Hard Job Read online

  Wilkenson chuckled loudly, his amusement and pity for the old, foolish woman plain to hear. Kelly shared a pleased expression with him. “He’s absolutely delighted that Zhou is being made to look foolish,” Reightman realized as she watched the byplay at the opposite end of the table.

  “Very well then. Thank you for indulging an old woman, Mr. Wilkenson. I will remember your kindness as I share the rest of my reasoning with the group.” Zhou paused until she had the attention of everyone seated at the table. Reightman suppressed a shiver when she realized Zhou looked like a small, dangerous predator preparing itself for a strike. “My second reason for denying you access to any of the material is this: you are one of the individuals shown engaging in sexual acts with Mr. Geraldo Guzman.”

  The individuals around the table reacted in different ways: Kelly looked unsure of what had just happened, but recognized the floor had just dropped out from under his side of the table; Hollingfield was both shocked and disgusted; Lautner sat back in her chair with her arms crossed thoughtfully, not looking at anyone else in the room; Patricia Evans gave a short bark of surprised laughter, which she attempted to disguise by clearing her throat; and finally, Tom Anderson looked directly at Reightman with one eyebrow raised in query.

  Zhou continued her relentless summation, not bothered in the least by the reactions around her. “Thirdly, your name appears in the ledger book detailing the sums of money paid to Mr. Guzman, complete with the totals and the dates of payment. Your account is quite impressive, and perhaps should be investigated by the staff accountants on the city payroll. I am sure they will have questions about where some of the funds originated. Shall I continue explaining how, because of these reasons, you have a possible motive for desiring the death of Mr. Guzman and, should the case be reopened, must be considered a suspect?”

  Wilkenson’s face was as white as a sheet and he sat absolutely motionless at the end of the table next to Kelly. When he failed to respond to her question, Zhou finished up her slaughter. “Mr. Wilkenson, you have the contacts, the influence and enough outright power to stymie any investigation, much less one by which you stand to lose as much as this one promises in terms of cost. You have in fact, admitted it – rather boastfully – and tried to do just that here in this room today.”

  Wilkenson sat back in his seat, dazed and in shock. He shot the old lady an incredulous look. “You’ve ruined me ...”

  “No, Mr. Wilkenson. You ruined yourself. “Zhou’s voice held no pity for the humiliated man who had treated her so dismissively a few minutes earlier. “As soon as I described the evidence in our possession, you should have excused yourself from the discussion and then explained yourself to the Mayor. Instead, you chose to try to intimidate me into allowing you to view the materials and to take control of them. My concerns about the safety of the evidence have been fully justified.”

  Wilkenson continued to stare at Zhou Li, with horrified and shameful understanding of what had been exposed to those present. He slowly gathered his things from the table and placed them in his briefcase – avoiding eye contact with anyone at the table. Then he quickly left the room.

  “Oh, man…” Mitchell commented with the slightest of breaths from his place at Reightman’s side.

  Once those seated around the table had absorbed what had just happened, Madame Zhou spoke again. “Mr. Hollingfield, I assume you are able to represent the Mayor, as well as the City’s interests, now that Mr. Wilkenson has left us. Is my assumption correct?”

  Hollingfield took a quick look around the table and then answered, “Yes, I am.”

  “Excellent,” Zhou responded. “I suggest we proceed, if everyone is in agreement.” Once they’d all signaled their assent, the old attorney continued. “The nature of the evidence we have in our position must be handled very carefully if it is to be used properly and effectively, and in an ethical manner. I must insist what we discuss remain extremely confidential. I have grave concerns about how the material will be safeguarded, and about how the investigation will unfold when the case is reopened – and it will be reopened.”

  Hollingfield spoke from his seat opposite Zhou. “Madame Zhou, with all due respect, I’m not certain the city will agree to reopen this case. It will require further discussion.”

  “Perhaps additional discussion will be required,” Zhou agreed. “However, if needed, I will make certain public opinion demands the case be reopened.”

