Identity

by K. J. Cazel

  “Once you sign these papers, we'll get a team out to the house to photograph the belongings so Mr. Williams doesn't try to hide any of your family heirlooms.”

  Sarah searched in her purse and gave him the key that she and Tom retrieved from behind the garage. “Take these, they will give you access to the house.”

  The discussion continued about procedures and timelines for divorce proceedings in Cook County. When they finished, Sarah left the building and grabbed a cab to take her to The Towers management office. While she was there she picked up the keys and thanked the manager for changing the locks. She advised him that she might be moving-in in the next few days.

  Tired of taking cabs around town, Sarah got to the “L” train and took the Red Line back to Carole's neighborhood. When she arrived she looked down the street. The news media had finally left the front door of Carole's home.

  ***

  When Carole came home she entered the door with Steve and Tom following close behind.

  “Look what the cat dragged home,” she called to Sarah as she came through the door.

  Sarah came to the front door. She was so glad to see familiar faces. These were her new true friends. These were the people who have supported her through her trials and tribulations.

  “We bring food,” Steve said smiling.

  Everyone adjourned to the dining room, while Carole went to the kitchen to bring back plates.

  As the meal started, Tom innocently asked, “So Sarah, how did your day go?”

  “Well, you know I was meeting with the divorce lawyers. Unless Rodney wants to contest the divorce, I think it will go smoothly. The hardest part is to make sure I get to keep my 51% of Robinson—Williams.”

  Tom looked at Sarah with a quizzical expression, “You mean he could gain control of the company?”

  “I might have to give him a percentage to get the divorce finalized.”

  You could see the anger in Tom's face with that statement. “It seems this worm always wins.”

  “Well, it's not over yet. Carole, I really appreciate you're putting up with all the news media and me. I thought I’d move into my condominium in The Towers.”

  Steve looked at Tom and mouthed, “ The Towers?”

  “Sarah you have a condominium at The Towers?”

  “Yes, I bought it when I graduated. I wanted to be part of the nightlife of the city. Then, I just held on to it if our authors needed a place to stay.”

  Carole asked, “When do you plan moving in?”

  “I picked up the keys today. I'll want to see if I need to make any changes before I move in.”

  Tom looked at Sarah shaking his head. “Sarah can Steve and I check it out before you move in?”

  “Why?”

  “We think the killer of Hailey Morgan took her to an apartment in The Towers.”

  You could see the shock on Sarah's face. “Are you saying Rodney killed her there?”

  “Well, we don't have sufficient evidence for a warrant. So we can't find out if there is any evidence.”

  “Damn him. I could kill him. He is still ruining my life.”

  CHAPTER FORTY

  Rodney sat in his divorce attorney's office. His attorney reviewed the documents sent over from Dunham and Kirk.

  “Mr. Williams, it seems Mrs. Williams isn't asking for much.”

  “Whatever she is asking for is too much!”

  “Mr. Williams, this seems to be a very fair settlement agreement. Can you explain why you feel this way?”

  “She was always trying to get me to sign over my ownership in Robinson—Williams. Then she implied that I was responsible for her injuries and death. I believe she would have killed me if she had a chance. People don't know how evil she is.”

  His attorney didn’t wish to press any further on the last comment, “So what do you want?”

  “I want control of the company.”

  ***

  It was past 2:00 a.m. as Rodney sat in Sarah’s black SUV. He was watching the bar on Broadway where Michael liked to go to meet new friends. At 2:17 Rodney recognized Michael walking toward his parked car. Rodney stepped on the gas and steered the car directly at Michael. There was a thud as the vehicle struck Michael. Then to make sure that Michael was no longer a weak link, he backed the vehicle over Michael. He put the car in drive and sped away.

  ***

  Alitalia Airlines touched down at O'Hare International in the late afternoon. Naldo disembarked with his carry on and proceeded to Immigration and Customs. Naldo presented his Italian Passport and answered the questions. ‘No he had nothing to declare. Yes, this is a vacation. I will be visiting my brother in Chicago. I plan returning within a week.’

