Shortly after the SWAT team has grown quiet and stopped moving about animal noises resume in the park and on the sidewalk. The squirrels and birds are resuming their ritualistic activities in Forest City Park. They are either running around and up trees, or chasing each other on the ground. The ever present pigeons are once more feeding off of the ground, paths, and sidewalks. The pigeons share their fertilizer with the earth and unsuspecting people. The pigeons are not at fault for this current mess, it is man who has spoiled the morning.
The rain continues to fall as the entire area settles into the semblance of a de-militarized area. This has been a war zone. There is debris, and there are dead bodies. There is nervous laughter, weeping, whimpering, and a crescendo of shrieking. Some people are trying to get away from the scene. There is trembling at the possibility of continued danger; many people remember and continue to be stunned or temporarily paralyzed by the recent events and sounds resulting from the staccato of gunfire, and people getting hit and stumbling, falling, and crawling on the ground assuming various other states of repose. On lookers, though not injured do not move. Many cry out in anguish and grope at friends from the trauma of fear. Emergency vehicles continue to crowd the area in an effort to assist the wounded or traumatized.
Sirens can be heard in the distance and shortly thereafter red and blue lights pulsate and illuminate the entire area. The area is dark due to the falling rain and the ever darkening sky. The air is filled with electrical charge from bolts of lightning in the sky and thunder echoing in the distance accompanied by reverberations. Vibrations seem to shake the earth.
Time seems to freeze as apprehension and absolute dread stops everyone in their tracks. The combination of sirens, pulsating red and blue lights, lightning, thunder, dark sky and ominous clouds accompanied by vibrations present a feeling of catastrophe, like the end of the earth is here.
Many people have left the scene and are disappearing into the park and distant streets. The SWAT team has detained as many people as they could so that they can be questioned about what happened after the homicide detectives arrive. The firemen and EMTs are tending to the wounded and confirming the dead.
The civil servants begin talking and sharing information with one another and on their phones. The disaster is taking on a form of much welcomed organization and teamwork.
Only a short time later, the rain begins to diminish, the dark clouds begin to disappear and the thunder and lightning are no more. The sirens are no longer whaling and the strobe lights on the vehicles do not seem as intense, although they are still on. Approximately ten minutes or more has passed, and the ambulance carrying Keith Edwards and Francis Sorrell has left for the hospital.
The arrival of Homicide Detective Sergeant Javier Hernandez and Homicide Detective Wang Wei Breau (Chinese: Wang Wei Breau) turns all heads toward them as Detective Sergeant Hernandez speaks out sharply, “This is a homicide scene, clear the area as soon as possible and take everything you brought with you out of here. Please leave only equipment necessary to secure and investigate the crime scene.”
Police officers continue to set up a perimeter that the SWAT Team started knowing that the Medical Examiner, ME, will be arriving any second. At present, two are known to be dead, and two are on their way by ambulance to the hospital emergency room. Many bystanders are traumatized and are being assisted by emergency personnel. If necessary, these bystanders will be taken to the emergency room.
Detectives Breau and Hernandez remain at the ambush scene while Keith Edwards and Francis Sorrell are rushed to the hospital. When Keith arrives in the Emergency Room there are several police officers already there and a lead officer says Hernandez just called with a request for us. He says, “Hernandez requests immediate protection to be placed around the two victims that have just arrived from the Forest City Park shooting scene, Keith Edwards and Francis Sorrell. Protection is to continue until otherwise instructed by Detective Breau or him. And, Detective Hernandez does not want any of us talking to reporters.”
Meanwhile at the ambush scene trying to get organized, Detective Hernandez sees Rock Savage, ZYN’s (a major cable news network) local ace field and crime reporter approaching with his crew. Hernandez tells the police to hold them back, “Tell Rock I will talk to him later.” Hernandez is always amazed at how quickly Rock and his team arrive at the scene of an accident or homicide.