  “Do I understand you to say you would make this information – information you yourself have described as highly confidential and sensitive – available to the public?” Lautner, the senior assistant DA asked carefully.

  Zhou exchanged a look with Toby and then nodded. “Yes, although that would be our choice of last resort. However, we are committed to finding the truth behind these deaths and are prepared to go to extreme measures to do so.”

  Immediately understanding the repercussions, Hollingfield asked “What would we need to agree to in order for the information to remain in official hands?”

  Zhou consulted her notes a moment before answering. “First, the case must be opened. Secondly, all matters pertaining to the investigation must be under the authority of the department’s senior Homicide Detective, Detective Melba Reightman.”

  “Absolutely not!” Kelly objected. “Reightman’s too close to this case and I don’t have confidence in her ability to handle something this important. In fact, I’ve questioned her judgment many times before, and have been meaning to take disciplinary action and demote her from her senior position for some time.” He waited for Reightman’s reaction, and when he saw she wasn’t going to say anything in her own defense, he dismissed her. “If this case is reopened, it will be under my direct supervision and handled by a different team entirely.”

  Hollingfield considered the Police Chief’s words. “If that’s the case, Chief Kelley, we’d have to make other arrangements.”

  “It is the case. I don’t trust Reightman to keep any information to herself. She’s shared more information with Mr. Bailey and his attorney than was ever advisable.”

  “Do you mean Detective Reightman didn’t maintain proper confidentiality of information?” Hollingfield asked.

  “Yes, that’s exactly what I mean.”

  “That in and of itself would be a dereliction of duty, and reason for disciplinary action. It could certainly explain why there are some unanswered questions about this situation.” Hollingfield looked in Reightman’s direction, making his disapproval clear.

  “Yes, you are correct,” Kelly agreed. “As I‘ve already mentioned, I’ve had concerns about her performance for some time.”

  “Exactly how long have you had these concerns, Chief Kelly?” Zhou politely inquired.

  “For well over a year, and perhaps for as long as two years.”

  “Oh dear, this does complicate matters.” Zhou’s voice sounded surprised and worried. “You must find her very difficult indeed, Chief Kelly.”

  “That calls into question the need to reopen the investigation,” Hollingfield added with concern. “I’m afraid any further action on this case will have to wait until the matter of Detective Reightman’s ongoing performance is handled to the Police Department’s – and the City’s satisfaction.”

  Zhou Li considered everything that had been said, and then asked hesitantly, “Assuming your concerns are validated, Mr. Hollingfield, how long do you think it…I mean, how long would it be before you’d be able to agree on behalf of the city to proceed with reopening the case and resuming the investigative activities?”

  Hollingfield tightened his lips and looked toward Chief Kelly. “Well,” he mused, “I think we should be able to tie things up in a relatively rapid fashion, say – two or three months?” He waited for Kelly’s confirmation

  “That sounds about right. These things do take time and we want to make certain Detective Reightman is treated equitably. For a matter this serious, she may even feel the need for some sort of representation if
things should move to the point of a formal hearing and possible demotion – or dismissal.” He looked down the table to see what impact his words had on Reightman and was surprised when she simply gave him a tight-lipped smile.

  “Oh…this is even more complicated than I feared,” Zhou said sadly, fluttering about in her seat. “Can you explain one thing to me, Chief Kelly?” she directed a hopefully expression toward the end of the table. “You see, I’m finding myself confused.”

  Distracted by Reightman’s response, it took him a minute to turn back to answer the question. “I’ll try to help in any way I can.”

  Zhou Li smile sweetly in his direction. “Thank you, that is very kind.” Reightman watched as Zhou’s expression changed, and if the circumstances had been different, would have felt sympathy for what Kelly was about to experience. “Perhaps you can start by explaining what exactly you’re getting out of all this?”

