Silenced Justice: A Josh Williams Novel (7 page)

Chapter 12

Monday, September 7, 2009

4:30 PM

Office of Senator Robert M. Collucci

Providence, Rhode Island

The sign on the building read, Senator Robert Michael Collucci: Office of Constituent Services.

Josh looked at Maggie Fleming and smiled. "So, what do you think he'll do when he sees me with you?"

Fleming laughed. "Shit himself, but smile as he looks for a way out."

Josh held the door for Maggie as they entered the building. Maggie went to the reception desk. A young college-aged intern smiled as she approached.

“My name is Margaret Fleming. We have a 4:30 appointment with the Senator.” She didn’t offer to introduce Josh.

The intern glanced at Josh, and then picked up the phone. After a brief conversation, she hung up.

Pointing to the door, the intern said, “The Senator is expecting you, please go right in.”

“Thank you,” Maggie said and the two walked to the office entrance. Pausing with her hand on the door, “Ready?”

“I am going to enjoy this,” Josh smiled, as Maggie opened the door.

Collucci rose from his desk and glanced at his Chief of Staff.

"Margaret, good to see you," extending his hand to her, "and Lieutenant Williams, I must say this is a surprise,” turning to shake Josh's hand.

Josh ignored the overture.

Turning back to Fleming, Collucci pointed to a man standing near private entrance, "This is Anthony Sorin, my Chief of staff."

Fleming and Josh nodded at Sorin.

"How can I help you? You said this was of a confidential nature."

Fleming glanced at Josh, "Senator, I knew you'd be a bit put off by the Lieutenant’s presence, but I assure you this is an important matter.” Fleming eyed the Chief of Staff, “No offense intended, but we'd prefer to discuss this with you alone. The matter concerns an old case you once handled when you were with the AG's office."

Collucci smiled. "Well, let me disabuse you of any concern. Mr. Sorin has my full confidence. Anything we need to discuss, we can discuss with him present."

"Fine with us, Senator. I am going to let Lieutenant Williams take it from here. He is more familiar with the case."

Collucci turned to look at Josh. "If I may Lieutenant, before you start. I'm certain it is safe to assume I am not one of your favorites. Despite what you may think of me, I did what I believed to be necessary in the pursuit of justice. The jury spoke, and I accepted their judgment."

Josh nodded. "It's behind us now Senator. I am doing the same here, doing what I think necessary in the pursuit of the truth."

Collucci nodded. "Good, we understand each other. Please continue."

"Senator, back in 1972 you were the prosecutor of a rape and murder case. The defendant's name was Darnell Grey. Do you recall the matter?"

Collucci thought for a moment. "You'll have to excuse my memory. I was involved with most of the major cases. I'm sorry, but no I don't recall that defendant, what did you say the name was?"

"Grey." Josh answered. "Darnell Grey."

"Grey, Grey, hmm," Collucci repeated. "No, sorry Lieutenant. I don't recall the case." Rising from his seat to signal the end of the discussion.

"How many cases did you handle as primary prosecutor?" Josh asked, ignoring Collucci's actions.

"As a Deputy, my primary responsibility was to oversee the Criminal Division. I didn't get many chances to handle the cases in court."

Josh glanced at Fleming. "We spoke to Judge Tucker," Josh continued. "He recalled you telling him about taking over the case. Before the matter went to trial, the defendant was beaten to death in the prison," pausing for a moment. "Part of what we are trying to learn is how a defendant awaiting trial was placed in the general population."

Josh saw the change in Collucci's expression.

"Ah, now that you mention the incident at the prison, I do remember. I didn't recognize the name at first. As I recall, there were witnesses who identified the defendant. I believe the police caught him in the act dumping a body in the Seekonk River."

That's funny, from don't recall to total recall in thirty seconds.

"We've had the chance to review the Providence Police file," Josh said. "The officer never saw Grey at the site where the body went in the river. He found him a short distance away. There's some doubt about the officer arresting the right guy," fudging a bit on what the report said.   

Collucci showed no reaction.

"Then there is this," handing Collucci a copy of the lineup report. "Do you recognize the initials?"

Collucci did a cursory look at the document and handed it back. "No, I do not. Why?"

"According to Judge Tucker, someone forged his initials on the lineup report. Were you present during the lineup?"

