by M. Z. Kelly
Natalie was never one to hand out compliments, but what she said summarized what we were all thinking. “I think someone stole Nana and replaced her with Sofia Vergara!”
FOURTEEN
I dragged myself into work the next morning because I didn’t get home until almost midnight. To celebrate Nana’s new look, Natalie, with the help of the butler, whipped up several batches of her signature Forget Me Not cocktails. After the second drink, I not only forgot my problems, I forgot I had a two-drink limit. We ended up letting the butler drive us home, and I had to take a taxi to pick up my car before work.
As for Nana’s makeover, we all agreed it was nothing short of a miracle. While she didn’t look exactly like Sophia Vergara, the star of the sitcom Modern Family, there was some resemblance to the actress. We were all amazed that a woman Nana’s age could look thirty, no, make that almost forty years younger. While I’d never seriously considered plastic surgery when I got older, I decided that if I ever contemplated having some work done, Dr. Theodore would definitely be my first call.
Charlie was already at his desk when Bernie and I arrived at the station. He was reading the sports section of the Times and didn’t acknowledge me.
“How are things?” I asked, after stowing my purse in my desk drawer.
“Trying to keep my head down,” he whispered, not looking at me. “Jessica’s in the building.”
“Maybe you two should meet somewhere and try to work through your past issues.”
He finally looked up at me. “Have you lost your mind? If I end up dead, just remember that Jessica will be the prime suspect.”
I chuckled, at the same time seeing Leo and Darby heading for the lieutenant’s office. “Are we meeting with Grundy this morning?”
Charlie wadded up the paper. “Damn, I forgot. Dembowski was supposed to be here ten minutes ago.”
When we got to Grundy’s office, we saw that the captain and lieutenant were already there. Charlie and I took seats at the table with Leo and Darby and said our hellos. Selfie and Molly had also been invited to the meeting.
“The captain wants an update on the Bratton case,” Grundy explained. “Especially the information you developed about Carmen Todd.”
We spent the next ten minutes updating the captain on what we’d learned from Jason Taylor about Lee Bratton being a bigamist. When we finished, Leo said, “Our plan is to go by Todd’s house this morning and talk to her.”
“How do you suppose Lee Bratton was able to lead a secret life all these years, have another wife, when he was a high-profile attorney?” Dembowski asked.
The captain was in his forties, a former college wrestler, who went from stud to spud. The couch potato was now a pudgy paper pusher. I knew his concerns about our case had as much to do with how things would play in the media and with his superiors as they were about finding justice for the victims.
“From what we understand, Bratton worked mainly behind the scenes in the legal practice, while Taylor handled the clients,” Leo said. “It might be that he was just very careful about keeping his family issues separate.”
“Todd also had a high profile,” Grundy said. “She isn’t someone who would have been easily manipulated.”
“It might be that she knew about the other family,” Darby suggested. “She put up with it for a number of years until she finally snapped.”
“You really think she could be behind the killings?” Dembowski asked.
“We have no other suspects. She had the motive and maybe the means. I read her bio on the TV station’s website. She did an Army tour in the Middle East about a decade ago.”
“Your theory doesn’t account for the tattoo on Amy Bratton, the masks, or the Z-91 designation,” I said.
Darby started to respond, but Grundy cut him off. “Has anything turned up in the databases on this Z-91 issue?” he asked Selfie and Molly.
Selfie answered. “There’s nothing in past cases that we’ve been able to connect to it.”
“We also did an Internet search on it,” Molly said. “Z-91 refers to everything from a smart phone to an inflammation medication, and even a musical composition. None of that seems relevant to our case.”
Dembowski and Grundy glanced at one another, before the captain told us how he wanted us to proceed. “Let’s go ahead and talk to Todd this morning, but keep things as low profile as possible. We don’t want the rest of the media knowing about Todd and Bratton’s marriage until we’re sure about the details.”
“I think we should interview Laura Bratton again before talking to Carmen Todd,” I said. “Maybe she knows about her husband’s other life.”
“If that’s the case, she would have already said something when we told her someone was spying on her family,” Darby said. “Talking to her again isn’t going to accomplish anything.”
“It is if she comes clean about knowing her husband was a bigamist,” Charlie said. “We can also leverage what Bratton tells us against what Todd has to say.”
“I agree,” Captain Dembowski said. “There’s nothing to lose by having a conversation with her before we talk to Todd.”
We spent another ten minutes, with Darby pleading his case, before both the captain and lieutenant shut him down. When Darby finally gave up, I asked Dembowski if the new chief had made any decisions about Section One.
“Chief Miles has a press conference scheduled for next week. She hopes to make a decision by then.” His gaze moved between me and Charlie. “Just so you know, once the Bratton case is wrapped up, you’re both back in Cold Case.”
After our meeting ended, I stopped by Molly’s desk before leaving the station. I took a seat, and we chatted about the case for a couple minutes.
“Do you really think Carmen Todd could have been involved in the murders?” Molly asked.
My friend’s auburn hair was a shade darker than the last time I’d seen her. She was one of those women who seemed to naturally radiate beauty.
