of Bobby's actual parentage about.
"I KNOW Aunt, But OTHER people MIGHT wonder WHY you are visiting him."
Clara sighed. "My DAMN brother getting himself into this MESS and NEVER telling me about it!"
"AUNT", protested Danny sensitive about ANYTHING relating to his parents.
"Well BABY swapping Danny, it was STUPID. What WAS he thinking," Clara just WANTED to see Bobby and was frustrated by PROBLEMS.
"He did it out of FRIENDSHIP Aunt." Danny told her firmly. "It was a WAY out for HIM Danny. He didn't have to OWN up to the fact he got Cheryl pregnant when she was just 16 and how old was he over 20!. Some other POOR baby got buried under Cheryl's name. Then they both walked away and FORGOT about their first born son",
Clara was really MAD at her dead brother
"AUNT he didn't FORGET about Bobby. He left it up to Aaron to tell about Bobby's parentage." Danny could now feel a headache coming his relaxed state totally gone.
"He should have KNOWN Aaron would NEVER tell Danny."
"Aunt all this ARGUMENT is pointless, it HAPPENED and there's nothing we can DO about it NOW", Danny wanted to END this conversation.
"YES, I accept THAT Danny but BOBBY has to accept he IS a Williams."
Danny I JUST want to TALK to him." Clara sounded quite lost.
Danny sighed "I KNOW Aunt,. I'll phone him and persuade him to come see you".
"Great Danny, tell him we can go to a café and he can pretend I'm a SUSPECT or something if that helps", Clara was glad she was going to get what she wanted.
Danny hung up. Getting out of his chair he poured himself a beer. He SHOULD be MAD at Bobby for snubbing Aunt Clara. But he KNEW why Bobby was doing it. He was struggling with the knowledge his beloved father had NEVER told him he was someone else's child. But sooner or later Clara would loose patience and if Bobby didn't go see HER she would probably try and track him down.
Danny would ring Bobby later and TRY and convince him of that fact.
"It was late, Bobby drove his dark 'company car' through the NY streets. His talk with Danny had unnerved him. He KNEW Clara Williams wanted to see him but just couldn't face up to the fact. Nobody but Danny knew the TRUTH of his parentage and he wanted to keep it that way for as long as possible.
However the last thing he WANTED was for his Aunt to come to his apartment or WORSE to the precinct. So he'd TOLD Danny he WOULD call Clara Williams. Now all he had to do was get up the courage.
Bobby pulled the car over and got out. He got the small bunch of flowers off the seat beside him and walked into the dark cemetery . This was a familiar spot, burial ground of his father but it was also where the baby was buried that was the REAL offspring of his mother and father.
They're NOT your parents, they NEVER were, the thought played through his head.
Shut UP, he told himself.
He'd been so quiet at work that the LT. had eventually asked him if he was alright.
Bobby had lied and said he was just tired. However he couldn't use that as an excuse forever. At least work kept his mind OFF other things.
Bobby place his flowers on the little grave ,curiously there were others there, quite fresh too by the look of them. Maybe someone just put flowers on ALL the graves.
He walked back through the grave yard to his car unaware of the eyes that followed his movements.
2 days later
Clara Williams walked through the Manhattan South district looking at the people and buildings around her. She'd come to LOOK at the place where Bobby lived and worked to TRY and feel closer to him. Finding a little café she went inside.
"What can I get you mam", the guy behind the counter asked. Clara ordered coffee and a donut. "Are the Brook Apartments around here?, she asked keen to see the building where Bobby lived. "YES, in the next STREET, do you KNOW someone who lives there" the guy KNEW this lady wasn't a local.
"YES", Clara told him. " Do the officers at the precinct EAT around here?" Clara wanted to go hang out in the same eatery and see if she could spot Bobby. She'd never SEEN him but Danny had described him.
The café guy looked suspiciously at the woman now. She didn't LOOK dangerous but you could NEVER tell. "Well they have several popular places but if you want to TALK to the police about something you SHOULD go to the precinct"
"Oh no I was just WONDERING. You see a nephew of mine is interested in being a cop and I thought I could ask someone about it, informally", Clara picking up on the suspicion fabricated a story.
"Well you are STILL better off going to the PRESINCT", the guy insisted.
