Chapter 39

As exhausted as David was, it might have been kinder to just let him go to bed. But Julie knew that she had a better chance of getting the whole story out of him now…and, besides, she was angry with him.

“Why did you lie about Rolly being here when you found Marc?”

“I didn’t lie, Julie. Nobody asked me,” he said.

“What?” she said. “You told the police that Rolly left when Susan left!”

“Well, he did. They never asked me if he came back.”

“I don’t believe this! You’re charged with murder, and you’re protecting Rolly? What are you doing with him, anyway? I don’t understand how you could do that to Marc.”

“That’s why we didn’t tell the police!” said David, standing up now, pacing back and forth. “They wouldn’t understand, either. Marc knew all about Rolly and me. He didn’t mind, Julie! Marc and I loved each other, but we haven’t had a sexual relationship for years.”

“How do you know that Rolly didn’t kill Marc?”

“I know. He couldn’t. He wouldn’t.”

There was no point arguing with him. He’ll be more rational after he gets some sleep. In any case, Jake Goldman needs to know about this.

After David went to bed, Julie added to the chart, under Rolly Archer.

Had opportunity. Jealousy? Money? Any connection to Avram Solomon?

She had set the phone’s ringer on Low. It rang periodically throughout the afternoon. She answered it twice. The first time was when the Caller ID said, “Jacob Goldman”. He asked to speak to David.

“He’s sleeping, Jake. This is Julie. I’ll wake him if you want me to, but he was really wiped out and upset. He may have taken a sleeping pill.”

“Yes, I know. Unfortunately, so do the police, who found a lot of alprazolam in the deceased.”

Alprazolam…generic for Xanax?

“So, Julie, you seem to really care for David. How long have you known him?”

“I was Marc Solomon’s friend for eighteen years. I’ve been David’s friend since he met Marc, many years ago. And, of course, I believe he’s innocent.”

“I think he probably is, too. But I get the feeling he’s holding back something,” he said. “Do you have any idea what that might be?”

“Yes, I do. But I think David should tell you himself,” she said.

“Jake, I’m a body language specialist. I’ve been a jury consultant on two murder cases. If there’s anything I can do to help, I’m here. And you know Joe Garrett; he’s following another lead we think is related to Marc’s murder. We hope to find evidence that will exonerate David, at least provide reasonable doubt.”

“I’m coming over there tomorrow morning to meet with David, about ten. Will you be there? And can you have Joe there, too?”

“Yes. I expect him this evening.”

“Well, I’m all ears, Julie. I’ll see you in the morning, then.”

Julie hung up and thought about the sleeping pills. The damn bottle was new, not the prescription. Why else would it be significant to the DA? I’ll check it later. Still…couldn’t Marc have been prescribed the same drug? No, probably not; they have to know his medications.

She took the chart down, took it to her room and slipped it under the bed.

David kept on sleeping.

The second time she answered the phone, it was Joe.

“Hi! How did the trip to Castle Cay go?” asked Julie, suddenly aware of how much the damn place was on her mind these days.

“It went fine, Merlin. I’ve got a lot to tell you. Will’s flying me to Key West now. I was hoping you could pick me up, or should I rent a car and check in somewhere?”

“No! I mean…no, don’t rent a car. I’ll pick you up. David’s asleep, probably for the night. We could stop somewhere for dinner. I haven’t eaten, have you?”

Joe gave her the time and place, and Julie hung up.

It only makes sense for him to stay here. There is an empty bedroom, after all.

* * * * *