Evidence of Darkness Page 10

  Reesa slowly turned toward Jade and held her tight, kissing her head and rocking her gently. “I made a big mistake.”

  “You always tell me there are no mistakes in life – only opportunities to learn stuff. Besides, you hardly ever make mistakes. I’m the one who’s always screwing up.”

  They both chuckled. “No, baby, I did something terribly wrong, and I’m very sorry.”

  “Sorry for what? Are you going to tell me what you’re crying about? Your counselor is really bad if you leave feeling more upset then when you go in. Isn’t she supposed to make you feel better?”

  Reesa kissed her again, unable to release her. “It’s just very difficult to hear the truth about oneself.”

  “Are you going to tell me what’s going on? I usually feel better after I tell you stuff. Maybe you’ll feel better, too.”

  “Okay, but first I need to apologize to you. You do know how much I love you, right? You’re everything to me. Do you know that?”

  “Duh, you tell me that constantly.”

  Reesa finally released her and looked into her eyes. She took her face in her hands and kissed her cheek tenderly, then hesitated and looked down, not knowing how to begin to tell her what had happened almost seventeen years ago.

  Jade tilted her head and looked at her grief-stricken face. “What is it, Mom? What do you need to tell me? You’re creeping me out right now. Are you dying or something?” Tears started streaming down her cheeks. She furrowed her brows and her lips were trembling. “Please tell me you’re okay! You’re not sick, are you?”

  Reesa held her again. “No, I’m fine, sweetie. It’s not that.”

  “Please tell me what’s going on? Are you pregnant or something?”

  She burst out laughing. “Oh, God, no!”

  Jade chuckled and tried to smile.

  Reesa was smiling through her tears as she held Jade’s hands. She looked down for a moment and took a deep breath. When she looked back up, her face suddenly became serious. “When I was eighteen years old, my mother’s boyfriend moved into our house.”

  “Okay, you said grandma died before I was born. Right?”

  Her voice quivered when she spoke, “No, I lied to you, sweetie. The truth is that I ran away from home and never went back. I ran away because her boyfriend…he…he raped me when I was a senior in high school.”

  Jade looked at her, shaking her head in disbelief. “I’m so sorry, Mom. That must have been awful! What did you do? Did your mom kick him out? Was he arrested?”

  Reesa struggled to say the words, “No, Jade, she…my mother thought…she thought I was lying.” Fighting back her tears, she continued. “She refused to believe the man she loved could do that to me. He was arrested, then a week later he managed to get out on bail. My mother let him back in the house and I knew I had to leave. I couldn’t stay there. I stole her car and lived in it for over two months while I finished high school. After I graduated, I moved in with Aunt Wanda and started college.”

  Jade wrapped her arms around her. “Oh, my God, Mom! Why didn’t you ever tell me this?” In a quiet voice, she asked, “Did Aunt Wanda know what happened to you?”

  “Yes…yes, she knew everything. She was what saved me in a way.” She cupped Jade’s chin in her hand and looked into her eyes intently. “Well, her and…and, then you.”

  Jade sat there looking at Reesa, trying to make sense of what she was saying. She slowly shook her head. “Is your mom’s boyfriend my dad? Is that what you’re telling me? Is that why you never talk about him or have any pictures of him?” Tears began streaming down her face and she continued shaking her head, trying to comprehend what her mother had just disclosed to her.

  When Reesa looked at her tear-streaked face, she felt like a knife had seared through her heart. “Yes, I’m so sorry, baby! I should have told you as soon as you were old enough to understand the truth. I just couldn’t. I couldn’t talk to anyone about it…ever. I buried it deep in my soul. That was the only way I could survive – the only way I could carry on and finish school – to live. Please don’t hate me, Jade! I couldn’t bear it!” Unable to look at the hurt in her daughter’s eyes a second longer, she covered her face with her hands and began sobbing. She waited for her to yell at her, to tell her she hated her, to tell her to go to hell, or worse to storm out of the room. But, she didn’t. Instead, Jade embraced her and they both cried while they held each other.

