Where Darkness Resides, page 8
That should lift his spirits, she gleamed.
14 PLAYA
Isabela, Puerto Rico
The Same Day
Daniel walked through the wooden gate at the Regal Isabela onto concrete steps that meandered down the lush hill into a dirt pathway ultimately leading to El Pastillo beach. The wide stretch of beach was lined with palm trees, some swept by strong winds while they were saplings, causing them to form unique shapes. The waves calmly lapped upon the shore making a lulling sound and bringing Daniel to a spiritual connection to the sea. He sauntered along the shore, eyeing the sapphire skies, and smiling inwardly.
Not knowing why he was there rather than at the festivities planned by the resort, Daniel could only think of what transpired over the past few days. Some of his memories were filled with joy like when he first saw Pamela in the plunge pool. He wondered why she came to Puerto Rico. Or their evening meal together when they laughed and discussed work and their social lives. He was always surprised by how much Pamela knew things about him he had never disclosed. Sometimes to no one at all. But he never dwelled on that. Instead, he simply enjoyed her company and the pleasantries between them.
The age difference was something he never considered a hurdle to their friendship. Pamela was twenty years his junior. Most middle-aged men like himself would be flattered to hang around such a lovely, younger woman. They would perhaps prefer to seek refuge in her arms in a romantic way rather than being platonic. But not Daniel. He saw them as friends and nothing more despite the subtle hints and overtures she made.
Those were just playful comments to stroke his ego or to tease a lonely man, Daniel rationalized.
He knew Pamela was strictly professional and would never cross the line. After all, what woman would genuinely speak to a man about his love interests if she was truly wanting a relationship with him? It made no sense to Daniel. Most things about women didn’t. He was socially awkward in that way.
As he took a few more steps along the beach, he noticed several flat stones lying on the sand. Picking up a few, he tried skipping them on the ocean. Some skipped once or twice. One immediately sunk into the water. Daniel was pleased with his attempts. It reminded him of his childhood when he played at the beach in California. It was a simpler, innocent time when he lived on Chambers Lane.
Not like it was now. The stress of the past few years maybe even decades was finally catching up to him. Although his former marriage to Christina was a high point in his life bringing innumerable moments of joy, the divorce destroyed him in ways he could not fathom. Daniel had to dig deep inside himself to finally accept how he contributed to the failed relationship. After the divorce, he threw himself into work which only made things worse. When he became a partner at Williams Brown years later, he met his professional goal, but his social life was still in tatters. By then, Daniel thought he would have gotten remarried and would have started a family of his own. The son he raised during the marriage, Wisdom, was not his biological child, but Christina’s son from a previous relationship. A part of him hoped he would have children of his own. But it wasn’t meant to be.
Daniel pictured himself at the firm’s Christmas party when it was announced he made partner. Mr. Brown spoke to the entire room of attorneys and their spouses and significant others and proudly lavished praise not only on Daniel’s acumen as an attorney but also on his professional demeanor and sensitivity to all parties involved in any litigation he was a part of. In some ways, it rang hollow. Not because it wasn’t true, but because he had no one to share his accomplishments with. The night when he became a partner, he was alone just as he was when walking along El Pastillo beach enjoying the view and the sand dunes ahead.
He suddenly stopped walking. Wondering why he couldn’t find love over the years, he remembered Corina - the latest woman in his life. Her lovely smile. Her beautiful laugh brought him joy. Their relationship, however, never grew beyond just friends no matter how much he wanted to see it blossom. She was the type of woman Daniel would marry if they were both in love. Strong, independent, able to speak her mind without fear, and compassionate or stern toward him when appropriate. There were nights when he questioned why they were never able to take the next step. He surely wanted to, but Corina did not.
Reassuring himself about her choice, Daniel reasoned she was a woman who had so much pain from her past experiences that she wasn’t willing to be tied down again. Her free spirit meant she pursued only those things she desired. Unlike Daniel, it was not her career but the little things that mattered - time with her extended family and friends, traveling abroad with her girlfriends, and taking care of those she loved. These things were more important than the uncertainties of a relationship or even marriage. No matter how many times Daniel tried to broach the subject of being more than just friends, Corina ignored him and avoided the conversation. He knew she cared, just not in the way he wanted her to or, even still, needed her to. At that moment, the thought brought sadness to his soul he had not felt since the divorce so long ago. He knew he needed to accept it once and for all and let her go.
Perhaps that’s why he was here walking along the shore to release his expectations into the sea, to free himself of hope unattained, and to be renewed with a sense of purpose he could not at the moment fully understand. The thought brought some relief but not much. Staring off into the horizon, Daniel smiled and sighed. The horizon was endless, and he hoped to meet it there.
Amidst his thoughts, the sudden tugging of his arms felt uncomfortable. He instinctively resisted it. His body uncontrollably collapsed as he was dragged by two men away to a mysterious place.
