“Where were you last night and today?” asks Detective Briggs.
“I’ve been in this hotel for five days. Prior to that I was in a Rescue Mission on South San Pedro Street for a couple nights.”
The detectives exchange a look. “Were you and Mr. Rawlins separated?”
“Ya think?” she asks, somewhat bitter. “He kicked my ass out of our home and closed all of our bank accounts, leaving me destitute and homeless—” She stops and clears her throat. “Sorry. Yes, I’d say we were separated.”
“I see. And where were you last night?”
“I was at dinner with a girlfriend from seven o’clock to about ten, and then in my room from then until now.”
“What is your friend’s name?” Briggs asks.
“Why is that important?” Jill counters.
“We’ll need her to be able to confirm your whereabouts.”
“Are you telling me I’m some type of suspect?”
“No, ma’am. This is standard protocol, and in circumstances where someone’s cause of death is uncertain, we try to dot all of our i’s and cross all of our t’s. That’s all.”
“Well, I don’t like what you’re implying, and since I sent my husband to law school I know enough to ask you both to leave. When we talk again it will be with my lawyer present,” Jill says, standing and walking to the door.
“Very well. What was your friend’s name, did you say?”
She pulls the door open. “I didn’t mention it. Good day detectives.”
“Mrs. Rawlins, we may need to speak with you again. Can we reach you on your cell phone?”
“Leave your cards, and I’ll have my attorney get in contact with you,” she replies, and pulls the door open wider, obviously waiting for them to leave. As soon as they’re gone, she calls Wendy.
Wendy listens carefully then says, “You should have given them my name. I would have told them we had dinner last night.”
“Screw them. I didn’t like their attitudes. If they want it, they can figure it out for themselves.”
Wendy shakes her head, smiling slightly. “You know they are going to check on who is paying for the room and they’ll probably be in my office in a few minutes. May I confirm you are a client and whatever information you have given them?”
“Sure, have at it. I just didn’t like what they were implying.”
“I understand, Jill. I just think we should make it easier on the fine men doing their jobs, not harder.”
Jill sighs, agrees, and they hang up.
As Wendy is placing the phone back in its cradle, she hears the detectives come in and ask Mona if she is in.
Wendy calls out, “Just send the detectives in. I was anticipating their visit.”
The detectives walk into her personal office and introduce themselves. “Do you have time to answer a few questions for us?”
Wendy simply nods.
“Thank you. Do you know Jill Rawlins?”
“Yes I do. But you already know that, since I’m paying for her hotel room, don’t you?”
Both smile and nod in acquiescence.
“Yes, I thought so. I tell you what… Let me save you a lot of time and trouble. Mrs. Rawlins is a client and she has authorized me to speak with you both. I will confirm things she has told you, but I will not violate any confidentiality. My practice is counseling victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, and I’m paying for her hotel room in my name to maintain her confidentiality. I’m sure you both can fill in the blanks here. Jill and I had dinner last night from seven o’clock until about ten when I dropped her back off at the hotel. You can confirm this with the restaurant owner as well. She called me today after Mayor Clifton contacted her with the news, and again after she kicked you out of her hotel room, so I’m not surprised to see you here now.”
The detectives take a moment to digest the information. “Thank you for being so straight forward, Ms. Stevens. How long have you been seeing Mrs. Rawlins?”
“A few weeks. She is a relatively new client.”
“Why was she coming to San Diego for counseling instead of using a counselor in L.A.?”
“I asked her the same question, and she told me she had been referred to me by a couple of my previous clients. She didn’t know who Zach had in his back pocket, so she came to me based on recommendations and because she didn’t want to put his career at risk with any possible rumors.”
“How long have they been separated?”
“I’m not able to answer that question directly, but I will address what my client told you to be correct or not. What did she tell you?”
“She told us you put her up in the hotel five days ago, and she was in the rescue mission for a couple of nights prior to that,” Briggs says, checking his notes.
“That is the same information I received, and you already have confirmation for when I put her up in the hotel.”
“What can you tell us about Mr. Rawlins? He wasn’t your client was he?”
“No he wasn’t, but I still can’t tell you anything specific about him without violating Mrs. Rawlins’ client confidentiality,” Wendy replies.
“Then I guess we’re done here. Thank you for your time, Ms. Stevens.”
“You’re welcome. If I can help in any other manner, please don’t hesitate to call me.”
“Oh, I suspect there will be follow up questions as time passes and additional information is revealed.”
“Well, you know where I am, and I’m sure Mona has given you my card.”
The detectives nod and turn to leave, but Briggs stops and turns back to Wendy. “One last question. Can you tell us why Mrs. Rawlins is so skeptical of law enforcement when all we are doing is trying to figure out what actually happened?”
“Well gentlemen, I suspect your questions about her whereabouts after what Mr. Rawlins has put her through pissed her off. She’s extremely aware of the fact that she hasn’t been anywhere near her home for the last eight days, and she has just been told her husband is dead. She is dealing with a lot right now and from my perspective you have just witnessed a normal reaction.” Wendy pauses and shrugs, “Not to mention she was married to a very successful attorney and has a healthy view of how law enforcement and the criminal justice system really works.”