  After several minutes of crying, Jade whispered softly in her ear, “Mom, you’re telling me now, right? I am sixteen. I guess now is when I’m able to understand the truth.”

  Reesa slowly released her and took her face in her hands, wiping the tears from her cheeks with her thumbs. “Do you have any idea how much I love you?”

  A faint smile formed on her lips and she replied, “Um, maybe just a little.”

  Jade had many questions about the rape, Bryan, Reesa’s mother, and all she had gone through during that agonizing time of her life. After an excruciating hour of discussing the incident and answering her barrage of questions, Reesa felt emotionally drained. As they sat in silence for a few minutes, she felt like a heavy weight had just been lifted from her shoulders.

  “Mom?”

  “Yes?”

  “I have one more question.”

  Reesa didn’t know if she was emotionally up to answering any more questions. “What is it, Jade,” she asked, exhausted.

  “Can we get a pizza for dinner? I’m starving.”

  Reesa started laughing. “Yes…yes, that sounds wonderful!

  8

  ST. LOUIS MISERY

  On Thursday morning after the first of the year, Mike and Reesa rushed to the JFK International Airport to catch their flight to St. Louis. After Reesa’s telephone conversation with LeeAnn Wilde Adams before Christmas, she was hopeful they would be able to obtain more specific information about the incident that prompted her to file the sexual assault charges, as well as more definitive information about Victor DeWald’s past. Reesa was desperate to uncover something tangible they could use in Adele’s defense.

  She was relieved that Mike was able to accompany her on the trip. He had been stuck in Chicago a few extra days due to an ice storm that struck the area the day he was scheduled to return to New York. Unable to discuss the case prior to leaving, they hoped to compile their strategy for their upcoming meeting while in flight to St. Louis.

  After quickly checking their luggage, rushing through security, and boarding the aircraft, they finally made their way to the first class section of the Boeing 757.

  After Reesa fastened her seatbelt, she let out a sigh of relief and rested her head on the back of the seat. She glanced over at Mike who had just stowed his briefcase in the overhead bin and sat down. Once he had fastened his seatbelt, she smiled. “I’m glad you were able to make it. You had me worried for a few days.”

  “Yeah, sorry about that. That’s one thing you can almost always anticipate when you fly to Chicago in the winter – the damn storms.”

  “At least you were able to spend more time with your family. Did you have a nice visit?”

  His mood lightened. “I did. And how was your time off?”

  “It was very relaxing. Jade had the week off so we just hung out.”

  “Good, you needed some time off to recuperate. How’s your head by the way?”

  “It’s fine. The stitches were removed Wednesday, but let’s just say that I’m thankful you’re not flying the airplane.” Then she burst out laughing.

  He chuckled. “Ah, yes, and I see you have your sense of humor back, Miss Collins.” He glanced at her lap and smiled. “I’m pleased to see that you’ve buckled your seatbelt.”

  She smiled. “Touche`, Mr. Jenkins.”

  Once they were in flight, Mike retrieved his briefcase and tablet from the overhead bin then returned to his seat, setting them on the tray in front of him. He immediately pulled out his file on the Castillo case.

  Reesa pulled her files and a small la
ptop out of her briefcase, which was sitting on the floor under the seat. They had hoped to be on the ground in Chicago by 9:30 a.m., secure a rental car, grab something to eat, and meet with LeeAnn at her house a little after noon.

  They immediately began discussing the questions they hoped to ask her during their meeting. Sensing they may have limited time with her, they chose carefully between the two lists of questions they had both prepared and compiled a list, placing the most important questions at the top of the sheet. After several near arguments, they finally had a master list that was satisfactory to both of them just minutes before the plane landed.

  Their return flight to New York City wasn’t until Friday evening. Reesa incorporated an additional day into their schedule just in case they needed to meet with LeeAnn again to pull together any loose ends. She wanted to make sure they covered all the bases while they were in St. Louis. This would allow them adequate time to research any new information they may receive, and question LeeAnn further if necessary.

