“First, I’d have to read them and determine their value. If theyareincriminating, then I’d have to talk to the DA’s office and see if arrest warrants are justified for Markie and anyone else implicated in any crimes. Next, there would be a trial in which you would play a role as a witness. Ifyou’reimplicated in any of these criminal activities, the DA might offer a deal. Do you have an attorney?”
“No, but I didn’t do nothin’.”
“Knowledge and complicity of crimes is a crime in and of itself, Goldie. Don’t think it isn’t.”
“Basically, what you’re sayin’ then is everything in my life changes with a snap of a finger.”
“I’m not going to lie to you. Things will change. You’ll need an attorney. You’ll also need police protection and probably a new ID when this is all over.”
“A trial could take months. Even years, couldn’t it?” she figured.
“It would take a while,” he confirmed.
She thought for a moment, then nodded. “Okay… what are the next steps?”
“Do you have the diaries with you?”
“No,” she lied. “But if you meet me here at 5:00 p.m., I’ll turn ‘em over.”
“Why don’t I go with you and we’ll get them right now, together?”
“If I’m goin’ into protective custody, if this changes everythin’ in my life, there are some things I need to wrap up. Loved ones I need to say goodbye to.”
This was a lie as well because she’d already written and mailed off her letters to family, but Corning didn’t know this.
“Goldie—” the cop protested.
“I want today, Captain. And it’s not even a whole day. It’s, like, six and a half hours. I calledyou.Ya think I’m gonna change my mind. Run out?”
Corning looked her over, then nodded. “Well, have you at least got anything you can send me? Pictures of the pages on your phone, or?—”
Goldie shook her head.
“Okay,” he agreed hesitantly. “I can be back here at 5:00. Youbehere.” He stood, reached into his suit coat, and produced his card. “Call me if you run into any problems.”
She likewise rose. “Will do. And Captain, I don’t wanna be tailed. I need this last day of freedom. If I see that I’m bein’ followed, my offer’s off the table.”
“What’s the big deal?” he asked.
“It’s the principle of the thing.Yourlife isn’t the one that’s never gonna be the same again,” she said with a pointing finger. “It’s mine! Leave me alone until 5:00. That’s not a lot to ask for what you’re gettin’.”
“Does Markie know about the diaries? Is he looking for you?”
“Yes, and yes. I ditched my cell phone and also found and destroyed a tracking bug he planted on my car. So, he doesn’t know where I am. I’ve been out of touch for a few days and suspect he’s nervous about the diaries.”
Corning reluctantly nodded again. “All right… I’m sorry you got your heart broken and were physically busted up. But good things are going to come from this, Goldie. You’re doing the right thing.”
“Takin’ down Markie won’t stop the Lombardo family or organized crime, Captain.”
“Maybe not, but my mom always says pulling the biggest weeds makes the garden better. I think deep in your heart, you know that’s true.”
Goldie cracked a small smile. “Okay, copper. See ya back here at 5:00.”
Six minutes later, Corning was returning to his unmarked police car in the hotel parking lot, where one of his detectives, a chunky man named Wallace, was bundled up in his coat, leaning against the car and smoking a cigarette.
“You’re not going to believe what just happened,” the captain said.
“What?” Wallace replied, flicking his cigarette away, then the two climbed into the vehicle.
