Vindication- Ties That Bind

by Patricia Kasdan

  “You honestly do work these streets.”

  “Gotta know who you are protecting against whom.”

  “Makes sense. What school does her son attend?”

  “Summer Elementary, over on South 8th Street. They let out at 2:30. You can find her by the fence waiting for him.”

  “Thanks, Stevenson, I owe you one.”

  “No biggie, pay me back by not walking, stay in your car and drive around. I don’t need any more paperwork than I already have.”

  “Very funny.”

  “Good luck.”

  “Thanks.”

  With a little over two hours to kill and her stomach talking to her, Krista decided to drive over to the Wawa in Pennsauken. It was the equivalent to a 7-11 on Long Island back in the day. When you could get sandwiches made to order. Now everything was prepackaged and produced off-site. At Wawa, she could get a cup of coffee and a fresh made hero or hoagie as they called them in Jersey and they had clean restrooms.

  As she drove out of Camden, she remembered the first time she saw a sign for Wawa. She was with Evan, driving to see friends down in Atlantic City. They laughed so hard she had to pull over so they didn’t crash the car. “Wawa, Waaa Waaaaaa!” She could still hear him laughing as he said it. When they got home she went online to see where the name came from and low and behold, "Wawa" is a Native American word for the Canada Goose, which made more sense, they had a picture of a goose on their sign. She thought it was because of all the geese she had seen while driving down the New Jersey Turnpike but after reading further she realized, it is where the company started, Wawa, Pennsylvania.

  She ran into Wawa and ordered a turkey and swiss with lettuce, tomato, and pepper on a six inch — hero, decided to forgo the coffee and have tea, made the tea and grabbed a small bag of chips. As she was heading to the register, she went past a basket of fruit, figuring it would make her feel healthier she picked a delicious red apple out and added it to her lunch. She paid the checker and went back out to her car.

  She couldn’t decide, eat first or call Dana to update her and Tom. Her stomach settled it for her. It let out an angry growl. Food first, she was nearly finished with her hero when her phone rang. She looked down at the caller ID and saw that it was Dana. She finished chewing and answered.

  “Hey Dana, I was just about to call you.”

  “Now you don’t have to. I’m just calling for an update, and I wanted to know if you saw Evan. We are trying to get back out there. Tom’s schedule is crazy, and he doesn’t want me to drive by myself.”

  “Why? You are more than capable. Did he forget about his jet-setting executive wife, well, girlfriend at the time, now wife?”

  “I’m sure he hasn’t. This isn’t the best time to tell you, but with everything going on I didn’t want to wait. We can use some good news.”

  Dana’s voice went into a sing-song “We are having a baby.”

  “Holy wow, Dana you’re pregnant, that’s wonderful, congratulations.”

  “Thank you, that’s why Tom doesn’t want me driving myself.”

  “I totally agree, wait until Evan finds out, he’ll be so happy.”

  “I hope so. Were you able to get in to visit him?”

  “Yes, this morning I went. I could only visit for a half hour, but I was able to see him.”

  “How is he?”

  Krista wanted to do anything except upset Dana, so she decided to protect her and the baby from stress, saying calmly, “He’s okay, what you would expect under the circumstance.”

  “Did you tell him we send our love?”

  “Yes, I did.”

  “Good.”

  “I did notice something at the courthouse.”

  “Oh yeah? So did I.”

  “You did? Did I tell you about it?”

  “No, but I figured in due time.”

  “Dana, what are you talking about? You’re not making any sense.”

  “I’m making plenty of sense, you and Travis.”

  “What, wait, What? I’m talking about-“

  “I was on my way back up the steps. Tom said maybe some good news would help with the day you were having and I almost got knocked over by Travis. He ran up the steps and directly to you. What’s going on there or do I even need you to answer?”

  “You’re crazy, he’s a friend, more of a co-worker from a different agency, you know that.” It was too new to share her and Travis's tryst with Dana just yet.

