by K. J. Cazel
“But, but that was in Wisconsin. The Chicago police can't reopen it.”
“No. But they can pass along any information they get. So, keep you mouth from running off and stick to our story.”
Meekly Rizzo replied, “Yes Rodney.”
“You’re excused.”
Rizzo pushed back his chair and left the office as quickly as he could.
Rodney pickup his intercom phone and asked Mrs. Green have Paul Hendrix come to his office.
After what seemed like an eternity to Rodney, Paul entered Rodney's office.
“Paul, can you give me an update on the distribution of Sarah’s will?”
“Rodney, you know that this happened at the end of the year which caused the wheels to go more slowly than we expected. When we posted the will with the county, we received notification that there was a trust filed with the bank trust administrator. This is now estate matter involving a trust. Our legal department geared for corporation law not estate matters. I have referred this will to Kearney and Goldstein, who are known for their handling of estate matters.”
“And, what have you heard from them.”
“I wasn't pressuring them. There seemed to be no rush since you were the only beneficiary of Sarah's estate. But, now that this has hit the news, everything has been put on hold.”
Rodney took a deep breath. “Then, we'll just have to wait.”
Paul left the office. As he left, Rodney turned and looked out the window as whispered, “Damn incompetents. Damn Sarah.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
Sarah sat at Carole's dining room table sipping her morning coffee. From her position she could watch the morning WCN news. When the announcer returned after the commercial break, he announced the breaking news that the medical examiner office had concluded their findings on the exhumation of Sarah Williams.
Before Sarah could contact Carole, who was in transit to her office at CWVVC, the landline phone rang. The caller ID indicated that Michael Harrington was calling.
“Sarah, did you hear the news?”
“Yes, I just saw it on the morning news. What now?”
“We have to wait until we get the official results from the examiner's office. I'm sure Judge Hoffman and Rodney's attorney are also going to be getting the results too. It's looks like we'll be back in court shortly.”
“Okay, I'll wait for your call.”
“See you soon.”
***
Carole immediately returned to her house when she heard the news. The news media had arrived before her. With their cameras. they crowded around her front door as reporters pushed microphones into her face. Each reporter was trying to get answers to questions regarding the medical examiners’ report. Carole pushed herself through the crowd and gave the “No comment” to each ambiguous question.
Once inside, she rested on the closed door before she met with Sarah. Sarah approached Carole. “You okay?”
“It's a jungle out there. Have you heard from Steve or Tom?”
If on cue, they heard the phone ring in the back of the house.
“Hopefully, it's them. Sarah rushed to the phone and was able to get it before the fourth ring would have gone to the answering machine. The call ID again indicated that Michael Harrington was calling back.
“Sarah, Judge Hoffman has asked us to report to his courtroom at 3:00 p.m. today. Are you ready to get your life back?”
“Yes, oh yes. We'll be there.”
***
At 2:30 Sarah and Carole arrived at the Daley Center. The media followed, attacking them with the microphone and trying to get answers to their questions: “What are your plans if the report says your not Sarah Williams? What will you do next?” Sarah ignored the reporters. After passing through security, they took the elevator to the third floor. Shortly after their arrival, outside the courthouse Rodney and his attorney arrived experiencing the same onslaught by the media.
Once inside the courtroom Sarah smiled as she sat down next to Michael Harrington. Michael patted her had reassuring her that everything was fine.
Precisely at 3:00 p.m. the bailiff asked that all rise as Judge Hoffman entered the courtroom. The judge sat down and called the court to order reopening the case of Sarah Williams requesting to be declared ‘living.'
“Mr. Harrington, would you like to continue?”
“Yes, your honor. I would like to introduce at Exhibit C, the medical examiners report on the body found in Grave Site 432 at the Lakeside Cemetery in Evanston, Illinois. I believe both you and the defense also have a copy of this report.”
“Let the records show that the Exhibit C, the medical examiners report as been introduced as evidence. Would you like to call witness?”
“Yes you honor. We would like to call the medical examiner of record, Dr. George Hammitt.”
The medical examiner came in the courtroom, took the witness stand and swore to the truth of his testimony.
“Dr. Hammitt did you perform the examination on the body that was exhumed from the Lakeside Cemetery?”
“Yes.”
“Would you be kind enough to report your findings which were documented in Exhibit C?”
“Certainly. Let me say that I made the initial examination. When I completed, I reserved my findings and then had Dr. Joseph Peters, initiate a second examination. It was my opinion to have a second examination to confirm the identity of the deceased.”
“That was very thorough of you. Can you briefly state what both examinations revealed?”
“Yes. The deceased was a woman approximately 30-35 years of age. Her height was 5' 7, weighing 145 pounds. Although there were massive deterioration in the head due to the fire injuries, it was determined that natural hair color was black. The teeth showed poor dental care. There were no crowns or implants. One important fact that both Dr. Peters and I agreed upon was the condition of the pelvic bones. The deceased had at least two children that were delivered by Caesarean section.”
The news reporters in the gallery were quickly taking notes, while hanging on to each word the medical examiner spoke.