“I see. Thank you for your input. We will be in touch.”
“I’m sure you will.”
As Detectives Briggs and England leave her office, Wendy contemplates their demeanor. She recognizes they probably aren’t suspecting anything more than a cocaine induced heart attack and just simply needed to verify where Jill was given the fact she wasn’t home and didn’t report Zach missing. Given the explanation of Zach kicking her out of the house and closing bank accounts, Wendy is confident the detectives will verify everything with the financial institutions and find all is as it has been reported to them. Wendy’s only concern is with the medical examiner’s report, should they find the injection site. She reasons this isn’t the type of situation that would warrant any type of intense scrutiny, but is still a bit apprehensive due to Rawlins’ standing in the Los Angeles community. She quickly dismisses her concerns, reasoning it is precisely due to his standing in the community and the unwillingness to besmirch his good name that the autopsy will be routine. Since nothing should appear unusual due to the human body’s habit of producing large amounts of potassium chloride at the time of death, everything should play out like she planned. Wendy sits back smugly, knowing the chances of detection are so miniscule that she isn’t at risk. She closes her eyes and enjoys the all-too-familiar intense rush once again.
***
Detectives Briggs and Englands’ next stop is at Mr. Rawlins’ office to check his calendar. They immediately focus on his four o’clock meeting with Monique. They ask for and receive a copy of his calendar from his secretary, then head to the restaurant. The hostess there confirms Mr. Rawlins met, had drinks, and left with a stunningly gorgeous woman in her mid-forties.
“Do
the premises have video of the interior or the parking lot?” one of the detectives asks.
The hostess shakes her head. “Unfortunately no, the premises aren’t equipped with any closed circuit television.”
“Thank you. May I confirm all of this with the manager?”
The hostess nods and hurries back into the office, returning promptly with the manager, who confirms everything the hostess told them. The detectives thank them for their time and decide their best alternative at this point is to wait for the autopsy results, reasoning that, since Mr. Rawlins was estranged from his wife, it wouldn’t be unusual for him to be seeking the company of other women.
***
A couple of weeks later the official autopsy report is forwarded to Detectives Briggs and England, indicating the cause of death as a myocardial infarction. Additional notes after the cause of death indicate the white powder found on the nightstand, originally believed to be cocaine, was also found in Rawlins’ nasal passages. It was confirmed to be cocaine through the toxicology, and visceral fluids determined his blood alcohol level was .043 with nothing else abnormal.
After thorough review of the results, they drive to the Rawlins’ home. Jill is surprised to see them at her door, and before she can say anything, Detective England says, “Don’t worry, Mrs. Rawlins. We’re not here to ask you any questions. But we do have some information for you and would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you inside, if we may?”
Jill considers for a moment, then steps aside and motions for them to come into her home. They follow her into the living room and she asks, “Would you like some coffee or tea?”
“Coffee would be good. Thank you,” Briggs replies, and England agrees.
When she returns to the living room with the coffee, Detective England begins, “Given the fact our last conversation ended with significant tension between us, we wanted to come by and give you the details of the medical examiner’s report in person. Sometimes our job requires us to ask difficult questions that others find threatening or offensive and for that please accept our apologies. The report indicates Mr. Rawlins died from a heart attack. He had cocaine in his system and his blood alcohol level was .043.”
“Was the heart attack caused by the cocaine?”
“We can’t say specifically, but the common belief is that the drug certainly played a role.”
Jill nods. “So what’s next?”
“As far as the L.A.P.D is concerned this case is closed. Please accept our condolences for your loss.”
“Thank you,” she murmurs. “Um, when will I be able to get death certificates to provide to insurance companies, banks, and other financial institutions?”
“They are now available through the medical examiner’s office.”
“Oh, thank goodness. Then I can start to put my affairs back in order and move on with my life.” She stands, “Is there anything else?”
Both shake their heads and offer her their hands. She shakes them, and the officers head to the door.
Briggs pauses and hands Jill his card. “If there is anything else we can do, please don’t hesitate to call.”
She smiles faintly. “Thank you, but I think you both have done enough.”
They make their way to their patrol car, and Jill softly closes the door behind them, then calls Wendy to confirm her appointment that afternoon.
“Yes, I’ve got you on my calendar for three,” Wendy says. “How are you doing?”
“We can talk about everything when I get there,” Jill replies, then heads to shower and get ready before driving to San Diego.
***
Jill arrives to see Wendy promptly at three and sits comfortably on the couch.
Wendy is struck by how calm and put together Jill looks and asks, “How are things going for you?”
“Actually pretty well. The detectives investigating Zach’s death stopped by the house before I left to come see you. The medical examiner’s report ruled Zach’s cause of death to be a heart attack. I guess he had a fair amount of cocaine in his system along with some alcohol. The death certificate is now available. I’ll go pick up several certified copies tomorrow so I can get the bank to release our funds back to me.” She shakes her head in disbelief for a moment. “His life insurance even paid off already, and I’m going to be just fine. I can repay you for the clothes and hotel.”
