Secrets

by Steel, Danielle

  Would you say he felt that his career was threatened by her?

  No. I kept telling him to get rid of her, that she would destroy him, but he wouldn't hear it. He was always there for her. He hoped she'd clean up. Even when he was in New York, on location, he called me all the time, wanting me to find her, to see how she was.

  And how was she?

  I don't know. I could never find anyone who knew where she was. She had pretty much disappeared into the drug scene even before he left. They were already separated then.

  Did he see her when he got back?

  I don't know. He didn't tell me.

  Would you say he wanted to get rid of her?

  No. Not in that sense. I think he may have wanted to divorce her, but it never got to that point. I think she was too messed up for him to pursue it.

  Have you ever seen Mr. Warwick lose his temper?

  No, sir.

  Have you ever heard him threaten anyone?

  No, sir.

  Thank you very much.

  The prosecution took over, and they couldn't shake Harry's testimony. He was terrific, and Bill smiled at him as he left the stand. He wanted to stand up and kiss him.

  It took three more days to call all their witnesses, including Sandy's parents, who appeared for the defense, but they were barely coherent from the shock of what had happened. And it was obvious that they had disapproved of her and given up on her a long time before Bill had. They talked about a difficult childhood, and an uncontrollable girl; who had run away from home several times in her teens, and dabbled in drugs off and on long before she met Bill, or began acting. And they felt that the pressures of her work had been the last straw. They had felt she was doomed from the beginning.

  Bill's own parents had called him halfway through the trial, but their call was typical of them. His father sounded disappointed and accusing, and his mother cried on the extension. They made no offer to come west, and Bill wasn't even sure afterwards if they believed him innocent of Sandy's murder.

  But the worst day of all was the day that Bill took the stand himself. They asked him all the questions he had dreaded, and tried to make the relationship sound ugly and sordid. They tried to enrage him by painting her as promiscuous, and they made it sound as though he had only married her to use her to get work, and then cast her aside when he got himself a big part on Manhattan. They made it all sound so seamy and they pushed him and pushed him and pushed him until he couldn't take it anymore, and he broke down on the stand and sobbed, holding his face in hands, unable to stop the tears, as he thought of the girl he had once loved, and all that had happened since then. It wasn't at all what they said, and he had looked dismally at the prosecutor, with tears rolling slowly down his cheeks, when he was finally able to speak again, and his voice was hoarse with the pain that had been inflicted on him.

  Don't you understand?' The reporters were sketching him furiously, and what one saw now was the raw core of the man, the naked soul of the man who had loved a woman called Sandy. I loved her.

  People have killed people they love before, Mr. Warwick. The prosecution was relentless, but the defense had objected then, and they had asked for a recess in which Bill could regain control. But he had broken down again that afternoon, and as Gabby glanced at the jury she prayed that they were feeling sorry for him. It was almost impossible not to. But their faces registered nothing.

  On Friday morning, the judge instructed the jury. They had to feel, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Bill had killed Sandy. They had to be sure of it, based on the testimony they had heard, and not based on any emotional interpretations. If they convicted him, sentence would be set in thirty days, by the judge, and they were not to be affected by what the sentence might be. They were only to determine his innocence or guilt, based on the presentation of the defense and the prosecution. Bil's own testimony had been deeply moving and he had broken down several times, but even that wasn't supposed to sway them. They were only supposed to deal with the evidence, the bullet wounds, the absence of the gun, their relationship such as it had been re-created for them, and whether or not they felt Bill had killed her.

  He called a recess after that, and the jury was led to the jury room, as Bill stood in the hall with his attorneys, and Gabby hovered nearby. There was no one there for her, and she suddenly missed Jane ' and Zack ' and Mel ' she wished that they could be there now. Mel was waiting for news in his office. And all they could do now was wait. They knew it could take several days before they heard. The attorneys had warned them of that. The jury was going to take as long as they had to.

