The Prince Charming Hoax (32 page)

Her mind was racing with the possibilities of what to do next and how she should respond to Santiago
’
s questions. Clearly this girl had been at the club, but why had she identified Roxie?

Roxie returned to the living room with her coffee and sat down opposite Santiago. She put her cup on the table and picked up the model
’
s comp again.

She looked directly at Santiago.
“
If this girl was there on Saturday, I did not meet her or dance with her.
”

“
And you are sure about that, Ms. Stein?
”
Santiago
’
s eyes narrowed slightly as he looked directly into hers.

“
Yes.
”
She broke his intent gaze by reaching over to pick up her coffee and taking a sip.

He didn
’
t take his eyes off her.
“
Did you dance with other women and disrobe during the dance?
”

Roxie used the moment while she swallowed to figure out how to respond. She decided to take control of the interview.
“
You said you were here to ask me a few questions about Daryl Johnson, Detective, and so far you haven
’
t asked one about him.
”
She leaned back in the chair, waiting to see if he
’
d take the bait.

Santiago turned to a fresh page in his notebook.
“
What is your relationship with Mr. Johnson?
”

“
I dated him for about one month. However, our relationship has ended.
”

“
You were with him last Saturday night. When did your relationship end?
”

“
That evening. Look, Detective, I
’
m getting ready to go on vacation tomorrow, and I have many things to do today. How is my relationship with Mr. Johnson relevant to your investigation?
”
Roxie knew it was a gamble to press him for information, but she wanted to find out if she was being implicated in the girl
’
s charges.

“
That depends. Is the end of your relationship connected in any way to the events of Saturday night?
”

“
Not the events you
’
ve described. I am not connected in any way to what that young woman said happened to her.
”

Santiago kept a poker face, and Roxie couldn
’
t tell if she convinced him that she knew nothing about the incident.

“
As co-owner of the club with Nicholas Kostas, Mr. Johnson is very much connected to the incident.
”

Roxie stared at him wide-eyed, too startled to hide her surprise.
“
D.J. and Nicky own the club?
”
she said softly, more to herself than to Santiago. Suddenly, the royal treatment she received and other events made sense. Now she realized why D.J. got so angry. He obviously thought it looked bad that the woman he brought chose not to join the party. She shook her head.
He
’
s a bigger jerk than I thought.

The twisting in her stomach churned again as she remembered Belle
’
s warning, and she knew why her instincts told her to be fearful. D.J. wouldn
’
t let go of a blow to his ego. It occurred to Roxie that maybe she ought to be upfront with the detective. She might need protection.

“
Ms. Stein, did you hear what I said?
”

Santiago
’
s sharp voice brought Roxie back, and she tried to recoup her composure.
“
You said D.J. and Nicky own the club and…
”
Roxie decided to pull herself together and get on Santiago
’
s good side.
“
Evidently there
’
s a lot that I don
’
t know about D.J. and what happens at that club, Detective. I
’
m sorry. I wish I could be more helpful.
”

Santiago
’
s posture relaxed. He began tapping his pen against the notebook page while he looked at her.
“
Why don
’
t you go inside and get your breakfast?
”
he said finally.
“
Then come back in here and tell me what you do know about the club and what happened there on Saturday night.
”

Roxie decided his caring tone was genuine, and she could trust him. She retrieved the take-out bag from the kitchen. Sitting down in her chair again, she unwrapped the bagel and tore off a piece.
“
Where do you want me to start?
”
she asked as she leaned back in the armchair, pulling her long legs up under her in a comfortable position.

“
Was this your first visit to the club?
”

Roxie shook her head as she chewed, then swallowed.
“
No, I went there once before.
”

“
So, you knew what kind of club it was,
”
Santiago looked over at Roxie for confirmation.

“
No. Not the first time.
”

“
What happened that night?
”

Roxie took a deep breath and launched into a description of the evening. She self-consciously glanced over at Santiago when she got to the part about the episode with Rita in the bathroom, but the detective never looked up from his writing or registered any facial reaction. She quickly related how the events unfolded, including how D.J. had burst in, carried her out, and taken her home.

