Sleeping Beauty

by Phillip Margolin

  A town car met Jerry and Ashley at the airport and drove to an apartment that he had rented under his name. Jerry told the driver to wait while he helped Ashley carry her bags up to the apartment. He had called ahead and had his secretary stock the refrigerator. She probably thought that he had a mistress. Jerry smiled at the thought. His love life had been pretty dull since he’d ended a two-year relationship with an ambitious stockbroker. She had dropped into a deep depression after being laid off when the market tanked, and had finally moved to New York when a new job opened up. In retrospect, Jerry believed it was for the best. He hadn’t been interested in any of his infrequent dates since she’d left.

  “Is this okay?” Jerry asked after Ashley made a brief inspection.

  “Yeah, it’s fine.”

  “It’s only rented for the month, so you can move out if it doesn’t suit you.”

  “No, I like it.”

  “I paid for cable,” Jerry said, pointing to the TV. “You can catch up on all the bad television you missed while you were away.”

  Ashley walked over and kissed her attorney on the cheek. “You’ve been so great, Jerry. I couldn’t have gotten through this without you.”

  “Hey,” Jerry said, embarrassed by Ashley’s show of affection, “we’re a full-service law firm.”

  They stood inches apart in awkward silence for a few seconds. Then Jerry took a step back.

  “The hearing is at ten. I’ll pick you up at nine-thirty.”

  “I’ll be ready.”

  “See you then.”

  “Okay.”

  “Sleep tight.”

  Ashley walked to the front window and watched Jerry get in the car. She stayed at the window until the taillights disappeared. Jerry had been fantastic. He was so steady. He made her feel safe. But the feeling would not last. Tomorrow, everyone would know that she was back.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  The Multnomah County Courthouse, a massive concrete building that took up a city block, looked as grim and ominous as it had on the day five years ago when Ashley testified at Joshua Maxfield’s preliminary hearing. There was a short line at the metal detectors in the lobby when Ashley and Jerry Philips arrived. Her attorney was dressed in a gray suit, white shirt, and pale-yellow tie. She was wearing a black suit they had purchased in Florence before they left.

  As soon as they cleared security, Jerry led Ashley up the stairs to the third floor, four marble hallways built around a central airshaft. The Honorable Paula Gish was hearing cases in a modern courtroom in the back corridor. Judge Gish was a heavyset woman in her early forties with short brown hair and thick glasses. When Ashley and Jerry walked in, Gish was thumbing through a set of pleadings while a white-haired attorney droned on about an order for attorney fees.

  After Ashley and her lawyer took seats in the last row, she looked at the spectators. There weren’t many of them, so she had no trouble spotting Miles Van Meter. He was sitting in the front row next to a balding, overweight African-American who dressed as elegantly as Miles.

  Ashley was surprised to see Randy Coleman seated a few rows down on the other side of the aisle. He was wearing a shabby suit very different from the stylish getup he had worn when he accosted Casey at the pool. Ashley guessed that the intervening years had not been kind to Coleman. Sitting next to Casey’s husband was a short, athletically built man with receding sleek, black hair. He was clutching an attaché case, and Ashley assumed he was Coleman’s lawyer.

  An attractive young woman with a steno pad was seated in the back of the courtroom. Given the notoriety that Sleeping Beauty and the case that inspired it had achieved, Ashley was not surprised to discover a reporter covering the guardianship proceedings. She was surprised to see Larry Birch seated in the back of the room. The detective looked at Ashley for a second then looked away. She guessed that her black hair and dark glasses had fooled him.

  Judge Gish ruled on the attorney fee request and the clerk called In the Matter of Casey Van Meter: Petition for Appointment of Successor Guardian and Conservator. Miles and the black man stood up and walked to counsel table.

  “If it please the court, I am Monte Jefferson and I’m representing Miles Van Meter, Casey Van Meter’s brother and the son of Henry Van Meter, who was Casey’s guardian and conservator until his recent death.”

