“Of course. Tori wouldn’t want it any other way.”
“Then shortly after the elections, people from Councilman Warren’s office came sniffing around. They started interviewing all of us — real subtle like — it was very odd. They wanted to know how happy we were with Tori. They asked very strange questions. ‘Did she do a good job? Did we like working with her? Was she working in the interests of the county? Was she honest and trustworthy? Had she ever done anything to make us feel uncomfortable?’ They said it was all confidential. They made it sound like she was up for some sort of special honor. At the time, it made sense because she had just had victories in those two high-profile cases and just been promoted. Most of our staff likes Tori, and they were happy she got hired as the assistant district attorney when Mr. Fleming died, so they cooperated with the questioning because they thought they were doing her a favor.”
“Of course, they did. Because what else would it be, right?” I comment as I pause and turn the page on my notebook.
“See? Now me, I had my thinking cap on. I didn’t believe them for a New York minute. Something was fishy from the get-go. Like I said, I’ve been around for a long time. I’ve seen people get big honors. I once worked for somebody who got an honor from President Bush — the junior one. They didn’t ask those kinds of questions. It seemed like a real big set-up for a big fall. I didn’t want to answer the questions. My boss told me I had to — otherwise I’d be written up. So, I answered their stupid questions. I kept my answers super general. Of course, I made Tori look like the best thing since sliced bread because you know she is. The only negative thing I said was she made me feel uncomfortable one year because she forgot my birthday. It was a true statement. But it wasn’t her fault — she had the flu.”
“Do you know what became of the questioning?” I ask.
Crystal gives me a look that would wither grown trees. “We have a new prosecutor in our office.”
“Oh… I wasn’t aware that they had filled Tori’s position,” I blurt as I cough in surprise.
“Umm-hmm, Stacy Hildabrand started a couple weeks ago.” Crystal looks like she’s been sucking on lemons.
“Care to comment on that development?”
“Not really. I’ve got grand-babies to raise and I need my job. Let’s just say, I took the extra step to call her law school to confirm that she actually graduated and that her diploma isn’t fraudulent.”
“Okay… Enough said.”
“Apparently, she actually passed the bar too. Although for the life of me, I can’t imagine how.”
“I know I probably don’t even have to ask you this, but just for the sake of thoroughness, I will. What about the accusations against Tori? In your mind, is there any truth to them?”
“Honey, you and Tori have been dancing around each other for years. She likes you and she hasn’t exactly been throwing herself at you like she’s a whore. What makes you think she would be giving one of the witnesses sexual pleasure in an elevator? Don’t be ridiculous! Tori is not that kind of woman. She’s never been. She wouldn’t go out with Derek Zane to advance her career and she sure as heck wouldn’t compromise a case to please a man. That’s the most stupid, ludicrous, insane thing I’ve ever heard. Trust me, working in this office, I thought I’d heard it all — until I heard that.”
“I agree. I’ve known her for a long time. You can accuse her of being stubborn, hard-headed, passionate and fiery — but you can’t accuse her of being unethical and reckless. Whoever is behind this has a personal axe to grind. Now I just have to figure out who and why.”
“I’m so glad you’re looking into it because everyone else seems to think Tori did something wrong. I know that’s not true. She’s not perfect, but she certainly didn’t do what she’s accused of. Somebody needs to stand up for her because right now, she’s not strong enough to fight for herself.”
“I’ll do my best, Crystal. I can’t make any promises. But after so many years of fighting for justice for other people, somebody needs to fight for Tori.”
“I think you’re the perfect man for the job.”
As much as I appreciate Crystal’s faith in me I have to wonder if it’s misguided. To put it mildly, this situation is a political hot potato. I’m not sure anyone else will be willing to be forthright and honest for fear of losing their jobs. Tori has some loyal friends and colleagues, but in cases like this I’ve often found that loyalty only goes so far when people are threatened with harm to their reputation or to their wallets.