Collucci folded his arms across his chest. "I would have no way of recalling that. It took place a long time ago."

"Did you see this as a problem? Were you aware of an issue with the lineup?" Josh probed.

Collucci paused before replying. "With the defendant's death, I wouldn't have had any reason to pursue the matter. If the case had moved forward and there were problems, I would have dealt with them. This is a dead end investigation, why continue?" Looking over at Fleming, "Why are you investigating history?"

Josh couldn't resist, “Like you've often said, Senator, ‘Justice for Everyone.' "

Collucci turned back to face Josh, his expression dark.

"Lieutenant, I had my doubts about this little visit of yours from the moment I saw you. I am sure you'd like nothing better than to find a way for a little payback."

Looking at his Chief of Staff, Collucci pointed at the door. "Anthony, would you be so kind. Show our guests here the way out. This discussion is finished."

Josh and Fleming turned to leave.

As he reached the door, Josh turned back to face Collucci. "Senator, this discussion may be over, but our investigation is not. We do so appreciate your cooperation and concern over the death of an innocent black man. I'll be sure to note that in the final report, before we hand it out to the media."

Collucci glared at him. Sorin moved between them, blocking the Senator.

Josh stepped into Sorin's space, forcing him back. "As for you, errand boy, we'll find our own way out. Go stay with your master."

Sorin's expression never changed; he stepped to one side, watching them leave.

As the door closed behind them, Fleming laughed. "Well, at least we know we don't have to come back. He'll never take my call again."

On the other side of the door, Sorin stood at Collucci's desk. "Something our friends need to deal with?"

"Not at the moment," Collucci said. "I’ll take care of any loose ends."

Sorin watched the Senator reach for the phone. I don't think so, Senator. We will do this our way.

Chapter 13

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

9:30AM

East Providence Police Headquarters

East Providence, Rhode Island

Josh received a copy of the Darnell Grey file from the Department of Corrections. He smuggled Chris into the Chief's conference room to help him review the information. Stained, mildew smelling, and incomplete, the documents were less than helpful. As they sorted through them, Josh's cell rang. "Lieutenant Williams."

"Lieutenant, Chief Brennan here, are you and former Lieutenant Hamlin making any progress?"

Josh knew better than to try to put anything past Brennan, "How do you know this? I thought you were hobnobbing with your brother wizards at the monthly Police Chief's pity party."

"Funny Lieutenant, most amusing," Brennan answered. "I wasn't sure, but I had my suspicions she'd weasel her way in. You just confirmed it."

Dammit, the bastard is freaking psychic
.

"Lieutenant, I have a little tidbit for you. Seems at the time Grey was in the prison, the acting warden was a major from the State Police. He was there on a temporary basis while the state sought a permanent warden. It may explain the lapse in protocol. Of course, he has long since retired. His name is William Church. Rumor has it he is still alive and living in a nursing home in Burrillville."

"Thanks Chief, that's helpful."

"Lieutenant," Brennan added, "please do me a favor. If you decide to go talk to the major, make sure he lives longer than a few hours after you leave. I do not want them pissed at us also. Try to stay out of trouble Lieutenant," ending the call.

Josh explained what the Chief told him about the former warden. Chris held up a form from the pile. "There are notes in here from the Supervisory Corrections Officer the day Grey arrived. He listed Grey as a parole violator, which was not correct, committed to a six-month bid and ordered him sent to Medium Security."

Josh took the paper and looked at it.

"So it was either an innocent error, or convenient excuse. Either way they covered their asses. Even if the guard is alive I doubt he'd recall it," Chris said.

"No shit," Josh replied. "Okay, look up where the nursing home is. We're gonna take a ride."

* * *

Josh walked back to his office. As he opened the door, Captain Charland appeared behind him. "Good morning, Captain. How can I help you?"

"Why were you in the Chief's private conference room?"

Josh continued into the SIU office, "Just placing some files in there as the Chief asked me to," trying closing the door, hoping the answer satisfied the Captain.

Charland blocked the door. "Lieutenant, as you know, in the Chief's absence, as the senior Captain, I am the acting Chief. You must clear any access to his office through me."

Josh started to answer when Chris came into the detective reception area. "Rubber Gun Charland, how are you Cap?"