  The defense team lingered in the halls, making conversation in which Bill didn't participate. He couldn't keep his mind on anything, except the verdict.

  He was talking to Gabby quietly, when the bailiff came out and asked everyone to come back inside. The jury had reached a verdict, and the defense attorneys looked worried. They had been conferring for less than an hour, and that was usually a bad sign. It almost always meant a guilty verdict, and was usually in cases where the defendant was clearly guilty of the crime. They had hoped to create far more doubt in the minds of the jury.

  Court is in session. All rise. The judge emerged from his chambers, buttoning his robe, and he sat down, as Bill clutched the arms of his chair unconsciously, and the jury filed in. They still wore no expression on their faces. They were like masks. No one looked satisfied or pleased, or sad, no one smiled at Bill, or gave him any encouragement at all. Gabby felt tears sting her eyes, suddenly realizing the full force of what was happening. If he was found guilty, he would be led away then and there ' for Bill Warwick, it would be all over ' for a long time anyway ' and for her ' but more importantly, for him. He could spend as long as eleven years in prison.

  Ladies and gentleman of the jury, have you reached a verdict? Gabby was coming to hate the formalities, the words that meant nothing to them, but on which Bill's whole life rested.

  We have, Your Honor.

  And what is it? She squeezed her eyes shut, afraid to hear, and Bill was white as a sheet as he watched them.

  We find the defendant not guilty, Your Honor.

  The defense attorneys grinned and Bill stared, as the judge looked down at him. You have been acquitted, Mr. Warwick. There was a terrible sob from behind him as he leapt from his chair and rushed through the gate to find Gabby. She flew into his arms and he held her there, the two of them crying, as the lawyers smiled, and the jury filed out. The judge rose. And it was over.

  Chapter 32

  They called Mel from downstairs, and Gabby told him the news through her tears. Bill was still too shaken to talk to anyone, and she apologized for him. He congratulated them both, and there were tears in his own eyes, as he hung up the phone. He had told Gabby to have Bill call him when he felt ready.

  And the news item announcing the verdict was much smaller than the item describing his arrest, but he wasn't bitter about it. He was just relieved. They called Zack and Jane that night, and Jane cried at the news. And Mel told Sabina when he called her in Paris.

  Little by little the word spread, and Bill felt as though he was slowly returning to the land of the living. He had never been certain of the outcome. It had been the most terrifying experience of his life. And now suddenly, he was left with the mundane pleasures of real life ' jogging with his dog in Malibu, shopping at Safeway, watering his garden, taking Gabby out for a hamburger at Mike's, he could even think about furnishing his apartment because he wasn't going to prison. And there were more important things to think about too. Like his job, and their future.

  How about coming east with me now? I think we both need it, she suggested and they agreed that they needed another week or two to catch their breath. It had been a terrible strain. And he helped Gabby bring two enormous bags of her things from her apartment. They made no formal arrangements, but he wanted her to move in with him. They had been through so much together, he almost felt as though they were married, but he didn't want her
to rush into anything. She had a lot to think about now. She was part of an important show, her career was going to take off, and she had been through a lot with him. There was always the possibility that she would never want to see him again after it was all over. But she showed no sign of it. She brought all of her plants from her apartment, groomed Bernie every day, helped Bill set his place to rights, and she always seemed to be fixing things up, and making them homey. And she had just finished moving the furniture around for the second time, when she turned to Bill, and gently asked:

  When are you going to face the music? She didn't want to push him, but he might as well know where he stood with Mel. It had been a week since the verdict came in, and Bill had done everything to avoid calling.

  What music, sweetheart? He frowned, pretending to ignore her. I liked the couch better the way you had it a minute ago. I saw some great lamps downtown yesterday, by the way. I thought we could pick them up tomorrow.

  Never mind that she wagged a finger at him and you know exactly what I mean. You were supposed to call Mel. And don't ask me Mel who. Mel Wechsler.