"YES, who do you think I should ASK for. You know my nephew is YOUNG I'd like to get the opinion of a YOUNG cop."
"You could talk to Lt Kojak, he's had LOTS of experience and has YOUNG cops working under him"
. Kojak was tough and would scare this lady off in two seconds if she wasn't genuine.
"Oh I wouldn't WANT to bother such an important MAN", Robert would be MAD if she tried to go see his BOSS.
"Well he's the BEST one to see". The man didn't like all these questions.
"FINE, I'll see if I can make an appointment", Clara figured she wouldn't get anything else.
She left after her coffee to go walk past the apartments again, leaving one VERY suspicious café owner behind her.
Two days after talking to Danny Robert STILL hadn't called her, she didn't think he would. But if she just ACCIDENTLY bumped into him somewhere, well he couldn't IGNORE her.
She entered the Brook apartments. She had no idea in which apartment Bobby lived. Danny had felt it was up to Bobby to share those type of personal details. "Can I help you", the buildings caretaker had noticed her lost look.
"Oh I'm just trying to find my nephew somewhere to stay and this place was recommended to me", Clara thought Danny would be totally shocked by all the lies she was telling today.
"He's just joined the police force in NY and needs somewhere close," Clara smiled her best sweet smile. "Well we have only ONE vacant apartment mam". The manager told her. 'Oh great, I heard that OTHER police officers live here, it would be NICE for my nephew to have company".
"Oh yes, this apartment is close to the Manhattan South precinct and several of its officers LIVE here." Well my nephew is just starting out in the force, he's VERY young," Clara piled on the concerned Aunt act, it WASN'T that hard.
"He'd be in great company then", the manager started toward the lift. "I'll take you up to see the apartment", he told her. Clara entered the lift trying to think up ways to casually slip Bobby's name into the conversation.
"Will any other officers be close by?' she asked. "Well lets see there's officer Hanlon , he's on the same floor. "My nephews aim is to be a detective, any of those live nearby?" Clara kept smiling sweetly.
The manager was beginning to feel a little uncomfortable YES this lady might be genuine but she was also asking A LOT of questions about the police."
"We do have TWO young detectives living in the apartments, I'm sure once your nephew arrives he can get an introduction," the manager wasn't going to give out personal details.
Two thought Clara, one of those HAD to be Bobby. "Would it be POSSIBLE to be introduced to ONE of these detectives.", Clara had a one out of two chance it'd be the RIGHT one.
"Umm they ARE busy mam, I'm SURE your nephew COULD see one at the PRESINCT", the manager began to take close note of everything about this woman.
Clara began to realize she was pushing her luck. If this guy got too suspicious she'd get nowhere. She went through the pretence of looking at the apartment and finding out the costs etc. She told the manger SHE would contact him, when he tried to get her name.
She then went back out onto the street. What should she do NEXT, going to the precinct was OUT of the question, much too public.
Bobby was having one of THOSE days at work, nothing SEEMED to be going RIGHT. He rubbed his eyes trying to feel more awake. He'd had dreams when he'd finally crawled into bed and they'd been disturbing enough to keep waking him.
Right at this moment he felt a little sick and achy, really all he WANTED to do was go home and bury himself under the covers. But he made himself keep going hoping no one would notice how washed out he looked.
He had a stake out tonight so he'd BETTER drink LOTS of coffee.
Lt Theo Kojak was going through the details for the upcoming stakeout. His office door was open to let in some air. It also gave him a clear view of his detectives.
His eyes swung in Bobby's direction. He looked awful Kojak reflected like he was coming down with the flu.
Bobby really hadn't been acting "NORMALLY' since returning from his Hawaiian holiday 4 weeks ago. He was probably still coming to terms with the fact his father had celebrated HIS own Hawaiian holiday years ago by having an affair that resulted in another son, though Bobby seemed quite happy about having a younger brother.
"CROCKER", the Lt called.
YESSIR, he turned up in the doorway, up this close he looked even WORSE.
