PART EIGHT
Joan Girardi, attorney Hanson North and Inspector Lindsay Boxer step off of a city bus only half a block away from the Tyrolean Café. Joan looks about getting her bearings at a location she has only visited once before, and then at night. Lindsay looks annoyed as she watches Hanson look to Joan for a hint of what to do next…
"Hanson, I know you're exercising your right to view the crime scene, you and your 'consultant', but why come by bus?" Lindsay asks.
Joan supplies the answer. "We are checking out Adam's story as seen from his perspective. He came by bus and got off at this corner. But you Inspector, you could have come in a police car."
Lindsay shakes her head. "I'm keeping an eye on you two, all the way."
(From her tone, Joan can tell the beautiful detective means keep an eye on Joan.)
Joan continues, "The restaurant's main entrance is half a block straight ahead, but Adam turned and walked toward the alley that leads to the service entrance. Twice as far to travel."
Hanson asks, "Is that significant?"
"Maybe." Joan says with a shrug as the trio begin walking toward the alley entrance.
It has been a couple of hours since the questioning of Adam began back at the precinct, and Hanson deftly kept Adam from answering any questions about a crime he was not charged with, so he did not have to say a word about his involvement with Ashley. However, Jill and Lindsay caught up with Mrs. Bloom at her bail hearing, and Lindsay used that old trick of saying Adam confessed the two were having an affair. Ashley's immediate response, before her lawyer could caution her, was: 'One time only!'. So now the authorities know of the Ashley/Adam relationship.
They arrive at the service entrance of the restaurant and find Deputy D. A. Jill Bernhardt and medical examiner Claire Washburn waiting for them. Claire comments…
"It's not often I'm called back to a crime scene to explain my work."
Hanson responds, "Sorry Dr. Washburn, but we want to take extra caution with this case. I so rarely have one where my client is actually innocent."
"Why, because SHE says so?" Jill asks while pointing at Joan.
Jill's jealousy is evident to all as her ex-lover continues to ogle Joan's body. Feeling awkward, Joan suggests they continue with the examination of the crime scene.
Hanson says, "According to my client, he entered through the service door, which he found closed but unlocked. He thought nothing was strange about that because Otto was expecting him."
The group enters and are in the kitchen area where they notice the three Schneider brothers busy at various tasks. Frederick, the youngest, is helping a delivery driver store supplies in a side room. Hans, the middle brother, is on a cell phone informing staff members not to come in tonight due to the tragedy of his uncle's death. Karl, the maitre'd and oldest, is using a laptop to send cancelation notices of reservations due to the Café being closed for the foreseeable future.
Joan, her abilities functioning in top form, immediately knows who the killer is, but how to prove it? She doubts a sudden: "J'accuse!" will produce a good result.
Claire says, "Folow me and I'll show you the crime scene."
The group walks to the far side of the kitchen, and Claire pauses at a door with a police line tape…
"This is Otto's office. There are two doors…" Claire says as she leads the way in. "Besides this one, the door on the other side opens into the main dining room."
The office is small, efficent and normally, very neat.
Claire continues, "We found the body on the floor, next to the desk. Otto was shot once in the back of the head. From the angle of the wound and the blood splatter, he was sitting in his chair working on the books when he was shot. And I do mean 'books'. It seems Otto liked the old fashioned way of doing things, even though a computer program would get the job done in less than half the time."
While everyone is imagining the events of this grisly scene, Joan whispers to Hanson, "Keep everyone busy as long as you can while I look around."
Hanson nods, ready to serve Joan in anyway. He begins peppering Claire with technical questions on the forensic evidence while Joan exits into the dining area. Lindsay ignores what is going on in the crime room while she watches Joan drift about the restaurant, examining the many works of art on display by bay area college students. As she looks at each piece, Joan begins a series of phone calls on her cell. Joan appears to be doing nothing of importance, but Lindsay can't take her eyes off of the young woman. Her own instincts, the same ones that told her that there was something odd and special about Joan the first time she saw her, are still directing her to focus on Joan. Eventually, Joan steps into the kitchen and has a quiet conversation with Karl Schneider. Joan returns to the dining section, sits under the mural devoted to herself, and soon Karl brings her a coffee service for two to the table. It is a clear invitation.
As Claire says a hasty goodbye, having answered all the questions Hanson could think of, Lindsay heads toward Joan—leaving the two lawyers alone in the office. Lindsay sits across from Joan and accepts a cup of coffee. She and Joan exchange polite, assessing smiles.