Wendy shakes her head. “We discussed this already. You don’t owe me a dime other than for the counseling services. How are you getting by without any money?”
“When I got back into the house I found my credit cards on Zach’s desk, and apparently he hadn’t cancelled them so I’ve been working off of our credit until I get access to our funds. That should be tomorrow after I get everything straightened out with the right people.”
“That’s terrific news. How are you doing with sleeping in the house and the bedroom you shared with him?”
Jill makes a face. “I am not sleeping in the master bedroom and won’t until after it is completely remodeled. I just can’t, so I’m sleeping in one of the guest rooms until then. It’s a little strange being in the house without Zach, but I have a sense of peace about staying there. Every now and then memories come flooding back, some good and some bad. I guess it’s going to be a process of letting go of what was and moving on with living here and now, but I have a great home and I’ll just have to create all new memories in it without Zach. Honestly, I think I’m actually better off with him gone. That’s sometimes hard to justify in my mind and at other times I couldn’t be happier that he’s dead.” She lets out a bitter chuckle. “Does that make me a horrible bitch?”
“Oh, absolutely not. What you’re experiencing are normal emotions and reactions that are all part of the grieving process. Your picturesque life had been so disturbed by Zach and his death came so quickly that you haven’t really had any time to process the sea of emotions you’ll need to work through. Just know that Zach’s death has nothing to do with you and everything to do with his choices. The fact that his death provided for you in ways you never expected is simply a blessing in disguise.”
“I guess so. It just all seems so surreal.”
“Of course it does, and it will continue to seem surreal until all the loose business ends are brought together. Then, Zach’s final arrangements will be made, and you’ll finally get some sense of closure. Unfortunately, our time is up for today. Would you come back so I can see you next Wednesday at the same time?”
“Yes, perfect. Thanks again for everything you have done and continue to do for me,” Jill says as they both stand and she gathers her things.
“Have a great week, Jill, and don’t hesitate to call my office if you need anything.”
Wendy watches Jill leave her office and quietly contemplates how different things would be without Wendy’s benevolence. She sits down behind her desk, fiddling with a pen, until her thoughts are jolted back to reality with Mona on the intercom, “Bonnie is on line one for you.”
“Thanks, Mona, I’ve got it,” Wendy replies, and picks up the phone.
CHAPTER 4
selection process
“What a pleasant surprise,” Wendy says, “What can I do for you, dear?”
“Uhh, you can be here Friday morning so I can get Sean’s and SERF’s jets headed to Chicago to pick up Jim Bush and New York to pick up Skip Duran for dinner and interviews throughout the weekend. Can you stay in Marin until Monday evening?”
Wendy plops her forehead into her palm. “Shit. I forgot that was this weekend. What time on Friday morning do you want me to meet your pilot?”
“How about nine?”
“Great, as long as I can shower and get cleaned up at your place before the evening events. I certainly don’t want to be uncomfortable all day.”
“God forbid you have to look decent all day long,” Bonnie scoffs with a chuckle. “So I’ll assume you’ll arrive in jeans and a T-shirt with your hair in a ponytail?”
“Pretty much, but I
promise I will certainly look like a proper board member for your job candidates all weekend long.”
“Thanks for that. I guess that’s all I could expect anyways.”
“How formal is the attire for dinner Friday night?” Wendy asks.
“A nice cocktail dress will be fine. Sean suggested sushi and Jessica has a fantastic place in mind in San Francisco,” Bonnie replies.
“Sushi in a cocktail dress?” Wendy asks dubiously.
“It’s very elegant sushi, and the reviews have been fantastic. I’ve checked with Jim and Skip and they both love sushi as well.”
“Ugh. You have to know I love you for me to get dolled up and have sushi in a cocktail dress when I’d rather be in jeans sitting on the floor.”
“We all make sacrifices in life dear,” Bonnie says in a sing-song tone. “Thank you for your willingness to suffer at my behest.”
Wendy giggles. “I’ll see you Friday morning. I have a lot of work to get back to.”
“Okay, see you then.”
***
Wendy meets Bonnie’s pilot for the quick flight to San Francisco and as she deplanes Bonnie is waiting for her. They hop into the limousine for the short drive back to Marin County.
On the way, Bonnie asks, “Do you mind stopping by the Stevens Environmental Restoration Fund offices in Sausalito before heading to the house?”
“Not at all. In fact, I’d like to see the offices before we start interviews on Saturday.”
Bonnie claps her hands. “I think you’re going to love the space, and I am so excited to see this dream come true.”
As they arrive at the Bridgeway location, Wendy is surprised at the subtle elegance of the facility. Viewed from the parking lot the building is rather non-descript, but once inside the view of the bay is phenomenal and the natural lighting provides a warm welcoming ambience.
“Wow, what a terrific place! Maybe I should relocate my counseling practice. I would love to work here.”
“But you do work here! As a counselor to me and my staff,” Bonnie replies with a grin.
Unrestrained Behavior: The Pleasure and Risk of Choice (The 'Un'missable Series Book 3) Page 4