Debts Unsettled, page 9
“The killer raped Liz and strangled her with such force it broke her neck. The forensic people had a rape kit performed, hoping to find a viable suspect.
“My father couldn’t let go of his belief that Russ killed Liz.
“One evening, my dad watched a special on TV about DNA. The reporter discussed how DNA was becoming more prevalent in forensic police work.
“Dad followed up by doing research in the downtown Portland Library. After he felt comfortable with his research and the knowledge he’d gained—
“Michael… I’m sorry I’m spitting this story out rapid fire. But… it’s like a bad taste I’m trying to get out of my mouth. It’s hard for me to tell.”
“Linda, as an attorney, I’m accustomed to hearing people communicate bad memories in this manner; you’re doing great.”
“I appreciate that, but I feel like I need a shower.”
“I can’t imagine the pain this memory brings.”
She wiped the sides of her face with both hands and sighed. “Where was I… okay… dad had completed his research. He asked a lifelong friend, a captain with the Portland Police Bureau, to meet him for lunch. Dad asked him for a favor.
“After hearing how Liz’s unsolved murder, and his suspicions about Russ, were making dad crazy, the captain agreed to help. Dad told his friend there was only one way he could get past his suspicions: have the rape kit from Liz’s murder investigation tested against a sample of Russ’ DNA.
“The captain agreed to take it forward and subsequently received permission to run the test.
“Dad had collected hair from the headrest of the driver’s seat in Russ’ car. He took Russ’ toothbrush from our bathroom and cigarette butts from an ashtray on Russ’ workbench in our basement.
“The Oregon State Police Forensic Services Division found Russ’ DNA matched the evidence in the rape kit. Multnomah County Court issued a warrant for his arrest; charging him with murder.”
“Wow—" Michael again inserted himself into the conversation.
She held up her right index finger and cocked her head. “No interruptions, remember?”
“Sorry, Linda, sometimes I can’t help myself. I guess Jacob and I are alike. Maybe that’s why I liked him.”
Michael saw the corners of Linda’s mouth raise.
She continued her story. “Throughout the trial, Russ maintained he didn’t kill my sister. He admitted he and Liz were lovers until we got married. He claimed they ended the relationship a week before we married, but rekindled it the night of Liz’s murder.
“The prosecuting attorney questioned the Seattle Seahawks alibi Russ had used during the investigation.
"Russ told the court he was in Seattle that night. But it wasn’t the 'him' who was in Seattle who slept with Liz that night. The prosecutor threw an astonished look at the jury.
“Russ claimed he traveled back in time to see if he could coax Liz into a one-night stand. He claimed the book gave him the ability to time travel.
“Now, as an attorney, you can imagine the looks on the faces of everyone in the courtroom. This time, the prosecutor grimaced as he looked over at the jury, then moved in closer to Russ.
“He asked Russ to produce the book and show the court how it’s used. Russ said he accidentally left it in Liz’s bedroom and didn’t know what became of it.
“The prosecutor was having fun. He asked Russ to tell the court how the 'book’ worked its ‘magic.’ The prosecutor framed 'book' and 'magic' by making quotation marks with his fingers.
“Russ explained how he had stolen the book from his grandmother Doris’ house. It was in her attic, stored in a box along with other books. His mother told him his grandmother found his grandfather, James, shot to death in their garage.
“When she found James, he was holding a book covered with his blood.”
Michael thought, I suspected wine or blood.
“He took the box home and found the book inside. It was the blood-stained book his mother mentioned. He kept it and claimed he gave the rest of the box’s contents to the Goodwill. Which I couldn’t imagine.
“Russ, taking time to make a trip to Goodwill… to make a charitable donation? Beyond belief.
“Anyway, Russ explained how he discovered the book’s powers by chance.”
I can relate to that.
“It took him two years to figure out how to use it. The prosecuting attorney asked Russ what ‘use it’ meant. Again, making quotation marks with his fingers.
