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  “Mrs. Green, let me know when my wife calls. She's returning tomorrow from Italy.’”

  “Yes, Mr. Williams. Should I let her assistant know?”

  “Certainly." He continued speaking to her in a professional manner. “I need to see the new releases and the book signing dates. Have the updates sent to my e-mail?”

  Rodney entered his office and pulled the door close. When the door closed, he leaned against it and a wicked smiled beamed across his face. After a moment, he walked over to the window overlooking Lake Michigan. The grey clouds covered the sun trying to peak through the calm scene. He knew he would take Sarah’s office and have a complete view of the lakefront after the board meeting naming him CEO. He turned to sit down at his desk and opened his laptop. Eight e-mails. He opened each one knowing that he couldn't care less what it said. He had to be patient. How long was it going to take for the Italian police to notify him of “Sarah” death?

  A new e-mail arrived. He saw that the sender was Mrs. Green so he opened it. As expected, it was the list of new release dates and the book singing. He saw that all the book signings were going to be at the Snyder bookstores. His manager had followed his directions. He only wanted to work with similar major bookstores. He loathed those little bookstores that Sarah loved. They were a pain in the ass. He couldn't care less if they went out of business. He reviewed the new releases first. There were 10 novels scheduled for November (2 were Christmas stories), 1 political book, 3 children books (excellent for Christmas presents), 1 economic book and a Christmas cookbook. The December list contained 5 self-help fitness books. The rereleases were the familiar children books just in time for gift giving. As CEO, he knew such trivial matters wouldn’t bother him.

  Shortly after 10 a.m., Mrs. Green peaked in through the closed door to let him know there was an international call from Italy on Line 2.

  Rodney took a deep breath and picked up the handset.

  "Rodney Williams here."

  “Signore Williams Investigatore Valentini in Roma.”

  “Is something wrong?”

  “Si. The signora was in an automobile accidente.”

  Rodney interrupted him trying to feign concern. “Is she okay?”

  “Signore Williams, I am saddened that she did not survive the crash.’’

  Rodney remained silent and waited.

  “Signore Williams are you there?”

  “Yes, I’m sorry, I…don’t understand. Are you sure it’s my wife?”

  “Si, signore. She rented the car last night using her credit card and passport.”

  Again, Rodney paused before responding. “I’m coming to Rome.”

  “Si, signore. We will want you to come and identify the body.”

  “I’ll call you when I get there.”

  “Ciao signore. I will see you soon.”

  Rodney hung up the handset. He smiled, and then he put on his sad face, rubbing his eyes to bring on the effect of tears. He waited a few moments before getting up and opening his office door to talk to Mrs. Green.

  Mrs. Green looked up from her computer as Rodney opened the door. She could see from the look on his face that something was terribly wrong. She waited for her boss to say something.

  “That as the Italian Police Department. It seems that my wife has been in a deadly automobile accident.” He waited for her reaction.

  "Mr. Williams how terrible," she spoke in a trembling voice.

  Rodney enjoyed watching Mrs. Green's reaction to the news. Her hands were shaking as tears welled up in her eyes.

  "Oh, Mr. Williams. What do you want me to do?” Mrs. Green asked trying to compose herself and act in more professional manner.

  “Please book an evening flight to Rome. I’ll pick up the tickets at the airport. Call me at home with the information.”

  “Are you okay?”

  “I’m going home. Call me on my cell with the flight info.” He turned his back and waited at the elevator door after pushing the down arrow button. When the elevator arrived, he stepped in and pushed the “Garage” button. Again, he smiled. By the time he reached the garage, the office grapevine would be fast at work.

  He could always count on Mrs. Green’s efficiency. The company limousine arrived just after 6:00 p.m. to take him to the International Terminal for his 9:00 p.m. flight to Rome.