“I think it’s more complicated than that,” I said. “There’s also the matter of the cameras and listening devices we found in the house.”
“Maybe she was spying on her husband and his family.”
“It’s possible, but if I was married and realized my husband had another family, the last thing I would want to do is spy on them.”
She smiled. “It’s a crazy world.”
“Speaking of that, I have a favor to ask. Do you remember that detective we worked with from Taft on the Slayer case?”
“Ross Adams.”
“Yes. I’m supposed to meet him for lunch in Ojai this weekend.”
Her green eyes brightened. “That’s wonderful.”
“It’s just his way of thanking me for helping him out on the case, but, if you’ll remember, not too long ago, I was involved with someone else who had a secret life.”
“You want me to do a background check on Adams.”
“Just off the record, but anything you turn up would be helpful.”
Molly smiled. “If he has a secret family that he’s been spying on, you’ll be the first to know.”
“If that’s the case, just shoot me.” I smiled and stood, Bernie also coming up to my side. “Thanks, Molly. You’re the best.”
***
Laura Bratton was still staying with her sister in Malibu. Susan Callaway greeted us at her front door a little before eleven and led us into the family room overlooking the ocean.
After pleasantries, Leo asked, “How is your sister doing?”
Callaway had on a running suit, and her blonde hair was in a ponytail. I was again struck by her youthful, healthy looks.
“She’s about the same,” Callaway said. “Amy’s talking a little more, but not about what happened. I think being here with me has been the best thing for them.”
A man appeared from the hallway and came over to us. Callaway rose and introduced us to her friend, Ron. He was probably in his fifties, and handsome, with a full head of dark hair. I had the impression
that he was headed for the beach because he was wearing a t-shirt and swim trunks.
“I’m glad you came by,” Ron said, after introductions. “Laura’s...” He looked at Callaway, then back at us. “She’s coping, but she’s under a lot of stress.”
After we acknowledged what he said, he excused himself to go surfing. Callaway then left to tell her sister we were there.
When she was gone, Charlie asked me, “What do we know about the sister?”
Darby answered. “She’s divorced, rich, and hot.”
I chuckled. “I think she’s got a boyfriend named Ron. Don’t tell me you’re interested.”
Charlie answered for him. “Yeah, I’m sure she’s got a thing for short, balding cops.”
Darby glared at him. “At least I’m not a senior citizen with dyed hair.”
We heard footsteps in the hallway as Charlie countered, “No, you’re a Muppet with a gun and a bad attitude.”
Leo intervened before Bratton made it to the family room. “Try and act professionally, and keep your opinions to yourselves.”
There was an awkward silence as Bratton arrived and probably sensed there was some tension in the room. Bernie had been resting at my feet and lifted his head as we said our hellos, and she took a seat on the loveseat across from us.
“Thank you for agreeing to talk to us again,” Leo said, probably hoping to take the edge off the tension in the room.
Bratton nodded, but otherwise didn’t even make eye contact. The word despondent came to mind when I looked at her.
“This conversation is going to be a bit difficult,” Leo continued, “but please understand we’re just trying to get all the facts.”
Callaway came over and took a seat next to her sister, holding her hand as Leo continued.
“Are you familiar with a woman named Carmen Todd?”
Bratton glanced at her sister, then finally looked at Leo. “I don’t think so.”
“She’s a reporter who represents people with legal issues on one of the TV news programs,” Leo said, removing a picture of Todd that he’d downloaded from the Internet and handing it to her.
Bratton took the picture, studied it for a moment, and handed it back. “I’ve never met her.”
Leo glanced at me, looked back at her, and took a breath. “This is going to be hard for you to hear, but your husband Lee...he was married to her.”
Bratton chuckled, cut her eyes to her sister and then said to Leo, “That’s ridiculous.”
“I’m afraid not. There’s a legal record, showing they were married in Las Vegas in October of 2013.”
Bratton looked at her sister again, her eyes now filling with tears. “None of that makes any sense.”
“Your husband was a bigamist,” Darby said. “And you had to know about it.”
Once again, our colleague had managed to inflame things. If looks could kill, Leo’s stare would have dropped Darby where he sat.
“I don’t know anything about any of this,” Bratton said, sobbing.
Leo gave her a moment, then said, “Did your husband...did Lee ever mention Ms. Todd?”
Bratton shook her head. “How...how did...you find out about her?”
“Your husband’s partner told us.”
“Jason knew about what you’re saying?”
Leo nodded. “He said he found out when he saw Lee and Ms. Todd leaving a restaurant together one night a few months back. I think he kept quiet to protect both Lee and you.”
“Oh, God.” Bratton broke down again, falling against her sister’s shoulder.
Darby again demonstrated he had no control of his big mouth. “Your husband had a secret life. Tell us about it.”
“There’s nothing to tell,” Bratton sobbed. “I had no idea.”
“You told us before that you and your husband began having marital problems after Linda died. That’s when he became involved with Todd, and you had to know about it.”