  He was about to continue when Randy Coleman’s attorney led his client to the other counsel table.

  “Anthony Botteri, Your Honor, appearing on behalf of my client, Randy Coleman, Casey Van Meter’s husband. Mr. Coleman is also seeking to be appointed as his wife’s guardian and conservator.”

  “Your Honor should not consider Mr. Coleman’s petition,” Jefferson said calmly. “When Ms. Van Meter was attacked, she was divorcing Mr. Coleman because he beat her up and was cheating on her. The court ruled against a similar request by Mr. Coleman soon after Ms. Van Meter went into her coma. He’s a gambler and a small-time crook who’s only interested in Ms. Van Meter’s money.”

  Coleman started to say something but Botteri laid a firm hand on his client’s forearm.

  “It’s unfortunate that an attorney of Mr. Jefferson’s lofty stature has to stoop so low,” Botteri said. “My client is a Las Vegas businessman. Living in that city does not make him a gambler or a criminal.”

  “Mr. Botteri has a point about your accusations, Mr. Jefferson,” the judge said. “Let’s try to keep this hearing civilized.”

  “My apologies, Judge, but I believe the record of this case supports my assertions.”

  Judge Gish addressed Coleman’s attorney. “Mr. Botteri, I am new to this case, but I did review the file and there is a ruling by the court choosing Henry Van Meter, Ms. Van Meter’s father, over your client. It does mention an assault on Ms. Van Meter and a police record.”

  “From many years ago, Judge,” Botteri said. “And there are changed circumstances. Mr. Van Meter has left a very important piece of information out of his petition.”

  “What is that, Mr. Botteri?”

  “To put it as bluntly as I can, Your Honor, Miles Van Meter needs your ruling appointing him Casey Van Meter’s guardian so he has legal authority to kill his sister.”

  “That’s outrageous,” Miles shouted.

  “Are you telling the court that you don’t want to pull the plug on your sister’s life-support machines?” Botteri challenged Miles.

  “Your client never loved my sister. He’s only after Casey’s money.”

  “Gentlemen,” Judge Gish said as she rapped her gavel for order.

  “I have support for our position,” Botteri said. He took several sheets of paper out of his attaché, handed one to Monte Jefferson, and walked to the dais.

  “This is an affidavit from Dr. Stanley Linscott, Casey Van Meter’s treating physician. It recounts a conversation in which Mr. Van Meter asked about the steps he would have to go through if he wished to have my client’s wife taken off life support.”

  “May I see a copy of that affidavit?” Jerry Philips asked. While Miles and Botteri were arguing, he and Ashley had passed through the bar of the court. Miles turned and saw Ashley. He stared at her for a moment. Then his jaw opened in surprise.

  “Who are you?” Judge Gish asked.

  “Jerry Philips, Your Honor. I represent Ashley Spencer, who also wishes to be appointed Ms. Van Meter’s guardian and conservator.”

  “What is the basis of your client’s request, Mr. Philips?” the judge asked.

  “Ashley Spencer is the daughter of Casey Van Meter, her only child.”

  Miles gaped at Ashley, then engaged in a frantic whispered conversation with his lawyer. Shock also registered on Randy Coleman’s face.

  Jerry Philips handed several documents to opposing counsel and the judge. “This is Miss Spencer’s petition asking to be appointed as her mother’s guardian. Attached to it is a signed affidavit from Henry Van Meter outlining the facts that support Ashley Spencer’s claim that she is Ms. Van Meter’s daughter. I have attached other do
cuments supporting the claim.”

  Coleman and his lawyer engaged in a heated conversation as they read through the documents Jerry had given to them. When they finished, Botteri addressed Judge Gish.

  “My client tells me that his wife never had a child. This woman’s mother is Terri Spencer. She was murdered at the same time Casey Van Meter was beaten into her coma.”

  “Terri Spencer did raise Ashley as her daughter,” Philips said, “but Casey Van Meter is Ashley’s biological mother.”

  “Mr. Jefferson, what do you have to say?” the judge asked.