“No, no. What are you doing to me?” Daniel desperately asked as he became unconscious from something injected into his body.
15 DARKNESS TWOFOLD
An Unknown Location in Puerto Rico
Several Hours Later.
As Daniel became less groggy from the sedative, his senses slowly returned. He faintly smelled blood and sweat but it wasn’t from his own body. The smell emanated from across the room. Turning his head in the direction of the pungent metallic and sour aroma, Daniel couldn’t see where it was coming from. He was blindfolded. He wanted to stand but he was restrained in the chair he was seated on. He struggled to free himself but to no avail.
“Stop that,” a male voice across the room demanded. “They’ll hear you.”
Daniel immediately froze especially after realizing he wasn’t alone in the room.
“Who’s there?” Daniel whispered.
He resisted making more noise. He wasn’t sure if his captors could hear him or if the person speaking to him from across the room was a captive like himself.
“Shush,” the person insisted with an air of frustration.
Listening intensely, Daniel could distinguish two muffled, male voices in the far distance. Their voices were even further away than the voice admonishing him to be still. He couldn’t understand what the two voices were saying but they were definitely speaking Spanish. Suddenly, salsa music blared throughout the room. Daniel wasn’t sure if the two males were partying. But the music was so loud, it seemed like the purpose was to disguise something the pair was doing rather than for a social gathering. Occasionally, the sound of metal clanging overcame the music.
“Where are we?” Daniel asked, knowing it would be more difficult for his captors to hear him speak over the loud noise.
There was no response from his fellow captive.
He slowly turned his head from side to side to determine if there was anything else he could discern from being there. No natural sunlight warmed his face or anywhere else his naked body was exposed.
The windows must be covered, he presumed. Or we are in a windowless room? Think, Daniel. Think.
He took a deeper breath to determine if he could smell anything else inside the room that would give him a clue. All he could smell besides sweat and blood was dampness in the air. It was the typical humidity in Puerto Rico after the torrential rains. But the room felt cooler than his accommodations at the resort even though it overlooked the ocean.
We must be at a higher elevation on the island, he thought as he accounted for the lower temperature.
Unfortunately, the entire island center was mountainous. Not being awake during his transport to this new location, Daniel did not know how far from the resort his captives drove or in which direction. He had no idea what part of the island he was being held against his will.
It could have been ten minutes or an hour, he surmised. Who knows?
The island wasn’t that large and could be circumnavigated in a little more than two hours in a car. He was exasperated by his inability to ascertain his whereabouts. Because his arms were restrained, he couldn’t flail his arms about in anger to release his frustration. He could only sit in an uncomfortable position waiting for the inevitable.
Desperate to get more information, Daniel asked, “What’s your name? My name is Daniel Mendoza. I’m a U.S. citizen.”
He waited in vain for an answer.
Wondering how long he had been there, Daniel surmised it had only been a few hours because he was still full from overindulging in breakfast that morning before heading out to the beach.
But my companion? Was he the kidnapped man from the other casita? Or someone else? Daniel pondered.
He had to know. Not only for his sake but because he knew his fellow captive’s identity could be a clue to his freedom.
“What’s your name? How long have you been here?” he asked.
Calculating in his mind, Daniel figured the answer should be two maybe three days. If longer than that, then the captive was someone other than the resort guest. This, of course, was based on getting an accurate answer from the other captive. Daniel had no idea if the other individual was also blindfolded and could tell how many days had actually passed. Just sitting there, it seemed like forever.
When no response was forthcoming, Daniel became even more frustrated.
Calm down, he chided himself. You need to stay calm and level-headed. You need to come up with an escape plan with or without his help.
Daniel wondered if Pamela called him once she arrived in Arizona. He could tell his cell phone was no longer on him.
Even if she had called, my captors would have my cell phone and would intercept the call, he thought. Or maybe they ditched the phone somewhere along their route.
He had no idea.
She’s probably too busy with her dad anyway, he thought. Surely, Gerry must notice I’m missing by now. He’ll look for me.
The thought of Gerald Ravan searching for him gave Daniel comfort. Gerald was a resourceful man with international connections. Having recently learned that Gerald also had extensive connections in Puerto Rico with the governor and numerous local officials, he hoped those resources could be a tool in rescuing him. He remembered Gerald saying he might leave Puerto Rico early before the end of the festivities to finish some business. Realizing no one else on the island would be missing him, Daniel sighed. The other captive took notice.
When Daniel heard the other captive move slightly, he said, “If we work together, we might be able to get out of this. What do you say?”
Daniel didn’t expect a response. He continued probing the room with his unconscious mind to determine its size and shape and any possible exits. Perhaps, he was just occupying himself with meaningless tasks during a stressful situation. Or maybe he was accomplishing more than he understood. Whatever it was, he seemed more relaxed. And then it hit him?
Why do they want me? What do I have that they want? Or do I know something I shouldn’t?
