Silenced Justice: A Josh Williams Novel

by Joe Broadmeadow

  This man took the words, 'All men are created equal, ' to heart.

  Rising from his desk, he came around, extended his hand, "Chris, so nice to see you again."

  "It's nice to see you also, your honor," shaking the Judge's hand. "This is Lieutenant Josh Williams. He and I have worked together for many years."

  Moving to face Josh, he took his hand. "Nice to meet you, Lieutenant."

  "It's a pleasure to meet you as well, your honor. We'll try not to take up too much of your time."

  "I see Ms. Atwell has impressed the demands of my schedule on you. In reality, I had planned to read over briefs this afternoon, as I have been doing all day. This is a welcome break," the judge smiled. "Now, sit please," pointing to the conference table. "What can I do for you?"

  Chris looked at Josh. "Why don't you explain things, Josh."

  Josh gave the Judge the background of the case and the reason for their meeting. He left out the part about the retired Providence sergeant and Fatso Bellofatto.

  The judge studied the two for a moment. "Sad to say, I am familiar with this case. I was the original special assistant AG assigned."

  This caused Josh and Chris to exchange glances.

  "Your friend Robert Collucci," nodding at Josh, "took the case over before the defendant died in prison. I was unable to pursue the matter at the time. There is not much more I can tell you."

  Josh pulled the lineup report from the file and handed it to the Judge.

  "Do you recognize those initials next to the space for the supervising prosecutor?"

  Tucker looked at the document, the rage at his impotence flooding back. He put the document on the desk. "They appear to be my initials," folding his hands, "but they are a poor attempt to forge them."

  * * *

  "Well,” Chris said as they left the courthouse, "that proved rather interesting, didn't it?"

  "Forged initials aren't all that startling," Josh replied. "Most AG's I know have fixed documents. Somebody must have noticed them missing and added them in. I doubt the document would even get a second look in discovery."

  Josh stopped a moment, looking back at the court. "Unless..."

  "Unless what?"

  "Unless he knows who forged them."

  "Why wouldn't he tell us?" Chris asked.

  "You heard what he said. He couldn't pursue the matter at the time," Josh said. "Maybe, he's hoping we will," looking at Chris. "It just seemed odd he'd remember the case so well from so long ago."

  "Jeez, talk about conspiracy theory. I have known the judge for a long time. There’s no reason to lie to us. I think he remembered the case because he couldn't do anything about it. Looks like we've got some traction on this one."

  Josh headed to his car; Chris wanted to walk back to her office. On the drive back, he mulled things over.

  Dead defendant, forged lineup reports, the cop who arrested Grey eating his gun, and Robert Collucci.

  Josh needed no motivation for seeing this through, nothing more persuasive than Collucci's involvement.

  Collucci's indictment and trial of Josh three years ago on the Civil Rights violations had not endeared him to Josh. He never thought he'd get an opportunity to return the favor.

  Now he had one. A good one.

  * * *

  "You want to interview who?" Chief Brennan asked, wide-eyed, incredulous.

  "Collucci," Josh answered. "He was Deputy AG of the Criminal Division."

  "Hamlin is right, I must need hearing aids. You can't mean United States Senator Robert Collucci," Brennan said. "Tell me the name is a coincidence."

  "Nope, one in the same," Josh replied with a smile.

  Brennan closed his eyes, massaged his forehead, opened them to look at Josh, and then continued rubbing. "Is this necessary?"

  "Yup."

  Brennan sat back in his chair. "Refresh my memory. This is to ease a daughter's memory of her dead father, correct?"

  "Well," Josh answered, "it started out like that. But with what I've learned, we have to see this through. I'm not convinced Grey isn't the bad guy. But there is serious doubt."

  Josh moved to the window, watching the passing traffic. "Look, Collucci is not on my favorites list. But this isn’t about revenge," turning back to face Brennan. "I'm not gonna lie to you. I may enjoy the look in his eyes, assuming he meets with me, but I am just following the trail."

  Brennan walked over to stand next to Josh. "Go talk to the son-of-a-bitch. I'd go with you if I could, but it would be too obvious."

