“My client lived in the house. Of course her prints were on her own kitchen knife.”
“We got the toxicology report,” said Jesse. “We can prove she tried to poison her husband.”
“I've seen that,” said Karen. “The amounts of Procan in the blood were not so big as to suggest murder.”
“And she had a motive,” said Jesse. “Her husband was having an affair.”
“Please, I knew about all of them,” Louise Yancy blurted out.
Karen and Ira turned on Louise at once. Jesse and Dick Steals shared a look at the admission. Louise Yancy's acknowledgment of the motive was extremely damaging at this early stage.
“Louise, please don't talk!” said Karen. “We have a long way to go.”
“That's an admission,” said Dick Steals.
“It will never get into evidence, I guarantee you,” said Ira.
“I'm just saying for the purposes of our meeting here today, she admits knowledge,” said Dick Steals.
“Like I said,” Jesse continued, “we have a motive, Karen. The oldest one in the book. Revenge.”
“You are so myopic, Jesse,” said Karen. “All you ever see is what people tell you to.” Karen crossed her legs.
“I see three big, fat fingerprints on a bloody knife that belongs to your client and was used to kill a man. And by the way, myopia is the bread and butter of defense lawyers.”
Ira and Dick Steals said nothing. Jesse and Karen were battling each other, and it was obvious that something more than the case was behind it.
“Karen, I know you like to fight, but I am an old man,” said Ira. “Gentlemen, excuse us a second.”
He got up and walked to a corner with Louise Yancy and Karen. He whispered something to them, and they quickly came back and sat down.
“Gentlemen, our client has an alibi witness,” Karen said.
Jesse and Dick Steals were unable to hide their shock.
“Was D’Estenne told about this?” asked Dick Steals.
“No,” said Karen. “We just found out about it this morning.”
“Okay, let's hear it,” said Jesse.
“No,” said Dick Steals. “We should wait for D’Estenne.”
“We can tell him,” said Jesse. “Nothing will happen without his say-so.”
Richard nodded. Jesse turned his gaze back to Karen, who had the look of the devil in her eyes.
“Let's hear it, Karen.”
“Okay. Ms. Yancy, on the night in question, was with her lover.”
Louise Yancy shifted uncomfortably in her seat.
“She was with someone from eight o'clock to the next morning.”
“But she said she was out with friends, none of whom could corroborate that story,” said Dick Steals.
“All the more reason that she's telling the truth,” said Karen.
“Why would she give a false alibi unless she had no reason to think she would need one? She was hiding her lover from her husband, not the police.”
“Who?” asked Jesse. “Who is the man?”
“It is a man, isn't it?” said Dick Steals.
“You apologize to my client for that fucking remark, you son of a bitch!” said Karen. She jumped out of her seat and got into Dick Steals's face. Her finger was pointed right between his eyes.
Jesse wasn't surprised. This was the Karen he knew.
“I didn't mean anything by it,” Dick Steals said. “I'm sorry, ma'am.”
“No problem,” said Louise Yancy.
Karen sat back down. She was breathing hard.
“We'll need a name, Karen,” Jesse said. He was mad at what Dick Steals had just said too, but he tried not to let it show.
“We can't right now,” Karen said.
“Why am I not surprised?” said Jesse. “The man is-- he's married,” said Karen. “And he's prominent. We have to be sure that he won't be exposed.”
“This is a waste of time,” said Dick Steals. “I'm not going to play this game. You don't want to plead, fine. We'll see you in court for the arraignment.”
Karen looked at Jesse. It was a pleading look. She was good, Jesse thought. Help me out, Jesse, show up the white man.
“I agree,” said Jesse. “See you tomorrow.”
The two prosecutors got up to leave.
“Wait,” said Louise. “I want to talk to you.” She pointed at Jesse. “Alone.”
Ira and Karen started to talk to Louise together, but she cut them off.
“No more lawyer games today,” said Louise. “I want to talk to him, right now. What do you say, Counselor?”
