“Wanna beer?” Doyle offers as we sit down on the couch.
“Oh, no thank you,” Dylan responds. “We’re not allowed — you know department rules, and all.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Ward, our department has been trying to reach you for quite some time. Did you not receive the messages?” I press.
“Um, we’ve been meaning to get back to you,” Doyle responds. “We’ve just been busy.”
“Too busy to keep in touch with the people who are looking for your lost child?” I ask skeptically. “Have you been following the news?”
“We don’t watch the news much. We have Netflix now,” Meredith answers.
“You’re telling me that the media has been plastered with stories of recovered missing children in our area and none of your friends has bothered to call you and tell you about it? I find that hard to believe.”
“We don’t hang out with our friends much anymore. They don’t know what to say to us since Joey went missing,” Meredith hedges.
Doyle shoots his wife a look of disbelief. I turn my attention toward him. “Mr. Ward, I find it fascinating that amongst all the news reports of the children and teens which were found on the border of Florida, you never once contacted our office about the fate of your son. It’s spooky, one of the children recovered is a ringer for Joey. He looks so much like your son, he had me fooled. It’s almost as if you and your wife know something about where Joey is. I know if I were a parent, I would be beating the doors down at every law enforcement agency I could find. One has to wonder why you and your wife are not doing that.”
Doyle shoots his wife a helpless look. “I don’t know what you want me to say.”
“The truth would be helpful, Mr. Ward.” Dylan replies gently.
“Doyle, don’t,” Meredith pleads. “It all could be a big mistake. Please don’t,” she sobs.
“Please don’t what?” Dylan probes gently. “What mistake?”
“We might as well tell them. They’re not going away. They’ve hung around for months even though they have found nothing. Show it to them.”
Robotically, Meredith gets up and walks over to the freezer. She takes out several boxes of frozen dinners, waffles and burritos. Finally she pulls out a thin Ziploc bag with what looks like a piece of mail in it. She sets it aside and methodically puts the other frozen items back in the freezer.
“I was hoping this was all a sick joke and Joey would be found with all the other missing kids. That’s why I didn’t tell anybody. Even my mom doesn’t know about this. Doyle wouldn’t have known about it either except he was digging around for ice cream a while back and I had to tell him what it was.”
I look at the frosty, ice encrusted Ziploc bag and ask, “What’s in the bag, Mr. Ward?”
“Joey killed himself and he wanted to make sure no one found his body. He planned it for a long time.”
Meredith Ward hands me the frozen note. I gingerly tried to open it. “You believe this is a true account of what actually happened to your boy?” I press.
“I think so. Joey wanted to be a baseball player. He knew he couldn’t play ball if he was blind. The cancer had come back. The doctor told him the tumor was pressing on his ocular nerve. He fought hemangiopericytoma off twice. I guess he didn’t have any fight left.”
“I’m so sorry. No family should have to face that. I guess what I don’t understand is why you didn’t tell us the whole story up front. If we would have been armed with all the facts, we could have done much more to actually help you. Instead we spent valuable resources looking in all the wrong spots,” I reply, not able to hide my exasperation.
Meredith starts to shake and sob. Doyle walks over and places his arm around his wife’s shoulder. “I know what she did was wrong. At first I thought Joey was just missing too. For a while, it looked like his cancer had gone into remission and he was winning. When he got the awful news again, he went into a tailspin. I don’t blame him. We all did. I thought he ran off to get his head together. I figured he’d take a week or two and then go back into treatment.”
Meredith picks up the story, “Joey was always so good about going to the doctor and taking his medicine. When he didn’t come back, I saw the stories about the missing kids. I thought maybe that’s what happened. But then one day, I was cleaning out the fridge and I found the note. I wanted to pretend I never found it. What mother wants to read that kind of thing? You know, Joey had brain cancer. Maybe he wasn’t in his right mind when he wrote it. Maybe he didn’t mean it —”
“Meredith has a point. Some of the medicine Joey took sometimes made him downright loopy.”
Dylan leans forward. “This is a lot of new information that we didn’t have before. Would you mind coming down to the station, so we can re-interview you while we have our computers and maps available? There are a lot of scenarios we need to look at in light of these new developments.”
“Is my wife going to be in trouble for what she did?”
“We are not the ones who make those kind of calls, Mr. and Mrs. Ward. That’s way above our pay grade. We’re just searching for your son and hundreds of other missing people every year. We can only do that job effectively if we have the whole story,” I explain.
Doyle looks at his wife. “Meredith, it’s the least we can do. We owe it to Joey either way.”
She sobs. “I’m afraid of the answer.”
Dylan pats her on the shoulder. “I know it’s hard. But not knowing is excruciating too, right?”
“Every minute he’s gone feels like a decade.”
“I imagine so. Let’s put all the cards on the table and figure out where we stand. It’s the only way Officer Erickson and I can truly help.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
TORI
I SMOOTH OUT AN ALMOST invisible wrinkle in my suit as I look in the mirror. It’s been almost a full year since I made closing arguments wearing this suit. I spin around and wobble on my high heels as I face Cody. “Do you know why I’ve been summoned to Derek’s old office?”
