Though the estate had turned everything over to the police, their forensic teams had a lot of footage to dissect. Eric claimed that it was his personal concern for everyone involved that prompted him to scan the videos. Despite the incriminating evidence against his new employer, he had an overwhelming sense of conscience to set the record straight.
With Evergreen and Chief Newburgh, the Iowa City police chief, present, Brent showed them the video. Once it was confirmed that the video hadn’t been doctored, that it was the same as what had been confiscated by the police, it was logged into evidence. Of course, it was only a small step along the legal process. Catherine’s attorneys had motioned to have the video evidence dismissed. Although no definitive decision had yet been made, Brent believed that it would stand. After all, Catherine ran the estate at that time. She’d lived there for many years and was well aware of the surveillance cameras. Eric even had video evidence of her accessing the feeds from multiple locations. Even though it was true, there was little to no chance that she’d be able to claim that she’d been video-recorded without her knowledge. Why would a judge or jury believe that she assumed the office was not recorded when she knew that the rest of the estate was under surveillance?
The footage that Eric presented also showed Catherine engaging the electronic lock on the suite where the Vandersols were held. The crime lab’s analysis of the water bottles within the suite found that the water contained the deadly toxin actaea pachypoda. Once that particular poison was identified, the FBI joined the case and confirmed their previous knowledge. After a few turf wars and posturing, the two agencies seemed to have found a common ground.
They all knew more charges would come against Tony; they just hadn’t happened yet. The video had made it clear that Tony had knowledge of other crimes but it also overwhelmingly showed Catherine’s involvement. After she was charged, her bail was set at the same amount as Tony’s—$ 10,000,000. When she professed her right to the estate’s assets, Tony vehemently denied the request, as well as forbidding the use of Rawlings Industries’ resources. In order to secure counsel, she laid claim to overseas accounts. Imagine her surprise when the accounts no longer existed. It was a mystery. According to the bank’s records, it was C. Marie Rawls who had made the final transaction. They promised to investigate. Currently, Catherine Marie London was resting comfortably—or uncomfortably, Tony didn’t care—in the Iowa City jail awaiting her next court appearance with her new legal representation, a court-appointed attorney. The charges levied against her included two counts of false imprisonment with the threat of harm, thus felonies, as well as multiple counts of conspiracy to commit murder, murder by hire, and falsifying sworn statements. With the FBI and ICPD cooperation, there was the potential for more charges.
Even though it showed incriminating evidence against him, Tony didn’t regret sharing the video footage to the authorities. Not only had it incriminated Catherine, it also helped to vindicate Claire. For that reason, Jane and John were not fighting the admittance of the footage into evidence. It showed Claire acting in self-defense. John even admitted that, in the video, it appeared as though Tony and Claire were working together.
Judge Temple’s chambers couldn’t comfortably hold the number of people in attendance; therefore, their meeting was relocated to a conference room down the hall. Brent and Tony followed a young woman to the new location. Brent audibly sighed as they entered, and Tony felt his chest tighten as he took in Jane Allyson, and John and Emily Vandersol. “Ladies and gentlemen,” the young lady said, “now that everyone is present, Judge Temple will be with you shortly.”
A murmur of courteous replies filled the tight air.
“John, Emily,” Brent said, as he extended his hand.
John shook Brent’s hand. “Mr. Simmons.”
Turning to Jane, Brent said, “Ms. Allyson, the last we spoke you were planning on attending this meeting alone.”
“Mr. Vandersol is my co-counsel, and as you know, Judge Temple wanted equal representation. Mrs. Vandersol is the plaintiff.”
“Well,” Brent said, using his most affable voice. “I’m pleased that we can all be together. Hopefully, we can reach an amicable conclusion to this unfortunate situation.”
“That is our plan,” Ms. Allyson replied, stopping as the door once again opened and Judge Temple entered.
“Good afternoon,” he offered, as he pulled out the chair at the head of the shiny table and sat.
Again, murmurs of acknowledgements filled the room.
“I see we were all able to make this meeting. I’m all about disclosure. Nothing will be done in my courtroom behind closed doors.” He eyed Brent. “Is that clear, Mr. Simmons?”
Tony bristled at Temple’s tone. Could this guy be that out of sorts over losing his first appearance?
“Yes, Judge. It’s clear.”
“Very well, Mr. and Mrs. Vandersol are present, representing Mrs. Rawlings who, according to these documents…” he held a manila folder, “…is mentally incapable of making this complaint on her own.” He looked up at the Vandersols. “Is that correct?”
“Yes, Your Honor, it is. We also have been granted guardianship and temporary power of attorney over Ms. Nic—Mrs. Rawlings,” John replied.
“As Mrs. Rawlings’ husband,” Brent countered, “my client has issued an injunction of that power of attorney. It is common practice for the husband—”