Wendy says, “Well, that is certainly good news for you, now isn’t it?”
“Yes, it is,” replies Kimberly.
“I’m happy for you, dear,” Wendy says, smiling. “I also wanted to let you know I have to go to Brazil for the funeral of the guy who died of botulism from Jack’s restaurant, but I’ll be available in a week if you need anything.”
“You didn’t tell me you knew him.”
“Oh, I didn’t personally know him, but one of my clients did, and she asked me to accompany her for support, and I said I would.”
“You’re an answer to a prayer for most of us. I think you are amazing.”
Wendy smiles to herself and says kindly, “That’s what I do. I help people.”
“But you’re more than a counselor. You’re like an angel of mercy.”
Wendy laughs, saying, “I suppose some people could feel that way about me.”
Kimberly tells Wendy she needs to go because she wants to watch Lindsay Parker’s special on Jack that is on the air.
As Wendy hangs up the phone, she thinks, An angel of mercy…yeah, that fits what I do.
Kimberly watches the evening news report by Lindsay Parker in amazement at how much little Lindsay has grown up and how proud she is of her. Kimberly listens intently as Jack’s life is accurately revealed from the early days of his career, his marriage to Kimberly, his divorce, and his failed friendship with Lindsay’s mother. She is impressed by what a truly balanced approach Lindsay has taken. Lindsay deals with the investigation into the botulism fiasco at the Bistro on Union Street then goes into the reopening under the name Castaway Grill. She talks about the food critics’ reviews and how they had been fair in their analysis of the food quality and service problems, but then she turns the tables on every single review by saying that she views them as biased and unfair comparisons between the Bistro on Union Street and the Castaway Grill. Lindsay explains she feels her colleagues, for the purpose of ratings, destroyed the life and successful career of a family friend, resulting in Jack’s complete loss of hope of any type of viable business recovery.
Lindsay interviews a psychologist about the emotional effects of a person losing hope in life, and how suicide seems to be the only option for individuals suffering from this type of psychological trauma. Finally, Lindsay finishes her reporting by quoting Jack’s suicide note verbatim: “Here is your latest scandal. Be sure to give yourselves credit for causing this scoop. I’ll see you all in hell.” Lindsay takes this moment to explain why every other reporter had avoided revealing the content of Jack’s suicide note, explaining the necessity for her colleagues to understand the power their reporting has on other people’s lives. She very directly emphasizes the need for future stories to balance the factual news and weigh the impact of more sensational headlines collaterally, so as not to damage other lives. She explains how multiple people have been harmed by such careless reporting, pointing out all employees of the Castaway Grill have lost their jobs, her father is angry and suffering the loss of a dear friend, and the community has lost another longtime quality restaurant. Lindsay tearfully ends her report with a call for compassion and balance from each of her colleagues going forward.
Pete Armstrong meets Lindsay immediately after the airing and pulls her into a side office, where he quickly explains how the other reporters are going to view her message. Pete tells her he doesn’t think attacking fellow colleagues is going to be received well, and for Lindsay to prepare herself for nasty reactions from others. Pete pours them both a cup of coffee, asking Lindsay to hear him out before she comments or reacts to what he has to tell her. Lindsay nods, accepts her coffee, and sits quietly as Pete begins his speech.
“Lindsay, I see tremendous professional potential in you and your abilities as a quality reporter. You’re passionate about what you do, so don’t throw it all away in the first couple of years of this career, like I did, because you are hurt, angry, and see the injustice of this profession. When I had about the same experience in this career as you do right now, I covered a story about a lying politician who was very well connected with the station I was working for. When the station manager wouldn’t allow my investigative report to be aired, I was pissed, because I was sure my story was an award-winning piece. I tried every way I knew to get the story aired. I complained up the chain of command until finally the station attorney pulled me aside and told me to let it go. He explained that the story would never come out because the subject, this politician, was destined to be governor, and the station wouldn’t risk pissing him off.
“Lindsay, I couldn’t believe my story was being spiked because of his political clout, and I turned all my evidence and story over to a newspaper reporter who published it. When the station manager saw my story in the newspaper, I was fired immediately. I had to move to California because I couldn’t find another job where I was. The newspaper reporter who published the story had to move as well, and the lying individual was able to discredit the newspaper and reporter and was elected governor in the next election. While the newspaper reporter eventually moved up to editor of a different paper, he has never spoken to me or broken out another sensitive story to this day.
“As for me, I have remained a local news reporter and have never been promoted, although I have often been the most qualified candidate for positions. Reporters are a lot like cops. We don’t turn on one another because, if you do, your career will be damaged to the point that no one will be willing to help you. Memories are long in this profession, so please don’t allow your emotions or passion for justice to override your career circumspection. Even though the story about the politician was honest and meaningful, it didn’t get me anywhere except for the bottom of the food chain. In this business, you have to think of yourself first.”
Lindsay thinks for a few moments and then asks, “Pete, in your opinion, have I done that much damage to my career?”
Pete laughs, saying, “No, I don’t believe you have, but don’t ever attack another reporter and apologize when confronted about it. You should be fine. But I will tell you, you won’t be forgiven if you make the same mistake twice.”