  CHAPTER THREE

  As the emergency vehicle drove up to the hospital, the flashing lights and siren were turned off. Sheriff Johnson's vehicle pulled directly behind it. When the vehicle stopped, the paramedics quickly exited the vehicle and removed the gurney to the waiting nurses and attendants who rushed to the vehicle. They ignored the cold wind enveloping their bodies. Everyone knew from the dispatches that this was a life and death situation for the victim.

  Several male orderlies wheeled it to the first examining room. The nurses immediately setup the cardiac monitor equipment watching as the Emergency Room doctor gave a quick examine to identify all her visible injuries.

  The flat line alarm buzzed. “Defibrillator! Step back! No results. Again! No results. Again!” The familiar soft beeping noise returned. “Give the IV 5 cc’s of Epinephrine. Let’s get her more stabilized and before we move her to x-ray. There is more we need to see.”

  After several hours, the attending doctor greeted his old friend Sheriff Johnson outside the ICU.

  “Doc Taylor.”

  Trying to formalize the situation, Taylor responded, “Sheriff Johnson. Have you got anything that can help in her identification?”

  “Haven't heard anything from the crime scene yet."

  "Would you like to hear her injuries?"

  "If you can?"

  Taylor looked down at his clipboard.

  “Before we go into the list, here are the pictures we took when she was admitted. It will help you when I discuss the list of injuries. Starting from the top. She has had blunt force trauma to the back of the head. We have cleaned and stitched the wound, but because of the blood in the hair along with the various insects, we have shaved the head. She has suffered multiple cuts and bruises on her cheeks along with a recent black eye. Those cuts, too, have been stitched. This is a baggie that contains pieces of glasses that were cleaned from the wounds. Continuing. She has a broken nose that, for the present, has been taped. She will need further surgeries. Next, she has had both her shoulders dislocated. Corrected. The x-ray revealed two cracked ribs that which we have bound. Finally, we have set the broken right leg. In addition, there are numerous insect bites over her entire body. There is recent bruising along with the previous bruising on the body. Those bruises were inflicted, based on their discoloration, about three to five days ago. Of coarse, that didn't include hypothermia…if the freezing snow warnings were correct, she would have died.”

  “Raped?”

  “No signs were evident. She is unconscious. She will be in ICU until she is off the critical list. Do you want to see her?”

  “No, it is not necessary right now. Doc, a local reporter got a call on this and wants to know the status of our victim. This is a case of attempted murder. Whoever is out there I’m sure the perpetrator won’t stop trying. There isn't any evidence linking someone to the assault. Can you just tell the reporter she died?”

  “That is highly unusual for us to lie to the press; but, technically, she did die…for a very short time.”

  “Thank you. I am sure this will help if we obtain any evidence.”

  “Sheriff, do we have any idea who this woman is?”

  “We're reviewing all the State Police missing persons reports to see whether she match any the description. The closest we came is a thirty-one year old woman from Chicago. The detective on the case is driving down. I said it wasn’t necessary. But, it appears that the officer has a personal interest in the case.”

  “I’ll notify the front desk. I’ll meet with him when he arrives. Now, if you will excuse me.”

  “Certainly. I'll let you know if we find anything out."

 
CHAPTER FOUR

  Detective Cassell headed down I-55 to Memorial after his shift. He had high hopes that unidentified woman was his sister who had been missing for the past several weeks. He drove the speed limit keeping his eyes on the roadway watching for black ice. An hour and a half later he arrived at the Memorial reception desk.

  “Detective Cassell, CPD, I ‘m here to see Doctor Taylor. He’s expecting me.”

  “Have a seat. I’ll page him.”

  After 20 minutes, Doctor Taylor came through the door.

  “Detective Cassell, welcome to Memorial Hospital. Let’s go to the ICU to see our patient. I hope that this is the woman you are looking for.”

  “Me, too.”

  When they arrived outside at the patient’s ICU room, they both looked through the glass wall. IV bags with an IV tube were attached to the victims arm along with various monitors watching her vital statistics.

