Silenced Justice: A Josh Williams Novel (4 page)

Chapter 6

Friday, August 14, 2009

9:00 AM

Alpha Babes Investigations

Providence, RI

Two days later, Josh and Keira met with Chris Hamlin and Vera Johnson at their office. Just as they began the discussion, Maggie Fleming came in.

"Well, this seems like quite the group. Can I join in?" Fleming asked.

"Grab a coffee and sit down, Maggie." Chris said. "We're going over the case for Vera's niece."

After getting coffee, Maggie joined the group as Keira reviewed the case.

"First, the witness statements from the civilians are terrible. They saw a shadow run by, nothing more. None of them could identify Grey. There is no statement from the first victim. The primary investigator reports the victim's identification of Grey in the Providence case. There is no mention of a lineup; all the detective's report says is the victim identified Grey from a picture. I'd say that’s dubious at best." She finished her coffee, raising her cup to Josh for more.

"Hmm," Chris said, smiling, "maybe she has found something useful Josh can do," raising her cup. "Oh waiter, I will take some more as well."

"Get your own f'ing--"

"Josh," Keira interrupted, "Be a good boy and do as you're told."

Josh shook his head and went to get the coffee.

"You have to show me the trick," Chris said.

"Don't you dare," Josh yelled.

"Sorry, just for me," Keira smiled. "Look at this, another East Providence detective's report. All he says is the victim identified Grey in the Providence lineup," handing the lineup copy to show around. "Grey's face shows evidence of a beating. The other five aren't even close in stature or appearance. I'd love to talk to the AG who handled this lineup."

Josh returned, handing out the coffees. "Who was the AG?"

"There are initials, but I can't make them out. Maybe we can find someone from that time who might know who they belong to?" Keira replied.

"I know someone I can ask," Chris said. "George Tucker was a special assistant back then. He might know."

"Tucker, as in the Presiding Justice of the Supreme Court? The one who just received the Thurgood Marshall Memorial Award for Judicial Excellence?" Josh asked.

"That would be him," Chris said.

"Well, he might recognize the initials, but I doubt he'd know anything about the case. You know what they call him right?" Josh asked.

"No, I don't," Chris said.

"When they tried to transfer all the black gang members from the prison to other states, he ruled against them. He ordered the prisoners returned to the ACI. They gave him the nickname Reverse Oreo."

"Oh my God," Chris said.

"He's right," Maggie Fleming said. "I've heard it as well. He has a huge reputation in the civil rights area. Some people think he's gone too far on many decisions. The reverse Oreo nickname caught on."

"That’s so nice," Keira added, shaking her head. "Look, you need the Providence PD file to be certain but I’d say this has all the earmarks of a railroading by the police. You have a conveniently available black guy and all white victims. If this were a conviction case I think the Innocence Project would take it." Turning to Josh, "Didn't you say one of the victims was the daughter of a police officer?"

The three other women turned to Josh, a bit wide-eyed.

"Yeah, I recognized the name from when my father was on the State Police. Sheila Monson was the daughter of a retired State Police Lieutenant, Alfred Monson."

"I am surprised Grey made it as far as the prison," Chris said.

"Okay," Josh said. "I think I can get the file from Providence. I'll tell them some bullshit story about writing a book or something."

"Ha, writing a book?" Chris chuckled, "Shouldn't you read one before you write one?"

All the women laughed, although Keira tried to hide it.

Josh just looked at them. "Nice group I've got here. Anyway, I know someone who may be helpful. I'll reach out to him. Next, we need to talk to Tucker. Chris, since you know him, you and I will do that. Maggie, how about you dig around the prosecution community. Vera see if you can find news stories on what happened at the prison."

"Sound good?" Not waiting for a response Josh stood, glancing at Chris. He took two quick steps toward the door. Chris took a drink of her coffee and spit it back into the cup.

"The son-of-a-bitch put salt in it," trying to get around the table at Josh.

Josh opened the door. "Was that salt? So sorry my friend,” slamming the door behind him.

Chris looked at Keira, the others were laughing. "You still have serious work to do on him."

Keira smiled. "I know, but he can be funny sometimes."

Chapter 7

Monday, August 17, 2009

2:30 PM

Rumford, Rhode Island

Giovanni 'Fatso' Bellofatto, the consigliere of the Patriarca crime family, was not your typical mobster. Bellofatto, educated and stylish, prided himself on his sophistication. He mirrored the style of John Gotti; designer suits, $500 haircuts. He admired Gotti's manner and tried to copy it. He once served as a conduit to New York during the time Gotti was killing his way to mob leadership. The difference was Bellofatto's fondness for food and loathing of exercise. Gotti was the Teflon Don. Fatso was the Donut Don.

In 1969, Bellofatto went to prison for conspiracy to commit murder for the execution-style slaying of two bookies. His conviction secured his position within the organization's hierarchy. The bookies made the error of refusing to pay protection money to the family. Bellofatto took the hit and made his bones.   