  “This is the first time that my client has heard Ms. Spencer’s claim.”

  “But it’s not the first time that someone in your firm has been aware of the fact that Miss Spencer is Casey Van Meter’s daughter.” Jerry handed copies of a motion for discovery to the judge, Jefferson, and Botteri. “You and Miles Van Meter are both in the Brucher firm, aren’t you?”

  “Yes,” Jefferson answered as he scanned the document. “The firm has always handled the Van Meters’ business and personal affairs.”

  “Norman Spencer, Ashley’s father, had a summer love affair with Casey Van Meter when they were in college. Ms. Van Meter became pregnant but she kept this fact from Norman. Henry Van Meter arranged for Ashley to be adopted. Norman found out and hired my father, Ken Philips, to fight for Ashley. After negotiations with Henry and his attorney, Norman Spencer was permitted to adopt Ashley in secret. Anton Brucher and your firm handled the matter. I want the court to see the files. They should prove that Ashley Spencer is Casey’s daughter.”

  “These files would be so old that they might not exist anymore,” Jefferson said. “And even if they do exist, I can’t agree to turn them over. They’re protected by attorney-client privilege.”

  “Where would your firm keep them, if they do exist?” the judge asked.

  “There is a company that specializes in storing business files. They own a warehouse. Our closed files are stored there.”

  “I want you to look for the files and tell the court if they exist,” Judge Gish said. “If they do, and your client doesn’t want to turn them over, make your legal arguments and we’ll go from there.”

  “Good enough, Judge.”

  “Now, I want everyone to sit down while I read the papers Mr. Philips and Mr. Botteri have handed me, and I don’t want to be interrupted.”

  The parties waited while Judge Gish read the documents. When she was done, she removed her glasses and massaged her closed eyelids.

  “And I thought that I was going to have an uneventful day.”

  The judge replaced her glasses and looked at the litigants.

  “This is much too complicated to decide this morning.”

  “I’ve been thinking, Judge,” Botteri said. “A DNA test would settle the question of Ms. Spencer’s relationship to Casey Van Meter.”

  The judge turned to Ashley’s lawyer. “Mr. Philips, would your client be willing to have her DNA tested to clear up any questions of maternity?”

  Jerry and Ashley conferred for a moment. Then Philips addressed the court.

  “Miss Spencer has no problem with the test, Your Honor.”

  “All right. I am going to adjourn to give Mr. Jefferson time to find the files and Miss Spencer a chance to take a DNA test. I want the parties to agree on the procedure and what lab will do the testing. When the parties are ready, notify me and we’ll set a new date for the hearing.”

  As soon as court was adjourned, Randy Coleman and his attorney left the courtroom followed by Monte Jefferson, but Miles stayed behind.

  “Jerry,” he said, nodding to Philips. Then he smiled warmly at Ashley.

  “It’s so good to see you.”

  “I heard about your father.” Ashley said. “I’m sorry he passed away. He was very kind to me.”

  “He was very fond of you, Ashley. He really worried when you disappeared. We both did.”

  “I didn’t mean to upset you. I didn’t want to worry anyone. I…I just had to go.”

  “I understand. Where have you been?”

  “Overseas,” Ashley answered evasively, still unwilling to trust anyone with any information about her hiding place in case she had to return to it.

  Miles looked her over and smiled. “Well, the five years haven’t hurt. You look great. I like the hair.”

  Ashley smiled. “Thanks.”

  Miles glanced at his watch. “I have to go back to my office for a meeting.” He paused, as if he’d just gotten an idea. “Would you like to have dinner tonight? I’d like to catch up on what you’ve been doing.”

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Jerry said.

  “Why?” Ashley asked.

  “You shouldn’t be socializing. You’re adversaries in this lawsuit.”

  “We may also be relatives,” Miles said to Jerry. “This claim of yours has been a total shock to me, but I couldn’t be happier if it’s true.”

  “I would like to talk to Miles,” Ashley told Philips. “It’s just dinner. I’ll be okay.”

