Good Neighbors(40)

Eventually, Arlo realized that he, too, could go outside. He smoked three Parliament Lights and called Fred. After a time, Fred called back, explaining that the lawyer was stuck in traffic. After sixty minutes, Arlo called again. Phone tag. This time, Fred seemed concerned, and said he’d check things out. On his way back, Arlo stopped in the room where Gertie was sitting. Realized it was stupid they weren’t together.

He didn’t come to her like he ordinarily would have. He just stood there, stiff and uncomfortable, because maybe someone was watching this reunion. Judging it. Maybe Gertie was upset. After what she’d been through in her own childhood, doubt had crept. She no longer loved him.

He sat one chair away from her. She didn’t ask him to move closer, but she did pass a slice of cold pizza and half a Coke.



* * *




At two hours, they went outside and called Fred again. Tag. He called back and told them that Sloss had already arrived at the police station, spoken with the police, discovered that Arlo was a “high-profile” former celebrity, and decided to leave without informing anyone, including Fred. He didn’t want his name associated with a pedophile. It could ruin his career. Fred was calling around, looking for someone else.

“Will it hurt your career to help me out like this?” Arlo asked.

“It’s fine,” Fred answered, too quickly.

“You do believe me, don’t you?”

“I don’t know,” Fred answered. “I know you’ve been good to me and my wife. Listen, I was hoping I could get this cleared up for you. A lawyer would put it all on record. But at this point, your kids are starting to get upset. Just come home.”



* * *




They found Hudson and Gennet in the wide main room, at a pair of open desks. Another man in a more expensive suit was with them. He looked like he’d just come out of court, and for a moment, they both fantasized that he was the lawyer Fred had sent, returned at last.

“Detective Bianchi,” he said. “I’m supervising this case.” He shook their hands. Firm shake, but not jerk firm.

“My wife’s ready to drop,” Arlo said. “I’m taking her home. As soon as I find a lawyer, I’m happy to come back and answer all your questions.”

“Give us just a second,” Bianchi answered as he took both detectives aside. Words were spoken. It lasted twenty more minutes.

Arlo found a chair for Gertie and had her sit. She noticed him fidgeting, getting annoyed. “Don’t blow your top,” she whispered.

Bianchi returned. “You’re on surveillance at Penn Station the night before the incident. And we have a witness who places you in your home for the subsequent duration.”

Gertie burst into gasping tears. Arlo and the detectives surrounded her.

“It’s the hormones,” she muttered. Arlo rubbed her back. “Don’t touch me!” she said.

Arlo let go. “Give her space,” he said, and they all backed up.

“I’m sorry to put you through all this, ma’am,” Gennet said. “Can I get you more pizza?”

“Don’t look at me crying,” Gertie answered, which she knew sounded nuts. “I don’t want you to see me cry.”

Except for Arlo, they averted their eyes. She pulled herself together.

“Who was the witness that vouched for me?” Arlo asked.

“Somebody called Peter Benchley,” Bianchi answered. “A veteran. He witnessed Shelly’s actual fall, from his window. He says she fell because something had been punching up, making the wood weak, and that checks. Forensics matched the dog to the teeth marks on your daughter’s hand.

“Benchley says he was up all night. Insomnia. He says you didn’t come out until it was already going down.”

Arlo let out a sigh. “Well, that’s good. I’m glad he was watching.”

“You can go. We’ll be in touch,” Bianchi said.

Clear-eyed now, Gertie fidgeted with her cardigan, handed it back. “How did you know to ask Peter Benchley?”

“I was on Maple Street. Rhea Schroeder named a great many witnesses. I went door to door,” Bianchi answered.

“To the whole block?” Gertie asked. “You asked the whole block about Arlo? What did you ask?”

“I spoke with the witnesses Mrs. Schroeder named. Mr. Benchley came forward on his own. So did your Atlas friends. But the Atlases hadn’t seen anything. These are the questions I asked,” Bianchi said. “It’s protocol: Can you corroborate the witnesses’ story? Do you have any new or unreported information about the incident? Has the suspect been behaving strangely? Have you ever seen him acting strangely around the child in question?”

“Oh shit,” Arlo mumbled.

“I don’t understand. I told you about Shelly. That there’s evidence of abuse. If you’re so interested in finding the truth, why aren’t you at that house right now? Why aren’t you asking the neighbors about Rhea?” Gertie asked.

Gennet spoke at last. “We’re getting full, conclusive statements regarding all parties. There’s not enough evidence for a warrant. But I have passed the information along.”

“It would be a lot easier if we found the body,” Bianchi resumed. “Most rape cases in this age category show bruising and vaginal scarring. If we find the accusation against you specious, you can always sue. Probably not in your best interest. It’s smartest to just forget about today. But I can give you the full report so you know. You’re entitled to that.”