"Bobby ,you look AWFUL, the Lt told him bluntly. "Yes sir", no point denying it thought Bobby. The lt. surveyed him awhile longer. "Go home Bobby ", he stated
"But the stakeout", protested Bobby, he'd put a lot of work into this op. "The guys can handle it, you've briefed them well. Frankly you don't look like you'd last the NIGHT. Go HOME, get some rest and if you're getting sick go get something to take"
Bobby really wanted to protest but just didn't have the energy. Maybe an afternoon off and an early night would do him the world of good.
"YES LT., he acknowledged
Bobby left the precinct and headed back to his apartment.
He looked at the phone number he had written on a pad, Clara Williams home number. Should he try to ring her. Frankly right now he just wasn't in the mood.
So he phoned another number instead. "Hello", the sweet feminine voice answered."Is that YOU Kellie?" queried Bobby . "Yes Bobby?, she obviously remembered his voice. Then she giggled. "Liz is out sweetie", another giggle," I'll be SURE to tell her you called. "Any idea how long she'll be Kellie", Bobby really wanted to talk to his latest love. "She SAID she was JUST going shopping sweetie but if she bumps into a client she COULD be a LONG time", Kellie told him. "I'll try again in an hour" Bobby told Kellie. 'You better sweetie", another giggle. Bobby hung up quickly.
Kellie was the youngest sister of his girlfriend Elizabeth Morton or Liz. Liz was a psychiatrist who Bobby had met on a case. She was beautiful, intelligent and witty and Bobby hoped their fledgling relationship would progress further. Liz flatted roughly about 10 minutes away with her two sisters, one was her identical twin Gina and the other little sister Kellie.
Bobby settled down into his chair to wait the hour until he could phone Liz
However after the wait she still wasn't home so Bobby made himself dinner then settled in front of the TV. He watched a baseball game for awhile then feeling overwhelmingly tired padded off to bed.
Theo Kojak was happy, the stake out had netted them a crook. Bobby would be pleased all his hard work had paid off. He looked at the clock, 11 oclock, nearly time for the late morning meeting. "CROCKER", he shouted.
Vine exchanged glances with Stavros. "Have you SEEN Bobby this morning?, he asked. "NO, stated Stavros, I don't think he's in YET.
"Well he's got 5 minutes then he's going to be LATE', Vine stated.
Theo was told Bobby wasn't in yet. He tapped his fingers on his desk for 5 minutes then went out into the squad room. "Morning everyone", he scanned the room STILL no Bobby. "Vine, has Crocker called in sick", he asked.
"No Lt", stated Vine," probably just stuck in traffic". Bobby had NEVER been late before so the Lt felt generous.
However 15 minutes later he was feeling decidedly LESS generous. "See if you can get Bobby on his car radio Sgt", requested the Lt.
5 minutes later, "NO answer Lt". Not answering a radio CALL was a serious infraction. "Right" Theo rang Bobby's home phone number.
No answer there either.
Feeling the first threads of worry Theo rang the number of Bobby's building manager. If the kid was just sleeping in he was going to get BLASTED.
Theo requested that the manager go and check Bobby's apartment.
The Lt. waited impatiently until "Lt," there was something in his voice that intensified the worry, "his apartments been TRASHED, there's broken furniture AND what looks like BLOOD. I umm don't really WANT to look further", his nervous state came through clearly.
Theo's heart beat sped up but he wasn't going to panic YET, he still had one more question. "Can you check to see whether Bobby's car is in the garage", he asked.
Another wait then, "yes it's there".
Suddenly Theo had a situation on his hands, a possible burglary with a missing , dead or injured detective. "I'll be there straight away", he told the building manager "DON'T touch anything"
Frank Mc Neil had just walked into the squad room. Theo filled him in on the situation. "Let me know as soon as possible what is happening", requested the Captain.
"If Bobby isn't at his apartment then he's probably been dumped somewhere so we'll need to move as quickly as possible". Theo acknowledged the Captains words but knew a lot of time may already have passed since Bobby's INCIDENT.
Theo drove fast to Bobby's apartment. It was a mess with furniture thrown about and the seats of the chairs slashed. Not touching anything Theo went through to Bobby's bedroom. His bed had undoubtedly been slept in as the sheet were all rumpled.
The suit and shoes hanging up on a hanger played mute testament for the fact Bobby HAD intended on coming to work today .
Theo noted the smashed bedside lamp and the puddle of blood on the carpet. It wasn't looking good. He hoped he wasn't going to find his detectives BODY somewhere in the apartment.