"Alright Miss Girardi, I see I'm going to have to deal with you since you won't leave this matter alone. I don't know what you did to poor Hanson North, but you've managed to remove even the tiny shred of respect I had for the man. I'm already tired of watching him drool over you, so let's make this short and sweet. If you will give me your ideas, suspicions or whatever you think you've got, I promise to give them serious consideration if you will then withdraw from this case."
Joan smiles. She is growing fond of Lindsay Boxer, who in some ways reminds her of her father. Lindsay is smart, dedicated and honest. She has great instincts, and is not the kind of cop who will leave any loose ends. Joan has no doubt that in time, Lindsay would come to the right conclusion about who is really guilty. But Joan is short on time and needs this wrapped up right away, and since Lindsay doesn't have the edge Joan has…
"Inspector, you know my background—the business with Ryan Hunter?"
"I read about it. I suppose you think that qualifies you as a detective? I'll admit it was impressive…"
"No, no it was not. You're right, I'm no detective. If I were, I would have nailed Ryan before he killed so many people…" Joan's voice trails off in bitterness.
Lindsay pauses, recognizing deep pain. She is much too familiar with that herself. "How did you catch onto this Ryan guy?"
"Instincts. I'm the granddaughter and daughter of cops, and I guess I inherited some cop intincts."
"Yeah, I'm the daughter of a cop too…" Lindsay softly says with bitterness of her own.
"The first time I saw Ryan Hunter, he had just saved Adam's life. Everyone was thanking and congratulating him, and I should have been too. But…something deep in my gut told me there was something seriously wrong with that man. When the attacks on religious targets began in Arcadia, I just knew, in a way I couldn't prove, Ryan was guilty."
Lindsay nods. "Yeah, I've had hunches like that."
"Then tell me, based just on your instincts, who is the one person in this restaurant you would never turn your back on?"
Lindsay doesn't hesitate. "Frederick Schneider. My 'gut' tells me there is something seriously wrong with that guy. You aren't suggesting anything new to me Miss Girardi. The three Schneider brothers will equally share in the inheritance of their uncle's estate. I did check on that, as well as their alibis. Karl and Hans drove into work together, arriving shortly after the arrest of Adam. Frederick arrived by bus, and got here about ten minutes after his brothers. Yes, he could have lied about that, but it was Adam who was found with the murder weapon in his hand. The same weapon that killed David Bloom, whose wife Adam was sleeping with."
"Once."
"How many times would it take before a man became obsessed with a woman like Ashley Bloom? Even if the 'once' is right, that doesn't mean Adam couldn't have wanted Ashley for his own. It's not hard to imagine Adam and say, some college drinking buddy coming up with a plan to eliminate David Bloom so that Adam could 'comfort' the grieving widow. Perhaps to the point of marrying the widow and gaining access to the Bloom fortune?"
Joan asks, "Is that what your instincts tell you?"
Lindsay shakes her head. "No. I'll admit Adam Rove, despite his sometimes poor decisions in matters of the bedroom, seems like a nice guy. But I've seen a lot of nice guys, in a moment of stress, do some truly horrendous crimes. I'm a cop, and I'm accountable to the chain of command. I don't have the luxury of presenting my instincts and asking to be trusted on that basis."
Joan nods. "Yeah, I get that. The first time I told my Dad about Ryan and asked him to trust me, he dismissed me like a child. I had no proof to offer other than my feelings."
"And apparently you still don't. I spoke with Ashley, and she told me how David would every year take a few art students under his wing that he thought had great potential. He would have them come to parties at his home to introduce them to important people in the art world. He would give them the grand tour of his home, including the private elevator in the den. Adam had that tour."
"And so did others, including Frederick Schneider."
"Frederick...knew Bloom?"
"I've been talking with a few people, including Adam's room mate, a security officer at the campus who is a friend of Adam's, and Karl Schneider. Last year, Frederick was one of those favored few that Dean David Bloom had on his list of potential greats. But, Frederick also had a drug problem. After an overdose of cocaine, Otto paid for his nephew's treatment at a rehab center. It was expensive, and Otto got Frederick to sign a loan agreement to repay the debt with interest. Heavy interest. After recovering from his addiction, Frederick wanted his old life back, but his scholarship was gone. He went to David Bloom and asked for his help. David refused, saying a better choice had taken his place—a brillant young artist named Adam Rove. Frederick became enraged and threatened David. Campus security was called to escort Frederick away, and David Bloom swore Frederick would never regain admitance to Berkeley as long as he was the dean of the school of art."
Lindsay smiles. "Now that's what I call a motive. Yes, Frederick Schneider just moved up on the suspect list. He certainly had access to the gun, and it seems he knew about the Bloom's apartment and their parties. By the way, Mr. Harley the caterer confirmed your suspicion. He needed a lot of extra help for a big party on a holiday, and he didn't know half of the people who were working for him. Frederick could have easily slipped in with the catering staff, and he certainly matches Ashley's description of her attacker. But..."
