“Right now, I’d say Richard seems most worried about all of you,” Scotty added. “But he needs to be focused on helping us put together his defense. So, to the extent that you’re able, reassure him. He wants to know that the kids are okay, that they’re continuing on with their lives. He seemed especially concerned that Becks was missing school.”
“He’ll be going back,” Gretchen said. “Elizabeth will be, too.”
She made a face. “Gee, thanks, Mom.”
“Beyond that, manage your lives, conserve your energy,” Mikey went on. “I know it’s not a satisfying answer, but it’s really the best thing right now. Get ready to deal with the press. They’re already on this, obviously. Get your finances in order, too—no moving or hiding assets. We don’t want even a hint of impropriety.”
“Why would we hide anything?” Becks asked.
“You wouldn’t,” Scotty said. “But the D.A.’s office loves to jump to conclusions. One decimal point out of place, and you’ll never get rid of them.”
“Obviously,” Gretchen said smoothly.
In truth, this complication hadn’t occurred to her. Those men wanted their fifty thousand dollars, and they clearly weren’t going away. And now she couldn’t withdraw that kind of money without raising questions—ones she certainly could not answer.
Richard Falk Police Interview
5:10 a.m., September 12
Q.What did you text to Frankie Callahan the night of September 10th?
A.Something about wanting to see her right away, if I recall. I’m assuming that’s why you came to my apartment so quickly?
Q.We saw that text, yes. You seemed agitated.
A.Hard to tell someone’s mood in a text.
Q.Not that hard. “Frankie, I need to see you right now. Really, please. Answer me.” Seems kind of…intense.
A.Frankie is my friend. I needed to talk to her about a problem she was having.
Q.At 10:37 p.m.? That was the time of the text.
A.Yes.
Q.What was the problem?
A.What?
Q.The problem Frankie needed help with?
A.Oh, some ex-boyfriend. You should be looking into him. Maybe he has something to do with what happened to her?
Q.What was his name?
A.I don’t know. He was someone from her past.
Q.Okay, from where?
A.She didn’t say. Check her phone. He was texting her.
Q.We will, as soon as we can get it unlocked. Your texts were right there on the lock screen.
A.If you say so.
Q.How did your wife feel about this relationship you had with Frankie Callahan?
A.What relationship?