Clara Willaims, rang her finger down the listing in the phone book in the booth. Only ONE B Crocker was listed. She noticed that the address was correct. He was probably at work but she might as well TRY.
"RING ,RING, The Lt regarded Bobby's phone where it lay on the carpet. He picked up the receiver. "HELLO, came a females voice. "Hello, responded Theo, waiting to see what happened in return. Clara paused she'd talked to Bobby once on the phone before, in Hawaii. THIS voice WAS not the same. "Can I speak to Robert Crocker please". "He's NOT available at the moment ,but if you LEAVE your name", The Lt wanted to find out WHO this was. SIGH, "I'll call back", the phone was plonked down before Theo could say anything more.
A quick visual search yielded no body but no answers either Kojak would have to call in forensic to go over Bobby's apartment to see if it COULD be ascertained what had happened.
The manager came into the place and looked around. 'Someone SURE did a number on this place, he stated shaking his head. "Have you noticed anyone hanging around, Theo asked.
"Actually YES, stated the manager and he related the story about the visit of an older woman to the apartments. She WAS specifically asking about DETECTIVES living in the building. I didn't get a name but I think I could give you a fairly good description.."
Theo arranged for the manager to go to the precinct and meet with an artist. Forensic arrived and Theo left them with firm instructions to go through EVERYTHING.
Bobby's privacy was about to be invaded in the most personal way as bank accounts, private correspondence and phone calls would have to be checked. He didn't THINK Bobby had anything to hide but he was cynical enough to realize he had thought the same thing about OTHER people and had found himself to be WRONG.
Theo rang through to the precinct and requested an APB on Bobby .
He then had a rather unpleasant task informing Bobby's next of kin that he was missing in suspicious circumstances.
Bobby's mother wasn't at home. Theo vaguely recalled Bobby telling him she'd gone overseas. Looking at the time, he realized it'd be early morning in Hawaii. Still cops never sleep chances were 5-0 had already started its day. HE put through the call.
"Five –o headquarters Jenny speaking." "Yes this is Lt Theo Kojak of Manhattan Sth precinct could I speak with Detective Danny Williams please."
Jenny began to panic. She KNEW what calls from LT. of precincts MEANT.
"He's just out on a call, but I can get in contact if it's URGENT" ,please DON'T be urgent she willed. "YES, its urgent", Theo told her.
"Is it about Bobby? Jenny knew Danny would be devastated if anything happened to his brother. "I really need to talk to Detective Williams about that", was all she got.
"Right, hold on Sir." Jenny hurriedly got hold of Steve on the other phone. "Steve that LT from Bobby's precinct is on the line looking for Danny, oh Steve, her voice broke, I think something's happened to Bobby".
Steve Mc Garrett took a deep breath this was one piece of news he DIDN'T want to tell Danny. "I'll get him on the radio", he stated.
Danny Williams was nearly at his destination when his radio sprung to life. "DANNO", it was Steves voice sounding STRAINED. "Yes Steve", acknowledged Danny. "Lt Theo Kojak from Manhattan Sth is on the line for you ,says it's URGENT."
Danny went deathly pale. He pulled his car over his heart racing. "Put him ON Steve, Danny requested. "Detective Williams", the Lt came through clearly. "Yes this is Danny Williams", he acknowledged," has something happened to Bobby", he asked in a rush.
"YES, I'm afraid so detective. He didn't show up for work today upon visiting his apartment we found it trashed with NO sign of Bobby. His current whereabouts or condition are unknown", Kojak kept his voice steady, Williams was a cop himself he KNEW the score.
"Oh NO", Danny unfortunately knew enough to know Bobby could be dead somewhere. "We are making every effort to find him". The Lt reported. "Any signs of a struggle", Danny asked. "We did find some smashed items in his apartment but the investigation is in it's early stages so we haven't got anything more"
"Thank you LT, I'll be there as soon as I can", Danny was GOING to New York NOW and NOTHING was going to stop him.
"Well we DO have everything in hand", Theo stated not really wanting Danny's half brother involved in possibly investigating his death.
"I'm COMING OVER SIR" Danny told him firmly. "I'll get the first available flight out."