“Louise, no,” said Karen. “Please, at least let me stay with you.”
“Why?” asked Louise. “So you can censor my every word? No. You wait outside with Ira. And take him with you.” She pointed at Richard.
Ira walked over to Louise and grabbed her arm. “Louise, if you do this,” he said, “I'll resign the case.”
“Go on,” said Louise. She brushed his hand away. “I think I can find another lawyer in this town for the trial of the century.”
Ira and Karen looked at each other for a moment. They were at a loss to stop their client. Mrs. Yancy was as fierce and independent as Jesse had heard.
“I don't think Mr. King would feel comfortable doing this,” said Karen. She looked at Jesse, her expression begging him to decline. They were lawyers, and this was a matter of principle and respect.
“I represent the people,” said Jesse. “Ms. Yancy is one of the people. I'm ready to talk.”
Ira and Karen were pissed, but Louise motioned them to the door, and they left with Dick Steals, who smiled at their incredible luck and winked at Jesse.
In the room alone Louise Yancy relaxed. She even smiled a little. “Sit down, Mr. King,” she said.
Louise was a tall, elegant lady. She was fifty-five and still a lovely woman. She dressed immaculately and had a fondness for diamonds. Her hands and wrists were covered with them. She had a way about her that made you aware of your behavior, like a strict teacher at an exclusive private school.
Jesse sat down. He was feeling a little awkward. This had never happened to him before. But he knew a little about Louise Yancy. She was by most accounts a remarkable woman. She was cultured, highly educated, and largely responsible for her husband's ascent to power.
“I'd like to thank you for the flowers,” said Louise Yancy. Jesse was shocked.
“You're welcome, but how did you... I mean, I never expected you to remember.”
“You sent stargazers, I think,” she said. “I received a lot of flowers from people. All of them a lot more powerful than you. That's why I remember. Most of the stuff from the common folks was separated from the gifts and messages from dignitaries. But your bouquet was sent right along with the senators, millionaires, and the president's. It stood out because I had no idea who you were.”
“I'm flattered,” said Jesse. “I mean, that you would care at all. He... your husband was important to me.”
“I know.” She looked sad for a moment, then: “Look, I'll make this brief. In spite of my counsel's fears, I believe I can trust you. Anything I say to you here would probably not be admissible anyway, and even if it were, you'd have to resign this case to testify against me.”
“You should be a lawyer,” said Jesse. “Correct on all counts.”
“So I'll tell you a story,” said Louise. “My husband and I had a traditional power marriage. He screwed his women, and I had my derivative power, my reward for being married to a man like Harris. Don't get me wrong. I wasn't unhappy. In fact I was very happy. I had my friends, my businesses, and my position. I've traveled all over the world. And quite frankly my days of needing a man between my legs were long gone.”
Jesse shifted nervously in his seat.
“Sorry,” said Louise. “I tend to be blunt one-on-one. But I was a beautiful woman once. I had men all over the country vying for my attention. And I didn't waste my youth. I had many wonderful lovers, and when
I chose to settle down, I chose wisely and got a great life out of it.”
Louise crossed her legs and leaned to one side of her chair. She seemed to glide in her movements, like a dancer.
“I say all this to let you know that I had every reason to want my husband to continue living.”
“And you didn't care that he fooled around?” asked Jesse.
“All men cheat, Mr. King. The biggest lie about marriage is that fidelity holds it together. Friendship and respect are what really keep a marriage going.” Louise looked away for a second and said, “And I was not always perfect myself.”
“So who was this man you were with? The alibi.”
“I'll let my lawyers tell you that. I wanted to talk to you because you're black and I know you'll be getting a lot of flak for taking this case. But I feel better knowing that you're here. I've never trusted the white lawyers in your office. I remember when they railroaded black men into prison by the hundreds. I had a cousin that died in the county lockup after being falsely convicted. “
“I've heard the stories,” said Jesse. “So, if you didn't do it, who did?”
