Witness to a Murder

by J Hamilton-Fford

  'Time to run the gauntlet,' Rota said.

  'Run the gauntlet?'

  'Raymond will be waiting on us and there is sure to be a bit of a fanfare. Are you ready?'

  We took the elevator down to a grand fanfare at reception. Raymond was there and many of the staff who had waited on us and assisted us were there, too. We were both given a bouquet of flowers and the invitation to return for anything at anytime.

  Murray was waiting and helped us into the limousine. It was a whirlwind of a morning and the day had just begun.

  It didn't take long to arrive to our destination. The building site was to be our new home for the foreseeable future. I had no idea that this was being planned and was quite surprised.

  We were ushered into a private elevator that went up to the top floor, the forty-second floor. The doors opened and I was amazed by the decor. Someone had gone to great lengths to please my tastes.

  Breakfast was waiting and we were escorted to the roof. It had been renovated and was not just a helipad, a greenhouse, apiary and solar panel area, but also a garden sanctuary with a water feature, beautiful flowers and a private dining area. I took a deep breath. It was so peaceful here.

  I wasn't allowed to tarry too long, however, and we were soon escorted back down to the forty-second floor. Juanita was waiting as we emerged and she asked me to follow her so she could show me around.

  'Louise, as you know, this building sits on two-thirds of a city block and has forty-two floors. This floor is a personal floor. You will find you have a bedroom and en-suite bathroom which have been soundproofed to ensure you get a good night's sleep and are able to relax. You have two walk-in wardrobes and a changing area between them. There are more bedrooms on this floor. This one is for Rota. There is a common area here, a kitchen, entertainment space, family space and a separate bathroom here,' Juanita said.

  'Juanita, you are going much to fast. Did you say family space?'

  'Yes, I did,' she said.

  'Does this mean my family or the 'family' I have become part of here in New York City?' I asked.

  'I believe I can answer that question,' she said. 'Rota, we're ready!'

  French doors opened from across the room and Rota emerged, followed by my children and grandchildren.

  'Mom,' Faerys said, 'this place is great!' She hugged me. Sabene, two, and Philo, now five, followed suit. I looked up to see Alasdair approaching and we enjoyed a group hug for a moment.

  I stepped back to look at them. My grandchildren had grown so much since I last saw them, though it had only been a few months. I had so many questions. I felt quite agitated. Bringing my children and grandchildren here unnerved me. I wasn't ready. This was not in my timing. All I could do was sit and listen to them as they told me everything.

  They had received letters from the Foundation inviting them to work. Faerys was asked to intern in Marketing and Public Relations before assuming her role as the Foundation Manager and, in that capacity, my right hand. Alasdair was asked to be an intern in IT, AV and events, and accounting before assuming the role as technical services manager. He would be out of my sight for most of the time. I was beginning to feel quite nervous.

  Rota had been in communication with them since I came to New York City. She had been filling them in on everything and they understood completely why I hadn't been able to contact them. They had been watching the news and reading the papers and copies of Time Magazine were sent to them so they could see that, too. They were delighted for me and were excited to help me see this through.

  Something didn't feel right.

  'So, how long have you been in town?' I asked.

  'Oh, about a week,' Alisdair said.

  'Really, a week?'

  'Yes, Carl and Rota have been showing us around and Carl is really cool,' he said.

  'Really?'

  'Yes, and Rota has been so helpful with the children,' Faerys said.

  'Really?'

  'Yes,' they said.

  'Well, then... everything is settled. So, you have everything you need? The children, your accommodation... ?'

  'Yes,' they said.

  'Fabulous. I guess there is nothing left for me to do except be glad you are here and to love on you all while I have you near.'

  They looked at each other and back at me.

  'Mom, you do know we'll be living and working with you, right?' Faerys asked.

  'Of course,' I replied.

  'Is that okay?' she asked.

  'I wouldn't want to have it any other way,' I said.

  'Really?'

