Free Santa Fe Rules by Stuart Woods Page A

wouldn’t have had the opportunity on those occasions.”
    “One more thing: Would you say that, during your sexual encounters, Ms. Collins exhibited an equal interest in you and Julia?”
    “No. I mean, she certainly seemed excited with me, but once I was done in, she and Julia turned to each other, and I’d say it was pretty clear that she was a lot more excited by Julia than by me.”
    “On both occasions?”
    “Yes. It was pretty much the same both times.”
    “How do you think Ms. Collins would feel about testifying about these encounters?”
    “Well, I…my impression of Monica is that she’s a good deal more uptight when sober than after a few drinks—perhaps even a bit prudish. My guess is that she would be horrified at the thought of testifying.”
    “If I subpoenaed her, do you think she’d tell the truth under oath?”
    “Hard to say, but at the time of her divorce from Frank Collins there was a lot of talk around that during the trial, which was acrimonious, she lied repeatedly on the stand.”
    “Oh,” Eagle said.
    They arrived at the state court building precisely at nineo’clock, in two cars. As they walked to the entrance, Eagle spoke only once. “Don’t say anything unless I tell you to,” he said. “And if I tell you to, tell the truth, but don’t be verbose.”
    Eagle gave his name to the district attorney’s secretary, and they were shown in immediately.
    “Hello, Bob,” Eagle said, shaking the man’s hand.
    “Hello, Ed,” the man replied.
    “This is Bob Martinez, the district attorney,” Eagle said to Wolf. “Bob, this is my client, Wolf Willett.”
    “Hello,” Wolf said.
    “How do you—” Martinez stopped talking and looked at Eagle. “ Who? ”
    “That’s right, Bob. Mr. Willett is alive and well. May we sit down?”
    The amazed Martinez nodded and sat down himself, rather heavily. “Well, you’re quite a surprise, Mr. Willett.”
    Wolf managed a smile, but said nothing.
    “Bob,” Eagle said, “Wolf came to see me last night, referred by a mutual acquaintance. Wolf expressed his desire to offer the authorities any assistance possible in the investigation of the murders at his house, and, being a lawyer himself, naturally he thought he should have counsel. He is, of course, aware of his constitutional rights, and I would like to point out for the record, before we begin, that he is here voluntarily to be of help.”
    “I take your point, Ed,” Martinez said. “Mr. Willett, do you have any objections to answering some questions?”
    “None at all, Bob,” Eagle said. “Wolf has nothing to hide.”
    Martinez picked up the telephone. “Virginia, come in here with a tape recorder and your pad, please.”
    When the stenographer was ready, Martinez began.
     

    After an hour of intense questioning, Martinez sat back in his chair. “Just one final question, Mr. Willett,” he said. “Why have you waited so long to report to the authorities that you are still alive?”
    Wolf leaned forward earnestly. “Mr. Martinez, I run a film production company that employs some twelve people on a full-time basis and many others part-time. Before his death, my partner, Jack Tinney, had completed shooting on a film for which we both had high hopes. When I learned of the killings, I had no idea what my…involvement with the authorities might entail, whether I would be able to work. It was vital to the health of my company and the continued employment of my people that the film be completed and submitted to the studio for which it was made. I went to Los Angeles for that reason only, and as soon as work on the film was complete, I returned to Santa Fe.
    “I know very well that you would have liked to hear from me sooner, and I hope I have not impeded your investigation in any way. If I have, I apologize. I assure you that was not my intention. I am most anxious to learn who murdered my wife and my partner, and I want that person brought to justice.”
    Ed Eagle spoke up. “I