Lindsay thanks him for his advice on this report and help at the previous press conference, assuring Pete she won’t let something like this happen again.
CHAPTER 4
TRAINED SNOBS
Jay Mather boards the first flight out of the Boise airport at 7:00 a.m. Also on the move is Steve Davis, who hops on a flight in San Francisco headed to San Diego. The agents arrive within thirty minutes of each other. Bob Grinstead, SAC of the San Diego field office, has arranged for two of his agents to meet them at the airport with a car to use while in San Diego. All the agents introduce themselves, and Jay and Steve are told they can leave the car at the airport when they fly out. The local agents will make plans to pick it up. They ask if Steve and Jay will need any assistance other than directions to Wendy Stevens penthouse.
Jay shakes his head, glancing at Steve to be sure. “We don’t think so, but if any unexpected circumstances come up, we’ll give you a call.”
Everyone exchanges cards, and the agents from San Diego leave Steve and Jay to their business. Steve briefs Jay on what he discovered, and Jay briefs Steve on the incident in McCall, including his interactions with Bonnie.
“You should probably conduct this interview with Wendy, since you’ve met her before and have the majority of information about the botulism case,” Jay tells Steve.
Steve says, “But you’re the senior agent. Shouldn’t you be the one to lead the interview?”
Jay replies, “Look, I know what they teach in Quantico about the ranking structure and how, as a newer agent, you’re s’posed to show respect to senior agents. It’s all bullshit. You’re an agent just like me, and you can handle your own damn interview. If I think a question needs to be asked, I’ll jump in. Otherwise, I’m no smarter than you.”
Steve
chuckles, surprised, and says, “Thanks. I was worried I’d just be your bitch on this trip.”
Jay gives him a crooked smile. “I know how much I hated being treated like a rookie and swore I’d never treat another agent like that. My ego is strong enough; I don’t need you to stroke it for me. Just be yourself, and let’s have fun. For God’s sake, we are both single men in San Diego. So what do you say after this interview we grab some dinner and a couple of beers on the beach somewhere and enjoy the local sights.” He wiggles his eyebrows. “I’m told California women are the prettiest in the world, and I want the opportunity to judge for myself.”
Steve replies, “I’m not sure about the women, but everything else sounds great to me.”
They arrive at Wendy’s penthouse, and the doorman notifies her they are on their way up. Wendy thanks him. When they get off the elevator, she opens the front door to the penthouse and invites them both inside.
“Ms. Stevens,” Jay says, “nice to see you again. This is Agent Davis. He’s also the lead on this case.”
She nods and shakes Steve’s hand and then asks, “Can I get you boys anything? Water, Coke, cocktail?”
Jay says, “A cocktail sounds great. Unfortunately, this is an official visit, and we are on the clock, so water will be great for me.”
Wendy turns to Steve and asks with a wink, “Are you as ‘by the book’ as he is?”
Steve laughs and says, “Yeah, pretty much. The FBI trains us to be snobs that way, but a Coke would be great.”
“That’s too bad. Maybe later, when all this is done, we can all have a drink together?” She smiles coyly at Jay when Steve turns to sit down.
Jay smiles and thinks, I’m tempted, but this just wouldn’t be good for my career. Wendy retrieves their drinks from the bar and sits down.
Steve begins by asking, “Did you have knowledge of Ricardo Montes passing away in San Francisco of botulism?”
Wendy replies, “Yes, of course. It’s all over the news—such a tragic situation.”
Steve raises an eyebrow. “And how well did you know Mr. Montes?”
Wendy sighs. “Agent Davis, let me save you guys some time. I didn’t know Ricardo, personally. Mark’s wife, Bonnie, had an incident with him in Brazil over a real estate transaction they were involved in. Ricardo apparently became very upset and came storming up to the villa. Sean and Jessica were with Bonnie, and they all tried to calm him down, but things progressed, and Ricardo called Jessica a bitch, which caused Bonnie to slap him. Ricardo responded by punching Bonnie in the face. Bonnie came to see Dr. Peckman, Mark’s doctor here in San Diego, on her way back to San Francisco and stayed with me for most of the weekend. Ricardo tried to call Bonnie while she was staying here, but she didn’t take his call, so he left a message telling Bonnie he wanted to meet with her in San Francisco to apologize for his behavior. Being a domestic violence counselor, I wasn’t comfortable with letting Bonnie meet with him, so I suggested she let me talk to him to see if I could gather a greater level of confidence about his sincerity. I phoned Ricardo, introduced myself as Bonnie’s sister-in-law, and suggested we have dinner first. If he convinced me he wasn’t a danger to Bonnie, I would schedule a meeting with her. We met at the Bistro on Union Street and I paid, since it was my idea. He didn’t convince me Bonnie would be safe to meet with him. Bonnie called me on Tuesday, telling me what she saw on the news, and I was shocked, as you can imagine.”
Steve says, “Thank you for the information. It certainly is helpful for us to fill in the gaps.” Wendy nods. He continues, “There is one more thing I don’t quite understand, and I’m hoping you can provide some insight for us.”
“Of course. Anything I can do to help.”
