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That was sweet vindication, from a man who didn’t think women investigators had a place outside an office. Maybe Wukowski was rethinking that aspect of my life. “I’m glad to know that,” I told him. “But don’t forget the one who really started everything. Adriana could have taken the money without asking any questions. She put everything in motion, because she didn’t want a tainted inheritance. And now, her innate honesty and sense of rightness have cost her.”

“I hate to say it, but I see it all the time. Someone does the right thing and it comes back to bite them. While lowlifes get away with…murder.”

I could hear the exasperation and frustration in his voice. “Remember what you said during the Morano case? ‘Do not be deceived, God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows,’” I reminded him.

“Yeah. And I believe that. It’s just that, sometimes, the payback isn’t fast enough or drastic enough to suit me. I guess it’s a good thing I’m not the judge or jury.”

“I’d have to agree on that—for myself, too. But, caro, you’re probably the most decent man I know.”

Wukowski said it would be best if we didn’t see each other until Petrovitch’s arraignment. He didn’t want our relationship to be the cause of issues with the case.

Our relationship? I wondered exactly what that relationship was. But there would be time for us to work that out later. Right now, I had calls to make and people to see, starting with Adriana.

Chapter 29

It only takes bad leadership for a country to go up in flames, for people of different ethnicity, color, or religion to kill each other as if they had nothing in common whatsoever.

—Savo Heleta

I called Bart first, to find out what went down at police headquarters. He assured me that they treated Adriana gently, as a witness for the prosecution. Her only cause for upset was the reality of “Uncle Herman’s” heinous crimes and the revelation of her parents’ involvement. He gave me the green light to call Bram and set up a meeting with Adriana. “But Angie, the news vultures are all over this. You and Bobbie are already targets, because of the film at the truck stop. It’ll be worse now.”

“I’ll deal,” I told him. “They’ll give up once they realize I’m not making statements or giving interviews. I’ll just refer them to you,” I said with a lilt in my voice.

“Thanks,” he rasped back. There was no missing the irony in his.

After we hung up, I called Bram.

“Miss A is with Spider and his family,” he said. “I’m on guard duty at your condo. I agree with Bart that there should be no problem with a meeting, now that the…stuff has hit the fan. There’s no reason to muzzle anyone now. In fact, Adriana can probably come out of hiding, although I still think she needs personal protection, just to keep the news hounds at bay.”

“So it’s okay if I leave the building without supervision?”

“Yes. Unless you want some help with the reporters.”

I thought about it and decided that the sooner I started the “no comment” process, the sooner they’d tire of it and leave me alone. Bram and I agreed to meet at the UWM library at one o’clock, for a trip to Adriana’s safe place.

Before the news broke, I had to talk with Rua Kolar. Petrovitch’s perfidy was just a story to us, albeit an awful story. It was Rua’s life. I couldn’t let her hear it on the news.

I spoke with Lily next. She, too, was taken aback when she heard the scope of Petrovitch’s crimes. When I asked if she’d arrange a meeting with Rua, she said, “Yes. She needs to hear this in person. I’ll call her and get back to you.” She paused. “I think Colonel Lewis should sit in, too. Rua knows him and respects him for his service in Bosnia. He’ll be able to reassure her about the Tribunal process.” In fifteen minutes, she had the meeting set up at the library for eleven-thirty. Bobbie planned to get a ride home from Bram and would then meet me at the library after my talk with Rua.

It was now ten-fifteen. I set out my clothes, took a quick shower and completed the usual rituals. I was sore, but much better than yesterday. Once dressed, my full length mirror reflected a woman ready for a funeral, in a black Anne Klein pantsuit with a lacy black camisole underneath. Rather than adding to the heaviness, I wanted my clothes to reflect the hope of justice delivered, even if deferred. I switched out the black cami for a cream-colored blouse with satin piping around the crew neck. A chunky turquoise choker and black Ferragamo pumps with a grosgrain ribbon finished the look.

It felt good to ease into the Miata and drive. So far, there was no snow on the ground, nor was any forecasted. I savored the freedom of cruising down Lake Drive, with the sun shining and Lake Michigan a rich blue. It was good to be free of constant protection and the stalking danger of the last week.

I met Lily in the same conference room we used to interview Rua the first time, only last Thursday. So much had happened since then. How would I tell her about Petrovitch and his scheme without adding to her trauma? I finally decided that there was no way to make this easy. I would have to tell the truth and just be there if she needed help. Presence, Aunt Terry once told me when I asked her what she said to the many people she comforted, is sometimes all we can offer and is sometimes all that is needed. I hoped that Rua would allow Lily and me to give her the gift of presence.

“You want to tell her?” I asked Lily as we sat down.

“No. I think you need to do it. I’m just a bystander.”

I snorted.