He tenderly kisses me on the forehead. “I don’t — but you look amazing. Maybe they need your help to go through some of his old files? After all, they haven’t been able to find Stacy Hildabrand. They might need you for institutional memory.”
“Wouldn’t they just use Crystal Downing? She’s got more institutional memory than the rest of us combined. Truth be told, it doesn’t matter who is at the head of the office, Crystal is the true heart.”
“That’s not how I hear it. Everyone I’ve spoken to said the office lost its heart when you left.”
I smile. “You’re so sweet. I believe you’re supposed to say that because you’re my boyfriend. I’ll figure it out when I get there I suppose — I just hate to go into these things blind.”
“Tori, I think you have forgotten how masterful you are at thinking on your feet. Whatever this is, you’ve got this handled.”
“I hope you’re right. Life has been throwing us some pretty tough curveballs lately.”
Cody helps me put my coat on and kisses my neck. “True enough. But, I’d like to think there have been some phenomenal ones too.”
I don’t know what I expected coming back to Derek Zane’s old stomping grounds, but this wasn’t it. Oh, the office is still completely ostentatious and not at all what I’m used to as a prosecutor, but all traces of my former supervisor have been removed. It looks less like a swanky bachelor pad and much more like a traditional upscale law office. After a nervous temporary receptionist escorts Cody and I back to what used to be Derek’s office, I’m surprised when the assistant to the lieutenant governor joins us. Cody immediately stands up to shake her hand. “Susan! I didn’t expect to see you here today.”
She smiles awkwardly. “Honestly, I expected to have a little company. But my boss and his boss got called away on an emergency. So … you’ll have to get the news from me. I hope you don’t mind.”
Susan shakes my hand too and then sits in one of the large, imposing lea
ther chairs. After a few moments, I try to break the tension. “Since I wasn’t expecting to receive any news today, I guess I don’t care who delivers it to me — unless of course it’s bad news. Then it would suck to be you,” I finish with a laugh.
Susan’s brows furrow. “Well, I don’t think this is bad news. I suppose you could have moved on with your life in the last few months … I guess I won’t know until I ask, will I?”
“You’re making me a little nervous here,” I confess.
“I’ll just get right to it then —” Susan says as she clears her throat.
Cody leans forward and puts his arm around my waist as we sit on the edge of our seats.
“As I said, the lieutenant governor and the governor had hoped to be here today. In part to apologize for what our state has put you through during the last year. As you know, your departure from the prosecutor’s office has left a big hole. By all accounts, you were a very effective Assistant District Attorney. It is a shame someone’s pettiness and political ambitions were put ahead of the public good. We would like to try to reverse some of the damage starting today. The governor would like to appoint you to the District Attorney position vacated by Derek Zane.”
My breath catches in my throat. Cody’s hand trembles against my back. When I can finally speak, I ask, “I don’t understand. There was someone hired in my position. I don’t work for the County anymore. I was fired and as far as I know, no one has reinstated me. Stacy Hildebrand would be next in line.”
“The governor considered Ms. Hildebrand. To put it mildly, he was not impressed with her credentials. He was baffled by her initial appointment. By all appearances, she didn’t meet the minimum qualifications of the job.”
Cody clears his throat as he chokes back a laugh. “She admitted as much to me. She stated it was all about using her connections to get the position.”
Susan nods. “Apparently, those connections were also her downfall. She seems to be on the run after being named an unindicted co-conspirator with Mr. Zane and Councilman Warren.”
I can’t help myself. I laugh out loud. “Hardly the qualities you want in the District Attorney. This is surreal. They tried to pin a bunch of bogus unethical behavior on me when they were the ones basically running a crime ring.”
“Exactly. The governor wants someone who is familiar with the operations of the office. Someone the staff trusts to help rebuild the reputation. That person is you. So, Victoria Clarkson, do you accept the position?”
I look over at Cody with my eyes wide open in shock. “Did you know this would happen?”
Cody shrugs. “Not specifically. But you totally deserve it.”
“I don’t know. It’s a lot of responsibility. There are still plenty of people who believe I did what I was accused of doing. I don’t know if they’ll accept me in a leadership position,” I reply as thoughts whirl in my head.
“There might be a few naysayers — that’s true. But, your former boss and the councilman and who knows who else will go to trial soon. The truth will come out. The person hired to replace you was basically unqualified and just put in the position as a political favor. No one knows for sure all of Derek Zane’s reasons for terminating you — but the obvious ones have to do with retaliation for your win in the puppy mill case and flat out sexual harassment. Most of the people who have worked with you for years will understand the truth once they hear all the facts,” Cody argues.
“Not only that, when the Governor makes the formal appointment, he will be abundantly careful to lay out all of your stellar qualifications and put to rest any remaining doubts about you,” Susan adds.
I swallow hard. “Do you mind if I take time to think about this? On one hand, it’s everything I’ve wanted and worked toward for years. Yet, it still feels as if it’s too good to be true. I need to evaluate whether I’m able to take this on given a few challenges in my personal life.”
