The gloved hand slapped the woman's cheeks until she came around. She began to sob. The camera was still tight on her face, and Amanda could read her lips. They formed the word please, and she said it repeatedly as tears streamed down her cheeks.
The camera moved, and the woman's face disappeared from the screen as it panned the surroundings. Amanda saw concrete walls, a sink, and a refrigerator. Then the camera returned to the woman. It pulled back and showed her from a side view. Blood was trickling down her heaving ribs. The camera shifted upward for a shot above the woman. There was a red puddle on her chest. The camera moved in. The nipple was missing.
Amanda's breath caught. She squeezed her eyes shut, and only a great effort of will kept her together. When she was under control, Amanda opened her eyes, making sure that she was not looking at the screen.
All the blood had drained from her father's face, but Cardoni's complexion had not changed. The detective switched off the set. Cardoni turned slowly until he was looking directly at McCarthy.
Will you please tell me what the fuck that was all about? he asked in a hard, emotionless voice.
Recognize the woman? the detective asked.
Frank regained his composure. He reached out and grabbed Cardoni's forearm. Not a word. Then he stared at McCarthy. I thought better of you, Sean. This is a cheap trick, and this interview is at an end.
McCarthy did not look surprised.
I thought you' d be interested in the type of person you're representing.
Frank stood. He still looked shaky, but his voice was steady.
I didn't see Dr. Cardoni in that horror movie. I assume you didn't either or you would have shown us a different segment.
You'll receive full discovery, including a copy of this tape, at the appropriate time.
McCarthy switched his attention to the doctor. Vincent Cardoni, I must inform you that you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have a right to an attorney. If you cannot afford to retain an attorney, one will be appointed to represent you. Do you understand these rights?
Cardoni stood up and glared at McCarthy.
You can kiss my ass, he said slowly and distinctly.
Frank stepped between his client and McCarthy.
Are you arresting Dr. Cardoni?
Sheriff Mills is placing Dr. Cardoni under arrest. Multnomah County may have its own charges in the near future.
Is Dr. Cardoni charged with the murder of the woman on the tape? Frank pressed.
Fred Scofield stood up and answered Frank.
Sheriff Mills will be arresting Dr. Cardoni on the charge of murdering Mary Sandowski and for possession of cocaine, which was found in the doctor's bedroom, but I'll be going to a grand jury very soon to ask for indictments on eight other charges of aggravated murder. I anticipate that Dr. Cardoni will be spending a lot of time in Milton County in the near future.
I' d like you to step aside, Mr. Jaffe, Sheriff Mills said. We're going to cuff your client.
Cardoni switched into a fighting stance. Vasquez reached for his weapon. Frank laid his hand on Cardoni's arm.
Don't resist, Vince. I'll deal with this.
Then deal with it. I' m not going to jail.
You have to. If you resist, it will make things worse. It could affect release, and it can be used against you at a trial.
Amanda could see Cardoni processing this information. He relaxed instantly, again amazing Amanda at the speed with which he could change his emotions.
Can I speak with my client in private for a few moments? Frank asked.
McCarthy thought about the request, then nodded. You can do it in here, but I want Dr. Cardoni in handcuffs.
Cardoni's hands were cuffed behind his back, and Sheriff Mills conducted a pat-down search of the prisoner.
Do you need me? Amanda asked, trying to sound casual.
It would be better if Dr. Cardoni and I talked alone. We'll only be a minute.
No problem, Amanda answered, smiling to mask her disappointment.
I' m not going to pull any punches, Frank said as soon as the door closed. You're in a lot of trouble. Aggravated murder is the most serious crime you can face in Oregon. It carries a potential death sentence.
For the first time Cardoni looked worried.
Where are they going to take me?
Probably to the Cedar City jail.
How quickly can you get me out?
I' m not sure. There is no automatic bail in a murder case, and I don't want to move for a bail hearing until we're in the best position to get you out.
I' m not some car mechanic who can afford to sit around and collect unemployment. I' m a physician. I have patients scheduled for surgery.
I know, and I'll try to get the administration at St. Francis involved on your behalf.
Those bastards won't help me. They've been trying to get rid of me. This will give them their opening. Do you have any idea how long it takes to become a doctor? Do you know how hard I've worked? You've got to keep me out of jail.
I' m going to do everything I can, but I don't want to lie to you and build up your hopes. Scofield said that they were thinking of adding eight more counts of aggravated murder to the indictment. That could mean that they have eight other bodies. This is not going to be simple, like your assault case.
Now listen to me. Following my instructions could save your life. I mean that literally. You will be in a police car and then the jail, where they will process you in. Do everything they tell you. Do not resist. But do not, under any circumstances, discuss this case with anyone. I' m talking about cops, DAs and other prisoners, especially other prisoners. You're going to feel isolated and in need of a friend. There are going to be prisoners who will be your friend. They'll get you to feel comfortable. You'll unburden yourself to them. The next time you see your friend he will be testifying against you in exchange for having his case dropped. Do you understand what I just said?
Cardoni nodded.
Good. I'll be out to see you tomorrow. Try to think of people who can vouch for you at a bail hearing, and see if you can figure out why McCarthy wanted to know if you knew Dr. Clifford Grant.
Frank laid a gentle hand on Cardoni's arm. One last thing, Vince. Don't give up hope.
Cardoni looked directly into Frank Jaffe's eyes. His voice was steady and hard.
I never give up, Frank, and I never forget, either. Someone has set me up. That means that someone is going to pay.
So, Frank asked Amanda when they were alone in the car and headed home, what do you make of all that?
Amanda had been very quiet since the videotape started to roll, and she was subdued when she answered Frank's question.
The police seem pretty certain that Cardoni is guilty.
What do you think?
Amanda shivered. I don't like him, Dad.
Any specific reason, or just your gut?
His reactions aren't normal. Have you noticed that he switches emotions the way you and I switch TV channels? One second he's in a rage, the next he's cold as ice.
Vince isn't Marcus Welby, MD. That's for sure.
What was the other case you handled for him?
An assault. Vince was trying to score some cocaine. Amanda's eyebrows raised. He was in a bar that doesn't usually cater to members of the medical profession. He also tried to score with someone's girlfriend. When the boyfriend objected, Vince beat him so badly that he had to be taken to the hospital. Fortunately for Vince the man