"But, we have no proof. 'Freddy' has been both clever and lucky. Here's where I get stuck. My instincts can point me in the right direction, but evidence gathering is not my strong suit."
"And we need evidence. Hanson can make great strides with a jury using what you've told me, but that won't keep Adam from facing trial. Jill's superiors in the D. A.'s office will insist on going with the strongest possible case. They probably can't make Adam's connection with David Bloom's murder stick, but with Otto's...?"
Joan nods. "Yeah, if only the cops hadn't caught Adam literally with the murder weapon in his hand..."
Lindsay snaps her fingers. "That's right! Response time... Officer, have the three Schneider brothers join us right away."
Joan smiles. She can easily read Lindsay's shift in mood. The raven-haired detective has it solved. As they wait for Otto's nephews to join them, Hanson and Jill step out of the office looking a little flushed and hastily straightening their clothes. Oops, she lost her concentration with Hanson. He was free to think clearly again, and finding himself alone with a woman he desires and who was jealously desiring him... Joan hopes there are no bad ripples from that moment of indiscretion. The three Schneider brothers line up in front of the table. Frederick takes a quick glance at Adam's mural on the wall, and Joan reads his anger. Karl speaks for the group...
"You needed us Inspector?"
Lindsay takes out a handheld recorder and replies, "Just a technicality we overlooked. Since you three were the first civilans on the scene after the arrest of the suspect, we need to have on record that none of you witnessed anything of significance or touched any evidence. I'm sorry for this minor inconvenience, but when you deal with a public defender like Hanson North, you have to cross every 't' and dot every 'i'."
Hans, the middle brother, asks, "What do you want us to say?"
"Just your name, your job here and that you didn't see or touch anything when you arrived. Uh Frederick, you were the last one here, so you had the least chance of crossing into the investigation. Let's start with you..."
Frederick shrugs and speaks into the recorder. "I'm Frederick Schneider, a busboy here at the Tyrolean Cafe, and when I arrived here this morning, Adam Rove was already in handcuffs. The police line was just being put up, and I neither saw or touched any evidence."
"Thank you Frederick, that will do. Karl and Hans, I won't need any statements from you. I only needed a recording of your brother's voice."
Frederick begins to look nervous. "Why...why do you need that?"
Lindsay smiles. "Fred, you're a person of interest in this crime. Now, I was thinking about the response time of the S. F. P. D. We're good, but five minutes is the minimum you can expect after a call to 9-1-1. Adam Rove was found standing over the body of your uncle with the gun still in his hand. If the anonymous call that reported the gunshot came after the murder, it means Adam stood there like a statue for over five minutes until the cops arrived. Of course sometimes people in shock do that, but I don't think that's the case. We know the exact time of the 9-1-1 call, and we will be checking the security cameras of the businesses where Adam got off the bus for his arrival time. Someone watching from the front of the restaurant would have seen Adam starting the long walk around to the back of this business. That would have given that person the time to call 9-1-1 before the shooting actually took place."
Hanson quickly says, "That would prove my client couldn't have killed Otto!"
Lindsay nods. "Even more, voice analysis of the caller can be compared to Frederick's voice. That is as reliable as fingerprints."
Frederick Schneider gulps hard, tries to think of a way out of this mess, but quickly sees there is none. He sighs and angrily mutters...
"They deserved to die."
X X X X X
It took a couple of more hours, but eventually the whole story came out. Frederick had been thinking of murdering his uncle and David Bloom for a long time, but never had the nerve to try. Working his menial job at the restaurant where Otto featured so many young artists, Frederick was denied even that outlet for his artistic efforts. Otto considered his nephew's artwork too dark and disturbing to be displayed amongst his patrons. The final straw came for Frederick when his skinflint uncle actually hired the very artist who took his spot at Berkeley. Having to stare at Adam's mural night after night, it seemed like the fates were mocking Frederick. So, he stole the only gun he had access to and slipped unnoticed into the Bloom's Fourth of July party which he knew about from Ashley's own blog. The chance to shoot David presented itself, but Ashley's attempt to save a husband she only nominally loved caused the gun to go off before the begining of the fireworks. After that, he improvised his escape - using the released balloons as a last moment distraction.