They aren’t the only ones at risk. If my CO knew what I was doing, he would be none too happy with my unofficial investigation. At this point, I’m operating under the assumption that what he doesn’t know won’t hurt him. Although, even as I think those thoughts, I know deep down what he doesn’t know may actually end up hurting me. The captain frowns on off-the-books police work.
CHAPTER EIGHT
TORI
BONNI JEANNE COMES INTO MY mom’s bedroom as I’m in the middle of moving her bed and scrubbing the floor. “Hey, Cinderella, these are for you,” she says as she sets the huge bouquet of roses down on the dresser.
“Boy, my mom has a lot more friends than I realized. She’s been getting a ton of flowers and houseplants. This place is starting to smell like a nursery. Just put them on the kitchen table with the rest so I remember to change the water. I might swap them out with the flowers in her hospital room because those are gorgeous.”
“No, I think you misunderstood me. These are not for Velma, these are for you.”
“For me? Why would I be getting flowers? It’s not my birthday.”
“I don’t know. Maybe you should read the card attached,” Bonni Jeanne suggests with a wink as she takes the mop away from me.
Curious, I walk over to the dresser and smell the peach-colored roses and fish out the small note card. “Would you like to see if our timing is better this time? Call me for details. ~ C.E.”
Bonni Jeanne is practically stamping her foot with impatience as she asks, “Well? What does it say?”
I chew on my bottom lip for a moment before I answer, “I think I’ve just been asked out on a date.”
“By whom?”
“A guy I’ve been flirting with for almost a decade,” I explain with a wistful sigh.
“What are you waiting for? Most guys don’t hang around that long!”
“That’s a good question. I used to use the excuse that it would be a complicated thing with our jobs — you know, in case he ever got called as a witness and I’d have to explain our relationship. But, I guess that’s not a valid excuse any longer.”
Bonni Jeanne looks a little deflated. “Oh, you mean he’s another attorney?”
“Oh good heavens no! Cody Erickson is a very hunky detective. He’s one of those lethal guys who is both cute and wickedly smart.”
“Sounds like you would be a fool to turn down a date with him.”
“I’ve been called worse things lately,” I retort with a grimace. “What about my mom?”
“Tori, you know you can’t let your mom make you afraid to live your life. Your mom is in a rehab hospital where she’ll be for quite some time until her hip heals. It’s a locked, secure unit. They know all about her dementia and her propensity to roam. Velma is as safe as she’ll ever be. Her leg is in traction. Go out and enjoy yourself.”
“It seems wrong to go on a date when my mom is in pain.”
“Well, if there is an upside to dementia, it’s the fact that your mom doesn’t have much awareness. The doctors are doing a good job of treating her pain. Since the surgery, Velma seems comfortable. You can forgive yourself for having a life even though she can’t remember hers.”
“Thanks. I think I needed to hear that. I’m going to call Cody. Our lives keep getting in the way of happiness. Maybe it’s finally our turn this time.”
Glancing around my newly marvelously clean house, I realize I can’t put off this phone call any longer. I’ve run out of things to
do to distract myself. Nervously, I dial Katie’s phone number. A little detective work of my own unearthed it. When she picks up, I nervously spew the explanation I rehearsed. “Umm … Hi, is this Katelyn Ashford?”
“It isn’t anymore, but it used to be. I am Katie Anthony now, how can I help you?”
“I’m Tori Clarkson. I’m a friend of Cody Erickson.”
“Oh, yeah, you’re the prosecutor. You helped my friend Savannah Moore.”
“I did. Well, I used to be the Assistant District Attorney, but that’s a long story too. Anyway, I’m calling because I understand you used to be Cody’s partner and you know him pretty well.”
“Not as well as some — but, yeah I guess. Why?”
“Let me tell you a funny story. Cody and I have been friends for a long time. We’ve been trying to go out for almost as long. But life keeps getting in the way. Finally, he asked me out, but he doesn’t want to screw it up. Now, he wants me to plan the date so I’ll be happy with the outcome.”
