by Kyle West
Alex remained in the living room watching his favorite TV shows, until his mother made him go to bed at 9:00 pm. Vivian had a difficult time sleeping, as she woke up every hour or so all night long.
Ronelle woke up the next morning at 6:45 am and came into the living room to find Vivian already awake. Ronelle sits down on the floor and asks Vivian how she feels this morning. Vivian tells her that she feels better and then she was able to actually talk and open up a little with Ronelle. Vivian tells Ronelle about Det. Ellis coming over to her house when she dropped her off, and how he also said that she may be in danger.
Ronelle wants to know what Det. Ellis said. Vivian tells her, "Much of nothing like the other cops at the station. Seems like they have no info and they want to blame me for something. I don't know what his problem was. I told him just like I told the cops at the station I don’t know anything."
Ronelle adds, "I don't even think you should talk to any of them no more until you get a lawyer or something. You know how they be on some ghetto railroadin' shit? Viv you know we gotta take care of...arrangements.” As she hints towards Jesse's funeral arrangements. Ronelle further shares that while Vivian was at her condo yesterday getting her things; their boss Carla (Hanan) called twice to offer her condolences. Vivian was given a leave of absence with pay.
Ronelle tells Vivian that she requested a few days of vacation time so she can help her with funeral arrangements and all.
Vivian jumps up from the couch and says, "Jesse needs clothes! I have to get down there, he's all alone down there Ro. I know he’s gotta be cold. He's always cold..."
Ronelle sarcastically responds to herself, "Yea he's down there alright."
Vivian snaps. “Ro, don’t start please! Ronelle changes the subject abruptly, "What’s up with his family? You called any of them yet? His mother?”
Vivian replies, "No, not yet. I got Jesse's Mama's number at my place."
Ronelle responds, "We gotta call her Viv. Let's go get the number. I’ll call…I'll talk to her if you want girl, okay?"
As the two women walk over to Vivian’s condo, Ronelle learns that Vivian has only
spoken to Jesse's mother only a few times on the phone and that they've never met in person.
Stunned, Ronelle responds, "What? I'm gonna leave that alone! No, you mean to tell me that you...never met your...mother-in-law?!"
Vivian does not respond.
The two women approach Vivian's front door, and find it slightly ajar. Vivian and Ronelle carefully enter the condo and find the place completely ransacked! Vivian is stunned by the current state of her home. Ronelle is also shocked as she responds, "Girl let’s get outta here! Don't touch nothin' c'mon!”
As Vivian reaches to pick up the phone to call 911 Ronelle grabs her hand. Then there is a rapid knock on the open door which makes both women jump out of their skin!
It is Det. Ellis standing at the door. He apologizes as he briskly walks into the home, "What's happened here? Mrs. Baylor, are you okay ?"
Vivian remains speechless as both women fearfully back away from the detective.
Det. Ellis slowly continues toward the women, "Mrs. Baylor, it's me, Det. Ellis. What happened here last night? Who did this?!" Ronelle emphatically tells Det. Ellis to stop walking towards them, as she grabs two African statue end pieces off the floor and hands one of them to Vivian so they could protect themselves. The detective stops and holds his hands up in the air shoulder high. Det. Ellis tells the women that, he is there to help.
Ronelle yells, "Who the fuck are you?"
The detective responds, "I'm Det. Ellis, New Orleans Police. I'm here to see Mrs.
Baylor. Mrs. Baylor, remember me from yesterday?"
Ronelle asks Vivian if she knows him. She told her that he is the detective she mentioned to her about earlier and that he came by her condo yesterday.
Det. Ellis keeps his distance and calmly adds, "Is anybody hurt? Do we need an ambulance here? What happened here Mrs. Baylor?"
Vivian is so scared she is unable to respond. She looks at all of her belongings her china, her wedding pictures, a shattered coffee table, clothes and personal papers strewn all over on the floor in every room of her home.
Ronelle snaps to the detective, "You the police! You tell us what happened here!"
She then turns to Vivian and asks, "Is this the guy tellin' you that you in danger?!” She yells at the Det. Ellis. “Who is after her? What is she in danger of?"