  “I don’t understand what you are asking.” Reightman could see Kelly’s irritation starting to rise again.

  “Then I will try to simplify for you,” Zhou Li told him, with none of her former sweetness. “What benefit are you receiving for your efforts in trying to discredit Detective Reightman?”

  “I’m not trying to discredit her! I’ve simply shared my long standing concerns regarding her judgment and her performance of her job duties.”

  “I find myself very disappointed in you, Chief Kelly.” Zhou pulled a few pages from the stack on the table and held them in one hand. “Here, I have copies of Detective Reightman’s performance reviews for the past five years. In addition to those, I also have several letters which have been placed in her file – many from you, Chief Kelly – over the same period of time. The most recent letter from you commending her for outstanding performance was dated less than five weeks ago.”

  “Where did you get those?”

  “Why, I received them from Detective Reightman, of course.”

  “Those are confidential documents and are not to be shared casually with anyone outside of the Detective’s direct chain of command, and certain city officials.” Hollingfield told her sternly. “Detective Reightman knows better than to share them with anyone not falling within those boundaries. She’s in violation of city policy by that action alone.”

  “I believe there are a few exceptions to that policy, Mr. Hollingfield. One such exemption allows for an individual to share any of his or her own documents, or documents relating to him or herself, with an attorney engaged for the purposing of representing them.” Zhou looked at the City Attorney with an expression of inquiry. “Is my understanding correct, sir?”

  “Yes, but I fail to see–”

  “Exactly! You fail to see much of anything this morning, Mr. Hollingfield. Detective Melba Reightman has engaged me to represent her. We finalized our binding agreement this morning. You witnessed it in fact.”

  “We all witnessed it,” Jessica Lautner acknowledged from her seat at Hollingfield’s side. “Detective Reightman handed payment to Madame Zhou and they shook hands, signifying agreement and making it binding and legal. Detective Reightman is perfectly within her rights to share these documents – and a great many more – with her attorney.”

  “May I see those documents?” Hollingfield asked after he thought over the possible ramifications.

  “Certainly,” Zhou agreed pleasantly, as she stood and handed him the papers. “But I will want them returned.”

  Hollingfield quickly read though the presented documents and looked up at Kelly when he’d finished. “Kelly, perhaps you’d care to explain yourself? These indicate that you held Detective Reightman in the highest possible regard – and in fact, you indicated she’s ready for promotion when the first opportunity arises.”

  “But I–”

  “Gentlemen,” Zhou interrupted “I must caution you to say nothing more. You see, I intend to represent Detective Reightman in the suit we will be filing against the city as soon as I obtain her agreement to proceed. Anything you say now will certainly prejudice your case and ethically, I am obligated to warn you.”

  Hollingfield head snapped around at her comment. “What suit?”

  “The lawsuit which will claim she has been discriminated against, harassed, and disparaged due to her sex.”

  “That’s ridiculous!” Hollingfield exclaimed. “You’ll never have such a claim substantiated.”

  “Won’t I? All of us in this room heard her direct superior – the senior official of the city department in which she is employed – make a series of remarks this morning.” Zhou quickly consulted her notes. “He said, and I quote, “I should have known better than to place a stupid broad in a position with any level of responsibility – women simply cannot accept authority and are absolutely incapable of doing this sort of job. They don’t have the balls for it! They’re fine as secretaries and meter maids but not much else.” Those comments, along with his transparent and unsuccessful attempt to discredit Detective Reightman, will provide a strong basis for our suit – especially in light of the new non-discrimination policy which has been adopted by the city. Fortunately, I have a room full of credible witnesses to both Chief Kelly’s attempt to discredit her, and also to the inflammatory comments made by him.”

  “We would counter sue, showing that Detective Reightman failed to follow procedure and broke official policy by sharing information about an ongoing murder investigation with you and your client.”