The informant who testified disappeared into the Witness Protection program. He resurfaced in California trying to return to his old habits. His bullet-ridden body, absent a tongue, washed up on the shore of a lake outside Los Angeles several months later. State Police suspected two people in the killing of the informant. One was a frequent visitor of Bellofatto's in the prison the other, one of Bellofatto's soldiers. Authorities never charged anyone in the informant’s murder.

In 1973, Bellofatto's lawyer lobbied the General Assembly to approve a request by the Governor to pardon Bellofatto on humanitarian grounds. The lawyer, who would someday become the Presiding Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court, had persuaded the Governor, his former law partner, to seek a pardon for Bellofatto.

The attorney argued that the diagnosis of terminal pancreatic cancer was a death sentence. The diagnosis, rendered by the state's own prison physician, confirmed by the medical reports. The attorney’s emotional plea garnered much sympathy for Bellofatto. The Bishop of the Diocese of Providence testified before the General Assembly in support. He touted Bellofatto's generous support of the Church and genuine remorse for his past.

The Governor issued the pardon on a Friday afternoon before a long holiday weekend. By Monday, it was yesterday’s news.

Days after his release, a fire in the prison hospital ward destroyed the records. The prison doctor left state employment a short time after the fire. Claiming an inheritance from a distant relative, he retired to a Caribbean island.   

Bellofatto remains one of the longest known survivors of this fatal prognosis. He credited his longevity to his fervent prayer for intercession from the Heavenly Saints.

Only in Rhode Island is such a miraculous intercession possible.

The patron saint of Rhode Island. Saint 'I-Know-a-Guy.'

Josh had several encounters with Bellofatto over the years. Fatso owned an Italian restaurant on Pawtucket Avenue, near Bay View Academy. The restaurant was a favorite of Academy parents for birthday and graduation celebrations. Fatso's twin daughters graduated from the school in 1968. The school benefited from Bellofatto's generous donations.

Josh drove to Bellofatto's home in the Rumford section of the city. Bellofatto's home was huge, but not ostentatious. No marble statues of nymphs peeing in the pool or lions guarding the driveway. It is a Victorian style mansion, secluded by surrounding woodlands along the Turner reservoir. Equipped with better security than the White House, the house was a virtual fortress.

Josh pulled up to the security camera at the front gate and pushed the call button. The camera zoomed in on him and, a moment later, the gate swung open.
No need to ask why I'm here
.
This guy is a piece of work.

Pulling up to the covered portico, Josh saw Fatso, and his bodyguard, waiting on the front steps.

Josh got out of the car.

"Sergeant Williams, how are you?" Bellofatto asked.

"It's Lieutenant now, Mr. Bellofatto," Josh answered. "I am well. And you?"

"Lieutenant, ah, a well-deserved promotion. Please, call me Gino. We are among friends here, I hope." Trying to gauge Josh's behavior and body language, Bellofatto was cautious but charming.

"Gino, I was hoping to speak with you in private for a moment," eyeing the muscle, who was staring him down.

"This is as private as it gets, Lieutenant. Speak freely."

Josh gave the bodyguard one last look, "I was hoping I could test your memory. In 1972, while you were in the ACI, they brought a guy in, a black guy, on a rape and murder beef. Two inmates beat him to death a few days later. Do you recall the incident?"

Bellofatto made a slight motion with his head and the muscle walked inside the home. "Is this of an investigative nature? That would affect my memory," Bellofatto smiled.

"This is off the record." Josh answered. “I am asking for a friend. They tried and convicted the inmates responsible. It's not about you. Just looking for background info." He saw the bodyguard watching from the front window.

"In that case, yeah I remember when they killed the mulignan. Bastard deserved it," Bellofatto replied.

"The what?"

"Mulignan, it's Italian slang for eggplant. A nicer form of nigger if you will," smiling at Josh.

"Ah. So, did you hear anything about why an inmate held for trial was in the general population, especially a rapist?"

Bellofatto paused a moment, studying Josh. "Let's just say none of the guards worried too much about following procedures," Bellofatto said, "or what would happen to the guy," folding his arms and smiling. "I heard someone in the State Police put the arm on the warden to make it happen. We all have our ways. You have yours and we have ours. You have to remember, those were different times."

Josh listened, taking in the information. "So you think it was intentional?"

"What I think doesn't matter. They put the guy out there and let nature take its course. Far as I can see, it worked. Son-of-a-bitch raped a bunch of white women and killed one," hesitating a moment, eyes narrowing. "Or he didn't and you're out to find out who did."

"Something like that."

"If you did your research, then you'd know the rapes stopped after the guy was caught. The cops made a big deal out of it. They acted as if they caught the Boston Strangler. You're sure he wasn't the one?"

"Let's just say there is some doubt. About a month after they arrested Grey, Massachusetts State Police made an arrest in Seekonk. They grabbed a guy in an attempted rape at the Ramada Inn. The guy matched the description of the suspect in the RI cases."

"Well," Bellofatto smiled, "you know them mulignans all look alike."

Josh shook his head. "Thanks, Mr. Bello…ah, Gino. I appreciate the information."

