“I think that is the most poetic thing I’ve ever heard, Elizabeth Strong.”
Giggling, she asked, “What do you know about poetry, Detective?”
“When you grow up in an orphanage, you find things to do. I read books. Every book I could find. Of course, that’s where my friend, Chico, and me you remember the one at the FBI that helped me out with the Gardner case? That’s when we first discovered Sherlock Holmes.” He laughed at the memories. “We would end up literally fighting about who was going to be Holmes and who would be Watson. Of course, they’re both fantastic characters.”
“In-deed!” she responded mockingly.
Smiling with a bit of embarrassment himself this time, he reminded her, “There is not a single person on this earth who hasn’t heard of Sherlock Holmes!”
“That couldn’t possibly be a logical assessment, my dear Watson.” She giggled again. “Okay, I’m done. I promise!” She couldn’t help herself. His smile was perfection and his laugh made her warm in all the right places. When his smile disappeared and his expression turned more serious, she knew what was coming next.
“I know you don’t want to talk about this...”
“Frankly, I don’t. China already put her two cents in today. Are the two of you texting each other or something?”
“Come on, Liz. You have to consider this.”
“No, Martinez, I don’t. There is no reason for me to go to that hearing other than allow him to get one more dig at me. I have faith that he has not done a single thing that would make them let him out two years early.”
Martinez became soft spoken, “Look, Liz, I need to tell you something and please don’t get angry with me.”
“Don’t you realize that ending a statement with ‘please don’t get angry with me’ is almost a guarantee that the person will get angry?” She pursed her lips flirtatiously.
“Can you just hear me out and try to keep an open mind?”
She sighed before sipping her wine. He’s not going to let it go, Liz. Just hear the man out. “Okay, you win.”
Looking down into his wine glass he began, “Back in June, after we arrested Johnnie Warren, I went to see Robinson.” He stopped to gauge her emotion. Although she looked uncomfortable, he had her attention, so he continued. “Steve Robinson is not a man you want getting out of prison early. As it stands right now, he is a perfect candidate for early release. I believe you have a chance to throw a wrench in that. I’ve seen it happen before. I’ve talked to a few people about this and everyone says the same thing: Victim testimony at a parole hearing has a greater affect on the board than a written statement.”
Elizabeth starred out at the horizon. The lake reflected the sun setting behind pink and lavender clouds on the pale blue sky. She knew he was right but she refused to give in. Sighing, she tried to convince him, “I know you mean well, but you don’t understand. I just want to live and let live, ya know? Steve Robinson ripped my life apart six years ago. I don’t want anything else to do with him. I don’t want to go to that hearing and give him the satisfaction of knowing that I even still consider the fact he is a breathing organism worthy of any more of my time.”
Martinez was growing frustrated. “He’s going to get out and when he does, he is coming straight for you. ‘Tell Lizzy, I’ll see her soon.’ His words, Liz.”
Goose bumps formed on her arms.
“For crying out loud, the asshole had the nerve to call you three months ago and ask you to put in a good word for him at the hearing! He knew what was going on with Johnnie Warren. I know he was responsible! He-is-a-psychopath, Liz.”
She met his glare. His eyes didn’t move. He didn’t blink. Grabbing her hand and interlocking his fingers with hers, he continued, “I have a plan. I just need your approval. I will drive you to the hearing and escort you. I’ll stay with you through the entire hearing, Liz. You don’t have to do this alone.
Investigator McMurphy has already approved everything; he’s just waiting for an official request and confirmation so he can have everything set up. You have to at least try. This doesn’t make you weak, this says to Robinson that you are truly done taking his shit and he can’t get away with what he has done. We may not have had enough evidence to pin Johnnie Warren’s actions on him, but you have every right to make your fears and concerns and hypothesis known to the parole board.”
Taking a drink of her wine, she looked out to the sunset again. Before she could respond, her cell phone rang. Damn it all to hell!
“This is Elizabeth.” Martinez watched her face turn serious as she listened to the voice on the other end. “I’ll be there as soon as I can. Give me about fifteen minutes,” she said before ending the call. “You know, I love that Marilyn brought in this new program for victims, but between the two of us being on call, I’m not sure this is working out so well!” She tilted her head flirtatiously and smiled when she met his gaze.
Smiling back at her, he assured her of his commitment. “Come on. I’ll drive you myself. Then we can come back here and hopefully finish off with a quiet evening.”
Chapter 3
Silverton, Ohio used to be a quiet little lake town, but between the ever-growing popularity of the amusement and water parks and the recently built casino, it