“I don't know,” she said. Her eyes looked sad and moist. “Like the wife of any politician, assassination was my nightmare, and now it's here, and it's far worse than I'd ever dreamed.”
Jesse leaned back in his chair. He was enjoying this. Louise was honest and forthcoming, and she was not afraid of him. He was impressed by her. She was ready to joust with him to the end if necessary.
“Do you know why the guards didn't come that night?” asked Jesse.
“No,” said Louise.“ Mr. Nicks takes care of all that out of the mansion.”
“We can't find Mr. Nicks. Do you know where he is?”
“No. I never talked to him. He was surly and crude. But Harris liked him, so I never said anything.”
“So let's talk about your husband's medication,” said Jesse. “I believe it's called Procan SR--”
“I won't be cross-examined, Mr. King,” Louise snapped. “I only wanted to do this to appeal to you as a conscientious black man.” She leaned in closer. “I want you to look out for me because I'm innocent. “
“I would do that anyway,” said Jesse.
Louise had a steely gaze, and he was drawn to her by it.
“But I had to be sure,” said Louise. “Not all black men have the courage of their convictions. And not all of them are black where it counts.”
It was obvious that she was not going to give up anything incriminating. He found himself feeling sorry for her. She had a good life, but even the rich and powerful have crosses to bear.
“Well, unless you have anything else to say,” said Jesse, “I think we can bring them back before Ira has a stroke.”
Louise smiled and nodded. Jesse got up, went to the door, and opened it. Karen and Ira were right at the door, obviously trying to eavesdrop. Jesse was sure that they'd heard nothing.
He smiled at them, and they gave him nasty looks. They both thought he should have refused the invitation, but Jesse was glad that he hadn't. Now he was even more concerned about the case. Louise Yancy was a hard woman, but she was not a knife-wielding killer. If he could see it, a jury could too.
“Don't suppose there's any reason to ask what you talked about?” said Karen.
“Ms. Yancy can tell you if she likes,” said Jesse. “But I'm taking the Fifth.” He smiled a shit-eating smile that he knew would make Karen madder at him. He enjoyed getting the better of her.
“Let's go,” said Dick Steals.
Jesse said good-bye to Louise and left with Richard. They walked down a long hallway.
“Did she give up anything?” asked Dick Steals.
“No,” said Jesse.
“I didn't think she would,” said Dick Steals. “So what did she say?”
“She basically wanted me to look out for her on this prosecution because I'm black.”
“She didn't have to throw us all out to do that,” said Richard.
“Yes, she did,” said Jesse. “She wanted me to know that she trusted me. And now she wants me to trust her. She said she was innocent. “
“They're all innocent,” said Dick Steals, “until the jury comes in. Man, I thought I’d shit when she threw her lawyers out. The skirt was just dying out in the hall with me.”
“Karen,” said Jesse. “Her name is Karen.”
“Yeah, right. You used to... see her, didn't you?” Dick Steals asked, smiling again.
“Yeah. But it was a long time ago,” Jesse said. It was a lie. He and Karen had separated only a year and a half ago.
A big man came into the hallway about halfway down. He was under a broken light and looked like a shadow from the distance. He looked in Jesse and Dick Steals's direction and walked their way.
Jesse was nervous for a moment. There was something ominous about the man. 1300 was a spooky building, filled with dark secrets and even darker men. The big man stopped in front of Jesse and Dick Steals.
“Can we help you?” asked Jesse.
“Detective Beletti,” said the man. The cop was stocky and had thinning dark hair. “Some people are here to see you.”
“What people?” asked Jesse.
“Serious people.”
Jesse and Dick Steals were ushered into another interrogation room. Jesse looked at the three men at the table. He and Dick Steals both were shocked.
“Hello, Mr. Mayor,” Jesse said.
Richard barely got out his own hello as Lester Crawford, former deputy mayor, now acting mayor of Detroit, motioned for them to sit.