“That’s downright devious. I have to hand it to Cody — he’s made it so you can’t blame him if the date goes poorly.”
“Exactly. I thought it was quite clever. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize how much stress it is on a guy to plan a date until I tried to do it myself. I have no idea what he likes. That’s why I called you,” I confess with a self-deprecating laugh.
“Ahh, what a perfect opportunity!” Katie practically squeals with glee.
“No, no!” I protest. “This is so not an opportunity for any pranks or revenge. I want this to be a good date. Cody and I have been trying to do this right for years and we keep missing. This could be a big chance.”
“I’m sorry! Did you think I would mess that up for you? I’m trying to plot a way to completely knock his socks off. Cody has had a string of bad relationships. He’s a little jaded. I’m not sure he believes dating can work for him. I think this is the perfect opportunity to show him how fun dating can be when you’re with the right person.”
“Oh … That’s a lot of pressure. I’m not sure I’m even the right person for Cody. I have a lot of stuff going on in my life right now. I only agreed to go out with him because he was so sweet.”
“But you like him, right?” Katie presses.
“I do. I like Cody a lot. I always have.”
“Then, we have to pick a date which will completely blow him away and remind him how incredible you are.”
“How will we do that? I don’t think dinner and a movie will cut it even if I spring for Junior Mints and a large bucket of popcorn.”
“No, I have something a little bigger in mind. How do you feel about music?” Katie asks after a couple of beats of silence.
“I love it!”
“Any particular kind?”
“I like it all, but I’m partial to jazz.”
“Hmm, we’ll have to adjust our playlist, but I’m sure Declan can cover some jazz with no problem.”
“Pardon me? I’m lost.” I admit.
“Here’s the deal — Aidan O’Brien and Tasha Keeley are doing an East Coast swing, so Logan and I can make an announcement to our families. We’re doing a private VIP fundraising concert here with backstage passes to a dinner and dance to raise money for Hope’s Haven.”
“Sounds really fun — but I doubt Cody’s dating budget would cover the cost of a private event.”
“Don’t even worry about it! There is not a snowball’s chance in you know where I’d charge Cody to come to one of my gigs. It’s because of his diligent training that I’m still alive. As far as I’m concerned, any event I work, he is welcome to come for free — and you are too, as his plus one.”
“That’s incredibly generous. When is your concert?”
“We’ll be playing this next Saturday. We’re renting one of the top floors of one of the major hotels in Gainesville — don’t ask me which one. I can’t remember the name of it right off the top of my head, but I’ll text it to you. If the weather is nice, it’ll be a rooftop concert.”
“Wow, this seems like it was meant to be. Saturday was the day Cody wanted to go out. I guess it won’t be Netflix and popcorn or going to see a movie he’s already seen a million times, after all.”
“I guess not. I love it when a plan comes together. I can’t wait to see you again. I’m sure Cody will be over the moon.”
“Okay, I’ll touch base with you later. I’m sure I’ll have a million and one questions.”
“By the way, wear comfortable shoes. There will be dancing.”
“Perfect! It’s almost as if we planned it or something,” I answer with a snicker in my voice — even though I’m sure it doesn’t translate over the phone very well.
Bonni Jeanne glances over at Crystal as she sweeps back a section of my hair and clips it up. “What do you think? I think it looks elegant with the neckline of this dress.”
Crystal claps her hands together. “Ooh, that’s gorgeous — but how sturdy are those clips? She’ll be dancing. We don’t want her hair to fall down.”
Bonni Jeanne arranges the back of my hair. “They work pretty well. I wore them to my niece’s wedding and they stayed in all night.”
I’m a little startled by my own reflection. “By the time you guys are done with me, Cody won’t even recognize me. I hardly know me and I’m staring right at my glamorous self. Where did you get this dress, Crystal?”
“Before my daughter joined the military, she used to work at one of those high-end department stores. She had a bad habit of buying inventory right when it came in. Her closet is stuffed to the gills with clothes she never even got to wear.” Crystal ties the belt tighter in the back.