  Once cleared, Naldo checked his carry on in a storage locker and went to Hertz to get his rental car. When he received the keys, he followed the attendance directions to his rental car. While still in the Hertz lot, he punched in Michael's number. The phone rang, but his brother did not answer. He turned on the car. The radio blared with music. He pressed the seek button and finally found an all news and talk station. The broadcaster mentioned that there was a hit and run last night. The next number he punched in was Rodney's.

  “Mr. Williams, I just arrived at O'Hare.”

  “Good, when do you think we can get together to discuss my problem?”

  “I have to meet with my brother. Right now I can't seem to reach him.”

  “Oh, I'm sorry. You must not have been notified. Your brother was killed in a hit and run last night.”

  There was no immediate reply from Naldo. He knew his brother and he knew he was in fear of Williams.”

  “They probably contacted my home in Italy. I would like to get our business done as soon as possible.”

  “I agree. Can you come out to my Lake Forest home tonight?”

  “Yes, that is fine. I have GPS. I will find it.”

  ***

  Sarah sat at the dining room table having her morning coffee. Carole came in and sat down next to her.

  “What are your plans for today?”

  “Well, I thought I'd go out to the house and see if Rodney will give me the keys to the SUV. I know it is a reach, but using cabs is getting tiresome.”

  “Do you want me to go with you?”

  “No, I know Rodney. He won't want any strangers to witness our discussion.”

  “Aren't you afraid?”

  “He knows he didn't get away with killing me and right now he is on a tightrope. He'll cooperate; he wants more out of the divorce settlement.”

  “When are you leaving?”

  “I'll go later today. He usually stays at home at night.”

  “I don't like it. Are you sure I can’t go with your?”

  “I’ll be fine.”

  CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

  It was just past noon when Sarah finally got herself together to call Rodney. She knew he would either be in his office or at home. She tired the office first. Mrs. Green answered her call and informed her that he was in a staff meeting. Always willing to pass on some gossip, she informed Sarah that they needed to find a new Chief Editor to replace Michael Rizzo who had been killed in a hit and run accident. Sarah listened and Mrs. Green rambled on about company gossip. Finally, Sarah was able to leave a message for Rodney that she would be by the house tonight to pick up her SUV. She looked at the kitchen wall clock. She still had at least five hours before Rodney would even be at the house to meet her. She punched in the numbers of the house and got the answering machine.

  “Rodney, Sarah here. I think it would be better if I pick up the SUV around five when you get back from the office.” The phone beeped acknowledging the saved message.

  ***

  Naldo looked at his watch. The sooner he got done with Williams, the sooner the better. He followed the GPS directions to the nearest drug store. He was limited to what he could use to solve his problems. One thing he certain, he needed a pair of latex gloves. When he was through with his purchase, he punched in Willia
ms’ address and followed the directions to the house in Lake Forest. He drove by it first to see if there was any outside activity. Assessing the landscape, he drove on and parked the rental car four blocks away and walked to Williams' house.

  Naldo used the brass knocker to see if anyone was home. As expected, there was no answer. He walked around to the back of the house and found the kitchen door. Using the latex gloves, he reached in his pocket pulling out his lock picking tools. In a few short second, he was entering the house. Looking around he spotted the knife block. He walked over to the counter and took out the large butcher knife; he placed the knife in his belt. As he left the kitchen he found a cache of plastic food shopping bags and placed one in his pocket, the majority of it hanging out.

  As he strode from the kitchen to the rest of the downstairs, he eyes searched for things that he would be taking back to Italy. When he reached the library, he could see that it was Williams' sanctuary. He looked at the desk and saw the flashing light of the answering machine. He pushed the button to listen to the message. Smiling he knew how much time he had before all hell would break loose. Rummaging through the desk drawers, he found a combination to a safe.

  He commented to himself, “Stupid people leaving safe combinations for any thief to find.”