  They pulled up to LeeAnn’s home in a quiet suburban neighborhood on the outskirts of St. Louis at 12:45 p.m. As they walked up to the door of the traditional, two-story brick home, Reesa was surprised that she was feeling a bit uneasy.

  Mike pressed the doorbell and glanced at the exterior of the home. “Nice house.”

  “Yes, it’s beautiful,” she replied, preoccupied by her thoughts.

  A few moments later, a woman opened the door. She appeared to be in her late twenties, and had short dark hair and blue eyes. She smiled. “Hi, you must be Reesa?”

  Reesa extended her hand. “Yes, and you must be LeeAnn. It’s so nice to finally meet you.” Glancing toward Mike, she added, “And this is my colleague, Mike Jenkins.”

  LeeAnn shook his hand and smiled. “Nice to meet you too, Mike. I thought we could chat in the kitchen if that’s okay.” Then she chuckled and commented, “The kids made a disaster of the living room this morning.”

  After LeeAnn hung their coats in the hall closet, they followed her through the foyer and past a large living room that was scattered with toys and books. The walls were lined with family photos portraying a loving family life. Once they were in the kitchen, LeeAnn asked, “Can I get either of you a cup of coffee? Water?”

  “I never turn down a cup of coffee. Black please,” Mike said, cheerfully.

  “I’m fine, thanks,” Reesa stated.

  While LeeAnn was getting the coffee, Mike and Reesa sat down and retrieved their files from their briefcases. Mike placed the voice recorder on the large wooden table that was scratched and pitted, showing wear and tear from the numerous family meals it must have seen throughout the years. When LeeAnn returned, she handed Mike a cup of coffee and sat down opposite them.

  Reesa was anxious to get started. “I’m so glad you were willing to meet with us, LeeAnn. I can’t tell you how much we appreciate your time.”

  “No problem. But like I mentioned before, I’d like to keep my family out of all this.” She looked at her watch. “We have two hours until my kids come home from school. Will that be enough time?”

  “That should give us ample time,” Mike replied, as he hit the record button on the voice recorder.

  Reesa noticed Mike had started the recorder. “LeeAnn, do we have your permission to record this meeting?” she asked softly.

  “This isn’t a formal deposition or anything is it?”

  “No, not at all. This meeting is just for our informational purposes. Anything you say today is between us.”

  “I guess it’s okay then.”

  “Great. Thank you.” Reesa began questioning LeeAnn. She openly answered all of their questions about her relationship to Victor DeWald, as well as the actual rape. Reesa was careful not to ask her to divulge any intimate details, fearing she might end their meeting prematurely. She desperately hoped to get something concrete they could use in the trial to prove Victor had a violent nature, and that he had a history of sexual assault.

  Once they had adequately covered the background information on the incident, Reesa delicately asked, “LeeAnn, can you discuss with us further why you chose to drop the charges against Victor?”

  She looked down briefly, then looked back up at Reesa. “I was a mess for months after the rape. I became so depressed, I could barely function.” She hesitated a second, then continued. “I’m embarrassed to say this, but…but I attempted to take my own life. I was in such a dark place at the time.”

  Reesa tried not to look surprised. She hadn’t mentioned this when they talked on the phone previously. “I’m so sorry, LeeAnn. Was that when you began receiving professional help?”

  “Yes. My counselor was wonderful, but I just wasn’t emotionally stable enough to endure a trial. Like I said when we talked before, I had to make a choice – get well, or get justice for Victor. I chose to get well. I’m just sorry your client fell victim to him as well. He’s really an evil person. I don’t say that lightly either. I knew I couldn’t face him in the courtroom. My mother and I left Arizona immediately after it happened and moved to St. Louis. My grandparents live here. I knew there was no way I could go back for the trial.”

  “LeeAnn, how long did you see your counselor?” Reesa asked intently.

  She thought for a moment. “Um, it was probably close to two years. She was very helpful. I don’t know what I would have done without her.”

  Reesa continued to question her about the counseling sessions – what they discussed, how long the sessions lasted, her counselor’s name and credentials, and where the sessions took place. She stopped when LeeAnn’s telephone began ringing.