  “Well, from here she doesn’t look like my sister. Height, yes, possible body weight yes, but body shape, I’m not sure. Is it possible to go in?”

  “I’d rather you not. Is there something specific you wish to see?”

  “If I could get a little closer. She’s pretty well covered up with bandages.”

  “Okay, please put on this mask...only for a minute.”

  Cassell entered the room. He looked down at Sarah. He could tell by the bandages and braces that this woman went through hell. In just short minute he left the room to join Doctor Taylor standing at the nurses' station.

  “I’m sorry. This isn’t my sister.”

  ”That’s too bad. It would have been better to put a name to the face. I’ll notify the sheriff of your findings. Thank you for coming down.”

  Tom Cassell drove back to Chicago. By now it was dark. The only light came from the full moon that was partially blocked by the clouds drifting in and out. The drive back to Chicago would have been made easier if passing vehicles' dense slushy spray kept blocking his vision. He knew he had to do something more for this poor woman.

  DAILY GAZETTE

  Tuesday, October 2, 2011

  NAKED WOMAN FOUND OFF HIGHWAY 52

  Minooka—7:30 am. Monday morning children discover a naked woman lying in a ditch along the highway and Morton farm driveway. She was rushed to Memorial Hospital with severe multiple injuries and hypothermia. Doctors could not resuscitate after cardiac arrest. Authorities are searching for clues to the identity of the woman. If you have any information regarding the identity of the woman, call this newspaper or the Grundy County Sheriff's Office.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Rodney’s flight touched down at 6:05 a.m. in Rome. It was too early to go to the police station. He took his carryon and laptop and walked to the first class lounge. Once there, he grabbed a cappuccino and sat down. He didn’t need the rest…first class allowed him sufficient leg room where he could stretch out and sleep while in flight. Losing ten hours on the return trip wouldn’t be great, but oh the rewards to know all his plans have all worked out.

  He opened his laptop and signed onto his e-mail. Twenty-five messages—all with the subject “Condolences” appearing in his inbox. His lips curled. If the senders only knew his true feeling about Sarah, things would be different. He returned to the search engine in his browser and keyed-in: “Highway 52 & Illinois.” It was the most general common denominator that he thought might work. Several links appeared on the screen. He chose the link for the Daily Gazette. Clicking on the link he read down the list of the morning's top five articles. He didn't find what he wanted. He continued scanning the site. At last, he found what he was looking for. It was more of a blurb than an article. There wasn't much information, but what was there was enough. He closed eyes, leaned back in his seat and smiled. A feeling of euphoria rushed over him. After a few minutes, he grabbed his belongings and left the airport grabbing a cab to Rome Cavalier Hotel.

  When he arrived in his room, he checked to see whether his cell phone had any bars. Luck kept following him. He placed his call to Naldo.

  “Ciao.”

  “Naldo, Williams here. I'm in Rome now. I will meet you after I identify the body."

  Shortly after 9:00 a.m. Rodney arrived at the police station and requested to see Investigatore Valentini.

  “Signore Williams." A tall Italian with a dark complexion approached Rodney with his hand extended. "My condolente. We now go to the obitorio.”

  Valentini led the way. As they walked Valentini related the accident report to Rodney. "The signora was driving on a narrow cliff road. Evidently, her vehicle's tire caught the soft shoulder and veered off the road tumbling down about seventy-feet into the ravine. Another driver on the roadway, a Signore Rizzo, witnessed the accident. Your wife's body was partially out of the vehicle. Before he could extricate her the vehicle's gas tank exploded. She did not survive the crash.”

  Rodney walked with a solemn expression on his face making no comment as they walked to the obitoro. The men crossed the center garden that linked the two buildings.

  The glass doors automatically opened as the approached the sterile room. An overweight, grey-haired man greeted them and led them to the metal drawers containing the recently deceased. Instinctively, the man opened the drawer of the woman killed in the car accident. The old man pulled the metal handle. The metal slab slid out unceremoniously. The old man uncovered the body.