Hernandez goes back to the ambush scene and walks about the entire crime scene area; he does this over and over again, clockwise and then counterclockwise. Breau walks diagonal and in alternating patterns through the entire area. They never touch a thing and never get more than three feet from a body or anything they feel may be pertinent. They do not walk a grid.
Occasionally Breau will say to an assistant, “Bag-it.” He wants evidence placed in an evidence bag to be reviewed later by the technicians in the Crime Lab.
Hernandez will do the same and move about some more, sometimes bending, sometimes kneeling, and leaning from side to side viewing everything from different perspectives or vantage points. His contortions make him look like a boxer. Hernandez writes notes in his black notebook, many notes. Hernandez is smart, experienced and crafty using all these abilities with precision as he works this crime scene, any crime scene.
Breau records everything in his mind never putting anything on paper. Breau is an intellectual, analyzing every detail while moving methodically around Hernandez careful not to agitate or infringe on Hernandez’s personal space as he himself works the scene like a dancing pugilist.
Occasionally, Hernandez will say, “Breau, make a note of this.” Otherwise, Breau will have his complete report in his head and enter it in his computer later. Hernandez writes everything down even as he tells Breau to document the same thing.
The two homicide detectives move harmoniously about the crime scene. To onlookers they might appear to be a long married couple moving about a kitchen harmoniously preparing a meal and dessert as they partake of their favorite wine. The detectives move in different directions, never bumping into each other, but always dancing to the same tune. They dance as in a western swing Texas Two Step in the middle of a huge crowd of dancers doing the same thing, but never missing a step.
Their dance would be entertaining to watch if the stage were not a macabre murder scene. Actually, their co-workers find their techniques quite entertaining despite the location. Hernandez talks rough and is a tough detective who leaves no doubt that he is in charge of the crime scene.
“Where is that d***** cane?” Hernandez shouts to anyone within hearing distance. Someone has informed him that the old one, Francis Sorrell, threw a cane toward the two shooters.
No one responds and Hernandez returns to his business at hand. Hernandez mutters loudly to himself, “D***** dog probably carried it off.” He then shouts, “Find the dog.”
Hernandez shouts in exasperation as he turns in the direction of two women standing in the entrance to the apartment building.
He knows that one lady is Ms. Brenda Seemore, Keith Edwards’ landlady. Ms. Seemore appears to be in shock. Hernandez recalls that she found Keith Edwards after the gassing attempt on his life. Ms. Seemore has once more witnessed Keith being carried away in an ambulance. Hernandez can see that she is visibly shaken. He hopes his loud shouting did not further upset her.
The other female appears to be a cleaning lady; she has a bandana around her hair and is standing next to a cleaning cart. She and the cart are to the right and slightly behind Ms. Seemore. The woman quickly disappears from the building entrance taking the cart with her. The woman left very quickly, as though she felt she was in danger. Ms. Seemore stands in the doorway for a little longer and then backs into the foyer. Hernandez makes a mental note to tell Breau that they need to talk with Ms. Seemore. He is sure she will prove helpful; her apartment windows face the street on the first floor. Ms. Seemore makes really good coffee, I am sure she will offer Breau and I some; I sure could use a pick me up.
I, M
s. Seemore, am in tears as I shakily turn to walk to my first floor office apartment. I am so upset thinking of Keith being attacked again; he has not fully recovered from the last attempt on his life. I do not understand why I am so stunned unless it is because young Keith is always so considerate towards me and everyone that he meets. “Keith is always kind, how can he have any enemies?” I ask myself this to help salve my wounds as I weep.
I continue thinking, “I will stay busy that is what I must do. I cannot follow the ambulance to the hospital again, not again. I must wait here for word on Keith’s condition. I can help best by making sure his apartment is secure; I believe that the police have left Keith’s place. I will walk up there and check. I know that the SWAT team warrant was not legal and Keith’s apartment is not taped off like last time.”
“This is so upsetting,” I say out loud to myself.