Charland turned, saw her, and looked back at Josh. "Lieutenant, why is a civilian walking around this police department without an escort?"

Chris pushed past Charland and into the SIU office. "Now R G, if you insist on being a bastard about this I'll tell everybody about your little problem." Pointing her index finger in the air, smirking at Charland, and then drooping it down. “Remember? Half-mast and the moment past.”

"Look Hamlin, you're no longer employed here. This is a violation of…"

Chris smiled at the Captain. "Okay, you asked for it. See Josh, one day old R G here and a former auxiliary officer engaged in some, ah, field exercises--." Josh pushed her further into the office.

Charland's face was crimson. "Chief Brennan will hear about this. Is that clear?"

Josh tried to hide a smile. "Sorry Cap, you know she's just kidding," closing the door.

Chris raised her voice, "So anyway, R G's knee keyed the mike and every radio in range got a blow-by-blow description of a…"

"Stop," Josh said, holding his hands up. "The son-of-a-bitch is always looking for a reason to screw with me and you have to go let him see you're in here. Why couldn't you just stay out of sight like I asked?"

Chris laughed, "Look Josh, old rubber gun got his name because he's crazy. Nobody listens to him. Well, that's not true. His political friends listen because he's their ear on the ground in here. Come on, you know this," taking a seat at Josh's desk. "He'll go back to his office, call one of his buddies, and whine about it. When I was here, he threatened me every other day and you know what? Nothing happened. He won't challenge Brennan. He knows Brennan's leaving next year and he's lining up support for the job."

"Christ," Josh said. "Can you imagine that nitwit as Chief? I'd have to go back to midnights. It'd be a nightmare working for the clown."

"Keep the faith my boy. That's a future problem. Let's see if we can find this major and go have a chat?"

* * *

Two hours later, armed with the address for the nursing home in Burrillville, they headed toward the small, rural town in northwestern Rhode Island.

As Josh and Chris pulled into the parking lot of the Country Meadow Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, it was just past 5:00 p.m. The sun was fading and the temperature cooling off. They parked the car and walked towards the entrance. Josh pointed across the street to the Country Meadow Heaven's Gates Cemetery. "I guess, if the rehabilitation doesn't work, it's a convenient next stop for the residents, don't you think?"

Chris shook her head.

"You might want to take a brochure there, old broad. They'll wheel you into a place like this soon enough."

Chris flipped Josh the bird, and then noticed the two nurses, escorting a patient in pajamas taking small baby steps, watching them. Dropping her hand, she opened the door.

"Great impression you made there on Nurses Ratchett and Kervorkian," Josh joked.

"If you don't shut up, you'll need their rehab services."

Throwing his hands up in mock surrender, they walked to the reception desk.

"How can I help you?" the receptionist, a scary looking septuagenarian said. She wore black bullseye mascara and an unnatural blond wig with the binding curled up. It looked like her skull was peeling.

"Hello there, my dear," Josh said. "My grandmother and I would like to see Mr. Church, if he's not busy."

Chris kicked Josh.

"Ouch," Josh flinched. Turning back to the receptionist he said, "You'll have to excuse her, spasms you know."

The receptionist nodded with sympathy and directed them to room forty-two. As they got to the door bearing the number 42, Josh said, "What do you know, the meaning of life," as he pointed at the number.

Chris looked confused.

"
Hitchhikers Guide to the Universe
. Answer to the meaning of life, 42. No? Haven't you read the book?"

"No," Chris answered.

"Jeez, you are getting senile. I gave it to you for your birthday, remember?"

"Oh, that science fiction nonsense. I gave it to Vera."

"I give up trying to give you some culture."

"How about we do what we came for and then you can tell me all about it."

Knocking on the door, Josh waited for a response. A moment later a tall, gaunt man came to the door, wearing a United States Marine Corps sweatshirt and holding a book in his hand. He looked at the two of them and asked, "Yes, can I help you?"

"Major Church, my name is Josh Williams. I am a Lieutenant with the East Providence Police Department. This is Chris Hamlin; she's a retired Lieutenant from there as well, now a private investigator."

"Well, nice to meet you. Are you related to Ed Williams from the State Police?" taking his measure of Josh.

"I am, sir. He was my father."

"Ah, good man, your father. How is he?" Church asked.

"Dead. He died several years ago. Cancer," Josh answered.

