The Sleeping Beauty Killer

10

The screen of Laurie’s cell phone notified her that her car had arrived and was waiting on 94th Street, but Leo was still trying to persuade Laurie that the drive was a waste of time. “She’ll look you right in the eye, then lie to your face, just like she did to the police when she was arrested.”

She was starting to regret mentioning the reason for her trip to Connecticut. She gulped down the final sip of her coffee, needing every ounce of caffeine.

“I haven’t made a decision yet,” she said.

“I can already predict what Casey will tell you. She was drugged at the fundraiser by some unidentified stranger.”

“I know, I know,” she said, checking her briefcase to make sure she had everything she needed for the day. “Her blood tests proved that she had consumed not only alcohol, but Rohypnol. She’ll tell me it’s what people call a roofie, used to incapacitate a victim, not as a recreational drug.”

“Except she wasn’t drugged by a stranger, Laurie. She drugged herself so she could blame the crime on someone else.” Leo shook his head in disgust.

“Dad, I have to go, okay? I promised Casey I would at least consider her case. You’re the one who taught me: Once you give your word-”

“Well, why do you have to go today? Take some time and consider some other cases.”

She wanted to say, Because Brett is breathing down my neck, but she didn’t want to give her father another reason to despise her boss. Her father was supportive to a fault. How many times had he told her that she could join any television team in the country? If you asked Leo, she should have had a cabinet filled with Emmy Awards and 60 Minutes was pining to recruit her.

“Apparently Casey’s mother doesn’t want her going on my show.”

“Smart woman,” he said emphatically. “She probably knows her daughter’s guilty.”

“In any event, I’d prefer the chance to get to know her sooner rather than later, in the event I do decide to cover the case.”

“Which I hope you absolutely won’t do.”

Timmy and Leo walked Laurie to the black SUV waiting outside their building. Laurie gave Timmy a final hug, and then watched as he and Leo began their daily walk to Saint David’s school.

As she watched the city roll past her through the window of the SUV, she was grateful that she was making the long trip to Connecticut and back today. Her son was not the only one who was excited to see Alex tonight. A busy schedule between now and then would make the time fly by.