“
Did you and Mr. Johnson have sexual relations that evening after you were drugged?
”

Roxie nodded and watched as Santiago took some time to silently reread what he wrote, underlining some of the passages. She stood up and began to clear away her empty coffee mug and the wrappers from her bagel.
“
Can I get you something to drink, Detective? Water or Diet Coke?
”

“
Water, thanks.
”
His eyes followed her while she went to the kitchen and returned with two bottles of water.
“
Now tell me about your visit to the club on Saturday night,
”
he said as she dropped back down in the armchair.

Roxie gave him an honest, detailed account of the evening without explicitly describing the sexual foursome with Nicky and Belle. Those details were none of his business, she decided, and not relevant. She explained how D.J. reacted when she said she wanted to leave and that she left by cab, alone. She noted specifically that she never entered the
“
party room,
”
so she could not identify who was in there.

“
Did you see Mr. Kostas in there?

“
No.
”

“
But, you did see Mr. Johnson enter the room?
”

“
Yes.
”

“
Did Mr. Johnson call you after you left?
”

“
No, I have not heard from him since I left on Saturday night, which was really early Sunday morning. I went to stay with a friend and didn
’
t get back here until right before you came.
”

“
Ms. Stein, your story is consistent with much of what the girl has told us. She was in that room, though, unfortunately for her and the others present. I need to talk to everyone she can identify as being present at the club as part of the investigation. I hope you understand.
”

“
Have you spoken to D.J.?
”

“
Yes. He
’
s in custody with Mr. and Mrs. Kostas until a hearing to set bail is held. They
’
re being charged with statutory rape and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
”

Roxie gasped.
“
When were they brought in?
”

“
Yesterday afternoon.
”

Roxie nodded.
That explains why I haven
’
t heard from him,
she thought.

“
Listen, Ms. Stein, you have my card. If Mr. Johnson contacts you or tries to talk about the case with you, let me know. You are advised not to speak to him about what we have discussed or what you told me. Do you understand?
”

“
Yes. I
’
ll be gone for two weeks, Detective. But you can reach me on my cell if you have any more questions.
”
Roxie stood up as Santiago started to gather his papers, notebook, and pen.
“
Do you think this will be resolved by then?
”

Santiago shook his head.
“
The girl
’
s father is a Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge. This is not going to go away, and there will be publicity, especially since the girl
’
s a minor. That club is going to be shut down permanently, but this is not the end of it, I
’
m sure.
”

Roxie stood up, horrified.
“
Publicity? Oh my God, will my name be mentioned?
”

“
I can
’
t say, but it
’
s probably a good thing that you
’
re going away. Mr. Johnson and Mr. and Mrs. Kostas will undoubtedly be named. If your relationship with him was known—
”
Santiago shrugged.
“
You may want to retain an attorney.
”

“
Oh, crap.
”
Roxie rubbed her forehead, trying to sort out her thoughts.
“
Listen, Detective, I have a million decisions to make. Let me show you out.
”
She walked him to the door.

“
Ms. Stein, like I said. Call me if you need help.
”

Roxie nodded absently as she shut the door behind him.

Chapter
27

Leah reached across the armrest of the airplane seat and tapped the newspaper that lay open on Roxie
’
s lap. Staring back at them was Roxie
’
s photo running with a story on the
Miami Herald
front page.
“
Rox, you
’
re going to have to make some sort of statement to the press. The worst thing you can do in these situations is nothing. I
’
ve done crisis publicity for Fortune 500 CEOs and the
‘
no comment
’
approach is tantamount to saying
Mea culpa.
”

Roxie pushed the button and winced as she reclined her seat.
“
Obviously my
‘
I
’
ll think about tomorrow
’
strategy backfired. Shit, I was so hoping I could escape and have a nice little vacation.
”
She sighed and looked over at Leah.
“
All right, Miss Crisis Management. You
’
re on. You
’
ve got two hours until this flight lands to write me a statement and outline a plan of action. And I
’
ll pay you handsomely for your troubles.
”

“
Not so fast, Miss
‘
I Need Some Excitement in My Life.
’
I don
’
t want your money. But, if I
’
m using the time I planned to spend working on my book on your salvation, then we
’
re going to work on this together.
”
She put her arm around Roxie and pulled her close, leaning in so their heads touched.
“
Once again, it
’
s you and me against the world,
”
and she hummed a few bars of the song.