“Have you reviewed the x-rays of Sarah Williams as presented in Exhibit A?”
“Yes.”
“Would you say that they are the same person as the deceased?”
“Absolutely not.”
“Thank you. That will be all.”
“Does the attorney for Mr. Williams have any questions?” The attorney did not answer orally, but shook his head ‘no’.
“Do you have any other witness?”
“Yes, I would like to call Dr. Jeffrey Stuart.”
Dr. Stuart entered the courtroom. His grey hair and his gait showed that he had been practicing his craft for a long time. When he reached the witness box, he was sworn in.
“Your honor I'd like to enter Exhibit D in the court records. These records are the complete medical history that Dr. Stuart provided us on his patient, Sarah Robinson Williams.”
Michael turned to Dr. Stuart and started the questioning.
“Dr. Stuart how long have you been Sarah Williams physician?”
Dr. Stuart opened his folder and read from the card inside. “My records indicate that Sarah Robinson first became my patient June 1997.”
“And what was the purpose of the visit?”
Dr. Stuart again referred to the medical card. “It was for a physical examination.”
“Will you tell us what the records show?”
Again, Dr. Stuart referred to his records. “At that time the records indicate that Sarah Robinson was a female, born 10/26/1979. Height 5'5”. Weight 125 lbs. Lungs: Clear B/P 112/78. General Comment: Health Excellent.”
“Did Ms. Robinson visit you again?”
“Yes. She again visited our office on June 24, 2002.”
“And, what was the purpose of that visit?”
“It was for a marriage blood test.” Dr. Stuart looked down at the record card.
“Was any other information taken at that t
ime?”
“My record shows that her weight was 117, and B/P was 115/80.”
“And, they next visit?”
“Yes, that examination was more extensive. Mrs. Robinson Williams was unable to get pregnant so a series of test were done.”
“And, the results?”
“Sarah has progesterone deficiency.”
“In layman's terms, please.”
“It is a hormonal imbalance.”
“Was any medication prescribed?”
Sarah sat at the table with her head in her hands. This personal information given out in the public arena was wearing on her emotions.
“Yes, but she hasn't been back for her semiannual visit in the past year.”
“Thank you doctor. Your witness.”
Rodney's attorney stood up to address Dr. Stuart.
“Dr. Stuart, I see from your records you didn't record the height of Mrs. Williams during her premarital examination and again at her last examination. Can I ask why?”
“Well, after the age of 18 women usually don't have growing spurts.”
“But, it does happen?”
“Yes.”
“Thank you Dr. Stuart.”
Rodney's attorney knew that he had put some doubt about Sarah's height in the records, but he couldn't do anything about the hair color or the fact that the deceased had children. He knew he lost the case.
Judge Hoffman addressed the attorneys. “Is there any more evidence I should here before making a judgment?”
Both attorneys shook their heads in the negative. Rodney looked at his attorney in disgust. He shook his head thinking, “I paid for the best and got another incompetent.”
Judge Hoffman looked at his notes. The news reports anxiously awaited for a decision that they knew would not favor the rich and powerful Rodney Williams.
“It is in the opinion of this court the body in the Grave Site 432 at the Lakeside Cemetery under the name of Sarah Robinson Williams was not Sarah Robinson Williams, but that the plaintiff Sarah Robinson Williams is ‘legally alive’ and is entitled to all of her rights and possessions.” The judge banged his gavel and rose from his chair.
The reporters rushed out of the room to position themselves to interview both Sarah and Rodney as the exited the courtroom.
Sarah rose from her chair exhibiting a weak smile. She knew this was a first step back to some kind of normalcy.
She walked over to Carole. “Now I'm filing for divorce.”
“I agree, how about we invite Steve and Tom over for a celebration tonight?”
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
Carole was in the kitchen preparing a celebratory dinner when Sarah brought Tom and Steve in.
“Just in time. We’re just about ready to eat. Let’s go to the dining room.”
As Carole poured a glass of Champagne as everyone gather around the table, smiling.
Tom asked, “Well, Sarah, how does it feel to be alive?”
“Great. Now I have to deal with my loving husband.”
Steve looked at Carole. If on cue, they took their glasses into kitchen for their own privacy and giving Tom and Sarah theirs.
“Well, I guess I will see what a good divorce lawyer can do. Of coarse, if you could get him on murder charges, it would make my life easier.”
“We're working on it. He’s really good at disguising his crimes. Like they say there is no such thing as a perfect crime.”
***
Rodney paced around the library with a brandy in his hand and muttering himself, “bitch, bitch, bitch.’” He knew he was going to lose everything he every wanted. “Think, think.” He withdrew his iPhone and when through his contact list. When he found the number he wanted he pressed the ‘call' button.
“Naldo. Williams here.”
“Si, what can I do for you?”
“It seems my plan didn’t work. My wife is back in my life and I don't want her there. Can you arrange something?”
“You are talking about doing something in the states. This is going to cost you.”
“I don't care what it cost. Make it look like an accident.”
“I will get back to you.”
Rizzo's Blackberry rang and familiar ringtone. “Ciao, brother. What's up?”
