Either way, I needed to learn where Joanne had been evaluated. Richard could tell me, but Richard was indisposed. Bob Manitow would also know, but there was no reason to think he’d even take my call. Whatever the reason for his antipathy, his wife didn’t share it.
I’d phone Judy, find some pretense for asking about Joanne’s hospital experiences—wanting to know more so I could help the kids. Especially now that Richard was in jail. I’d also try to learn more about the stress fractures that had worked their way through the Doss family. Maybe her family, as well. About why her husband was so angry.
Better a face-to-face, a chance to read nonverbal cues. Could I get Judy out of chambers long enough? She and I had always been cordial, and I’d come through for her on lots of tough cases. Now she’d landed me in the toughest one of all and I was ready to tell her so.
I called her number at Superior Court, expecting someone to tell me the judge was in trial. Instead, she picked up herself. “You’re calling about Richard.”
“The police took him away at my house. Eric and Stacy were there.”
“You’re kidding. Why would they do that?”
“Orders from above,” I said. “They see Richard as a prime suspect for Mate. Have you heard anything around the courthouse?”
“No,” she said, “just what was on the news. Bob and I were in Newport for the evening, never looked at the TV, didn’t find out about it till last night when we drove home and saw the police cars at Richard’s house. I just can’t believe this, Alex. It makes no sense.”
“Richard as a murderer.”
Pause. “Richard doing something so stupid.”
“On the other hand,” I said, “he did despise Mate. Wasn’t shy about expressing it.”
“You think he’s guilty?”
“Just playing devil’s advocate.”
“I don’t allow those in my court— Seriously, Alex, if Richard was up to no good, why would he advertise it? All that tough talk was just Richard being Richard. Spouting off, attributing blame. He’s always been a big blamer.”
“Who else did he blame besides Mate?”
“No one in particular—it’s just his overall style. Being dominant. The truth is, Richard’s always been a difficult person—and yes, he does have a vindictive streak. You should hear him talk about how he destroys business rivals. But this? No, it just doesn’t make sense. He has too much to lose—Hold on….” Fifteen-second hold. “Alex, they’re waiting for me, got to go.”
“Could we talk more, Judy?”
“What about?”
“Eric and Stacy. With all this going on, I really need all the data I can get. If you could spare me an hour, I’d greatly appreciate it.”
“I… I just don’t know what I can tell you that hasn’t already been said.” Brittle laughter. “Some referral, huh? I’ll bet from now on you’re not going to return my calls quite so quickly.”
“I’ll always take your referrals, Judy.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because you give a damn.”
“Oh come on,” she said. “Don’t get all sugary on me. I’m just a judicial hack, putting in my time.”
“I don’t think so.”
“That’s very kind of you.” Now she sounded sad. “Just an hour?”
“Use that egg timer you pull out when attorneys go on too long.”
She laughed again. “You’ve heard about that.”
“I’ve seen it. The Jenkins case.”
“Oh yeah, good old Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins. That one deserved an egg timer with a sonic alarm— Okay, let me check my calendar, here … there’s so much scrawl I can barely make it out.”
“Sooner rather than later if possible, Judy.”
“Hold again …” Another female voice in the background. Her clerk Doris’s contralto. Judy’s soprano reply. “The husband’s lawyer is trying to pull shtick, time to whip him into shape. . . . Okay, how about dinner tonight? I’ve got a ton of reports to do, will be working late, anyway. Bob’s taking Becky to the Cliffside, so I’m flexible. How about someplace on my way home—Grun!, in Westwood. That’s not far from you—eight-thirty tonight.”
“Grun! it is. Thanks, Judy. I really appreciate it.”
“Oh yes,” she said, “I’m quite the saint.”