Det. Ellis pays no attention to Ronelle and calmly asks Vivian, "Were you here last night, Mrs. Baylor? Are you ok?"
Ronelle interrupts, "She stayed with me!"
Det. Ellis now coldly stares over at Ronelle indicating that he wants her to be quiet. He tells Vivian, "You need to come with me Mrs. Baylor. As I said yesterday, you are not safe.
Let's go ma'am, now. You are now under the protection of N.O.P.D."
Ronelle suggests to Vivian to stay with her and not to go with Det. Ellis.
Vivian comes out of her temporary state of mind and responds, "Ro, I don't know what's going on here. I don't want anything happening to you and Alex so I better go with the police. I don't want y'all mixed up in no craziness you hear. This is my problem ok."
Det. Ellis quickly says, "Grab a few clothes ma'am, whatever you think you need."
Ronelle asks the detective where is he taking Vivian. It is at this moment that Mr.
Guidry the condo complex manager comes to the door. He is upset about the damage done to the condo and very worried about Vivian. He questions what happened.
Ronelle jumps in and tells Vivian that she will explain everything to Mr. Guidry who is a respected friend of both women.
Ronelle again asks Det. Ellis, "Where are you taking Vivian?"
He does not respond to Ronelle and expresses to Vivian, "Mrs. Baylor you will be fine.
Vivian then turns to Ronelle, "I will call you later and tell you where I am girl love you."
Ronelle proceeds to tell Mr. Guidry that someone broke into Vivian's house last night. Right before Vivian gets out of her front door Mr. Guidry turns and asks if she filed a police report.
As Vivian and Det. Ellis stop at the door the detective informs Mr. Guidry that he is with the N.O.P.D. and that he will file the police report. Det. Ellis asks Mr. Guidry for his personal information then informs him that he will be contacted by other detectives later on in the day to look over the scene. Mr. Guidry is satisfied with that.
Vivian then tells Det. Ellis that she needs to go over to Ronelle's house to get her purse. The detective tells her that she will not need it.
Vivian says she needs to get her purse, her money and personal identification.
Det. Ellis reluctantly says, "Okay. I will go with you. You ready ma’am?"
As they leave…Vivian tells Ronelle, "I'll call you as soon as I can and let you know where I am. Love you Ro.”
"Love you too Viv. I am going to call you in one hour no matter what ok!"
4:15pm - Detective Ellis is driving on I-10 heading downtown to the J.W. Marriott Hotel. There is no conversation between the Detective and Vivian. Vivian is staring out of the car window wondering how so much has happened to her in the last two days. Det. Ellis looks over at Vivian wanting to ask questions but just lets her be for the moment. Traffic starts to build up on the highway as they enter the downtown area. Det. Ellis asks Vivian if she is hungry, she says no and continues to stare out of the car window. The detective wants to break the silence and help Vivian think about something other than her misery at this point. He says, "I should be used to this traffic coming from Chicago. Traffic is so bad there, along with the road rage. I can handle this. You know I used to play basketball in high school with Dwayne Wade and Shawn Marion.
What about you Mrs. Baylor, where did you grow up?"
Vivian is forced to break her silence, "I grew up in Philadelphia with my two brothers and one sister. I went to Tulane (University) down here in New Orleans after high school."
"So you liked New Orleans that much, you decided to stay, huh?"
"Yeah, I love everything about New Orleans. Hurricane Katrina really set us back but we are a strong city."
Det. Ellis responds, "Oh, where were you when the hurricane hit?"
“A co-worker and I went up sixty, seventy miles up to Baton Rouge. We were up there for about a month." Katrina tried to take our (the city’s) soul. Take everything I worked hard for. I was lucky that my area wasn't hit too hard y’know, but lots of us wasn't so lucky.”
Vivian's attention is still focused out the car window as she tells Det. Ellis how she met her husband. Jesse Baylor was in New Orleans commanding the National Guard about a year ago to help quell some unrest on the city.
"I remember the day we met like it was yesterday. New Orleans is such a beautiful city and sometimes we get a little out of control ya’ know. But things were calming down and one day I went out to have lunch at my favorite spot on the Waterfront and the military was everywhere. I didn't pay them too much mind; I just wanted to see if I could find a quiet spot to eat. Well, there was nowhere. It looked like an invasion or something.