“Russ explained that the time he spent in the past corelated with how many pages he’d read. He said his first experience with time travel via the book took place after he’d read 22 pages.
“The defense attorney objected. He told the judge the prosecutor’s line of questioning was neither necessary nor related to the trial. The judge denied the objection. He wanted to hear more.
"The prosecutor asked, 'So, you got to page 22, and you just showed up somewhere?'
"Russ explained that the first time it happened, he was reading the book while sitting in his recliner. Without thinking, he looked at a photograph on the coffee table. The next thing he knew, he was in the photographed scene.
“The prosecutor asked him if he considered traveling back to see if Oswald acted alone. At that point, Russ sensed the prosecutor was playing with him.
“He became frustrated but told the prosecutor he found he couldn’t go back farther than his birthdate.”
Answers my confusion over not being transported to Enos Slaughter’s slide into home base. Long before my birth.
“The prosecutor asked Russ what he did on his trips through time. He confessed he had traveled back and committed theft and robbery. What he held onto, money, jewels, etc., came back with him.”
Another piece of helpful information.
He wanted to jump in and ask what happened to the things Russell brought back, but Linda had warned him twice.
“Russ insisted he had never committed murder or even hurt anyone.
"With dramatic astonishment, the prosecutor paused, turned, and stared at the jury. He swung back toward Russ, threw his arms up, and said, 'Stealing another person's money and property doesn’t hurt them?’
“The defense attorney stood and objected that the prosecuting attorney’s comment was badgering.
“The judge warned the prosecutor.
"Without missing a beat, the prosecutor apologized. He turned and walked toward the jury. 'So,' he said, 'let's go back to something the defendant mentioned earlier. That he had sexual relations with his sister-in-law.’
"He turned back to Russ. 'Mr. Curt… you stated earlier that the night you went back—the night the other you was in Seattle—you had sexual relations with your wife's sister. That was her 20th birthday. Isn't that correct, Mr. Curt?'
"Russ said, ‘Yes, that’s correct.’
"The prosecutor told Russ a yes was sufficient. 'You stated earlier that you and your wife's little sister had sexual relations while you and your wife were dating. Up to, and until, you married Mrs. Curt. Isn’t that correct?’
“Russ looked down. The prosecutor embarrassed him, but he hadn’t picked up on where the prosecutor was going. He answered, ‘Yes.’
“The prosecutor asked, ‘How many years did you and your wife’s little sister engage in sexual activity before you married your wife?’
"Russ answered, ‘I’d guess from about two months after I met Linda… until we married.’
"The prosecutor turned, walked toward the jury whiles asking, ‘Mr. Curt, have you heard the term age of consent?’
"Russ said, ‘Yes.’
"‘Then,' The prosecutor said, 'I’m sure you realize that the age of consent in Oregon is 18 years old.’ He didn’t give Russ time to answer the question. ‘Now, let me understand this—your wife’s sister Liz, died on the night of her twentieth birthday. That was three years after you and your wife married. And you had sexual relations with Liz for two years before you married. Isn’t that correct?’
“Russ answered, ‘Yes.’ The look on his face suggested the prosecutor’s point had dawned on him.
"The prosecutor walked over to his table, picked up a pad of paper, and wrote as he walked back and stood in front of Russ. "So, if my math is correct, Liz—the little sister—was only 15 years old when you first had sexual relations with her. I’m wondering, Mr. Curt, that night… did Liz threaten to tell your wife and her family that you had sexual relations with her multiple times, when she was just a child?’
“The defense attorney jumped up and objected. The judge agreed and upheld the objection. Again, the prosecutor apologized and stated he was only offering a motive for murder.
“Again, the defense attorney stood. ‘Your Honor, please!’ The judge gave the prosecutor another warning.”
Shaken and in tears, Linda paused. Michael placed his hand on top of hers. “Linda, do you need a break?”
“Yes. I need to get up and compose myself. Earlier, I said I’ve never told this story out loud. That last part was tough.”