"Right", Theo understood it was futile to argue with this detective. "Let us know what time you'll arrive"
With that Theo Kojak hung up. "Danno", came Steve's voice ,"everything okay".
"NO, Steve, Danny told him his voice filled with emotion. "Bobby's missing".
"I NEED to go to New York straight away."
Steve didn't even TRY to argue. "I'll arrange tickets Danno" was all he said.
He decided then and there he was going with Danny. He KNEW what could happen and didn't want Danny dealing with the possible death of his brother all on his own.
"Oh Steve," Jenny stated, "surely life couldn't be THAT cruel to Danny. To find out you have a brother then only 4 weeks later to have him DIE, oh Steve say it COULDN'T happen."
Unfortunately Steve Mc Garrett COULDN'T tell Jenny that, he knew life WAS extremely unfair at times. All he could do was hope for the best and stand beside Danny if his worst fears were realized.
Theo arranged for officers to canvas the area and check on possible sightings of Bobby. He noticed that none of the 'obviously 'valuable items had been taken from the apartment. He however knew there was at least one potentially dangerous item in Bobby's apartment,
He quickly went to the draw beside Bobby's bed. It was still firmly locked. Theo located the Key taped to the bottom of the draw. Inside he found Bobby's gun but NOT his shield. A quick check of his suits pockets didn't turn up the shield either.. HE'd put the description of the shield out on the wire. ANYONE DARING to USE Bobby's shield was GOING to PAY, he was going to make SURE of that. Leaving forensic to finish up he headed back to the precinct.
Danny and Steve got on the first flight out. To Danny this was just a nightmare. He'd have no way of knowing what was happening on the investigation. All he could do was HOPE he didn't arrive in New York to the news Bobby was dead.
"Theo", Vine stated, a local café owner ALSO reports a woman asking questions about detectives. Theo was still waiting the phone logs from Bobby's apartment. He was going to find OUT who called. "Right get him down to talk to the artist. I have a feeling this woman is the same one who called Bobby's apartment earlier."
"Now there were some facts about that call. "The caller DIDN'T know Crocker WELL enough to ask for BOBBY, they asked for Robert. BUT she also didn't THINK I was Bobby when I answered the phone".
"So it MIGHT be someone Bobby's has interviewed in the past", Stavros stated.
"YES, acknowledged the LT. " But she can't be acting alone, I can't see a woman in her fifties trying to drag a young detective somewhere."
"Conti", Theo requested to another detective. "I want you to go over the security footage from the cameras at Bobby's apartment. They monitor the front door after 10pm so take note of ANYONE arriving or leaving. Also check on the car park to find out if any cars are missing. They must have got Bobby out of the apartment somehow."
"Lt. do you think Bobby's still ALIVE," Stavros was trying to hold on to hope.
"Theo Kojak WANTED to tell Stavros and his detectives that it'd work out alright, that Bobby would be found alive. But the fact remained the longer he was missing the less chance he had of being found alive. But this didn't stop him saying, "I HOPE he is". to his squad room detectives.
"LT the artists have finished with our witnesses," Saperstein held out a sketch.
The woman looked like someone's Aunty, not a possible cop killer.
"Right circulate that sketch around, I WANT this woman FOUND."
"I WISH this plane would FLY faster, Danny moaned, watching the time tick slowly by. He totally ignored all Steve's efforts at small talk. He also wouldn't touch the food or drink he was offered. "Just WAIT to I find OUT who DID this to Bobby," Danny growled to Steve.
That didn't bode well Danno DID have a temper and would need to be controlled if this case WAS a homicide." "Danno you WONT be allowed NEAR this case, you're going to HAVE to accept that."
"Yes but YOU can find out what's happening", Danno threw Steve a pleading look.
"ALRIGHT Danno", Steve couldn't do anything else but agree. He couldn't let Danny become involved and loose his temper.
"I hope they've found him ,ALIVE Steve", Danny told him. Steve hoped they found Bobby too, preferably alive . But it would be harder on Danny if they NEVER found any trace of Bobby, even a BODY was preferable to THAT."
"We've checked the calls Theo, there was One from a payphone, that was probably your unidentified female knowing OUR luck. Also two to Bobby's girlfriends place.", Stavros reported.
Theo dialed the work number of Liz Morton. 'Liz, Theo Kojak here."