Roxie pulled away.
“
I
’
ll help, I
’
ll help. Don
’
t sing, Leah, please. Your talents definitely lie in the written word.
”
She put her seat back into the upright position.
“
Come on,
”
she grumbled,
“
take out your computer, and let
’
s get started.
”

Leah gulped down the last of her tea from the travel cup she carried with her.
“
Lucky for you, I
’
m a morning person—and I do my best work under deadline pressure. But, I
’
ll let you in on a little secret,
”
she said as she pulled out a notebook and her gel pen from her carry-on case.
“
All my great writing begins on the written page. Something about the flow of thought from the brain, down the arm, to the hand that propels the pen to write. Once I have the concept materialized, I can whip it out on the computer. But it starts here.
”
She tapped her pen on the notebook.

Roxie rolled her eyes.
“
Great, Shakespeare. So, where do we begin?
”

Leah pretended to ignore the barb.
“
We begin by defining your position.
”
Then she bent her head to side and looked at Roxie with a twinkle in her eyes.
“
And, Linda Lovelace, spread eagle is not appropriate here.
”

Their hysterical laughter drew the stares of the nearby passengers on the crowded early morning flight. Roxie put a finger to her lips.
“
Touché. I guess I deserved that. But, for goodness sake, the idea is to try to put a lid on this, not bring more attention to me.
”

Leah nodded, still giggling, and started jotting down ideas.

* * *

Ali flew out the door as soon as Leah pulled the rented Mustang convertible into the driveway of Debbie
’
s house.

“
Mommy! I
’
m so glad you
’
re here!
”
She practically pulled Leah from the driver
’
s seat. As she hugged her daughter, Leah caught sight of her niece and the proud grandparents, each holding a baby conveniently color-coded in pink, blue, and purple.

After all the hugging, squealing, introductions, and baby swapping was over, they managed to move inside where the commotion started all over again as Leah and Roxie began to pull out baby gifts. Amid the ohs and ahs and baby cries, Leah heard a muffled noise, almost like a whimpering.
“
Oh my goodness. Mitzi! I forgot about her. She was out cold from the doggie tranquilizer, and we left her on the back seat of the car in her carrier. She
’
s still out there. Ali, quick, go get her, please.
”

Mitzi jumped out of Ali
’
s arms as soon as she got inside and leaped into Leah
’
s lap, shaking.
“
Oh great, baby number four.
”
Leah petted the pooch to comfort her.
“
Don
’
t worry, Mitzi. We
’
ll get you out of here soon and bring you to Uncle David
’
s where you can play with your cousin Simone.
”

Ali stared at her mother, incredulous of the transformation she was witnessing.
“
I don
’
t believe it. You really like that dog, don
’
t you?
”

Leah shook her head.
“
Don
’
t be getting any ideas. When her owners return, she stays with them, and there will be no replacement.
”

Leah looked around the room. Diaper boxes, baby wipes, toys, strollers, blankets, bottles, and stuffed animals covered the floor, couches, tables, and chairs. Her eyes settled on her niece. Debbie was remarkably thin for a woman who had given birth to triplets a few short months ago. But she didn
’
t look good. Dark circles under her eyes and lines around her eyes and mouth showed evidence of fatigue and too much frowning. A year before when she found out she was pregnant, Debbie had been the picture of health, with her blue eyes sparkling and creamy skin glowing with happiness.