“I understand. While you do that, I’ll get us another coffee.”
“Thank you. It’s clear I need to talk about this. I’ll be right back.”
“I’ll be here.”
16
Approaching the taxi, Bob slipped on a pair of thin leather gloves. He opened the back door and slid into the seat.
The driver looked in the rearview mirror. “Where can I take you?”
“To the parking garage on SW Clay.”
The driver pulled away from the curb. “You got it. Just get off the bus?”
“No, I parked in the garage earlier and ran errands. A few minutes ago, I was hurrying back to my car and stepped off the curb across the street. I slipped on something and sprained my ankle. Man… it hurts. I’m afraid it’s more than a sprain.”
“Do you need me to take you to hospital?”
“No, I’ve called my doctor. She can fit me into her schedule if I get there within half an hour. Hey, your accent, where are you from, Europe?”
“Eastern Europe. Would you like to hear my story?”
“No, just probing.” The cab driver looked in the rear-view mirror, head tilted, and his brow creased.
Bob did not notice. “I figured you’re not from around here.”
“No, a long way from here. I noticed limp as you approached, but I didn’t want to ask and offend you.”
“No offense taken. Is this your full-time job?
“Part-time. I work mostly at selling used cars.”
“Do you find customers for the car lot’s owner while doing this job?”
“I do. I can make a bargain because my uncle owns the lot. Well, here we are. Are you first level?”
“No, second level. If you take me to my car, there’ll be more gratitude.”
“OK, just guide me to the spot.”
The driver pulled up and stopped at BTH’s parking spot. “Hey, remember the van you sold to a white-haired guy a week or two ago?”
“Oh yes, Joe was his name.”
“That’s right. The van’s brakes failed. The first time he braked hard, now he’s in the hospital.”
In the rear-view mirror, Bob saw the driver’s eyes widen. “Hey, I gave him good deal and told him we sold van as is, no guarantee.”
Bob looked around; no one was in sight. “Joe wants me to show his appreciation.” Bob attached a silencer to his pistol. “Joe wants to guarantee you don’t give anyone else one of your good deals. And, parenthetically, his name is not Joe. It's Daniel… Daniel Wygal. And he's my friend.”
17
Linda returned from the restroom composed and refreshed.
“Okay, where was I?”
“The judge gave the prosecuting attorney a warning for suggesting Liz threatened him that night.”
“Yes… the prosecutor continued and asked him why and how he ended up at my parents’ house on the night of the murder. Russ told the attorney we had a framed picture of Liz on our bookshelf, taken at her 20th birthday party. He had remembered me discussing the picture and used his phone to take a photo of the framed picture.
“Michael, I’ll never forget how Russ glanced back at me during the trial. The look didn't suggest he was apologetic. It was a look of guilt, like a kid caught hitting his sibling for no reason.
“My parents were out of town the week of Liz's birthday, and our friends had left the party I threw for her. I picked up my camera to put it away, but noticed a great photo-op.
“It was a candid shot of her looking at her birthday cake.” Linda smiled at the recollection. “The expression on Liz’s face was, ‘I can’t believe we ate that much cake.’ She was holding her hands out with fingers spread. Liz never missed an opportunity to be dramatic.
“Russ knew he would appear behind me—and that everyone else had left—so he wasn’t worried about being noticed.
“Liz’s cell phone number was in his contact list, so he made sure he took his phone with him.
“Arriving behind me, he snuck up to Liz’s bedroom, and after I left—”
Linda interrupted herself. “Doesn’t this sound crazy, Michael?”
“It does,” Michael said, as he pursed his lips and nodded. “Can we back up? What did you mean, 'he knew he would appear behind me?'”
She chuckled and said, “I’ll allow your interruption.”
“And I have so many more—”
“I understand, but I need to keep going. Russ claimed he always appeared behind the photographer. He said he never figured out why one time he’d be five feet behind the photographer, then the next time 100 feet behind them. But there was never a barrier separating them.”