  “Okay, when you’re ready to talk.”

  “There’s nothing to-"

  “It fine, really, what did you notice.”

  Krista felt like her cheeks warm. The thought of Travis made her squirm in her seat. Giving herself a minute to gather her thoughts she said, “By the way, when are you due?”

  Laughing into the phone, she said, “We don’t know yet; I have a doctor’s appointment Monday.”

  “Oh, okay, anyway- “

  “Yes, anyway, what is it that you do want to tell me?” Dana was still laughing.

  ‘Hahahaha! I saw a woman in Camden that was in the courtroom. I couldn’t catch up with her, but when I asked Evan about her, he said it might be this woman he helped out in Camden, her name is Rosa. I’m going to talk to her after we hang up.”

  “Do you think she knows something?”

  “I’m not sure. The only way to know is to talk to her. That’s why I was calling you. I wanted to let you know.”

  “It sounds hopeful.”

  “Yes, it does. She keeps avoiding me whenever I see her. She slips into doorways and around allies.”

  “Then why do you suppose she’ll talk to you now?”

  “She has to stay put; she’s picking up her son from school. If she’s not there, they won’t let him leave the school grounds. So she is a captured audience.”

  “Well, I sure hope she has some information that can help Evan.

  “Yeah, me too. I gotta run, I don’t want to miss her. I’ll fill you in later. Let Tom know what’s happening, and keep me updated about the baby. I’m so happy for the two of you.”

  “Thanks, I will, oh and Krista, say hi to Travis for me.”

  “Haha,” With that, she clicked off and went back into Wawa for a cup of coffee.

  30

  Back to Camden

  Krista felt as if she was in a loop, one that ran from Manhattan to New Jersey to Philly, thinking she had never put so many miles on her car in such a short time. At least she stayed in within the same time zone, that was a plus.

  She walked directly across the store to the coffee station and chose the largest cup she could find, something she had been drinking a lot of lately. Tea just didn’t give her the boost she needed for the long days she was putting in.

  Back behind the wheel, she wrapped both her hands around the cup as if holding on for dear life. She’d cut back when all of this was over. She thought to herself as she drank that first slip of liquid heaven. Its warmth flooded her from inside out, her shoulders relaxed a little, the coffee kicked her brain back into gear. Placing the cup in the drink holder and starting her car, she backed up and got back on the road.

  Stevenson had told her where to find this Rosa woman, Krista sent up a request to the universe for her to be there when she arrived. As she pulled up to the school corner, sure enough, Rosa was making her way down the street with a little girl in tow, wearing that baggy green coat.

  Krista kept her car running and turned the heater up, stepping out she closed and locked the doors with her remote. Not wanting to spook Rosa, she decided to wait for her to get to the corner, instead of going to her. The moment Rosa saw Krista she stopped. She looked towards the school and then back to Krista, with apprehension in every step forward, she continued to walk.

  When Rosa looked to be waiting for a car to pass so she could cross the street, Krista approached her. “Hi, I’m Evan’s sister, his twin.”

  Rosa pulled her daughter close to her and tried to turn away. “My car heater is on. You can wait
for your son out of the cold. Your daughter looks like she is freezing.”

  She shook her head, “No, no, thank you.”

  “I just want to talk to you. It will only take a minute.”

  Rosa walked away from the other mothers that were waiting for their children. With her eyes on Krista’s, she motioned her over. When they were far enough away to be out of earshot, she said, “I know who you are, I see you around here.”

  Lowering her voice, Krista said, “Evan told me that it was probably you. I saw in court. Was that it?”

  “Si, um, yes.”

  “Why did you go? I don’t understand.”

  With her eyes darting around to the other mothers she hesitated before answering.

  “I want to make sure Evan okay. I thought he get out of jail. He no belongs there.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I say too much already.”

  Krista debated what she would say next. Evan seemed to like to this woman. He had tried to help her. He liked her, but Krista loved her brother.