Leah felt a stab of guilt.
“
What have we done to you, Debbie? Here your house is overflowing with baby paraphernalia, and in we march with more stuff, more people, and a dog to boot!
”

David got up, stood behind the chair where his daughter sat, and massaged her shoulders.
“
Debbie, why don
’
t you and Ali go out for lunch? While you
’
re gone, Mom, Aunt Leah, and Roxie will take care of the babies, and I
’
ll take the dog and their luggage back to our house. Then I
’
ll pick up dinner and bring it back for us all to have here later when Ronnie comes home tonight. Sound good?
”

Ali brightened up immediately at the prospect of going out unencumbered by the triplets for once, but Debbie was reluctant.
“
How can I leave Aunt Leah and Roxie with the babies? They just got here and don
’
t know anything about them.
”

“
Your mom will be here, honey,
”
Leah said.
“
And I raised a little girl who turned out pretty well. We
’
ll manage, and the babies will be fine, not to worry. That
’
s why we
’
re here, anyway. Now go put on something pretty, something you wore before you had to worry about spit up and leaky diapers, and spend a nice afternoon with Ali.
”

David slipped some money in her hand.
“
Take Ali shopping and buy yourself something new while you
’
re at it. But, don
’
t buy anything for the babies. These kids have enough stuff to keep them going
‘
til they
’
re out of high school, I swear.
”

Debbie ran her hand through her short, dark hair and looked questioningly at her mother.
“
Are you sure, Mom?
”

Carol laughed.
“
Don
’
t worry about me, sweetie. You know I love every minute I get to spend with my grandchildren. And now I have Aunt Leah and Roxie, too. Do you really think three grown women can
’
t take care of these three little infants for a few hours? Go, go now.
”

Ali pulled Debbie out of her chair.
“
Are you crazy, Deb? Hurry, before they change their minds. We can have lunch and shop all by ourselves, like the old days. And let
’
s take Mom
’
s convertible, not the van. OK?
”
She looked over at Leah, who nodded affirmation.

A trace of a smile crossed Debbie
’
s face.
“
All right. I could use a little renewal time to start feeling like a human being again and not just a mommy machine.
”
She got up and hugged everyone.
“
But, I
’
ll have my cell phone on, just in case.
”

* * *

Three hours later, Leah and Roxie stretched out on the lounge chairs on Debbie
’
s screened-in back porch, exhausted from the seemingly never-ending task of feeding, bathing, changing diapers, and doing laundry. They watched Emily and Ashley drift off to sleep in the mechanical swings that rocked gently back and forth. Carol had taken Andrew for a walk in the stroller because he didn
’
t want to settle down.

“
Poor Debbie, no wonder she feels overwhelmed. Even if these babies were three perfect angels who ate, burped, and slept all at the same time, it would be impossible to relax in this place,
”
Leah whispered.

Roxie leaned back in the chaise and closed her eyes.
“
Leah, don
’
t take this the wrong way, but I wouldn
’
t exactly call this getting away from it all. In fact, given the choice of facing an angry D.J. and waves of bad press versus another afternoon with those screaming bundles of poop, I
’
m tempted to take the next plane back.
”

“
Hey, I know you
’
re kidding, but don
’
t say anything like that in front of Ali. I mean it, Rox. When she came over to kiss me good-bye before leaving with Debbie, she whispered that she was never going to get married or have children. I know she
’
s still very young, but I hate to see her so disillusioned with two such important aspects of a woman
’
s life.
”

The screen door opened slowly and Carol tiptoed in with a sleeping Andrew in the stroller. She motioned for Leah and Roxie to follow her inside. She led them into the kitchen, where they all pulled up chairs at the counter.
“
This is much better,
”
Carol said as she poured each of them iced tea from a pitcher.
“
We can see the little darlings perfectly well through the window and still be able to talk. And besides, Debbie has baby monitors hooked up all over the house. In fact, be careful what you say around here, because you
’
re on a loud speaker in the living room and master bedroom,
”
Carol said.

“
You
’
re kidding, right?
”
said Roxie.
“
Is she afraid she
’
ll miss hearing them scream?
”

Carol laughed.
“
It does help to go and quickly pick up a crying baby before the cries wake the others.
”

“
Carol, I
’
m glad you came back when you did,
”
Leah said.
“
Roxie and I were talking about how difficult it is for Debbie. I
’
m concerned about the way she looks, and both Ali and Debbie herself told me she cries all the time. There must be something we can do to help her…and I mean long-term, not just babysit while we
’
re here.
”