More useful information.
“You can imagine the courtroom scene. Anyway, Russ said he didn’t want to scare Liz, so after I left, he called her phone. When she answered, he teased with her, telling her he had a birthday surprise for her upstairs; she ran up the stairs.
“Michael, his depravity is beyond comprehension. He knew the picture was one of the last photos taken of Liz alive, and that she had died that night. Let’s pretend he didn’t kill her.” Linda picked up her napkin and spoke through sobs. “But he traveled back, knowing she died that night. Who could do that?”
Michael reached across the table and again put his hand on hers. “Linda, that was unconscionable. I know I’m violating my agreement, again, but did he suggest he thought being there might save her?”
“No,” she said, drying her eyes with her napkin.
“Okay, I didn’t realize how raw my emotions still are after 13 years.”
“And again,” Michael said, “you’re doing great.”
Linda nodded her head while wiping her eyes. “Thank you.”
“Russ said, after they had sex, he and Liz laid on her bed talking about her future. He was almost out of time. The book was going to take him back to where he had left from. He told her he had to leave.
“In a rush, he dressed as he left her bedroom. When he began hurrying down the stairs, he claimed a warm wind transported him back to his future time.
“When he arrived back home, he realized he’d left the book on Liz’s dresser. He again emphasized that my sister was very much alive when he left.”
I can leave behind the book and I’ll still return to my time.
“The Jury saw through his unbelievable story. They convicted him of murder and sent him to prison for life.
“Our family believed Russ was telling the time travel story, hoping to make an insanity plea. Obviously, it didn’t work.
“After they imprisoned Russ, I returned to school—The University of Portland’s School of Nursing—I earned a BS in Nursing. I mentioned I work as an RN at Legacy Emanuel Hospital. I don’t think I told you I work in the Level I Trauma Center.”
“No, you didn’t… tough job.”
“Yeah, it can wear you down.”
Linda took a sip of coffee, then cradled it in her hands while staring into it. Michael sensed she was done. “But you had the book. Did you test it to find if it had the powers he claimed?”
She looked at him as if he’d asked the most ridiculous question possible.
“I've had no interest in trying to help him. I told you what he admitted. He had an affair with my underage sister… then killed her. He robbed and stole money, jewels and who knows what else, he is not a good man, Michael.
“Whatever you may find out or discover about the book, please keep it to yourself. I’m sorry, you may think I’m cold-hearted, but I have no love for Russ. None. I still believe he killed my sister.”
“Linda, I understand. I’m humbled and appreciate you sharing the story with me.”
As they walked back to the house, Michael asked, “Linda, did you tape the book shut?”
“No, that’s how I found it. My father died last year. I found the book while cleaning out his house before putting it on the market. He’d sealed it in a U-Haul storage box along with other books. I recognized it from Russ’s courtroom testimony and sold it, along with other items from my dad’s estate.”
“When did you last meet with Russell?”
“The week before the yard sale. He’d asked me to bring Jacob to visit him. Russ hadn’t seen him in six months, so I agreed.”
“Did you tell him you found the book?”
“Yes. But looking back, I shouldn’t have. I knew he’d tip over when he heard I planned to sell it, so I waited till the end of our visitation time.
“Russ pleaded with me to bring the book to him. I told him no; I wouldn’t contribute to his crazy fantasy.” She stared into her coffee cup for a few seconds. “As I predicted,” she returned her eyes to Michael’s, “he blew up. Guards came in and restrained him. With my arm around Jacob, we rushed out, while Russ screamed and cussed. I swore I’d never go back.”
“Linda, why didn’t you throw the book away?”
Startled, she stopped and looked at Michael. “Russ asked the same question. To be honest, to throw it away felt like I’d be agreeing that the book had powers. That I could rid the world of those powers by burying it in a landfill. I don’t believe it does. I sold it as a regular, interesting old book, as I did the rest of my father’s books.”