So I walked over to Barnes & Noble over there on (Veteran's) Memorial Drive so I could get my favorite a tall, White Chocolate Mocha and a blueberry scone." Vivian continues, "When I turned around there was this man dressed in fatigues following me and he was out of breath. It was Jesse and he followed me for four blocks just so he could ask me my name. We went out a few nights later and I’ve been in love with him ever since.
Jesse was a loving, caring man. He was a great husband and great friend to everybody. He didn't need to die like that," she adds.
Det. Ellis replies, "Your husband sounded like a good man. I can tell you really loved him." Det. Ellis then asks if he had any enemies, which Vivian responds, no.
The Detective turns to Vivian sarcastically, "Nobody? Gambling buddy? Ex-boyfriend of yours? Pissed off business partner? Nobody?"
Vivian turns and repeats, no.
Det. Ellis continues his line of questions, "Mrs. Baylor, do you think the break in at your house and your husband's murder have anything to do with each other? I’m just asking."
Vivian turns to the detective and responds, "I really don't know, do they?"
Det. Ellis's tone gets a little strong, "Yes ma'am they have to. You say your husband had no enemies but it seems like he really pissed somebody off for them to be coming after you now! C'mon now. We can't help you if you don't tell me what you know about this Mrs. Baylor and I mean everything."
Vivian sits up in the car seat and snaps at the detective, "Hold it! I said I told you everything that I know! And who is they?” You keep saying they! What are you not telling me detective?”
After a few seconds Det. Ellis sternly voices, "Jesse Baylor your husband was a M.I.C.O. officer with the Army working directly under the supervision of the C.I.A. He was secret service militia, commando, whatever. He carried out covert operations for the government. He wasn’t just in the army. You telling me you didn’t know this ma’am?"
A confused Vivian responds, "My husband was with the troops in Iraq."
Det. Ellis interjects, "No, no Mrs. Baylor you don't get to come home every two weeks or so and sleep in your own bed like your husband did when you are just in the army. Your husband was a heavy hitter; he was already a career militia man. Mrs. Baylor you need to protect yourself here and tell me what you know because now…you are involved!"
Det. Ellis is now driving rather recklessly through the New Orleans traffic. He sternly tells Vivian, "They want it back Mrs. Baylor that’s all! They want what Jesse took from them! Give it to me and this can all be over ma’am!"
A frightened Vivian now in tears shouts, "Give what back?! Who?! What do they want?! Stop! Let me out!”
Det. Ellis responds, "I can help you Mrs. Baylor but you have to trust me! They will not go away!"
Vivian shouts back, "I'm telling you all I know! God please! Stop this car and let me out!"
Det. Ellis then sharply cuts into the valet parking area in front of the downtown J.W. Marriott Hotel on Canal St. stopping on a dime right in front of the hotel door. Vivian is shuddering in fear with her head in her hands, rocking back and forth.
Det. Ellis stares at her before calmly saying, "They won't go away."
It is then when the valet parking attendant hurriedly swings Vivian's car door open.
Vivian screams in fear!
Det. Ellis casually raises his hand to tell the attendant to leave them alone. The detective then courteously pulls the car down a few feet so as to not block the hotel front door, and continues talking with Vivian in private.
After a minute of silence in the car the detective comforts Vivian, takes a deep breath, and tells her, "I know you're scared. This is serious. Your husband made some important people very mad. He took something that wasn't his and they think you have it. All you need to do is give it to me Mrs. Baylor. Me and the New Orleans Police Department can return it and all is good again okay. I don't want anything to happen to you. You can trust me. Just tell me where it is."
Vivian is mentally exhausted, "Detective I just don't know what to tell you. I don't know anything about Jesse having anything. I can’t do this with you. Det. Ellis takes a second or two to respond, "Ok, I’m sorry. Just tell me when did you last talk to your husband?"
Vivian tiredly responds, "Two to three days ago I think. Jesse called me at my job.
When he's on assignment he never calls me at home. It was at work, or maybe on my cell.
