“Someone broke into my studio and trashed a bunch of paintings. Spray-painted all over the place.”
“That’s— Are you okay?” He looks worried as he comes closer. “Is this—do you think it’s that guy you heard from?”
Of course he makes that connection. Because he listens, he cares. But he’s married. What is wrong with me? God, this…whatever I feel is exhausting.Iam exhausting. It is much easier, all things considered, to feel nothing. I focus on brushing the construction dust off my pants. “I don’t know. I think maybe.”
“Can I help you clean up?” he asks.
“It’s okay. I think I need to do that part myself,” I say. Relying on Richard’s help feels wrong under the circumstances. But I do need to tell him about the picture the Senator sent me. “If you give me a bit to clean up, though—I’ll need a stiff drink when I’m finished.”
Richard Falk Police Interview
4:17 a.m., September 12
Q.So you’re saying that you didn’t have anything to do with what happened to Ms. Callahan?
A.Of course not.
Q.And you were asleep in yourofficeat the time of her murder?
A.What time was that?
Q.11:00 p.m. on the 10th of September.
A.If you’re asking was I asleep at around 11:00 p.m. on the 10th? Then, yes. But I don’t know when any murder happened other than what you’re telling me.
Q.Is there anyone who can verify this?
A.I don’t know. I didn’t see anyone that I can recall. Maybe the office has video. We also have key cards that I think track us checking in and checking out, elevator rides, that kind of thing. You can ask Goldman. I’m sure they’d require a warrant or subpoena or whatever. They are very protective of their information. I don’t have any control over that, obviously.
Q.Okay, great. Thanks. Good idea. And did you text Frankie Callahan at all the night of September 10th?
A.What do you mean?
Q.Exactly what I just said. Did you text with Frankie the night of September 10th?
A.I don’t remember exactly. I might have. As I said, I was working and I—
Q.Why don’t you check?
A.What?
Q.You have your phone. Why don’t you check?
A.Okay.
Q.Your phone is right there, Mr. Falk.
A.I don’t need to check.
Q.I’m sorry?
A.I texted her.
Q.Oh, what did that text say?
A.Sounds like you already know that, right? So why don’t we just cut to the chase?
Q.Okay. Well, there was more than one text, wasn’t there?