As I continue toward my apartment I see Dillon walk from under the stairs. I say, “Dillon, how did you get back here, I thought the canine officer took you away in her car?” Dillon looks at me as he climbs the stairs with the heavy wooden cane dragging beside his legs. I had better follow him and let him in his apartment. If that Detective Hernandez sees Dillon with the cane he may have him arrested this time.
As I reach the second floor hall I observe Dillon looking at me as he knocks on the door with his paw. I look around to make sure there are no witnesses and open the door for Dillon.
Addressing Dillon I say, “Dillon, I will be back to give you some food and water a little later.” I talk to Dillon as though he is Keith. I know that Dillon is a free spirit brought to Keith by his attorney, Raj Arakkal. I continue talking with Dillon, “Mr. Arakkal knew that Keith would need a friend just like you.” Dillon smiles at me; I suddenly feel better even though circumstances remain grim.
I recall that Mr. Francis told me that Dillon’s father, also named Dillon, died from a brain tumor; when a pup his father was abused by people that raised dogs to fight. The abuse he suffered as a pup eventually led to seizures and a tumor which eventually caused his death. Dillon and his mother suffered abuse, but were removed from the abusive situation and adopted by the family in Virginia. A well-known football player was involved with the dogfighting ring and was sent to prison. I say to Dillon, “You are so special.”
Mr. Arakkal told me that Dillon is very special to Keith, Francis, and himself. Dillon is special to me because he is so kind. I know that if Dillon backs away and or growls at a person there is something wrong with that person, not Dillon. I think the entire Sorrell family and some friends know and understand Dillon’s history.
I suddenly decide that I should telephone Mr. Arakkal about the Sorrell’s situation. Mr. Arakkal’s housekeeper answers his home telephone and I ask her to please tell Mr. Arakkal that Ms. Seemore must speak to him; there is an emergency in Rockford. Seconds pass and he answers the phone. I inform Mr. Arakkal of the ambush and that Keith and Francis have been seriously injured, maybe killed. I tell him that Francis shot back and killed the two women that fired on him and Keith.
Mr. Arakkal says “Ms. Seemore, stay on the line, do not hang up, stay on the line, please.” On another phone Raj Arakkal telephones the District Attorney’s Office in Rockford and manages to be passed directly to her. I hear him inform her that Francis and Keith are not to be questioned without his presence. Mr. Arakkal continues, “As you are aware I am on retainer to represent the Sorrell family that includes Dillon Sorrell their family dog, in all legal matters.”
Continuing with the District Attorney, Mr. Arakkal says, “Ms. Brenda Seemore, Keith’s building manager, telephoned me as a witness to some of the incident including the SWAT team’s illegal entry into Keith Sorrell’s apartment. Ms. Seemore has retained my services as well and may not be questioned.”
Raj asks, “Are you there Ms. Seemore?” I respond with, “Yes I am.”
Raj continues talking on the other phone, “Do not question Ms. Seemore without my presence or prior approval. Please immediately approve protection for all of my clients especially the Sorrell’s at Rockford Memorial Hospital.” The District Attorney agrees to help. Raj says, “Good, I am glad we can count on you in this emergency situation. I am heading to Rockford, thanks, goodbye.”
As Raj Arakkal ends our telephone conversation I can hear more sirens and see flashing pulsating red and blue lights through windows.
I recall Keith and then Francis moving through the foyer out onto the sidewalk. I vividly remember Francis moving to take a gun from another man and fire it several times even as he was taking fire. Francis still managed to reach Keith to try and protect him.
I remember that upon watching Keith and Francis I thought that I had never witnessed such a display of mutual dedication and love.
I speak out loud to myself, “This was a frightening experience. This is a frightening experience. I think I need a cup of tea. I know that will calm me.”
Chapter 24
Sirens and Red and Blue Lights
The ambush from the vantage point of or as experienced by Francis Rene` Sorrell:
The rain continues to fall and the clouds are dark as thunder and lightning create an ominous atmosphere. I, Francis, am very aware that there are sirens and lights approaching and vehicles screeching to a halt. I am facing the park and notice that the animals are scattering and scurrying for safety.