Detective I am getting fed up with your line of questioning. You need to find my husband's killer and stop harassing me. If I have to get a lawyer I will! I don't need you police treating me like this!” Vivian takes out her cell phone and starts to dial.
Det. Ellis politely puts his hand on the phone and stops her from dialing and says, "Okay, I'll tell you what we know so far but not here. Let me check you in and let's talk upstairs ok, not here? Please?”
6:10 pm - Detective Ellis checks Vivian in at the J.W. Marriott. They walk through the beautiful atrium and lobby with a waterfall and beautiful ornate décor.
Vivian is worn out from all the events that have taken place the last two days. Det. Ellis carries Vivian's overnight bag and Jesse's evidence bag, given to her yesterday at the police station.
Det. Ellis has her sit on a comfortable couch in the lounge as he goes to check them in at the front desk. They will be staying in the Penthouse Suite which has two levels. Vivian will remain upstairs and the detective will stay downstairs for the night .
Before going up to the suite the detective asks Vivian if she wants to get something to eat…she answers no. They get on the glass elevator as they ascend to the 14th Floor.
Det. Ellis opens the hotel room door, room 1455 and enters the room to make sure the room is empty and safe before allowing her to enter. He puts Vivian's bags on the coffee table in the middle of the room and lets her know he will be downstairs. Vivian stands at the door, uncomfortable in this foreign environment. Det. Ellis walks over, puts his hand on her back and escorts her over to the large white leather couch in the living room area. Vivian sits down while Det. Ellis walks around the suite making sure Vivian has the luxuries to make herself comfortable. "I'll be staying downstairs if you need anything Mrs. Baylor. How do you like the accommodations?"
"It's hard for me to appreciate anything right now. Okay…I'm here now let’s talk. Where are you going?"
Detective Ellis skirts around Vivian’s question, "We just want to make sure you are safe Mrs. Baylor. As I said, I'll be downstairs and if you need anything just let me know ok." Vivian snaps, "You said you'd tell me everything if I came up here!" The detective calmly cuts in, "I just have to make a few calls and I'll be right back up to talk ok. Don't leave the room, I'll be right back ma'am."
Det. Ellis adds, "Why don't you make some phone calls or something."
A frustrated Vivian sits on the couch and re
sponds, "Yeah, I need her to get started on the arrangements for Jesse. Look I don't have no time for this!"
Det. Ellis interrupts, "Isn't the military taking care of all of that for you?" Vivian responds, "I have not been contacted by the Army." The detective then asks, "Did your husband have insurance, a pension fund, some hidden assets for a rainy day? Anything like that?" Vivian replies back, "We do have life insurance for both of us, that's about it." Det. Ellis responds as he exits the hotel suite, "Oh ok. The government will be contacting you later today or tomorrow about the arrangements. He’s a veteran, don’t stress it’s ok."
Vivian yells, "No! Wait! You aren't leaving me in here! I want to talk now! What’s going on here! You police are treating me like I killed my husband, then put me up in here like I'm Beyoncé with fruit baskets, exotic chocolates on the bed and designer water!"
He can see that Vivian is frustrated and exhausted, so he steps back into the suite,
"Ma’am I’ll be right back. I have to call my commander. I’m going to find out if there is any new info on this case. I’ll tell you everything. Just give me ten minutes, ok?
Vivian grabs her purse, looking for her cell phone, "I gotta call my mother. I can't believe I haven't called her yet. Hell, just go! Hurry back!" Vivian turns on her phone to see that Ronelle has called four times and left two messages. Vivian looks at her watch and decides to call her mother first but gets her voice mail. Vivian leaves a message for her mother to call her back immediately.
Vivian then walks over to the kitchen to grab a room temperature water to drink. She looks out the window down onto Canal Street when her cell phone rings. It’s Ronelle. Vivian answers and sarcastically says, "Must you call me a hundred times a day?"
Ronelle responds, "Heifer, I'm over here worrying my ass off about you and you ain't pick up? Whatever. Where are you?! You ok?!"
Vivian responds, "At the Marriott on Canal Street. I'm ok. I'm scared, confused, waiting for the detective to get back so I can figure out what’s going on. But girl they got me up in the Penthouse Suite. I got Veuve Clicquot champagne, Rolex body wash, everything.”