“Well, when Ricardo was found in respiratory distress by the maid in the hotel, he whispered to her that he ‘hired a killer.’ Can you shed any light on this statement?”
“Oh my God!” Wendy exclaims. “Do you think Ricardo hired his own killer?”
Steve shakes his head. “However, we treat every death as a possible homicide.”
“Well, then, I haven’t a clue about what he meant. Apparently he hired some type of killer. Our discussion that night involved the incident in Brazil between him and Bonnie, but it never turned in the direction of death.”
Steve, satisfied with Wendy’s responses, turns to Jay and asks, “Do you have any other questions?”
“Only a few if you don’t mind, Wendy.”
Wendy laughs. “You just want extra time with me, because I’m in my midforties, single, and really a lot of fun to be around.”
Steve was taking a sip of Coke at the time and nearly spit it out at Wendy’s response. They both burst into laughter, with Jay adding, “And attractive, as well.”
She smiles and says, “Thank you. I just didn’t want to appear narcissistic.”
Jay clears his throat. “Anyway, Wendy, I’m just curious. Can you remember what you—and if possible, Mr. Montes—ate at the Bistro?”
Wendy pauses, remembering. “Well, I had fresh grilled salmon, which was fabulous, a salad bar, and several glasses of Chardonnay because I’m rich, which hasn’t always been the case for me, you know, and I enjoy a truly good Chardonnay.”
He gives a small smile. “I’m sure you deserved it. And what did Ricardo eat?”
She senses Jay is looking for some type of weakness in her story, and his probing unsettles her, though no one recognizes it. Wendy sits quietly, appearing introspective for several moments before frowning slightly and saying, “I don’t remember, specifically. I think it was some type of pork and red wine. I have my debit card receipt. Would you like to see it?”
“Yes, of course.”
Wendy retrieves the receipt from a folder in her desk and hands it to Jay. “I’ve always been meticulous about financial receipts. I guess it came in handy this time.”
He nods, reviewing the receipt, and sees Wendy was telling him the truth.
He asks for a copy of the receipt to keep on file and Wendy says, “Let me take a photo of the receipt with my phone, then you can keep the receipt, if you would like it.”
“If you don’t mind, that would be great.”
“Of course I don’t mind.” Looking directly into Jay’s eyes, she adds with a flirtatious grin, “Is there anything else you want from me?”
Jay becomes unsettled, because he senses Steve is now picking up on the tension between them, but he smiles and says, “This will be it, for now.”
She nods politely and stands. “Well, thank you for the visit. This has been entertaining.”
Steve and Jay follow her lead.
“Thank you for your time, Ms. Stevens,” Steve says and heads for the door.
As Steve grabs the door handle, Jay turns back to Wendy. “Two more questions. The receipt shows you had a salad bar?” Wendy nods. “Do you know what you ate from the salad bar?”
Wendy looks puzzled but replies, “As a matter of fact, I do.”
He asks, “And that is…?”
“Sliced tomatoes, Mozzarella cheese balls, and cucumbers with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing.”
Jay then begins to ask another question when Wendy interrupts. “This is your third question, and you said you only had two more questions.” He pauses and Wendy continues, “I’m just being a bitch. Go ahead. What’s your next question?”
Jay grins. “Since this is your town, do you have any suggestions for dinner?”
“Hmm. Probably. What’s your pleasure tonight?”
Steve interrupts. “I’d really like a simple meal on the beach where I can get a really good beer.”
Wendy suggests several places and the two of them leave, thanking her once again for her time.
At the restaurant, Steve finally looks at Jay and asks, “What the hell was going on back there between you and Wendy?”
“I r
eally don’t know. I think she might have been coming on to me.”
Steve looks incredulous. “There is no maybe about it. She most definitely wanted you, my man!”
He laughs and says, “That’s never going to happen. That would be the end of my career, and no woman is worth that to me.”
Steve nods in agreement. “Yeah, but she is really rich, good-looking, smart, and damn, what a great penthouse. Neither one of us will ever be able to afford a place like that in our lifetime.”
Jay agrees and then adds, “That may be so, but I suspect there’s a lot of baggage that comes with Wendy Stevens, especially since she is a psychobabble professional.”
Steve laughs and agrees. “But I think she was being truthful. She didn’t appear to have anything to hide. What did you think?”
“I agree, but maybe we should look and see if anything Wendy ate from the salad bar was contaminated.”
“It couldn’t have been; otherwise, she would have gotten sick.”
Jay raises an eyebrow and then comments, “Unless she was the one to contaminate the food.”
Steve looks surprised. “Come on, that’s really stretching a conspiracy theory to the absolute limit, isn’t it?”
Jay’s eyebrows come together. “Well, you’re probably right, but let’s double-check just to make sure, OK?”
“Man, you are so full of shit. I’ll call my office and get the contaminated ingredients from the salad bar right now.” Steve calls the San Francisco field office and speaks to another agent who tells him the ingredients containing botulism from the salad bar were lettuce, potato salad, and carrots. He then relays the information to Jay. “I told you, you were stretching it.”
Unmerited Favor: The Compassion and Peril of Mercy ( Un missable Series Book 2) Page 3