  'You bet,' I said. 'You don't know just how happy I am that you are all here. I was just surprised, that's all. It's sinking in now. There's been a lot happen today and I'm just adjusting. Sorry if it seemed as though I wasn't with you on this. How about some lunch?'

  'That would be a fine idea,' Rota said. She interrupted us at just the right time. 'Why don't I look after the little ones while you take your children to lunch. Spend the afternoon and show them around if you'd like. We can talk business tomorrow.'

  'Terrific! Now, where to go for lunch?'

  'Don't worry, Murray will take you all to Giorgio's, then to FAO Schwarz and then back here. You can have dinner on the rooftop. A tour of the building can wait until tomorrow. What do you think?' Rota asked.

  'That sounds like a grand idea.'

  The time went too quickly and we were back in what seemed like minutes. Unable to get any time alone to speak with them, I resolved to make plans to warn them of Carl and Rota and to inform them of what was really happening.

  I had to think and the best place I knew to think was in the bath. If I could only figure out how to turn on the tap... I rang Faerys' room. She came to my suite and helped me figure out the control panel. While the water was running, it was an ideal time to speak with her.

  'Faerys, I've been wanting some time to speak with you and this may just be it.'

  'What do you mean?'

  'If we talk quietly, the sound of the water will make what we say indistinguishable to any recording devices. Can you do that?'

  'Recording devices?'

  'Yes. Nothing is as it seems. Carlos and Rota cannot be trusted. No one can be trusted. Only trust Alasdair and me. Do you understand?'

  'Of course. Mom, we already know.'

  Resources

  'You do?' I asked.

  'Yes,' Faerys said. 'I can't say anymore here. Al and I have arranged to go to the Sports Center Health Club at Chelsea Piers three times a week until facilities are ready here. You are going to go with us so we can talk there,'she said. She placed a comforting hand on my arm. 'How does tomorrow sound? Seven in the morning? You'll notice that you have an entire assortment of yoga gear, swim wear and track suits added to your extensive wardrobe.'

  I could no longer contain myself. I was in tears.

  'Mom, everything is going to be okay.'

  'Really?' I looked at her with wet eyes.

  'Yes, really.' Faerys gave me a hug and I felt the last few weeks and months drain away.

  'I'm sorry, sweetheart,' I said. 'I'm supposed to be doing this for you, not the other way around.' I pulled some tissue to wipe my eyes and my nose.

  'Why don't you pop in the tub and get a great soak. I'll give Juanita the night off and I'll be back to brush your hair. You can wear your favorite nightgown and we can go through your wardrobe and see what's in there... I've been ever so curious.'

  That had me in stitches and I laughed out loud. 'I don't even know what's in there,' I said. I smiled at her and she left me to relax in the tub.

  We spent a few hours going through my wardrobes and finding out what was in there. It was revealing. It was evident that I would be the front and the face of the Well-Health Foundation and my wardrobe supported that. We would have a grand opening very soon and I was expected to dress for the occasion, every facet of it. I would have to make the best of the time I would spend with Faerys and Alasdair at the health club.

 
The night passed too soon and I dreamed of freedom and health and enjoying time with my children and grandchildren once more.

  For now, I needed to concentrate on the Foundation. So far, I had added very little to all that I could see, apart from my signature, which now seemed to endorse mostly everything, whether I'd given it my personal approval or not.

  Carlos was quite insistent that I 'not interfere with the rolling ball' and to allow everyone to get on with the job of getting the Foundation up and running. I was told that certain things were a mere formality and that if I had to check and read everything before signing, I would still be struggling come Christmas. He was also very quick to point out that they engaged very expensive lawyers to ensure that everything was beyond scrutiny.

  I could only shake my head in disbelief. Here I was, the head of the Foundation, signing my name away as if it were confetti. My grandchildren always ran to Rota as opposed to me, and my two children were appointed to senior places without so much as a word to myself. I was not bitter toward them, far from it. I was just slightly miffed at the way things had been sanctioned much without my consultation or permission.