  “If you know something about this case, you need to come forward. Not doing so will put you in jeopardy of getting arrested for hindering an ongoing investigation. Then what would happen to your children?”

  Krista might as well have punched her square in the face. Rosa jerked back, pulling her daughter closer to her. “You don’t understand. You no live here. You no know what’s it’s like.”

  “What I do know, is that Evan is in jail for murder, a murder I don’t believe he committed. I’m thinking you don’t know what it’s like to be in jail. If you know anything you need to tell me here, or I will take you and your children into custody, and you will find out. I can have the department of children services there when we arrive.” Krista could smell the fear coming off of her. Her stomach knotted when she looked into the little girl's huge almond-shaped eyes. She looked at Rosa and said, “Well, here or downtown?”

  Her words came out in a whisper. “You have to take us away. It can’t look like I telled you anything.”

  Krista’s first thought was, now what? I don’t have any authority here. I’m working this on my own. Pulling out her phone she turned to call Travis; when he answered, she gave him the rundown of what was going on.

  “I am in Jersey, tugging those strings on the drug case. Take her and meet me over in that hole in the wall diner we first went to. I’ll be there in twenty.”

  “Thanks.”

  She ended the call and turned back to Rosa. “When your son gets here, I’ll escort you to my car. I’ll make it look as if you don’t have a choice.”

  “Okay.”

  Krista belted the kids into the seat and had Rosa sit beside them. She pulled onto the road and continued driving past the police station.

  “Where are we going, I thought you taking me to the station?”

  “No, we’re not.”

  “Let me out of you car, I told you, you no live around here. Let me out.”

  “Relax, everything will be fine.”

  Rosa started to panic, and her voice hitched as she said, “No, you don’t understand. I can’t look like I talked to you happy.”

  “Okay, okay just give me a minute” Scanning the streets as she drove through intersections, Krista spotted a black and white. She backtracked and pulled up alongside the car. With a relief resonating through her words she said, “Stevenson.”

  “Hey Levell, what’s up.”

  Krista took him thru the entire conversation she had with Rosa as she motioned with her thumb to the back seat. “Do you think you can help?”

  “I don’t see why not. Follow me down to the station, and I’ll get you set up in an interrogation room.”

  “That’s a relief, thanks.”

  “I just have to clear it with my lieutenant.”

  “I’ll meet you there. I have a call to make.”

  Krista called Travis back and explained what was happening.

  “Krista, I’ll meet you at the precinct. If we are doing this officially, I can’t let you question her. Everything has to be on the record.”

  “I would like to be in the room. I’m not sure she’ll talk to you alone.”

  “You can, just no questions.”

  Krista glanced back to Rosa and said, “Stay put, I’ll be right back.” She stepped out of the car closing the door behind her. “Travis you know what has been happening. I need you to ask her why she has been appearing here and at the courthouse.”

  “I know Krista, I got this, just get her to the precinct and I take care of the rest.”

  She got back in her car and turned back towards the police station. Looking into her rearview mirror, she could see Rosa comforting her children, their little faces filled with fear. As she circled the parking lot to find a space, Rosa blurted out, “I no do this.”

  “Please Rosa, Evan is counting on you. He needs help, and I think you are the one to give it to him. We can protect you. This is a promise from me to you.”

  “Ay Dios Mio. Si, for Evan.”

  Krista opened the back door to let them out. Rosa slid across the seat taking her children hands saying “Todo estara bien.”

  “Yes Rosa, everything will be alright.”

  When they reached the doors, Stevenson was on the other side. “I have an officer to sit with the two kids.”

  The officer tried to direct the children to the break room, and they started to cry. Rosa bent down and hugged them, whispering in their ear. Her two babies shook their heads yes and looked up to the officer as the extended their hands for him to take.

  “The officer will stay in the break room with them. They won’t be alone.”