  Rodney looked down at the body. Closing his eyes and in a somber voice whispered “Sarah.” He bent down and kissed the charred forehead of the woman. "Good-by sweetheart."

  Valentini waited through the touching moment until he felt that Rodney had composed himself.

  “Again, Signore Williams, we are very sorry for your loss. We will contact the mortuario for the body to be prepared for the return to the states. They will be in contact with you later."

  Rodney handed him his business card with his cell phone number on it.

  “Thank you.” Rodney turned and left the morgue. Once outside on the street side on the building, he smiled and complimented himself of his performance. Luck followed him. He was able to hail a taxi that just turned the corner and approached him.

  “Signore?”

  “Via Borgognona.”

  The taxi stopped in front of Ermegildo's. After paying the fare and exiting the taxi, Rodney walked down several storefronts. He stopped at an outdoor café. He sat down and ordered a café corretto. While he waited for his brew, he called Naldo.

  In less than an hour, Rodney finished his business. It was time to reward himself. Several hours later, Rodney walked out of the Ermegildo's salon with the promise that his purchases would be delivered to his hotel tomorrow afternoon.

  In less than forty-eight hours, he would be back in the states with a new wardrobe and his “dear wife.”

  CHAPTER SIX

  The bright, morning sun peeked through the shade in Tom bedroom window. He turned and eyed his alarm clock—6:47 a.m. Instead of waiting for the alarm to go off at 7:00 a.m., he got up and started his morning routine.

  While the coffee was brewing, he placed a call to his sister Ginny.

  “Hi Tom.”

  “Stop that. Just once, couldn’t you wait until I say Hi first?"

  “Hey, get with the technology…if you feel that way, just TWEET me!” She said with a lighthearted voice.

  “Okay, okay,” he grumbled.

  “Got up on the wrong side of bed?" She didn't wait for an answer. "What’s up?”

  “Yesterday, I a received an alert of a young woman found off I-55.

  Jenny interrupted him, “Was it Ginny?”

  “No. Sorry. She's a lost soul though.”

  “I know you. What are you contemplating?”

  “I though you could call and get Carole involved. Do you think her victim advocacy group can help her?”

  “How much help does she need?’

  “Let’s just say everything.”

  “I don’t think the CWVVC has the resources for just one victim.” />
  “Well, that’s another reason I was calling. I figured I would channel the funds from my trust account to get this woman a new life.”

  “Tom, for someone you don’t know?”

  “Well, the money has just been sitting there. If something like this happened to Ginny, I would like to think someone would help her.”

  “You are a dreamer. How can you be a detective?”

  “Speaking of which. I can’t do anything to help her with her down there. I figured if Carole could get her transported to Northern Medical Center it makes it easier for me to investigate. She was married, a fact that wasn’t on the medical information.”

  “Okay, detective, tell me…how do you know she was married?”

  “Aw that was an easy one…there was a slight indentation on her ring finger. If I can find her husband, I am sure I’ll find her abuser.”

  “Smarty pants.”

  “Naw, just detecting."

  "Okay. I'll call and see if Carole can get things going. What's her name? What hospital is she in?"

  "No name. She is in the Memorial Hospital. Carole can contact Dr. Taylor. He was the doctor I spoke to. About the funds, I would like to the victim not know who is paying." Tom looked at the clock wall.

  "Sis. Thanks for helping. Have to get to my detecting for the city."

  "Okay, I'll call you later and give you an update."

  "Bye and thanks again."

  Tom arrived at the Precinct 19 just before the start of the 8:00 a.m. shift. He sat down at his desk opposite of Steve, his partner of five years.

  "Morning. So, was it your sister?"

  "No!" Tom turned and sat down. He started reviewing the reports of the open files on his desk.

  Steve bowed his head and mumbled, "I see it's going to be a good day."

  CHAPTER SEVEN