  "Obvious?" Josh asked.

  Brennan smiled. "Obvious we were both taking pleasure jamming a hot poker up his ass."

  Walking back to his desk, he reached into a file drawer. "I got something for you," throwing a large file on the desk.

  Josh walked over, picked up the file, and looked inside. “How did you get this?"

  "I told you, the Chief in Providence is a friend. We've known each other for years. Most of those guys over there are good cops trying to bury the past," Brennan said. "That's not to say they're thrilled with your activities at the moment. But they won't stand in our way."

  Josh picked up the file and headed towards the door.

  "How are you gonna handle Collucci?" Brennan asked.

  Josh turned and smiled.

  "Never mind," waving his hand at the door, "Never mind. Go."

  Chapter 12

  Monday, September 7, 2009

  4:30 PM

  Office of Senator Robert M. Collucci

  Providence, Rhode Island

  The sign on the building read, Senator Robert Michael Collucci: Office of Constituent Services.

  Josh looked at Maggie Fleming and smiled. "So, what do you think he'll do when he sees me with you?"

  Fleming laughed. "Shit himself, but smile as he looks for a way out."

  Josh held the door for Maggie as they entered the building. Maggie went to the reception desk. A young college-aged intern smiled as she approached.

  “My name is Margaret Fleming. We have a 4:30 appointment with the Senator.” She didn’t offer to introduce Josh.

  The intern glanced at Josh, and then picked up the phone. After a brief conversation, she hung up.

  Pointing to the door, the intern said, “The Senator is expecting you, please go right in.”

  “Thank you,” Maggie said and the two walked to the office entrance. Pausing with her hand on the door, “Ready?”

  “I am going to enjoy this,” Josh smiled, as Maggie opened the door.

  Collucci rose from his desk and glanced at his Chief of Staff.

  "Margaret, good to see you," extending his hand to her, "and Lieutenant Williams, I must say this is a surprise,” turning to shake Josh's hand.

  Josh ignored the overture.

  Turning back to Fleming, Collucci pointed to a man standing near private entrance, "This is Anthony Sorin, my Chief of staff."

  Fleming and Josh nodded at Sorin.

  "How can I help you? You said this was of a confidential nature."

  Fleming glanced at Josh, "Senator, I knew you'd be a bit put off by the Lieutenant’s presence, but I assure you this is an important matter.” Fleming eyed the Chief of Staff, “No offense intended, but we'd prefer to discuss this with you alone. The matter concerns an old case you once handled when you were with the AG's office."

  Collucci smiled. "Well, let me disabuse you of any concern. Mr. Sorin has my full confidence. Anything we need to discuss, we can discuss with him present."

  "Fine with us, Senator. I am going to let Lieutenant Williams take it from here. He is more familiar with the case."

  Collucci turned to look at Josh. "If I may Lieutenant, before you start. I'm certain it is safe to assume I am not one of your favorites. Despite what you may think of me, I did what I believed to be necessary in the pursuit of justice. The jury spoke, and I accepted their judgment."

  Josh nodded. "It's behind us now Senator. I am doing the same here, doing what I think necessary in the pursu
it of the truth."

  Collucci nodded. "Good, we understand each other. Please continue."

  "Senator, back in 1972 you were the prosecutor of a rape and murder case. The defendant's name was Darnell Grey. Do you recall the matter?"

  Collucci thought for a moment. "You'll have to excuse my memory. I was involved with most of the major cases. I'm sorry, but no I don't recall that defendant, what did you say the name was?"

  "Grey." Josh answered. "Darnell Grey."

  "Grey, Grey, hmm," Collucci repeated. "No, sorry Lieutenant. I don't recall the case." Rising from his seat to signal the end of the discussion.

  "How many cases did you handle as primary prosecutor?" Josh asked, ignoring Collucci's actions.

  "As a Deputy, my primary responsibility was to oversee the Criminal Division. I didn't get many chances to handle the cases in court."