I think, “I must get moving to stop whoever is firing at Keith and me. I fear there will be more shots and soon. My Grandson and Dillon need me. Marguerite needs me.” Many thoughts flash through my mind. Everything appears to be in fast forward as I pause my racing thoughts in order to evaluate the current situation.
I realize that I must find the strength to get moving, get mobile, as I will soon be greeting Marguerite. She has not told me, but based on our previous plans, I know that she will be arriving at O’Hare later tonight. If Marguerite does not receive another call from me, she is to rent an SUV and drive to Rockford. Marguerite will also talk with Raj; he will know what has happened and where we are when she arrives in Rockford. Marguerite also knows about Ms. Seemore and will possibly go to the apartment building manager’s apartment before heading for the hospital.
I find that I am unable to move with fluidness. I have been shot, I am very weak, and there is a great pain in my chest.
Unable to speak, I keep trying and finally manage a sheepish murmur that does not carry forward to my intended audience. I remember being on the pavement, then in the ambulance. I recall the gruesome events in the ambulance.
I think, “In two days, Marguerite and I will have an anniversary, and I want to be able to celebrate with her.” My mind floats backward, then forward and becomes steadfast in resolution and in time.
Looking at my Grandson once again I see that he has color in his face and hands, I let out a sigh of relief. Keith is doing much better since the EMT gave him an intravenous feeding; the IV appears to have saved his life.
These murder attempts on my Grandson’s life seem to have become a habit, a habit that I will stop. The Sorrell family must go on the offensive or perish by the swords of our enemies, whoever those enemies may be. I for one am getting sick and tired of being threatened, and I know Keith must feel the same way. After all he is the one that has been physically assaulted twice and has ended up in the hospital after both assaults.
I know that I was coherent when in the ambulance, aware of my surroundings, at least some of the time. Again, I remember the EMT referring to Keith saying, “He is gone, we have lost him.” I recall calling out to Keith, “You cannot go, we have work do.” I am thinking the same thoughts over and over; my mind is whirling like a child’s merry-go-round. I whisper praying, “Dear Lord, please help me to get a grasp on my thoughts. Help me to help Keith.”
I recall the EMTs reviving Keith once again, and then arriving at the emergency room at Rockford Memorial Hospital. For some reason I remember where the hospital is located, at the intersection of Rockton and Glenwood. I rem
ember that Rockford is known by many as Forest City because of the numerous elms located here. My mind returns to the present dire situation and my inability to be of any real use in helping Keith. “Make sure I stay near my Grandson,” I call out to anyone in the hospital who will listen.
I hear Katherine Kate’s voice answer with, “I’ll make sure of that Mr. Francis, calm down and stop worrying. I will get you near Keith. Lie back and rest everything is under control.” Katherine Kate says, “Stay calm Mr. Francis.”
With Katherine Kate’s words of assurance I relax and nod off to rest for a few minutes. I think to myself, “I will just take a nap.” I sleep for several hours.
I wake with a start. If it were not for the restraints I probably would have fallen to the hard floor and been hurt again. I open my eyes with a flutter and recognize Katherine Kate as she is exiting my room. I call out, “Kate, where is Keith? How is my Grandson?”
Seemingly stone faced and unemotional (this I find surprising) Kate responds with, “Keith is in intensive care, but they say he is no longer in extreme critical condition. Keith will be moving to the adjoining room within a couple of hours. When you are better you can go through the connecting door to visit him. Also, I will ask a floor nurse to come in and remove those restraints.”
Kate says, “Mr. Raj Arakkal has secured two adjoining rooms and provided security to supplement police protection; the men are in the hall just outside each of your doors.” Kate continued speaking, “Mr. Arakkal has considerable influence, trust us Mr. Francis and get some more rest now. Keith is in the best possible care in this hospital. You are in Rockford Memorial Hospital.” I knew where I was, but was glad that Kate had told me.
Signal to Murder Page 14