Bellofatto nodded, "Look, no one appreciates the cops looking to help an innocent guy more than me. If the mulignan," pausing a moment, "sorry, force of habit. If the guy didn't do it then I hope you can help out whoever you're doing this for."

"It's his daughter," Josh answered. "She'd like to know he wasn't a rapist and murderer."

Bellofatto nodded and motioned for the bodyguard to open the security gate, the conversation was over.

Josh went back to his car and headed out. As he pulled onto the roadway, his cell phone beeped with a text message from a blocked number. "Ask Jimmy Calise from Providence PD."

Guy is a piece of work
.

Chapter 8

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

8:30AM

East Providence Police Headquarters

East Providence, Rhode Island

Chief Brennan was reviewing files when his assistant paged him. "Lieutenant Williams is here to see you, Chief."

"Send him in, Donna."

Josh walked into the Chief's office and sat on the ledge near the window. "How's your day going, El Jefe?" he asked, smiling.

"Up until a moment ago fine," Brennan answered. "Now, I am not so sure."

"Well, good news for a change."

"I’ll be the judge of that."

"Okay, I was wondering if you had a problem with me taking some unplanned time off. I know the requests are supposed to be fifteen days ahead of the date, but I found some cheap flights to Fort Myers. I figure Keira and I can use some time away."

Brennan smiled. Williams was a favorite son of his and he was happy to hear things were back on track with the young couple. "If it means you'll be out of my hair, then by all means go. Go now if you like. But please, go."

"Thanks boss, I'll miss you too."

Josh walked out of the office
. One down, one to go. Now to convince Keira to take the time.

Stopping at the aide's desk on the way out Josh asked, "Hey Donna, how do I convince my wife to take time off to go with me to Fort Myers Beach?"

"Try asking," Donna replied. "I bet it would be a good place to start."

"Genius," Josh answered, "You are a true genius."

Josh called Keira on his cell as he walked back to the SIU.

"Hey, what's up?" she answered.

"Are you busy?"

"Not at all, just finished a motion I argue tomorrow. Why?"

"I want to take you to dinner," Josh said.

"Uh-oh, what did you do now?"

"Nothing, can't I just decide to take you to dinner without raising suspicions?"

"Not usually, but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. Where would you like to go?"

"How about the Canfield House in Newport?"

"Now I know you did something spectacular. Okay, what's up? "

"Trust me, you're gonna enjoy this."

"I can't wait. When will you be here?"

"Five okay?" Josh answered.

"Will that give you enough time to think of an excuse for whatever it is you did?"

"Hey, have some faith in me will ya."

"I know you too well Mr. Williams, too well. See you later."

* * *

Arriving at Keira's office just before 5:00 PM, Josh walked towards the front entrance. As he got to the door, his cell rang. Looking at the caller ID, he felt his face turning red. The display read, Kristin Volpe AG's Office.
Uh-oh, not taking that one
. He sent the call to voice mail. When he looked up, Keira was walking towards him.

"Who was that?" she asked.

"Oh, no one, the office. I sent it to voice mail. Tonight there are no interruptions."

"Oh my god, now I know you did something. Just tell me and get it over with."

"Nothing to tell, but I do have a surprise for you."

"Yeah and…"

"You're going to have to wait until dinner. Keep you in suspense a bit more," Josh said.

"Oh, I cannot wait to hear this one."

A short time later, they sat in the restaurant. Josh ordered a bottle of Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay, Keira kept looking at Josh.

"What?" Josh asked.

"I keep waiting for the bomb to go off," she said. "Cakebread Cellars, dinner at Canfield House, just unbelievable."   

"Okay, here it is…" Josh began.

Keira leaned forward. "Shouldn't you remove any sharp objects from my reach?"

Josh shook his head, "No, okay. Just listen, I want to take you to Fort Myers for a week. Take some time off. Just you and me."

Keira looked at him for several moments. "Okay, what have you done with my husband? You are an impostor."

"Okay, okay. You made your point. I should do this more often. So, are you in? Can you take the time to go?"

Keira smiled, "I would love to go. Why Fort Myers? Not that I’m complaining, but it's not on the list for the top ten destinations."

"Ah, yes…um. Well, remember the case I had you look over…"

"I should have known," folding her arms across her chest, leaning back in the chair. "This is a working trip. Unbelievable."

Josh put his hands up, "Just one quick stop to talk to a retired Providence detective sergeant. I don't even know if he'll talk to me. The rest of the time is just us," reaching over and taking Keira's hand. "We don't even have to stay there; we can go anywhere you like."

Keira smiled, and then laughed. "Well, you are improving there, Mr. Williams. I take this as progress. "

Josh smiled back. "Thanks, I knew you'd come around.”

Keira smiled, "Wait, what about Cassidy? She doesn't like to be left behind."

"I'll get Chris to stay at the house with her. I'll have to lock up all the liquor, but she's somewhat housebroken," Josh laughed. "The two of them can watch each other. That work?"

"Like I said, it's a good start. You'll need to start planning the next vacation, without any work related matters, so you can surprise me again on my birthday. Always remember jewelry is your best friend.
David Yurman
in particular; I'll make a list for you."