Fearing that Otto might soon miss his stolen gun, Frederick knew he had to get rid of his uncle right away, and Adam's arguements with Otto over money made him the perfect patsy. Arriving at the same time as his always first-in uncle, Frederick asked to borrow Otto's cell phone to send a friend a text message. It was the one urging Adam to come right away if he wanted to be paid. When Frederick spotted Adam getting off of the bus, he used an untraceable disposable cell phone to make the 9-1-1 call about a gunshot at the Cafe. Wearing gloves, he then shot his unsuspecting uncle and left the gun on the desk, escaping out the front entrance just as Adam was finding the murdered Otto. Moments later the police arrived, and that noise was the one that caused Adam to pick up the just fired pistol, getting gunpowder residue on his hand.
Frederick was charged with the murders of David and Otto. Charges were dropped against Ashley Bloom, and of course, Adam was released. Waiting in the front lobby of the precinct house, Joan sees a stunned and relieved Adam escorted to his freedom by his public defender, Hanson North. Hanson notices Joan, blushes deeply and hastily exits. Adam rushes toward Joan and gives her a huge hug with a cry of joy...
"Oh my God, Jane, you did it! You freed me."
"Of course. Did you expect anything else?" Joan replies with a jokey laugh.
"For a moment there, I thought... Wow, how can I ever thank you?"
Joan smiles and gives Adam a wink. "Well, my friend, I believe there was a discussion about a certain favor you were going to do for me...?"
Adam smiles back. "Something about making you moo?"
Joan laughs. "That's the one."
"Sure, but...Wil is back in the apartment."
"Well, as nice as your bachelor pad may be, I was thinking we might upgrade to something a little better. I have the credit card Kevin gave me to cover my expenses during my summer vacation. How about I rent a car, make reservations at some bed and breakfast down the coast and we just...go for it."
Adam gulps, "Well, I am pretty exhausted, but for you..."
Joan giggles. "I didn't mean this very moment. I'll make the arrangements and pick you up tomorrow, say around noon? We can make it a long weekend together."
"I thought you were leaving for Miami on Saturday?"
"I'll call my Grandpa and let him know I'll be arriving later than expected. Besides, this will get me out of Florene's house sooner. She's been great, but it's now a house of mourning and I'm kind of in the way."
Adam nods and gives Joan a brief kiss. "I'll be ready with my bag packed, eagerly awaiting my friend-with-benefits."
Joan gives Adam a return kiss. "Thank you Adam. I know that with you, my first time will be a wonderful experience. See you tomorrow."
They exchange one more kiss, and with a cute wave, Joan walks away, resisting an urge to skip with happiness. Adam watches her go, feeling their close connection and his adoration for his great friend. Softly he whispers...
"First time..."
"Adam?" a voice from behind says.
Adam turns and smiles at Cindy Thomas, the young woman he is begining to realize is smitten with him. Adam acknowledges his own attraction to the cute red-head, but sighs. He must think of Jane...
"Hello Cindy, did you get your story filed?"
"Yes, and thanks again for the interview. An exclusive with the man who was framed for murder will make my editor a very happy man."
"Glad to do it. I wanted a way to thank you for your kindness and support while Jane and the others were out solving the murder."
"Well, it was actually Lindsay who solved the crime."
Adam nods, not willing to debate the point. "Still, it was really nice of you to be there for me. I was feeling so alone and scared. You made today...bearable."
Cindy blushes a little, feeling her attraction growing with every moment. "I guess you must be exhausted and are planning to head back to Berkeley?"
"Yeah, after I grab a quick bite. I was too nervous to eat the jail's food."
"Just as well, I hear it's awful. Uh, if you're looking for a place to eat that's nearby, I'm fond of a little Italian restaurant around the corner."
Adam smiles. "I like Italian. Would you like to join me...?"
Cindy smiles back. "I'd love to."
They walk away from the police station, and Cindy lets her hand briefly brush against Adam's. He takes the hint, and they continue, holding hands...
X X X X X
7-6-07/Friday morning.
Joan enters Florene's house sweaty, but feeling good. Her workout went well, her tutor was less of a jerk than usual, and he didn't even make a fuss when she told him to leave her alone for the next three days. She will be busy, 'questing'. Joan is a little surprised to see Florene waiting for her in the foyer...
"Good morning, Joan."
"Good morning. Uh, how is Kate doing?"
"A little better. Knowing the truth helps, and she and Ashley are even going to meet today to plan David's funeral together."
"Start of a beautiful friendship?"
"Hardly, but at least they won't be bitter enemies. I think Kate realizes Ashley really did love David in her own way. Are you sure you can't stay longer, Joan? I know this has been a more difficult visit than you anticipated, but you truly are welcome to stay as long as you like."
"Thank you Cousin Florene, but it's time for me to mosey along. I can't thank you enough for your hospitality."