His mind raced. He wondered if they were aware of Pamela and grabbed her too before she made it to the airport. She obviously wasn’t in the room with him.
Could she be somewhere else? Could she be hurt? I have to get out of here!! I have to do something!!
Remembering the blood and sweat in the casita, Daniel pondered whether he was next to be tortured. He braced his mind and body for that eventuality. Having never served in the military and having never learned any martial arts, Daniel knew he was unprepared for it. He was an attorney after all. Not a soldier. Not a hero.
But who’s that man with me? Why is he so important? What does he know that they needed to torture him to get the information? Did they break him? Are they looking for it now?
Daniel exhausted himself with his myriad questions and concerns.
16 FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST
Phoenix, Arizona
The Same Day
“Good afternoon, Dr. Weimar. We’ve met before, haven’t we?” Doug Clarkson asked as he approached the lectern to question the witness scheduled for the afternoon session for that trial day.
“Yes, we have. When your firm retained me last year,” the doctor answered.
He smiled at the jury when responding so that they would feel comfortable about why the witness had a cordial relationship with the plaintiffs’ counsel.
“And I have placed on your monitor what's been marked as plaintiffs’ Exhibit Number 2. Can you identify that particular document, first of all?”
The doctor glanced at his monitor before answering.
“It’s the report I prepared for this case.”
“Can you tell the jury about your particular background?”
Turning towards the jury again, the doctor explained, “I am a physician specializing in anatomic, clinical, and forensic pathology. I am also licensed to practice medicine in the State of Arizona.”
“Are you board certified?”
“I am board certified in the specialties I previously mentioned by the American Board of Pathology.”
“Can you describe to the jury what your specialty in forensic pathology entails?”
The doctor beamed when posed the question. Testifying was his forte. He enjoyed explaining his chosen field, especially to those who were unfamiliar with it.
“Forensic pathology involves the study, evaluation, and analysis of sudden, suspicious, unexpected, unexplained, medically unattended deaths, primarily to determine the cause of death. It also includes the determination of the manner of death, the mechanism of death, and in some instances the time and place of death or the relationship between injury and disease. To a great extent, it's the kind of work that is associated with a medical examiner or a coroner's office. Although forensic pathologists like myself can also practice privately and are involved, as other medical specialists are, in writing, teaching, and research.”
The jury was in awe at his explanation. Having an excellent witness made the trial more exciting in their eyes and made it easier to pass the long day.
“Thank you, Doctor. You have a fascinating profession. Can you tell the jury what your report, plaintiffs’ Exhibit Number 2, addresses?”
“I've addressed the question of the injuries, the patterns, the instrumentality, the scene investigation, from a forensic pathology standpoint, and some observations about the autopsy.”
“What do you do for a living?” Doug Clarkson asked.
He knew this question was critical to convincing the jury that the doctor was knowledgeable and unbiased.
“I am associated with the Phoenix County Hospital, where I'm the Director of Forensic Pathology. I previously was the coroner of Maricopa County for about twelve years. And I'm also a medical legal consultant on a private basis for attorneys, agencies, families, and companies.”
Doug questioned Dr. Weimar regarding the last time he performed an autopsy and the number of autopsies he performed every year for the past decade.
After being questioned about his role as a medical legal consultant, Dr. Weimar responded, “I also participate as a secondary pathologist or observer on about one hundred or so autopsies done at the Maricopa County Coroner's Office. These are for the most part homicides, and other complex cases where we feel it is wise to have a second forensic pathologist involved in the case. However, in those cases, I do not actually perform the autopsy. I’m there, as I said, as a secondary person strictly to observe the autopsy.”
“And does the coroner’s office issue a report as to the manner and cause of death?”
‘Yes, the primary report details the results of the internal and external examination of the body and includes any toxicology analysis conducted.”
“Does the autopsy report include a coroner’s verdict?”
“Well, we don’t call it a coroner’s verdict. We just refer to it as the coroner’s statement which is the diagnosis as to the cause of death. It also includes checking off the box on the death certificate regarding the manner of death.”
“Doctor, did you observe the autopsy of Carlos Hernandez as a medical legal consultant?’
“Yes, I did.”
The jury looked intently at the doctor as they anticipated his testimony regarding the death of Mr. Hernandez.
“Was the examination of Mr. Hernandez complete and thorough?”
“It was to the best of the pathologist’s ability to perform the autopsy. As I testified earlier, I did not perform the autopsy myself. My role was limited to observing the autopsy on behalf of the Hernandez family.”
“Did you review every note, memorandum, and report prepared by the Maricopa County Coroner’s office regarding Mr. Hernandez’s autopsy?”
“Yes, I did.”
“Did you review any reports prepared by the Scottsdale Police Department regarding the subject accident?”
“Yes, as well as all of the photos taken of the accident scene.”
“And do you feel that you are qualified to make an opinion as to the findings of the Maricopa County Coroner's office as to whether or not you agree or disagree with those findings?”