  He grinned sheepishly. I figure I got lucky once, twice may be too much to ask of my karma.

  Wouldn't it be better to know?

  No. I'd rather go buy lamps with you.

  Don't be so chicken. She forced him to call Mel that afternoon. But his secretary said that he was meeting with the networks and wouldn't be back in the office again until Monday. Bill reported it to Gabrielle and she laughed. Well, you got a reprieve.

  They had a lovely weekend, relaxing and lying by his pool, they had dinner at Mike's once, and he took her to Ma Maison on Saturday night to finally celebrate their victory. And Mel returned his call on Monday morning. He didn't say anything much on the phone. He just asked him to come in that afternoon. And Bill thanked him again for appearing at the trial, and promised to be there.

  What did he say?

  That he's tripling my salary, you're all fired, and I'm the star of my own one-man show starting this season.

  She laughed. Bill was in such a good mood these days. The thousand-pound weight was off his back, and he was happy. It had been a terrible time for him, but it was all over. Poor Sandy was finally laid to rest, and he could go on with his life now.

  I'm serious, what did Mel say?

  He said to come in around three o'clock. That's the time he likes firing people best.

  You're impossible. Can I come?

  No. It's one thing to have you watch me dragged off to prison ' but losing my job I can do alone. And he didn't invite you.

  Okay. I have some shopping to do anyway.

  New hiking boots? he teased.

  No. Believe it or not, I need some clothes before we go to Newport. I thought I'd drop in at Giorgio.

  You? The Queen of Army Surplus?

  Just don't tell anyone.

  Your secret is safe with me, princess. He swept her into an embrace worthy of a musical in the 1930s, and dropped her rudely on the couch as she laughed. He was in such good spirits that he wasn't as depressed as he might have been about losing his job. He hadn't lost his freedom, that was much more important. And it had been a good year on the show. He really couldn't blame Mel for letting him go. The scandal was really a violation of all their agreements, and he knew it.

  But he felt sad anyway as he walked into Mel's office that afternoon. It was like coming home to visit his father and he felt as though he had let him down. But Mel was as warm and friendly as he always was, as Bill took a seat across from his desk.

  You're looking better again.

  I feel a whole lot better than I did the last time I saw you. He smiled. With or without the job, he would be grateful to Mel for a lifetime. He was a decent man, a good friend, and a great producer. I want to thank you for everything ' for being there ' and ' He felt his eyes mist despite his best efforts for them not to, but it was an emotional time for him. It was like having been terminally ill and suddenly recovering. You've done so much for me ' the show has been wonderful ' He almost choked on his words. I'm going to miss you.

  Where are you going? Mel looked puzzled by his speech, and Bill was confused by the question.

  East with Gabby for a few weeks, but I meant'

  Suddenly Mel understood. Don't be so noble. I asked you here today to give you your new contract for next season.

  You did? Bill's eyes grew wide.

  I did. Although I think we'll hold that final scene we shot just to keep you in line if you get in a funk again.

  I won't. Do you mean it? You mean I'm back for next season? Bill stared at him in disbelief.

  You are. You should see how it all came out in post-production, Bill. The show looks so good, people will love it and you! America is going to be riveted to Manhattan. You don't want to miss that, do you?

  Hell, no. Bill grinned. He had been lucky twice in the past week. It was too much to hope for.

  Mel handed a thick envelope to him. Show that to your agent and your attorneys, and get it back to me next week sometime. I'm going to Europe as soon as I can, and I'd like to know it's signed before I go.

  I'll sign it right now. He was all set to go, but Mel held up a hand.

  It'll wait. Run it past your attorneys, you never know if they want to make some changes. The morals clause is the same he grinned just please try not to get arrested. And there was nothing in it that forced him to be single, which was just as well, because he'd been thinking for weeks about asking Gabby to marry him. But he wanted to wait until the end of the summer, to see how she felt after he met her parents and they'd been together for a while, without any major drama.