"Well, you're welcome anytime. Oh, before I forget, a young man with the oddest name dropped off this letter and said it was vital you got it before you left."
Joan accepts the letter that is simply adddressed to 'Jane'. "Odd name? Wil Speake?"
"That's the one. I actually asked him: 'You'll speak about what'?"
"Thank you." Joan says as she goes up the stairs to the guest room. She places the letter on the dresser as she goes to take a quick shower. An unsettled feeling keeps Joan from opening the letter right away. Why would Adam send her a handwritten note instead of a text or e-mail? It must be something very personal and important. After her shower, Joan carefully dresses in the outfit she picked out for the day. Unable to delay any longer, Joan reluctantly opens the letter and reads...
'My dearest Jane,
Please know that I love you and that I am your true friend. The thought of being with you excites me more than I can say, but it also scares me. Too many times in my life I have let passion lead me into a hasty decision I later regretted. I only have to think of that creepy lawyer leering at you to see what I can be like at my worse. (What was wrong with that guy?)
If I can really call myself your friend, then I need to think of you first - as in your first time. On those rare days when I remember my first time, all I have is regrets and pain. I am not suggesting that it would be like that with us. I'm sure it would be okay, but Jane, you deserve much better. You deserve to be deeply in love with a guy you have a future with. That wouldn't be so in a friends-with-benefits moment. Maybe at some point in our lives we can explore that option, but not for your first time.
Jane, you have no idea how difficult this decision is for me, even knowing that it's what is best for you. Right now, I desperately want to tear up this letter and rush to you. To keep from giving in to temptation as I have done in the past, I'm leaving town for the weekend. Cindy Thomas and I are going to a B & B in the Napa Valley (separate rooms!) Cindy has asked me to bring my sketchpad, and I look forward to drawing her.
Jane, please don't be mad, because I am doing this for your sake. For once, putting what is right for you ahead of my own selfish needs. This is the best way I can think of to show you that I am a true, loving friend. I really hope you find that very lucky special guy who will be the perfect choice for your first time.
All my love,
Adam.'
In a trembling voice, Joan comments, "Well, that's that."
Joan turns to her bags and finishes packing. She must think of what to do next... Check with the airline and change her ticket to the next available flight to Miami. Call her Grandpa to let him know she will be arriving early... Instead, Joan sits on the bed and begins to softly weep.
Joan rereads the letter and thinks about what Adam has written. She begins to review all of the things that have happened this week, opening herself up to the possibilities... She begins to see the connections and their ripples. Joan wipes away her tears and looks up.
"Okay, I get it. I set this in motion. It was my free will choice to help Cindy see that her faux crush on Lindsay was due to her fear of trying again with another guy after her last boyfriend hurt her so badly. For Cindy, it was a scales-falling-from-her-eyes sort of moment. For the first time in nearly two years, she looked around for a nice, cute guy and there was Adam..."
Joan pauses to steady her voice. "Yeah, I see it now. I knew Cindy was smitten with Adam, but through my hormonal haze, I didn't realize Adam was also very interested in her. He was suppressing his feelings because I was suddenly back in his life. Poor Adam, he was so loyal to me, he was willing to risk losing a very good thing for himself. Yes, I get that too. If Adam and I had hooked up this week, it would have changed our couple's vibe, and Cindy would have backed off. That would have been a mistake for both of them. This is going to be an important relationship for Cindy and Adam - one that will be filled with simple, natural, love and commitment..."
Joan sighs. "I almost messed that up for Adam because of my 'quest' to just get my virginity ended. Okay, lesson learned. No more quests for me. I'll wait, no matter how long it takes, until I find the right guy. Wait for when it is a simple, natural moment filled with loving commitment."
Joan picks up her bags and heads for the door. Softly she mutters, "Besides, I'm out of ex boyfriends."
THE END.
Please review.
(I used some of the plot elements of the only season of Women's Murder Club in this story. Jill, the commitment phobic Deputy D. A., did fail in her relationship with her ER doctor boyfriend, due in part to a one time hook up with her ex, Hanson. The timing of this event was unspecified, so I put in this story. Lindsay and ex-husband Tom did have one last night of passion which they both regretted and vowed never to repeat. But, it did bring closure to them, and they began to function better in their police work. After getting over a false alarm pregnancy scare, Lindsay even started to date again. Heather never found out Tom cheated on her, and at the end of the series, Lindsay was at risk as she closed in on the Kiss-Me-Not-Killer. Women's Murder Club isn't currently available on DVD, but if you get a chance to view the episodes, I highly recommend it. Like me, you will wonder how such a high quality show failed while endless moronic reality shows, with their embarrassing faux celebrities, continue to be churned out.)