Bratton raised her voice, displaying anger for the first time. “I just said I didn’t know...I can’t believe any of this.”
Her sister intervened, glaring at Darby. “I don’t think this is getting us anywhere. My sister obviously doesn’t know anything about what you’re saying.”
“I need some air,” Bratton said, rising. She went over to the French doors and went out to the deck overlooking the ocean.
After she was gone, Leo again tried to play peacemaker. “I’m sorry,” he said to Callaway. He glanced at Darby and exhaled, before looking back at her. “I know what we said was difficult, but we had no choice.”
I spoke up for the first time. “This woman, Carmen Todd...did your sister’s husband or anyone else ever mention her to you?”
She shook her head. “No, but...”
When she didn’t go on, I said, “What is it?”
She glanced toward the outdoor deck, then looked back at me, lowering her voice. “Lee was...I guess I’m not surprised he was cheating on Laura. I knew he wasn’t faithful.”
“How is that?”
“He hit on me once. I made it clear I wasn’t interested. I think there may have been other women he was seeing.” She shook her head. “Cheating is one thing, but another marriage? It’s about the most disgusting thing I can imagine.”
I gave her a moment, then said, “Tell us how your sister is really doing.”
Callaway dropped her head down and ran a hand through her long blonde hair. “I’m worried about her. She’s not in a good place. I’m going to try to get her to see someone for counseling.” She looked over at her sister. “I’d better go check on her.”
After Bratton recovered enough to talk to us, we again went over what we knew about Lee having a secret life. She again insisted that she had no idea her husband had another marriage. She seemed genuine in both her shock and distress over the matter.
I then asked about her cell phone. “We’d like to take a look at your phone, if that’s not a problem.”
“Why is that?”
“We know that someone was listening in on all the conversations at your house. It’s possible they were also listening in on your calls.”
Bratton blinked several times and exhaled. “I lost it.”
“Where?”
“I left in on the console of my car yesterday when I stopped for coffee. When I came back, it was gone.” Her brow tightened. “Do you think the same people who...do you think they might have followed me and taken my phone?”
I glanced at Leo and saw his brows go up, a sign that he wasn’t sure if Bratton was telling the truth. I looked back at her. “It’s hard to say.”
As we were about to leave, Charlie went over and took a seat next to her. My partner’s tone was surprisingly soft and compassionate. “I just want you to know, we’re going to get to the facts behind what happened to your family. You have my word.”
Her watery gaze came up to him. “Thank you.”
“We also want to help Amy through everything that happened. We have a psychologist who specializes in dealing with trauma. Would it be okay if we had her talk to Amy?”
Bratton hesitated. “I don’t know...”
“We only want the best for her. After what she’s been through, we just want to be sure she’s coping okay with everything.”
After a hesitation, she nodded. “I guess that would be okay.”
Charlie reached over and touched her hand. “Thank you, Laura. We’ll be in touch.”
FIFTEEN
After settling Bernie in the back seat of our car, Charlie and I followed Leo and Darby to Carmen Todd’s house in Studio City. As I drove, I complimented my partner on how he’d dealt with Laura Bratton. “I think she was genuinely moved by your compassion.”
He glanced at me, nodding. “It can’t be easy...dealing with everything that happened to her family.”
“You believe what she said about her phone being stolen.”
He looked at me. “Of course, don’t you?”
“I’m not sure.” We
drove in silence for a few miles before I said, “This case...it’s difficult for you, isn’t it?”
He shrugged. “Like I said, it might be the last big case I ever work. I want to get it right, maybe try and make up for Darby being an asshole.”
I chuckled. “You’ve got your work cut out for you. What are your thoughts about returning to Cold Case when we’re done?”
“The truth?” Charlie asked, looking at me.
I was impressed by the fact that he again looked like he’d pressed his shirt and had shaved. “Of course.”
“If Section One is reinstated, I’m going to ask Chief Miles if I can be reassigned.”
“Really?”
He nodded. “This case...” He took a moment to compose his thoughts. “It’s made me realize how much I miss real police work. I think I’ve got two or three years of good work left in me.”
I smiled. “I think I like the new you, partner.”
He smiled, a rare event unless he was in a relationship. “It’s the old me, only better.”
Studio City was in the northern part of the San Fernando Valley, about twenty minutes from Hollywood. The city was named for the studio originally developed by legendary film producer Mack Sennett in the 1920s. Carmen Todd lived mid-block, in an older Spanish style home that was probably one of the first neighborhoods developed in the area.
After stopping on the street in front of the house, we discussed how to proceed.
“I want to handle the interview,” Darby said. “I’ve seen how Todd operates. She doesn’t respond to bullshit. We need to hit her with the facts of this case, and hard.”
I started to respond, knowing that Darby’s tactics would only result in inflaming an already delicate situation, but Charlie beat me to the punch.
“You keep your mouth shut, hot shot.” My partner looked at Leo. “We’ll let you take the lead with her.”
Darby stuck out his chest. “Since when are you calling the shots?”
“In case you didn’t hear me, I said your partner can handle the interview.”