  Josh glanced at Fleming. "We spoke to Judge Tucker," Josh continued. "He recalled you telling him about taking over the case. Before the matter went to trial, the defendant was beaten to death in the prison," pausing for a moment. "Part of what we are trying to learn is how a defendant awaiting trial was placed in the general population."

  Josh saw the change in Collucci's expression.

  "Ah, now that you mention the incident at the prison, I do remember. I didn't recognize the name at first. As I recall, there were witnesses who identified the defendant. I believe the police caught him in the act dumping a body in the Seekonk River."

  That's funny, from don't recall to total recall in thirty seconds.

  "We've had the chance to review the Providence Police file," Josh said. "The officer never saw Grey at the site where the body went in the river. He found him a short distance away. There's some doubt about the officer arresting the right guy," fudging a bit on what the report said.

  Collucci showed no reaction.

  "Then there is this," handing Collucci a copy of the lineup report. "Do you recognize the initials?"

  Collucci did a cursory look at the document and handed it back. "No, I do not. Why?"

  "According to Judge Tucker, someone forged his initials on the lineup report. Were you present during the lineup?"

  Collucci folded his arms across his chest. "I would have no way of recalling that. It took place a long time ago."

  "Did you see this as a problem? Were you aware of an issue with the lineup?" Josh probed.

  Collucci paused before replying. "With the defendant's death, I wouldn't have had any reason to pursue the matter. If the case had moved forward and there were problems, I would have dealt with them. This is a dead end investigation, why continue?" Looking over at Fleming, "Why are you investigating history?"

  Josh couldn't resist, “Like you've often said, Senator, ‘Justice for Everyone.' "

  Collucci turned back to face Josh, his expression dark.

  "Lieutenant, I had my doubts about this little visit of yours from the moment I saw you. I am sure you'd like nothing better than to find a way for a little payback."

  Looking at his Chief of Staff, Collucci pointed at the door. "Anthony, would you be so kind. Show our guests here the way out. This discussion is finished."

  Josh and Fleming turned to leave.

  As he reached the door, Josh turned back to face Collucci. "Senator, this discussion may be over, but our investigation is not. We do so appreciate your cooperation and concern over the death of an innocent black man. I'll be sure to note that in the final report, before we hand it out to the media."

  Collucci glared at him. Sorin moved between them, blocking the Senator.

  Josh stepped into Sorin's space, forcing him back. "As for you, errand boy, we'll find our own way out. Go stay with your master."

  Sorin's expression never changed; he stepped to one side, watching them leave.

  As the door closed behind them, Fleming laughed. "Well, at least we know we don't have to come back. He'll never take my call again."

  On the other side of the door, Sorin stood at Collucci's desk. "Something our friends need to deal with?"

  "Not at the moment," Collucci said. "I’ll take care of any loose ends."

  Sorin watched the Senator reach for the phone. I don't think so, Senator. We will do this our way.

  Chapter 13

  Tuesday, September 8, 2009

  9:30AM

  East Providence Police Headquarters

  East Providence, Rhode Island

  Josh received a copy of the Darnell Grey file from the Department of Corrections. He smuggled Chris into the Chief's conference room to help him review the information. Stained, mildew smelling, and incomplete, the documents were less than helpful. As they sorted through them, Josh's cell rang. "Lieutenant Williams."

  "Lieutenant, Chief Brennan here, are you and former Lieutenant Hamlin making any progress?"

  Josh knew better than to try to put anything past Brennan, "How do you know this? I thought you were hobnobbing with your brother wizards at the monthly Police Chief's pity party."

  "Funny Lieutenant, most amusing," Brennan answered. "I wasn't sure, but I had my suspicions she'd weasel her way in. You just confirmed it."

  Dammit, the bastard is freaking psychic.

  "Lieutenant, I have a little tidbit for you. Seems at the time Grey was in the prison, the acting warden was a major from the State Police. He was there on a temporary basis while the state sought a permanent warden. It may explain the lapse in protocol. Of course, he has long since retired. His name is William Church. Rumor has it he is still alive and living in a nursing home in Burrillville."