  Looking around the room he could see that the safe was probably behind the large Jackson Pollock abstract. Again he commented, “These American call this art.” Lifting the frame of the painting, he pulled the painting back on it hinges revealing a wall safe. Naldo smiled as he opened the safe. He pulled out the shopping bag and proceeded to take out bundles of cash and jewelry boxes, peeking at the contents as he threw them in the bag. The bag was full.

  Naldo looked out the window and could see that a car was coming up the drive. He checked his watch, 3:33 p.m. It seems Williams couldn't even work a full day. He moved to the side of the doorway to wait for Rodney. He heard the key in the lock. It would be a few seconds before he would be taking action.

  Carrying his computer case, Rodney entered the library. Before he completed his entrance, Naldo stepped behind him with the butcher knife at Rodney's throat.

  “Mr. Williams, would you like to tell me about my brother?”

  “There's nothing to tell. He was in a hit and run.”

  “And, you were responsible, Si?”

  “No, no. I had nothing to do with it.”

  “I do not believe you. He was afraid of you.”

  “No, I didn't do anything to him.”

  Naldo released Rodney pushing with a force that caused Rodney to stumble. He grasped his the corner of the desk to balance himself. He turned and faced Naldo.

  “I thought you were here to help me.”

  “I was until you decided to harm my brother.”

  “I told you. I had nothing to do with his accident.” Rodney looked around the library to see if there was something he could use in his defense. Naldo came toward him; the knife was still in his hand.

  “Don't worry I don't plan of killing you.”

  Rodney picked up the answering machine pulling the cord from the outlet. He threw it at Naldo. Naldo deflected the machine with his free arm. He charged and plunged the knife in Rodney's side. Rodney doubled over clutching the wound with his hand. The blood seeped through Rodney's fingers. Naldo plunged the knife again creating another wound in Rodney. Rodney slumped to the floor.

  “It will be several hours before your wife will find you.” Naldo threw down the bloody knife grabbing the grocery bag as he left the room. He locked the kitchen door as he left. He walked slowly to his car so as not draw attention to himself. Just one of the neighbors saw him carrying his groceries.

  ***

  It was shortly after five when the cab pulled into the driveway behind Rodney's car. Sarah paid the fare. The cab didn’t wait for Sarah to enter the house but drove around Rodney's car and left. Sarah climbed the stairs and used the knocker. She waited. There was not response. She knew he was inside because his car was in front. She tried the handle. The door easily swung opened.

  Once inside the entryway, she called out to Rodney. He didn’t answer. She went to the library where Rodney liked to imbibe in his brandy after work.

  As she walked in she could see Rodney lying by the corner of the desk. His hand was holding the wounds, which were slowly seeping blood. She ran to Rodney. His eyes were closed. She wasn’t sure if he was dead or alive.

  Hysterically she asked, “Rodney?”

  Rodney's eyes flashed open and he could see Sarah kneeling over him.

  “Fucking bitch.” He closed his eyes. Those were the last words he spoke to her.

  Sarah stood up. Her body broke out in a cold sweat. She was unsure what to do.

  She walked over where she dropped her purse. She took out her phone. With a shaking hand she punched in 911.

  CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

  The local police and fire department's ambulance arrived at the Lake Forest home. When they rushed through the door, they found Sarah sitting next to Rodney covered in his blood. The butcher knife lay beside Sarah.

  ***

  Tom was at his desk when Steve rushed in and quickly turned on the television.

  Across the screen the leaded announced, “Rodney Williams, Owner and Publisher of Robinson—Williams had been murdered in his Lake Forest home...”

  Tom immediately call Sarah's cell phone. The call went to voice mail. He next tried Carole's number. Carole's looked at the caller I.D. and answered immediately.

  “Tom. What's up?”

  “Where's Sarah?”

  “Right now she's probably arguing with Rodney as she went to pick up her SUV.”

  “Oh, my God.”

  “Tom, what's the matter?”

  “Rodney's been murdered.”

  Carole let out a gasp at the statement.