"Hello Theo, nice to..she suddenly trailed off awake of the serious tone of the Lt.," IS IT nice to hear from you?", she asked.
"No", Theo told her. "Look Liz something has happened to Bobby."
"Oh No, she sounded upset," is he alright? "We DON'T know Liz", Theo stated.
"It appears he's been abducted and his present whereabouts are unknown".
"Oh that's TERRIBLE Theo", acknowledged Liz. 'HE phoned you yesterday evening?
Theo asked. "Yes. I wasn't expecting Bobby to call as he'd already told me he'd be working that night. Anyway I was out getting shopping when I bumped into a client needing advice. I was stuck talking to her for hours, then when I got home my sister tells me Bobby called twice. She said in his last call he said he'd ring me tomorrow.
I knew he was tired so I didn't ring back."
Theo now had to ask questions he KNEW Bobby wouldn't have LIKED.
"Liz I'm going to have to be a bit PERSONAL here, Theo warned. "Yes Theo, Liz replied. "Were you and Bobby …..ummm intimate". Liz was glad Theo couldn't see her face. "Not a this stage Theo, but if he HAD asked me to stay last night I probably would have said YES", Liz admitted. Liz was wondering why Theo had asked.
"What about this client Liz, was she a 'regular", he asked. Liz began to think if Bobby had called her then he obviously HADNT been at the stakeout. If he'd subsequently been abducted then SOMEONE had to KNOW he was home instead of work."
"Theo was trying to ascertain whether this client was genuine, whether SHE knowing Bobby was home had DONE something. Liz was smart enough to know it wasn't PERSONAL just routine. "She was a regular Theo and I don't think her 'problem was STAGED." Liz replied bluntly.
"Sorry Honey", replied Theo ,"but I DO have to check EVERY angle."
"Did Bobby mention any PROBLEMS with anybody, was he acting at ALL out of character." Theo asked.
Liz sighed. "You Know what I DO Theo". She took a deep breath." Something was REALLY bothering him. He wouldn't talk about it though" ,she paused. In my professional opinion, it was something to do with his Half Brother."
Theo thought about that. "He was close to his father Liz, I suppose it shocked him to find out he had an affair, though he never rejected getting to know the half brother".
Liz was pensive. "When he spoke about Danny he sounded quite HAPPY, yet there was SOMETHING underlying that Theo, something that disturbed him profoundly."
' He didn't say ANYBODY was bothering him."
"You didn't notice anybody taking a particular interest in Bobby when you were together?' Theo wanted to know.
"No, Theo, we'd mostly just gone out to bars , to dinner or the movies. He didn't act nervous when he was out with me." Liz concluded.
"Right thanks Liz if anything comes to mind please ring". "I will Theo and PLEASE let me know when you find Bobby I AM quite fond of him".
Theo hung up hoping that Bobby was going to get the CHANCE to pursue something more with Liz.
"Theo PAYDIRT", Vine was really excited.
"What", asked Theo eagerly. "Well forensic found a note pad underneath some of the slashed stuff. The first page was ripped off but the indentations went through to the next page. We have a phone number", he stated.
Theo took the number, he could ring the phone company and find out whose it was OR, he dialed the number, "HELLO", the voice sounded familiar and Theo knew he'd FOUND the woman who'd rung Bobby's apartment.
"Hello, its Lt Theo Kojak here Manhattan South, who am I talking to?'
Clara felt cold how did Lt Kojak get her number. "I'm Clara Williams", she replied.
Williams, reflected Theo, she had the same last name as Bobby's half brother was that a coin incidence or… "Are you related to Danny Williams".
"Yes, I'm his Aunt", Look, what's this about, how'd you get this number"
"Its about Robert Crocker Ms Williams" , Theo replied
Oh my ,thought Clara in shock Robert had somehow found out what she'd done and complained about her.
"OH well I didn't MEAN anything by it LT. just wanted to SEE him," Clara explained.
"You didn't mean anything by WHAT Ms Williams", Theo prodded.
"DID he tell you what I did", Clara responded. "Ms Williams, Bobby can't tell us ANYTHING right now because we DON'T know where he IS".