“Are you sure it’s all right for me to wear this? Maybe she was saving it for something,” I ask.
“No honey, Jaclyn told me to donate all the stuff a long time ago. I never got around to it. So, consider yourself donated to. It looks beautiful on you. Jaclyn would be happy to see it being put to good use.”
“This reminds me of the scene in Cinderella. I feel like I’m getting ready to go to some fancy ball instead of a concert,” I say as I twirl around and look over my shoulder at my reflection in the mirror.
Bonni Jeanne smiles. “I think the dress is perfect for a concert. It’s sexy and classy all at the same time.”
I look down at the deep emerald colored sundress with buttons all the way up the back. “I can’t believe the transformation. I’ve spent weeks in my workout clothes moping about being fired. I forgot what it’s like to look sexy.”
“You’re not done yet,” Bonni Jeanne says. “You need some knock-‘em-dead lipstick.”
I laugh out loud. “I don’t think I have anything like that. It’s not part of my usual courtroom garb.”
Bonni Jeanne clears off some space on my dresser. “Don’t you worry. My sister sells all this fancy makeup stuff. I have more samples than you can imagine.”
“While you guys take care of lipstick, I’m going to go out to my car and get my jewelry trunk. Tori needs some earrings and I think I have some in my eighties drawer which will be perfect.”
“Wait… What? You have a trunk just for your jewelry? You carry it around, and you have it sorted by decade?” I ask as my jaw drops wide open.
Crystal nods. “Well, honey, you said you were having a fashion emergency. Did you expect us to show up empty-handed?”
“I don’t know! I thought you might bring a curling iron, an extra pair of pantyhose, and your favorite nail polish. I didn’t know this would be like one of those makeover shows.”
Bonni Jeanne lifts a huge case of makeup and places it on my dresser. She pulls out three shades of red lipstick. “Oh dear, is this too much for you? Are we making you nervous? We could go if you want us to —”
“No! I love that you guys dropped everything to come help me. I would be even more nervous if you weren’t here. You guys are actually helping distract me. It’s been forever since I’ve been on a date. I’m not even sure I remember how
. I’m sorry, I just didn’t expect all this pampering.”
Crystal examines the lipsticks in Bonni Jeanne’s hand. “Definitely go with the middle one. That one has a nice degree of sparkle and it’s the perfect shade for Tori’s beautiful skin tone. What do you think, honey? Isn’t it beautiful?”
I raise an eyebrow. “It’s a little bold.”
“So are you,” insists Crystal. “Tonight’s the night for forgetting all of your problems and pretending to be someone you’re not — someone with a bold and carefree spirit out to have a good time and leave her problems behind.”
I grin. “You’re right. When am I ever going to get an opportunity to be this carefree again? This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I might as well be bold. Like Bonni Jeanne said, let’s knock his socks off.”
CHAPTER NINE
CODY
NORMALLY, I DON’T LET ANYONE drive the ‘Stang, but today is an exception. I didn’t even flinch too much when I handed Tori the keys. Honestly, I was too distracted to think much about it.
Over the years, I’ve watched Tori grow from being simply another pretty girl to a stunningly beautiful woman as her confidence grew. There hasn’t been a time I didn’t think she was magnificent. Tonight, she’s outdone herself. Her artfully applied makeup plays up the twinkle in her eyes as she refuses to tell me where we’re going. My sister gets freaked out by the sound of the engine in my car; not so with Tori. She laughs with delight every time she has to shift the car into a new gear.
After a while, we pull up to one of the newest luxury hotels in Gainesville. To be honest, my heart skips a beat. I don't understand why we’re here. If she wants to eat at the five-star restaurant, it’s a little out of my budget. Okay, it’s a lot out of my budget. Mentally, I’m going through my credit balances in my head to see if I can swing it without embarrassing myself. I breathe a sigh of relief when I realize that if I split the bill, I can probably cover anything she would order. I’ll probably have to do the stereotypical thing and order a salad — but, I can make it work.
Love and Injustice Page 6