  Mel ' thank you so much ' I'm so grateful to you ' His eyes said everything, and Mel walked him to the door with a fatherly arm around his shoulders.

  There's no need to be grateful. You're a hell of a good actor. Just wait till you see what the public says in two months. It's going to be something.

  He was totally confident in the show, and Bill felt as though he were walking on air as he ran to his car, and drove to Rodeo.

  He hurried into the shop on the corner with the yellow-and-white-striped canopy and he looked around but he didn't see Gabby. He asked one of the salesgirls and she said she'd ask, and when she came back, she said that Gabby was in one of the dressing rooms, trying on some clothes. She pointed to the one, and he tiptoed to the door, and carefully opened it, as she stood in a red silk dress trying to decide if she liked it.

  What are you doing here? She looked thrilled to see him, as always.

  That would look nice with your hiking boots. He looked her over approvingly and she was instantly impatient.

  What did he say?

  Who?

  Bill, stop it!

  He said he can't fire me, because I have to keep you in line next year. He grinned at her and she exploded into his arms.

  Are you serious?

  I am. The contract is in the car. I'm on again, for the second season.

  Fantastic! She took off the dress, and stood in her underwear, as the salesgirl came in and smiled. They were used to scenes like that at Giorgio.

  Did you like the dress? The girl inquired pleasantly.

  We loved it. Bill grinned. He bought it for her, and five others, and they went home to make love by the swimming pool.

  You'd better start behaving yourself if I'm taking you home to Newport.

  Oh, no, he groaned, as he lay naked next to her. Can't I just meet you in Maine?

  Nope. I wouldn't deprive my parents of the pleasure. She grinned at him, and rolled over on her stomach in the hot sun, as the dog yawned, stretched, and leapt into the pool, covering both of them with water.

  Chapter 33

  Their days in the East flew by, and Gabby's parents thought Bill was charming. He stayed at their house near Bailey's Beach, and he was surprised at how at ease he was with her father. They had lunch at the Beach Club every day, even on the day it rained, and they went to the Clambake Club
for dinner. It was notorious, Gabby told him, because it was where Jackie Bouvier had made her debut.

  You know, I really like your mother, he had told her as they lay side by side in the guest room one night. It was across from her bedroom, and she padded across the hall every night to be with him, and then went back to her room to rumple the sheets every morning. She's a lot smarter than you think.

  She's all right. Actually, they were getting along better than usual that year, and of course her parents had no idea of the trauma they'd just been through in California. They just thought he was a nice young actor in Gabby's show, as they called it. They promised to watch the three-hour special the first night it came on and Everett told him to come to see them in New York when they were back on location in the fall. They were going in September this year, and Gabby's mother had announced that she was going to give them a little dinner.

  That means a hundred people in black tie, all the people I hate most in the world will be there. You'll love it.

  Don't be such a spoiled brat. They love you.

  Okay, okay. She looked at him disparagingly and he laughed. She was so young, and a real beauty. There were days when he wondered how he had gotten so lucky. And only a year before, he had been picking up Sandy's needles on his bathroom floor and begging her to get help. But he hardly ever thought of that now, and he didn't think of it at all as they took the ferry to her friends' place in Maine. It was simple and quaint and the terrain around them was solemn and rugged. It was just her kind of thing and a far cry from Bailey's Beach, which she had complained about when they were there. But she had played the social game well, and pleased her parents.

  They went back to California a week before shooting began, and Jane and Zack had just gotten in from Europe the night before. She and Jane had lunch at the Polo Lounge and giggled when they saw Warren Beatty and Paul Newman. They were just like two kids, instead of two television stars, and Jane told her they'd seen Sabina with Mel in Saint-Tropez that summer.

  I don't know how she does it. That woman always looks terrific.

  It's hard work, Gabby commented over her salad and wine.