  “Thanks, Stevenson. Special Agent Travis Wilks is on his way in. He should be here shortly.”

  “I heard of him, DEA, right? They seem to have a home here in Camden with all the drugs moving around these streets.”

  “Yes, DEA and I bet. That’s him now.”

  As Travis walked up, Krista said, “Wilks, Stevenson, Stevenson, Wilks.”

  Stevenson extended his hand “Special Agent.” Travis took it with a slight nod of his head.

  “I have a room set down the hall.” He had the officer take the children to the break room, as he showed them to the interrogation room.

  The room was cold, both temperature and atmosphere. A rectangular table sat in the middle of the room with two chairs on one side and one on the other. They had Rosa sit on the side with the single chair. Travis took a seat opposite from her. Before he could say a word, Krista touched his shoulder as she leaned down to whisper in his ear. “Before you start let me get her some coffee, it’s a freaking ice-box in here. Her lips look blue.”

  “Rosa, it looks as though Special Agent Levell would like to get you coffee.”

  Rosa eyes darted from Travis to Krista and back again, Krista had a smile pinned to her face, trying to relax Rosa.

  “Please, I am cold.”

  Krista went out of the room and brought back three cups of coffee. With everyone settled Travis began.

  “Rosa Santiago, this interview is on record and being recorded. Special Agent DEA Wilks and Special Agent FBI Levell are present. You have a right to an attorney to be present-“

  “I don’t need one. I don’t do anything wrong.”

  “I’m formally questioning you. I need to read you your rights.”

  “I don’t need or want attorney.”

  Travis proceeded, “You have the right to remain silent…… do you understand ……” When he finished, Rosa once again said: “I don’t need an attorney, I understand.”

  “On record, Rosa Santiago waived her rights to an attorney. Mrs. Santiago, you stated that you were down at the courthouse for Evan Levell’s arraignment because you wanted him to be released, that he didn’t belong in jail. Can you elaborate on that?”

  “Como, I mean what?”

  “Can you please tell us why you think he should not have been arrested.”

  “Oh, he
not shoot that man.”

  Krista’s neck could have snapped from the force of her head turning as she looked at Travis.

  He held his figure up and pointed to the recorder. “How do you know this?”

  “I was there, I see the man who do this, and it was not Evan.”

  “You saw the person who shot Nelson Hendricks.”

  “Yes sir, and it not Evan.”

  “Why did you not come forward sooner?”

  “I live here. This is very dangerous for me and me babies.”

  “Then why now?”

  “Evan berry good to me, he give me money for food, every time he see me, he is nice. He should not be in jail.”

  “You say you were there, why were you in that building?”

  “I was walking home when Evan see me. He hand me money, like all the time. I looked down and see a twenty-dollar bill. He would sometimes give ten dollars. It depend on what he have. When he walk away, I saw him go into that building. I went in bodega to get food, when I pay, I see there also a one hundred dollar bill stuck to the twenty. I no could keep it. Evan was berry nice to me, so I wanted to give back.”

  Rosa stopped talking and reached for her coffee, she took a sip, went to put it down, then picked it up and took another one. Rosa's voice started to sound like a high pitched siren. She swallowed and took a deep breath, then exhaling every bit of air out of her lungs she said, “That when everything go loco.”

  “What happened?”

  “I just walk thru the side door, it hanging by the - what do you call it the - two metal things.”

  “Hinges.”

  “Si, that, hang by hinges. I stand there a minute to make my eyes see; then I hear a noise. I thought it was Evan, so I start walk to the sound. As my eyes see in the dark, I see, it no Evan, it a man in a suit, the television say his name Nelson, Nelson something. He had a gun, and he was walking to the steps, then I stopped and stood berry still, my heart was making so much noise. I thought he here it. That’s when I saw another man, he wearing a dark-” Rosa took her hands and motioned as if zipping a coat, then took her hand and raised her coat hood. “You know, the boys all wear them.”