  “I would advise you to not waste the time or the taxpayer’s money, Mr. Hollingfield. The sharing of information was approved by the Mayor’s office and cleared by your own staff. Chief Kelly shared the good news with me himself. I am sure there is documentation somewhere. We do all seem to be fond of paper trails. A subpoena for information should garner what I need to have your suit dismissed as being completely without merit.”

  Hollingfield knew she had him. Kelly looked down silently at the table.

  “I am afraid I have more unpleasant news for you, Mr. Hollingfield,” Zhou said apologetically as she handed him an additional set of documents. “I am sharing these with you, in advance of them being officially served, as a professional courtesy.” She waited until he had taken the documents into his own hand before adding pleasantly, “I filed this suit this morning, against the city for the mistreatment of and damage done to Mr. Geraldo Guzman’s body while it was in the custody of the city morgue, under the care of Dr. Benjamin Lieberman.”

  “You’re claiming damages of eighty million dollars,” Hollingfield whispered in horrified disbelief after reviewing the new set of documents

  “Yes, I realize we will probably not receive that much, but I suspect the final total will be quite acceptable. Jurors have proven to look unfavorably on the desecration of the dead. I would also have included damages for the loss of Mr. Guzman’s private property, but the items were located by Detective Reightman and Mr. Anderson and eventually returned.” Before the dismayed City Attorney could comment, Zhou presented another set of documents to him. “I’m afraid I am not quite done. The documents I’ve just handed you will also be served through official channels. They outline my intent to sue this department for the improper arrest of my client, and to ask for damages for the harm done to his character. Unfortunately, there were a number of reporters present as Mr. Bailey was cuffed and taken to jail and that caused him great emotional distress. In fact, the financial harm done to him and to his business by the public comments made by city officials has not been factored in the damages I’m seeking, so I’m afraid I will have to amend my filing. I do hate having to rework documents.”

  Zhou Li turned to the assistant DA. “I also have one small matter for your office, Ms. Lautner. I will be asking for an official grand jury investigation to be opened regarding possible corruption and the use of undue influence by city officials to prejudice this department in both its disposition of the Guzman murder and in the suicide ruling in the death of Dr. Lieberman.”

  Jessica Lautner glanced across t
he table at Dr. Evans, and then cleared her throat before cautiously asking, “May I ask what information you will present to support your request, Madame Zhou?”

  “It is actually a chain of events. I believe they will be found curious. In short, I will share the discussions we have all had this morning, the content of which will be supported by most – if not all – of the people sitting here. In addition, I will point to the vilification this department was subjected to by a member of the City Council and the complete turnaround in relations demonstrated immediately following the public announcement of the Guzman case closure and Dr. Lieberman’s death, which was characterized as suicide. Furthermore, the kind words spoken by the same Councilman at a recent rally at the City Park will be presented to bolster up my request.”

  As she was talking to Lautner, Zhou had another thought spring to mind. “Oh Mr. Hollingfield, I really must caution you that the expression of hateful, discriminatory and derogatory comments made by a member of the city council against a class of citizen protected under the new non-discrimination and defamation policy is putting you on shaky ground. Especially since those same comments were made on city owned property. It would be a pity if someone – or a group, perhaps – came forward and filed a suit against you for that as well. We wouldn’t want that, would we?”

  After Hollingfield mumbled something which Reightman couldn’t quite make out, Lautner replied to Zhou’s previous comment, “Madame Zhou, with all respect – and I use that word sincerely – I don’t honesty believe you have enough concrete evidence to warrant such an investigation. Unless you have something else to tie everything together, I’m afraid your attempt to muster an official investigation would fail.”

  “Oh dear,” Zhou replied in a mournful voice. “I hate to prematurely share anything, but I suppose I must. Ms. Lautner, I feel confident action will be taken because, you see, Councilman Sutton Dameron is also included in our photographic line-up, with each transaction documented and cross referenced. Mr. Guzman kept such excellent and complete records, although I can’t say I approve of how he was using his bookkeeping skills.”