  Miles handed Ashley and Jerry business cards. “You two talk this over. I don’t want to do anything improper. If you want to have dinner with me tonight, give me a call.”

  Miles headed up the aisle. Jerry watched him until he was out of earshot. They both cast nervous looks at the reporter and Larry Birch, who were walking in their direction.

  “If you talk to Miles, remember that you’re on opposite sides in this case.”

  “Don’t worry. Miles has always been nice to me. I don’t think he’d try to take advantage.”

  “You have no idea what he’ll do now that you’re adversaries.”

  “I’ll be on guard, okay?”

  Jerry blushed. “Sorry, it’s the lawyer in me.”

  “I’m glad you’re looking out for my interests.”

  The reporter appeared at their shoulder and cleared her throat.

  “Ashley, my name is Rebecca Tilman,” she said. “May I ask you a few questions?”

  “Miss Spencer is not going to grant an interview now,” Jerry said. “If she decides to, we’ll contact you.”

  “But this is an important story,” the reporter insisted.

  “That may be true, but Miss Spencer will not agree to be interviewed now.”

  The reporter started to say something, then decided to leave with her scoop. She turned and headed for the door.

  “Hello, detective,” Ashley said.

  “Long time no see,” Birch answered. It sounded like a joke but Birch looked dead serious.

  “I’m sorry I left the way I did.”

  “We were sorry, too. But you’re okay, and that’s what counts.”

  “Have there been any new developments with Joshua Maxfield?”

  “He’s still wanted, and there are at least two new homicides in other states that might be his work.”

  “Where were they?”

  “ Ohio and Iowa.”

  “So he’s left Oregon?”

  “Apparently, but that may change now that you’re back”

  “We’re worried about that ourselves, detective,” Jerry said. “We were going to get in touch with you about protection for Ashley.”

  “That may be a little hard to arrange after the stunt she pulled.”

  “She was running for her life after your people failed to protect her,” Jerry said.

  “Two good men died trying,” Birch answered angrily.

  “I’m sorry,” Jerry apologized, “but you can see why Ashley ran.”

  Birch took a deep breath and calmed down.

  “I felt very badly about what happened at the Academy, but you still shouldn’t have run. I’ll talk to my captain and see what we can do to keep you safe.”

  “Do you want me to drive you back to your apartment?” Jerry asked when Birch left.

  “No. I’ll walk. I’m used to that from Italy. And I want to look around the city. I might even shop a little.”

  “Okay. I
’ll be at the office if you need me. And think twice before you accept Miles’s dinner invitation.”

  “Jerry. You’ve been great. But you don’t have to baby-sit me. I’m twenty-two and I’ve been taking care of myself for a while.”

  Jerry’s neck flushed. “Point taken. I just want what’s best for you.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Miles had chosen an upscale restaurant loaded with glass and chrome and he was waiting in a quiet corner booth when Ashley arrived. He wore a tan suit, an Oxford blue shirt, and a striped tie. Ashley wore the suit she’d worn to court, because it was the only nice outfit she owned.

  Miles stood when the maitre d’ showed her to the booth.

  “I’m so glad you agreed to have dinner,” he said as she sat down. “Do you want a cocktail or some wine? They have a very good cellar here.”

  “Wine is okay.”

  Miles told the waiter what he wanted while Ashley busied herself with the menu. As soon as the waiter left, Miles stared at her. The examination made Ashley uncomfortable. Miles noticed. He smiled.

  “Sorry, but I can’t help myself. This idea that you might be my niece is very strange.”

  “No stranger than the idea that Casey might be my mother.”

  “I was so relieved to see you in court today and to know that you were safe. There were times on my book tour when I would be giving a reading and I’d look around the audience, hoping you’d be somewhere in the back. I really worried about you.”

  Ashley felt guilty because she had thought very little about Miles over the years.

  “Congratulations on your book.”

  “Have you read it?” Miles asked expectantly.

  “No.”

  Miles’s smile sagged for a moment.