  The opening night was, without doubt, the most spectacular event I have witnessed, with a chamber orchestra, masses of free champagne, fireworks, and a catering service that would be one in the eye for the Queen of England.

  I wore an off-the-shoulder dress that had been specially designed for the evening. The fabric flowed down my body and across my hips like a waterfall that pooled around my feet. The whole ensemble was completed with a diamond necklace, a matching cuff bracelet on one wrist and my silver diamond studded Rolex, an anniversary gift from my husband, on the other.

  The Foundation was registered as a charity. I was surprised when Carl began the evening by making an announcement to the select gathering that he was going to personally donate $1M to start the ball rolling. This triggered more fireworks, a moving overture, and more champagne corks flew over our heads. Before I knew it, the figure had soared to $8M and then $12M, all in the blink of an eye. Where was the money coming from?

  Carlos was most insistent that I make a 'thank you' speech.

  'The Foundation is the emergence of a dream now come true, and, despite the long hours that everyone has given personally, the work and craftsmanship that has been poured in to this venture and in four unbelievably short weeks, and now this,' I allowed, wiping away a tear that ran across my cheek, my voice faltering with emotion.

  The select gathering went ballistic, applauding, whooping and whistling their delight and drew silent as I approached the microphone to finish my speech.

  'Yet, none of this would be here today if it were not for you, your astounding generosity, and your belief in the Foundation and the programs we plan to offer. Thank you for your gifts, your support and encouragement,' I said. I was overcome with emotion, the crowd, the fireworks, the music, the food, the assembled guests all adding up to a surreal and delightful evening.

  The clapping seemed to go on forever. All I wanted to do was to leave the stage. Champagne would be welcomed and I was eager to share the evening with Faerys and Alasdair.

  As I left the stage, bouquets and gifts were presented to me. I tried to thank everyone for their generosity and making my dream come true.

  With so many wealthy people all in one area, it was perhaps necessary to have the odd policeman or armed guard, even if they did look and behave like secret service agents that one normally associates with the Presidency. This was no ordinary launch. It was more like a Presidential Primary festooned with buntings, flags, balloons and large placards sporting my photograph and name. It was all too easy to forget that this extravaganza was one arranged and paid for by the mob.

  Though the Foundation wouldn't open its doors for another week or two, everyone was able to view the first six floors and walk around to view what would be initially offered. From spa to organic restaurant, the first six floors were packed with possibility for anyone's immediate needs.

  The evening came to an end and the hired help were left to clear away the remnants. The helium filled balloons looked out of place now that the gathering had dispersed, with nothing more than a cluttering of chairs to indicate where the orchestra had been. It was just one of those moments where I had to drink in everything with my eyes, nodding as if to congratulate myself on a job well done before it all disappeared like the morning mist. I didn't want the night to end but, like the proverbial fairytale, I was beginning to fade and turn slowly back into a pumpkin.

  There were enough people on hand to ensure my safety. Sound crew and the lighting crew still dismantled the speakers and the lighting from the gantry system around the stage.

  It seemed later than it was and I still had to get out of this dress and put the jewelry in the safe. Faerys and Alasdair were enjoying a late night coffee with Juanita when I made my way up to the penthouse. They were telling her all about the evening.

  It was moments such as this that made us a family. I was glad that they were able to share in the moment and not be stood on the sidelines listening to me drone on about who I'd met, who'd said what, and whatever else I might remember.

  Juanita helped me with the dress and we were all soon slumbering away after a glorious evening.

  New Friends

  The morning newspapers were brimming with photographs, headlines, anecdotes, quotes, and just about anything and everything to do with the Foundation, the building, the nuts, the bolts and even the restrooms. The one conspicuous person missing from every photo, however, was Carlos.

  I would have thought that he, of all people, should have been there. I grabbed another paper and then another, finally reaching the end of the pile. Not one single newspaper had managed to capture his image. It was as if he were never there when we all knew that he was.

