Chapter Sixty Nine

Trinity

It was Friday morning and I found myself back in the Police Station. This time, I was gearing up for my own lie detector test. Arlo was with me, as Stephen, Clint, and Mia weren’t allowed to accompany me. I should’ve been a bundle of nerves, going through all this again, but I wasn’t. What more could I do, really?

My trial had already presented enough evidence to establish the severity of my injury and the ongoing impact it had on my memory.

Being several months pregnant, I was grateful they didn’t make me wait too long. These chairs were murder on my hips and back.

Arlo and I were led into a room where a technician explained the process and got me all hooked up. After a series of baseline questions—full name, age, date of birth, occupation—they started to dig into the information they were really after.

Examiner - What does your husband do for a living?

Trinity - He’s not working right now.

Examiner - Why not?

Trinity - He sold our businesses.

Examiner - Why?

Trinity - I don’t know.

Examiner - What do you mean you don’t know?

Trinity - I can’t remember the reason, I’m sorry.

Examiner - Then how do you know he sold some businesses?

Trinity - Because he told me, and so did his business partners.

Examiner - And his business partner is co-accused Clint Robinson?

Trinity - He’s not the only business partner. Dave Barlow was also an owner in the businesses.

Examiner - What businesses?

Trinity - Clubs and cocktail lounges.

Examiner - Not drugs?

Trinity - No! What kind of question is that?

Examiner - You mean you didn’t know your husband was involved in illegal substances?

Trinity - Has he been charged with this?

Examiner - Answer the question.

Trinity - No, I didn’t know. And unless you have proof of this, that’s quite slanderous. Arlo, is there proof?

Arlo shakes his head at me.

Trinity - Does this test also confirm if you’re lying in your questions? Or are you just following the slanderous accusations of Chicago’s finest—or should I say corrupt, given two said detectives are facing murder charges, from what I’ve been told?

I see the examiner glance at the detective next to him, seeking advice on this. Whatever they’re trying to communicate is beyond me.

Examiner - Why did you kill Daniel Rodriguez?

Trinity - I didn’t. I don’t know a Daniel Rodriguez.

Examiner - Yes, you do. You lived at the same address.

Trinity - I did not.

I see the detective watching intently. I’ve never done one of these before, so I have no idea what their looks mean or what’s going on. I wouldn’t know how to read one of these machines if my life depended on it.

Examiner - How did you know Mike Suarez?

Trinity - I know a Mike. He lived with my husband. I didn’t know his last name.

Examiner - And was he friends with your husband?

Trinity - He was a friend of Chad Davies, who was a friend of my husband’s from college.

Examiner - And was Mike a friend of your husband’s?

Trinity - I guess so. If you want to know, though, you’ll probably have to ask Stephen.

Examiner - So why did you kill Mike?

Trinity - I didn’t.

Examiner - But the court heard you have shooting experience.

Trinity - That’s a lie. The court heard I used to go shooting with my father when I was younger. I don’t believe it was ever mentioned I had shooting experience. Make of that what you will.

Examiner - Are you saying you didn’t shoot him?

Trinity - I’m saying I didn’t kill anyone. Besides, why are you assuming that’s how this man was killed? My understanding from my own hearing and trial was that there’s no body.

Arlo - Correct. They’re using information obtained from the hearings of corrupt CPD officers who are facing murder charges. I believe you gentlemen have everything you need from my client, who, by the way, volunteered today. The court’s request has been met. If that’s all, we’ll be leaving.

Examiner - That’s all.

Arlo - I expect a copy of that exam in my office by close of business today, or an application to have it removed from evidence will be submitted.

Arlo and I made our way out and signed out at the booking reception to confirm we were leaving. After making sure we had everything, Arlo held the door open for me as we stepped outside. Just as I was about to leave, I saw a shadow approaching. I looked up to see an older man, a police officer, but judging by his uniform, I’d say he was a Captain or higher rank.

Chief Walis - Mrs. Gotti, why am I not surprised to see you back here?

I looked at him, confused. I didn’t know this man, so the fact he seemed to know who I was concerned me.

Trinity - I’m sorry, do I know you?

Chief - Of course, you’d choose to play that game.

Arlo - Let’s go, Trinity.

Chief - And where’s Mr. Ramirez? I thought he was the guard dog for the Gottis.

Trinity - What’s going on? Who are you?

I watched as the man stepped closer and grabbed my arm. As I tried to pull away, I stepped back too quickly and hit the back of my head against the door that had now closed behind us.

Trinity - Ahhh, damn it!

Arlo - Trinity, are you okay?

Trinity - I’m fine, it was just a little bump.

As I looked back up, my head started spinning and I felt faint and dizzy. My head was swirling and when I looked at the men staring back at me, I suddenly remembered exactly who this was. Chief Walis. The man who set us up. The man who knew his force was corrupt. The fish rots from the head. I was snapped out of my thoughts when I heard Arlo.

Arlo - Trinity, let me get you home.

I managed to nod at Arlo and we quickly left without another word. We got in the car and headed home. I was aware of Arlo trying to make conversation, but my head was spinning and I couldn’t put my thoughts into words. As we drove past Stephen’s old club, it suddenly hit me.

We arrived home and I ran into the house with Arlo calling after me, concerned.

Trinity - STEPHEN!

Trinity - STEPHENNNNN!

Stephen - We’re out back, babe!

I raced through the house and when I got to the dining room, I saw Stephen rushing in to meet me. Clint, Mia, and the kids were all sitting out in the backyard while the kids played.

Stephen - Baby, what’s wrong?

I threw myself into Stephen’s arms as he held me tight, trying to calm the panic rising in me.

Stephen - Trinity, you’re shaking. What the hell happened? Arlo!!

Arlo’s voice filters in from behind us, his tone laced with concern. “Trinity, are you okay?”

Stephen turns to him, his brows furrowed. “What happened?”

“I’m not entirely sure,” Arlo admits. “We’d just wrapped up the interview and were on our way out when the Chief walked in.”

“The Chief of Police?” Stephen clarifies.

“Yeah, that’s the one. He grabbed Trinity’s arm to say something, and when she pulled away, she hit her head on the door. She insisted she was fine, but she looked pretty shaken up. I got her into the car and brought her straight home.”

Stephen’s gaze is locked on me, his eyes filled with worry. “Baby, what is it? What did he do? Did he say something?”

I lift my head to meet his gaze, noticing that Mia and Clint have also risen from their seats, their faces mirroring Stephen’s concern.

“It was Chief Walis,” I manage to choke out. “I remember. I remember everything, Stephen.”

“Everything?” Stephen echoes, his voice barely a whisper.

I nod, my heart pounding in my chest. “It’s him, Stephen! The fish rots from the head! It’s him!”