"Oh NO", Clara exclaimed. "What's happened?", she begged. Kjak reflected that this woman either genuinely knew nothing OR was a VERY good actor.
"We don't KNOW, what's happened Ms Williams. But we DO know he had YOUR phone number written down, can you tell me why."
"Yes, he was going to call me. I wanted to meet my nephews half –brother", Clara had to stop herself saying 'brother. She was well aware of the fact she was omitting facts to the LT but didn't see how her relationship with Bobby would have a bearing on anything.
"You weren't UPSET by the fact Detective Williams isn't actually your NEPHEW at all, that he's Bobby's father's child." Theo prodded.
"NO, Danny is OVERJOYED to have a brother and I embrace his happiness", Clara stated firmly.
"Right well I need you to come down the station and make a statement. I 'll send a detective to pick you up", he wasn't going to let her TRY to do a runner.
"FINE", Clara gave her address.
Kojak waited impatiently for the rest of the forensic report, finally it came through. The blood on the carpet was definitely Bobby's, forensic thought it had been there about 7 hours which made it roughly 4am when something happened to Bobby. A strange part of the report was that forensics had found blood underneath the mat in Bobby's lounge. The blood had not soaked all the way through the mat and had only been noticed because the mat felt damp. Theo guessed the mat must have been used in an attempt to soak up the blood. But why move it back to the lounge instead of leaving it in Bobby's bedroom. There were no signs of a scuffle apart from the broken bedside lamp. It didn't look like anything had been dragged out of the apartment so Bobby must have been carried. So that definitely pointed to more than one assailant. They must have been professionals as there was little evidence.
No one had exited the apartment carrying anything remotely LIKE a body. Also there were no cars missing from the car park and Bobby's own car keys still hung from his key rack. Therefore the assailants MUST have carried Bobby to a car parked on the road but no body had seen ANYTHING. There were a couple of unidentified prints at Bobby's apartment, Theo was betting at least one set belonged to Liz, the other COULD be there for innocent reasons but with Bobby missing anything was suspicious.
So far the APB hadn't turned up information or anything else. Bobby had been gone too long Theo reflected. The odds were he was dead and his body had probably been dumped in the river. Theo knew his detectives were working frantically hoping to locate their colleague . He guessed they knew the score also but just didn't want to accept the truth. Theo felt a deep anger towards whoever had done this. Was Bobby's good name now going to be dragged through the mud. Sure there was no evidence of anything untoward but if Bobby wasn't around to counter the allegations then sooner or later SOMEONE would suggest Bobby was dead because he was on the take.
Theo DARED anyone to say it to his FACE because they were GOING to get a short sharp shock. HE would defend Bobby's good name at all costs if it was the only thing left of Bobby.
Clara Williams knew there was a problem when she sat in the back of the police cruiser. The men present stared at her with an expression that gave her cold shivers.
"Any news regarding Detective Crocker" she asked nervously. "NO", the answer was abrupt and not at all polite.
Manhattan South was a busy noisy precinct. Clara wondered how Robert could STAND working there. She liked the 5-0 premises but THIS she shook her head and decided she'd talk Robert into a transfer, if she EVER got the opportunity.
She waited in a chair rather stiffly fielding the unfriendly gazes of the detectives present. Nobody SPOKE to her, offered her a drink or anything, just STARES.
Finally a tall bald man approached. "Ms Williams, I'm Lt. Theo Kojak, will you come into my office please." Clara followed behind him he'd said please but his tone was not friendly either.
"Sit down",the Lt told her. Clara sat awkwardly in the chair.
"Right Ms Williams, am I right in assuming you've never MET detective Crocker or been to his apartment." Theo asked.
"That's right", Clara acknowledged. Theo nodded. "Now these THINGS you told the building manager and the CAFÉ owner, were they TRUE."
Clara visibly winced, "No", she said. Did the lt's expression darken as she said that Clara couldn't be sure. "So why'd you SAY them Ms Williams", Theo demanded.
"I just wanted to MEET him Lt, that's ALL." Clara stated firmly definitely getting the impression she was in trouble.
"Did detective Crocker WANT to meet you Ms Williams."
Clara swallowed. "Danny told me that Detective Crocker WOULD ring me", Clara stated.
"Ringing and MEETING are two different THINGS Ms Williams", Theo told her.