  I found it hard to believe that he'd been completely airbrushed out of every single picture. I felt sure that one image, which I knew should have been Carlos, was in fact the face of someone that I hardly recognized. I know because the photo was taken when he handed me a replica golden key to the door of the Foundation, and yet the person depicted was a stranger. No, I shook my head, the reporter had obviously messed things up. The whole thing looked fabricated, as if those most prominent had somehow been expertly replaced.

  I pointed the fact out to Rota and she smiled. She reminded me that Carlos was a successful businessman and he always requested total anonymity. He chose to donate his charitable income without the need for any publicity.

  Though I could not understand his thinking on this, the evidence for it was irrefutable.

  Given that we had such a tremendous launch on the Saturday night, I was surprised to see that by the following Friday we had only managed to secure the services of eight people to the tune of about $3,000. It was quite depressing really and yet Carlos was heralding it all as a major success. A follow-up story claimed the Foundation secured yet another staggering $1.2M in gratuities. I had to scratch my head. We had so little custom, and others were still so willing to pour money into the business.

  By the second week, I had more custom than ever. We were stretched to the limit. Arranging appointments for customers who were not expected to pay confounded me. I could understand the occasional free meal if we were a restaurant, but not complimentary sessions that seemed interminable. There was little point in trying to evaluate anything. The money was flowing in through the doors whether people came in or not. Those who did come in were offered free appointments.

  A rare occasion presented and I found just enough space to enjoy a meal with one of New York's socialites. She had long been a genuine friend and we arranged to have dinner at a restaurant that wasn't on my list of approved places. I would have had to pay for my meal but she picked up the tab. 'My treat,' she said.

  Without realizing it, I had become reliant on the fact that I no longer needed to carry cash or a charge card whenever I left the confines of the penthouse. In fact, my purse contained
nothing more than my signature perfume, 'Dreams by Deveraux,' cosmetics and a few other 'personal' necessities.

  The restaurant was luxurious and the ambience was relaxing and comfortable. I thoroughly enjoyed the first part of the meal. The main course would be a few minutes so I took that time to visit the ladies' room. I entered the plush restroom, offered the monitor a smile and made my way toward the sink. The monitor handed me a warm rolled towel.

  'Thank you,' I said. I noticed a calling card slipped under the paper band that encircled the towel.

  'You keep the card,' the monitor whispered, 'that way we can both clean up the city.' She left me to greet another woman. I stared at the card and then at my own reflection. The blue and gold insignia, the FBI logo, caused my mouth to dry as if I was about to be sick. Hot, flushed and more scared than I had ever been in my entire life, I opened my purse and pushed the card inside one of the folds. My fingers trembled as I closed the fastener. I looked for the woman, the monitor. She was no where to be seen. The monitor who replaced her said, 'I hope you enjoy your stay,' as I left to rejoin my friend.

  'Why, my dear, you look as if you've seen a ghost,' Miriam said.

  'No, I'm fine, really. I think all the partying is finally catching up with me,' I said.

  The waiter seemed to anticipate my empty glass and stood ready to pour me another. Miriam's eyes said everything. I could see that she knew I was lying. She would implore me with her look and I had to concentrate on the food on my plate. I hated lying to her. I could swear that she knew what had just occurred in the restroom.

  I didn't want to upset her and I didn't want her to end up as a casualty of the circumstances in which I found myself. Miriam was a good friend, someone who I instinctively knew I could trust. She was someone outside the Carbinicci family. She touched my hand and smiled at me. Her eyes tried to comfort and console me. My head said, 'Tell her everything!' Instead, we spoke of the children and grandchildren, of her husband and her life. We parted with a hug and a promise to meet again soon.

  I returned to the Foundation after lunch. Rota greeted me with a list of questions about where I was, who I met and what I had for lunch. She did everything she could to lift information from me. She smiled broadly and informed me that my lunch guest had phoned to say 'thank you' for lunch.