  “You don't think Sarah did it?”

  “Right now, I just have to find her. I’ll keep in touch.” Tom disconnected the conversation and turned to Steve.

  “I have to get to Lake Forest. I believe Sarah's there now.”

  “Tom, you have no police authority there.”

  Tom reached over to his waist and removed his badge placing it on his desk. Then, he unbuckled his holster and laid it and the gun on his desk.

  “Tom, you don't know what you're doing.”

  Tom did not heed Steve's words as he fled from the building. Although Steve knew he had no clout at a Lake County Sheriff's office, he followed Tom out the building.

  Tom jumped into his Camero and headed for Lake Shore Drive to get to Lake Forest as fast as he could.

  Steve entered his car and in a more civilized speed heading in the same direction.

  Tom arrived and pulled his car behind a long line of vehicles in the driveway of the Lake Forest home. Besides the various official vehicles, numerous news vans and reporters were trying to glean any comments from any individual at the boundaries of the crime scene tape. Tom had no official authority to cross the crime scene tape. He could only watch as the body of Rodney was moved to the waiting ambulance.

  When Steve arrived, he stood next to Tom watching the proceedings. Finally, Steve showed his badge to the officer guarding the parameters of the scene. He asked to be let through to speak to the investigating officer. He received a nod of approval. Tom started to follow behind of Steve. The officer tried to stop Tom admittance, but Steve indicated that he was with him.

  Tom walked with authority to the entrance of the house. Once inside the house, he could see Sarah sitting motionless in a pool of blood. Crime scene investigators were still taking pictures around the library while others were dusting for fingerprints. A woman officer approached Sarah and tried to get her to move from her position. Sarah pulled away and remained still. She didn’t utter a word. Tom turned to the woman and asked, “I'm her friend; perhaps, I might help.”

  Tom walked over to Sarah and knelt down. He looked into her face. “Sarah, it me, Tom. I want to take you out
of here.”

  Sarah looked up at Tom. Her mind processed what he said and she gave a weak acknowledgement. Then, she wrapped her arms around Tom's neck and he assisted her to stand up.

  Tom tried to walk Sarah out of the house to his car, but was stopped by the Chief of Police from Lake Forest.

  “We need to talk to her.”

  “I agree. I'd like to get her out of here and get her cleaned up.”

  “Okay. We'll be in touch.”

  ***

  Tom drove Sarah to Carole's house. For the entire drive, Sarah sat there in silence. When they arrived at Carole's, Tom helped Sarah to the doorway. Alerted by Tom's call from the car, Carole was waiting at the front door,

  Carole looked at Sarah and recognized the same despondent woman she first met in the hospital. The vibrant Sarah had disappeared. Carole wrapped her arms around Sarah.

  “Come on, let's get you cleaned up. Tom why don't you check with me later.”

  Tom closed the front door and left the two women alone.

  CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

  Sarah sat naked and silent in the bathtub while Carole sponge-washed her body and washed her hair. She still hadn't spoken a word to explain what had happened.

  As Sarah stood-up in the tub, Carole assisted her out of the tub while wrapping a large bath towel around her. The view was reminiscent of a mother helping a child bathe. Once she was towel dried, Carole slipped a nightgown over her head and led her to a chair in the kitchen were she blew dry her hair. Carole could see that Sarah was absent to the scene and was wondering what was going through her head.

  “All right, sweetie, let's get you to bed. Things will be better tomorrow.”

  ***

  Daylight was breaking earlier as the spring days were getting longer. Carole peaked in to check on Sarah. She could see from the jumble of blankets that Sarah did not have a peaceful sleep.

  She headed for the kitchen to get the coffee going, knowing that having some coffee and a good breakfast might help. Before she could finish getting the coffee pot on the stove, she heard a harrowing scream from Sarah's bedroom. She rushed to her room. Sarah was sitting up in bed shaking. All that Carole could was try to comfort her, telling her everything is going to be okay. Once Sarah seemed settled down, Carole helped her out of bed.