Clara sighed. "It didn't seem like he WANTED to ring OR meet me", she acknowledged.
Theo nodded she was being straight so far. "You were OBVIOUSLY keen to IGNORE his wishes", Theo glared at Clara.
"I JUST WANTED TO MEET HIM LT" Clara told him loudly. "WHY, Ms Williams, he had no OBLIGATION to meet you. He is the half brother of Detective Williams and shared no family ties with you."
It was THE question, Clara thought, she recognized that she SHOULD answer it truthfully and get HERSELF out of trouble. But if she betrayed Roberts's confidence would her EVER want to meet her. Surely his disappearance COULDN"T be connected to the fact they were related.
"You're QUIET MS Williams", stated Kojak. "He DID have NO obligation to MEET me, Clara finally replied in a regretful tone, it WAS true enough after all ,even BEING her NEPHEW DIDN'T mean Robert HAD to get in contact.
"It was rather a SHOCK to find out Danny had a relative, but NO matter HOW that happened I wouldn't EXCLUDE Robert. Danny parents died when he was very young, I raised him. He was a happy child but there was always something MISSING for him. He went to friends birthdays and to THEIR siblings birthdays, he celebrated a very SMALL family Christmas. He ALWAYS wanted a sibling.
There was NEVER any question of him ignoring Robert and I felt the SAME. "
"I know what I DID was STUPID but I'd NEVER hurt Robert or cause him to BE hurt, you MUST believe that", Clara felt hot tears beginning to fall. Would she ever get an opportunity to SEE her other nephew or was he DEAD.
"I feel so SAD for Danny, she sobbed, he'll be hurting thinking Robert is possibly…
She couldn't even say the WORD. The tears were now threatening to overwhelm her. She felt an arm squeeze hers and Lt Theo Kojak handed her a handkerchief.
"You DID contact Danny, Clara stuttered between sobs. "Yes he's on his way", Theo acknowledged. Clara nodded she'd had no doubt Danny would come.
"Ms Williams, I think I MIGHT understand your motives for the pretense. You understand that with Detective Crocker MISSING we HAVE to check all angles."
Clara was only capable of another nod. "Do you mind if we take your fingerprints, just to eliminate you from our enquires". Clara shook her head, she hadn't DONE anything, so there was nothing to worry about.
Theo got Saperstein in to fingerprint Clara Williams. If she had been ACTING then she was certainly a GOOD actor. Was a woman like this CAPABLE of arranging the abduction and possible MURDER or his detective. Would she have done it BECAUSE she WAS mad that the nephew she'd raised turned out to be SOMEONE else's relative. His gut told him she couldn't do it but ten minutes later as Saperstein handed him a piece of paper he began to have doubts.
Clara Williams fingerprints had been found IN Bobby's apartment.
"SHES a cold blooded KILLER Theo", Captain Mc Neil told him 5 minutes later.
"Frank MY instincts tell me she COULDN'T Do anything to Bobby. She was GENINUELY UPSET."
"Then what explanation did she have for finding her prints in his apartment."
Mc Neil bandied. "She just sat there shocked speechless Frank then cried."
Theo told him. "SO you arrested her THEO", Mc Neil asked. "No" replied
Theo. Capt Mc Neil's expression changed. "Look MAC, whoever arranged Bobby's abduction was CLEVER, there's very LITTLE forensic evidence present. But Clara Williams actions in trying to locate Bobby were STUPID. She would have DELIBERATELY made herself a suspect."
"I'll keep an EYE on her you can be SURE of that".
Mc Neil sighed he knew Theo felt as passionately about this case as every detective in the precinct, as time went by it became MORE likely Bobby had been murdered.
But until a body was found that case was a kidnapping one.
"When's the half brother arriving" Mc Neil asked. "In a couple of hours". Theo responded. "We'll have to keep him away Theo, he could just INTERFERE with our investigations." Theo nodded. The only things he KNEW about Bobby's half brother were in the Hawaiian report. But Theo doubted he'd be HAPPY to learn his former Aunt was a suspect in abducting his half brother.
"Have you got a patrol checking the river" Mc Neil asked . Theo nodded.
He supposed it WAS time to be BLUNT but some part of him couldn't accept his young sergeant was DEAD.