The two lawyers sat down across from the three well-dressed black men. Jesse knew the acting mayor, Lester Crawford, but the other two men were a mystery. One of the men was smallish with freckles and reddish hair. The other was huge and mean-looking, probably a bodyguard, thought Jesse. Crawford looked at Beletti, and the detective left.
“My heart is heavy today,” said Lester Crawford. “Detroit has suffered enough without having to go through a trial like this.”
“We agree, sir,” said Dick Steals.
“Did you want to talk to us about the case, Mr. Mayor?” asked Jesse.
“Yes, I did,” said Crawford. “I've already talked to your boss, Mr. D’Estenne, and he assured me that the case would be over soon.”
“We certainly hope so,” said Richard.
“Good,” said Crawford. “Detroit needs to get on with its life. That's why all the local politicians have agreed that there won't be a special mayor's election until next year.”
Crawford was in his early forties but looked younger. He was a clotheshorse like D'Estenne, only a lot more flashy. He wore Italian suits and imported shoes and was always immaculately groomed. He was a tall, thin man who was not as good-looking as he thought he was. He was graceful for a man his size and was known to be quite a dancer.
Crawford had also been the leader of the Young Turks in Yancy's administration. He was a Harvard lawyer, with a business degree from Wharton. His family owned a string of McDonald's franchises and other businesses. Both newspapers had run profiles on him over the last year. And when he had been appointed deputy mayor at age thirty-eight, he was officially acknowledged as an heir apparent.
Crawford and his cohorts had quickly assumed power after Yancy's death. The city council chairman had claimed the right to succeed Yancy. But the city charter was ambiguous, and Crawford had quieted the council chair and others who wanted the mayor's job, by promising a special election would be held next year.
Crawford, teary-eyed, announced at the mayor's funeral that he and a committee were going to run the city until an election could be held. But behind the scenes everyone knew Crawford was in charge. He had amassed great power as deputy mayor and made sure everyone knew he was the next in line to the throne. He was known to be a brilliant tactician and a ruthless competitor. Jesse had met him on several occasions and was always left with the feeling that he had just met royalty.
“H
ow can we help you, sir?” asked Dick Steals. “Anything I can do to help, just ask.”
Jesse was shocked. He had never seen Richard kiss ass that way, especially a black one.
“Well, I'll just say I want a speedy end to the case,” said
Crawford. “The mayor was like a father to me. I want his death avenged.”
“We all do,” said Jesse.
“If we can get Ms. Yancy to plead, that would help my cause greatly,” said Crawford.
“That doesn't look good,” said Jesse. “They're trying to prove an alibi.”
“Can they?” asked Crawford. He suddenly looked concerned.
“I don't know,” said Jesse. “But if they do, and it holds up, I guess-I guess she's not our murderer.”
Crawford looked at the man with the reddish hair and freckles. “Of course. Excuse me,” he said, and left. The big man went with him. The red-haired man stayed. It was an abrupt departure, and Jesse was a little confused. He and Dick Steals shared a look.
“I'm James Kelly,” said Crawford's remaining companion. “What I'm about to say is completely off the record. If anyone says anything about it, we'll deny it. “
“Go on,” said Dick Steals. He seemed excited.
“I understand,” said Jesse.
“We know Louise Yancy killed the mayor,” said Kelly. “I won't go into details, but everyone knew they were having a lot of marital trouble. That's why Yancy had so many young women. We know all about your case. If you ever need anything, just say the word.”
“Anything like what?” asked Jesse.
“This is Detroit,” said Kelly. “In this town the mayor has great influence. That influence can help the cause of justice-- or help create it. We'll be in touch.” Kelly left, leaving Jesse and Dick Steals alone in the room.
Jesse and Richard took a moment to absorb the gravity of what had just happened.
“Holy shit,” said Dick Steals.
“My sentiments exactly,” said Jesse. “So do we tell D’Estenne about this?”
“You assume he doesn't already know,” said Dick Steals.
“I say we don't talk to Crawford and his men anymore,” said Jesse.
“Don't be silly,” said Dick Steals. “They can help.”
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