"Ah, sorry to hear that. I wish I had known. I went through a bad time a few years back. It must have been when I was in the hospital or I would have attended the funeral."

"I appreciate that. Can we go someplace private to talk?" Josh asked, as he saw the two other occupants of the room looking over Church's shoulder.

"Sure. We can go to the dining room," Church answered. "I'll buy the coffee,” putting the book down on his bed and heading down the corridor.

The trio walked down the white-walled hallway. They maneuvered around wheelchairs and walkers occupied by other residents. They all watched them with varying degrees of interest, or perhaps consciousness. Several of them called out to Church, 'How are you, Major?’ 'Nice to see you, Trooper.’ It was obvious Church clung to his past with pride.

They all got coffee and sat at one of the dining room tables. Church said, "So what is this all about?"

Josh glanced at Chris then said, "Major, this concerns the time you served as acting warden at the ACI. There was an inmate named Darnell Grey. He was--"

"I know who he was," interrupting Josh, a noticeable change coming over his appearance. "He raped and killed a woman in Providence and raped several other women. White women. One of the victims was the daughter of a Trooper. Why are you looking into ancient history?"

Josh decided to try to soft-pedal the questions.

"I'm glad you recall it. We're trying to clear up some things. Since I am sure you recall he died in prison, the case is still open."

Josh watched Church for a reaction. The Major locked on Josh, narrowing his eyes, the muscles in his jaw flexing and tightening. "Do you recall if there was any issue raised about him being in the general population, since he was awaiting trial?"

Church shot a glance at Chris. Josh could see the tension rising. This was someone unaccustomed to having his actions questioned.

"Do you know anything about those times in the Corrections department? What the courts were doing to us?"

Josh shook his head.

"I didn't think so. Let me give you a brief history lesson." Church put his coffee cup down, leaning forward in his chair. "The Governor ordered us to move a bunch of mafia guys and gang members to out-of-state prisons. We needed to regain control. Up to that point, the inmates ran the place. The guards could not, or would not, do anything. It's why they brought in the State Police."

Reaching for his coffee, he took a sip. “Some goddamn…" Looking at Chris, "excuse my French."

"No problem," Chris smiled. "I say goddamn shit like that all the time."

Church raised his eyebrows, and then continued. "An ACLU lawyer went to Federal Court. He convinced a judge to order the prisoners returned, because it was cruel and unusual punishment. This same goddamn judge used to be a prosecutor for Christ's sake. He put some of those guys in the damn prison. Then he orders us to bring 'em back. The place was a shit hole once again."

Josh said, "How does that explain an inmate awaiting trial being placed in the general population?"

"With the limited resources I had, and the courts tying my hands, we just brought them in and put them where we could. The guy was put in the general population because we had no other place else to put him."

"Come on Major," Chris said. "We're all big boys and girls here. You put him in the general population because you knew the inmates hated rapists. Who's gonna grieve a dead black rapist who targeted white women?"

Josh tried to get Chris's attention; she ignored him.

"Look, I don't give a shit if you did your fellow trooper a favor or not. For all we know, Grey did rape those women. We're just trying to find something to make his daughter feel better about her dad. If he was a shit bag, so be it. We just need to know the truth."

Church rose, towering over Chris. "I've said enough. You think whatever you want. I know what you're trying to do here. I am not going to help you. The guy was killed because of a liberal ass Federal Judge. I will tell you this though; none of us lost any sleep over the nig---," catching himself and taking deep breath, "over the guy's death.” The major grabbed the coffee cups off the table, threw them in the trash, and said, "Find your own way out." He turned and walked away.

"I'll tell the nigger's daughter about your kind sympathy," Chris yelled, causing a few heads to turn and stare.

Josh stood, shaking his head. "Not helpful."

"Well, I thought that went well," Chris said. "He didn't say it in so many words, but they used the turmoil of the time to put the guy at risk. We won’t get anything else from him. Is the victim he talked about, the trooper's daughter, still alive?"

"I don't know," Josh answered. "I suppose it is the next logical step. I'll check DMV records and see if we can find her."

The two headed towards the exit, just as they stepped outside a voice called out, "Lieutenant, could I have a moment please?"

Major Church stood on the steps. Next to him stood a short, black man wearing a Boston Red Sox sweatshirt.