“It seems we have a problem with Williams. Is he is bothering you again?”
“The police have called me in. They are getting closer. He has threatened me if I cooperate with the police.”
“He has asked me to take care of his wife. Is she a problem for you?”
“No. I don't think so. And, I don't think she would cry if something happened to him.”
“Yes, and he is the link to me. I will get back to you. Take care brother.”
Naldo didn't wait for his brother to acknowledge his last comments.
***
Tom sat at his desk at the precinct reviewing the testimony of the cab driver that picked up Hailey Morgan. He returned to review the testimony of the bar tender on duty that night. It was obvious that the man who picked up Hailey was complicit in her demise.
Turning to Steve, “Steve, we have to go back to The Towers to see if Williams has a connection to one of those apartments.”
“Do you think we can do it without a warrant?”
“It's worth a try. We have to make a connection. The description by the bartender sure points to Williams.”
Fifteen minutes later Tom and Steve arrived at the concierge's desk at The Towers building. They presented their Chicago detective badges at the white haired man.
“We like a list of residents.”
“I'm sorry. We respect our residents’ privacy.”
“You know we can come back in an hour with a warrant. Why not just give us a list now.”
Both Steve and Tom looked at the man with pleading eyes. The man did not waiver. He was proud of his job and he needed the small income it provided. He wasn't going to jeopardize this.
In a weak voice, he replied, “I'll see you in an hour.”
Tom and Steve left the building at entered Tom's car. Steve turned to Tom,
“You know we don't have a sufficient cause to get a warrant.”
“There has to be a way to find out if Williams has an apartment there.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
In the morning, Sarah looked out the front window of Carole bungalow. There were still three hanger-on news reporters waiting to rush her if she opened the door. She had made an appointment with Dunham and Kirk divorce attorneys for 1:00 p.m. and knew she would have to confront the media again. Carole had left for work before 7:00 a.m. and was able to bypass the reporters once they saw that she wasn't the one they wanted to talk to.
The minutes ticked by. If she wanted to make the appointment on time, it was time to leave. She went around to the back door to see if that would provide her a way to get out without encountering the news people. No luck. Their news vans were parked in the alley. Sarah grabbed her coat from the hook, slipped it on and braced herself for the onslaught of microphones being pushed in her face for any comment they could garner from her. As she cracked opened the door one of the reporters spotted the activity and rushed to be the first to question her.
“Mrs. Williams, what are your plans now? Are you going back to your family home? Are you going to divorce Mr. Williams?”
Sarah hurried down the stairs giving no comment to the questions. How could she? Some of these were questions she wasn't able to even answer to herself. She looked left and saw the cab she called earlier was waiting two houses down. The reporters followed her to the cab still pressing more questions at her until she entered the cab and closed the door. The cab driver quickly pulled away from the curb.
“Where to?”
“425 Randolph.” Sarah turned back to see the reporters gathering their camera operators to trail Sarah.
They reached the address in front of a building that was built in the 60's. Although it was relatively new to it's surrounding buildings, its exterior h
ad a dinginess caused by the city's pollution. Sarah paid the cabbie and went through the revolving doors. Ever since 911 all the downtown building prohibited persons from entering the elevators without a pass or an appointment with one of the occupants. Sarah smiled as she addressed the rotund security guard sitting at the front at desk.
Once cleared and issued a visitor's badge Sarah took elevator to the tenth floor. When the doors opened she could see that Dunham and Kirk Law Office encompassed the entire floor. As she approached the reception desk, the receptionist recognized her from the recent newscasts and greeted her.
“Good morning, Mrs. Williams. I'll let Mr. Kirk know you're here.”
Sarah thanked her. She just sat down when a young well-dressed woman came to greet her.
“Mrs. Williams. Mr. Kirk is waiting for you in his office. If you would be kind enough to follow me.”
Sarah followed the woman down a walnut paneled hallway. Each side had original works of art placed perfectly on the walls. The woman opened the door for Sarah. As she entered, a tall dark-haired man stood up from his desk and walked toward her while introducing himself. He ushered Sarah to the chair in front of his desk.
Once they both sat down, Kirk addressed Sarah. “Mrs. Williams, I’m glad you chose us to represent you in your divorce. I must say that Mr. Williams also approached us to represent him, but it was a mutual agreement among the partners to represent you.”
“Thank you.”
“I would like to go over a list of your assets with you that you wish to retain after your divorce.”
“One of things that is important to me is to retain my control of Robinson—Williams. I know the court gave back my controlling percentage; however, I know my husband, would like to keep control.”
“What about your real estate?”
“I own the house in Lake Forest and a condominium in The Towers. As far as the house, I don't plan returning there and Rodney is living there now. I've given it some thought. I'd like to have some of the contents left to me by my parents and then bulldoze the house. There are too many bad memories. I've spoken to the management office of the Towers, and I'm picking up new keys later today. I’m not sure if I want to live there either. My friend, Carole, has offered to let me continue living with her until I can find a place that meet my needs. My living conditions are up in the air.”