Susan chews on her bottom lip. “I suppose. We’d like to get this wrapped up as soon as possible. The office has been in disarray for quite some time. The sooner we can get it all settled, the better. But, I understand this offer came out of the blue and it’s a major upheaval in your life. Please consider it as quickly as possible and get back to me as soon as you can.” Susan bends down and digs through her briefcase and pulls out a business card. She flips it over and writes a number on the back. “This is my cell number. You can call it any time day or night and let me know your decision. I know the governor will be anxiously awaiting any news. I want you to make the best decision for you, but I also want to be a little selfish here and let you know that personally, I hope you choose to take the job. My daughter is in law school right now. I hope she grows up to be the kind of attorney you are.”
I stand up, walk over, and take the card from her. “Thank you so much, Susan. I don’t mean to put you in an awkward situation with your boss. I’m sure they were hoping I would jump at the chance for a promotion. It’s just that my life is so chaotic right now. I feel like I need to take a moment to catch my breath before I close my eyes and leap. I don’t want to make the wrong choice simply because it feels good for my ego.”
“I understand. I’ve been at many of those crossroads in my career. Like I said, call me day or night. I wish the governor would’ve been here, he is much more persuasive than me,” Susan says as she gathers up her belongings.
I touch her on the shoulder to stop her. “Susan, your presentation was perfect. I appreciate your honesty. It’s just my life is super complicated right now. I’ll let you know.”
Cody walks up behind me and grasps my hand and gives it a squeeze as he whispers in my ear. “Don’t worry, we’ll figure this out.”
I’m trying not to spill anything as I try to clear room on my crowded dining room table. “Mom, are you sure you don’t want more meatloaf?”
“No, I’m fine. Your young man said you made some pie. I should save room.”
“I did. Would you like it now or later?”
My mom sighs and shifts in her wheelchair. “I appreciate the dinner, but I’m getting tired. Besides, you look sad. Are you breaking up with your boyfriend?”
I’m a taken aback by my mom’s abrupt change of topic. “No, Mom — Cody and I are great. You can ask him. He’s sitting right here.”
“Mrs. Clarkson, I love your daughter very much. Why would you think otherwise?” Cody asks.
“I told you to call me Velma. You two look like you’re about to rob a bank you’re so tense. Did you hear bad news from my doctors or something?”
I blow out a breath of relief. “No, Mom, that’s not it at all. This time it has nothing to do with you. The doctors say you’re doing great. In fact, your hip is doing well enough we can talk about moving you home, if you’d like.”
“I don’t want to move. I like the nurses there. There’s someone there all the time, and I have friends. Sometimes when I don’t feel so good, it’s good to have the doctors there too. I don’t want to fall down and get hurt again.”
I’m not sure whether I feel more disappointed or relieved. On days like today when my mom is so lucid she seems like her old self, it’s difficult to remember the awful days when she is a danger to herself and everyone else. Although I was hopeful the new treatment would be permanently helpful, it seems to be cyclical at best. I smile gamely. “You’re right, Mom. The facility you’re in takes really great care of you. I’m just worried about other things. I was offered a new job and I am scared I might not be ready to take it.”
“Why not?” my mom demands with a shrewd look. “You’ve always been the smartest girl I know.” She turns to Cody. “Don’t you agree?”
Cody nods. “I do. Tori has just been beaten up by the press and a few coworkers recently. Her faith in herself is a little shaken.”
My mom looks befuddled. “Well that’s stupid. I may be losing my marbles to some dumb disease, but even I know my daughter is bright and talented. If they have something bad to say about her, they’re wrong
. If she was offered a new job, she should just take it.”
Cody stands up and walks over to give my mom a hug. “Velma, you don’t know this, but Tori was just telling me today as we were fixing dinner how much she wished she could get your advice about what to do. Thank you for sharing your opinion. I think it will make her decision much easier.”
I wipe away tears as I announce. “It does, Mom. Guess what? I’m going to be the District Attorney.”
“I always knew you were destined for greatness. I just wish your daddy would have lived long enough to see this.”
“Me too. I know he would’ve been so proud of me.”
EPILOGUE
CODY
TORI TOSSES ME THE KEYS to her new rig and winks. “I guess I trust you to drive the beast.”
“Have I told you how much I love your new ride?”
Tori grins. “I figured after all those hellaciously long hours at the office, I deserved to treat myself. Besides, your Mustang isn’t designed to deal with all the trips we take to the beach. I decided a four-wheel-drive would be a better choice.”
I hop in the driver’s seat and throw on my sunglasses. I lean over and kiss Tori deeply. I take a moment to kiss the crook of her neck after I pull away. “Happy anniversary to us! Can you believe it’s been a year since we went on our first date?”
“I don’t know how to answer your question. In some ways, it seems way less than a year. In other ways, it seems like ten years. We’ve crammed every possible crisis into just a few short months.”
“At least we don’t have to face a trial for Bex Michaels and his wife. They both pled guilty. All those kids won’t have to testify.”
“Have you spoken to any of them recently?” Tori asks me.
“Yeah, actually I have. DeAndre has actually followed through on his promise to pursue a career in law enforcement. He has joined the junior officer program and has a mentor with our department.”
Love and Injustice Page 19