  "Thanks Chief, that's helpful."

  "Lieutenant," Brennan added, "please do me a favor. If you decide to go talk to the major, make sure he lives longer than a few hours after you leave. I do not want them pissed at us also. Try to stay out of trouble Lieutenant," ending the call.

  Josh explained what the Chief told him about the former warden. Chris held up a form from the pile. "There are notes in here from the Supervisory Corrections Officer the day Grey arrived. He listed Grey as a parole violator, which was not correct, committed to a six-month bid and ordered him sent to Medium Security."

  Josh took the paper and looked at it.

  "So it was either an innocent error, or convenient excuse. Either way they covered their asses. Even if the guard is alive I doubt he'd recall it," Chris said.

  "No shit," Josh replied. "Okay, look up where the nursing home is. We're gonna take a ride."

  * * *

  Josh walked back to his office. As he opened the door, Captain Charland appeared behind him. "Good morning, Captain. How can I help you?"

  "Why were you in the Chief's private conference room?"

  Josh continued into the SIU office, "Just placing some files in there as the Chief asked me to," trying closing the door, hoping the answer satisfied the Captain.

  Charland blocked the door. "Lieutenant, as you know, in the Chief's absence, as the senior Captain, I am the acting Chief. You must clear any access to his office through me."

  Josh started to answer when Chris came into the detective reception area. "Rubber Gun Charland, how are you Cap?"

  Charland turned, saw her, and looked back at Josh. "Lieutenant, why is a civilian walking around this police department without an escort?"

  Chris pushed past Charland and into the SIU office. "Now R G, if you insist on being a bastard about this I'll tell everybody about your little problem." Pointing her index finger in the air, smirking at Charland, and then drooping it down. “Remember? Half-mast and the moment past.”

  "Look Hamlin, you're no longer employed here. This is a violation of…"

  Chris smiled at the Captain. "Okay, you asked for it. See Josh, one day old R G here and a former auxiliary officer engaged in some, ah, field exercises--." Josh pushed her further into the office.

  Charland's face was crimson. "Chief Brennan will hear about this. Is that clear?"

  Josh tried to hide a smile. "Sorry Cap, you know she's just kidding," c
losing the door.

  Chris raised her voice, "So anyway, R G's knee keyed the mike and every radio in range got a blow-by-blow description of a…"

  "Stop," Josh said, holding his hands up. "The son-of-a-bitch is always looking for a reason to screw with me and you have to go let him see you're in here. Why couldn't you just stay out of sight like I asked?"

  Chris laughed, "Look Josh, old rubber gun got his name because he's crazy. Nobody listens to him. Well, that's not true. His political friends listen because he's their ear on the ground in here. Come on, you know this," taking a seat at Josh's desk. "He'll go back to his office, call one of his buddies, and whine about it. When I was here, he threatened me every other day and you know what? Nothing happened. He won't challenge Brennan. He knows Brennan's leaving next year and he's lining up support for the job."

  "Christ," Josh said. "Can you imagine that nitwit as Chief? I'd have to go back to midnights. It'd be a nightmare working for the clown."

  "Keep the faith my boy. That's a future problem. Let's see if we can find this major and go have a chat?"

  * * *

  Two hours later, armed with the address for the nursing home in Burrillville, they headed toward the small, rural town in northwestern Rhode Island.

  As Josh and Chris pulled into the parking lot of the Country Meadow Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, it was just past 5:00 p.m. The sun was fading and the temperature cooling off. They parked the car and walked towards the entrance. Josh pointed across the street to the Country Meadow Heaven's Gates Cemetery. "I guess, if the rehabilitation doesn't work, it's a convenient next stop for the residents, don't you think?"

  Chris shook her head.

  "You might want to take a brochure there, old broad. They'll wheel you into a place like this soon enough."

  Chris flipped Josh the bird, and then noticed the two nurses, escorting a patient in pajamas taking small baby steps, watching them. Dropping her hand, she opened the door.

  "Great impression you made there on Nurses Ratchett and Kervorkian," Josh joked.