  “I probably should get that,” LeeAnn announced abruptly.

  “Please, answer your phone,” Mike said firmly.

  LeeAnn stood up. “Excuse me.”

  As soon as she went to answer the phone, Mike looked at Reesa, visibly upset. In a whisper, he asked sharply, “What the hell are you doing? You are so far off our line of questioning that we’ll never get back on track! Do you realize we only have twenty more minutes? We haven’t even discussed what she may have known about Victor’s past, or his relationship with her mother.”

  Reesa looked at him calmly. “I realize that. This is important. Bear with me please.”

  Mike put his head in hands in exasperation.

  LeeAnn returned to the table a few minutes later. “Sorry about that. Now, where were we?”

  “You were telling us about your follow-up sessions with your counselor,” Reesa stated. She kept close tabs on the time. When they only had ten minutes left, she asked, “LeeAnn, would you be willing to appear as a witness in Adele’s trial? We’ll pay all of your travel expenses, and we’ll do our best to keep it to one or two days. We might like to ask your counselor to serve as a witness as well. At a minimum, we’d like to review all of her transcripts, notes, and other documents compiled during your course of therapy. Before you answer, keep in mind that this may be your chance to rectify your decision to let Victor DeWald go free. You have the ability to save Adele’s life.”

  LeeAnn sat back in her chair and glanced at Mike, then Reesa, shaking her head. “I really don’t think I want all my counseling records made public. And, with the kids, going to New York to testify may be difficult. I really don’t know if I can do that. I would need some time to think about it and discuss both things with my husband if that’s okay.”

  Reesa sensed Mike fuming in the seat beside her.

  Unable to remain quite any longer, he stated firmly, “Please keep in mind, LeeAnn, we do have the legal recourse to issue subpoenas to you and your counselor forcing you both to testify in court. Additionally, we can subpoena all – ”

  LeeAnn’s face reddened and she looked frustrated.

  Reesa looked at Mike and cut him off mid sentence. “NO! This is her choice!” She leaned in towards LeeAnn and continued. “This is your decision, LeeAnn. If you don’t want to do this, we’ll figure something else out. I will not obligate you to appear in court
if you feel it would be harmful to your well being, or the well being of your family. You have my word.”

  Mike slumped back in his chair and began tapping his pen on the table in frustration.

  He was looking at the ceiling when LeeAnn looked at the clock on the wall. “My kids will be home in a few minutes. Can I call you tomorrow?”

  Reesa quickly answered, “Yes. Please take all the time you need to make your decision.”

  Sensing LeeAnn’s distress, Reesa stood up collected her files. “If you have any questions about any of this, or if you think of anything else that might be useful to us, please don’t hesitate to contact me. You have my cell phone number, right?”

  “Yes, I have it.”

  Mike reluctantly stood up and gathered his files, stuffing them in his briefcase.

  LeeAnn walked them to the front door and retrieved their coats from the closet.

  “Thank you again for your time, LeeAnn.” Mike said cordially as they walked out the front door.

  “You’re welcome. I hope your case goes well.”

  Once they were in the car heading to the hotel, Mike looked over at Reesa, sitting in the passenger side frantically reviewing her notes from the meeting. “Do I really have to ask this again? WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED IN THERE! You do realize that we have a professional responsibility to represent our client to the best of our ability within the confines of the law, who’s name happens to be Adele Castillo by the way – NOT LeeAnn Adams. Since when does a key witness get to decide whether or not she’ll appear in court? And yes, in light of what we discovered in there, she is a key character witness. She might be the only person we can scrounge up to attest to Victor’s violet nature. I’ll give you that for unearthing some valuable information, but if we don’t have any documents, or a witness, what good is it? You made a promise to her in there. I don’t know about you, but when I make a promise, I stick to it! Are you really telling me that if LeeAnn doesn’t want to testify, she doesn’t have to? This is ludicrous! You could have blown this case right out of the water.”

  Reesa let him rant. She knew it was no use interrupting him, and she had other things to worry about. When he had finally finished, she calmly asked, “Are you done now?”