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The Chronicles of Kate Gill Victim's Advocate
The Chronicles of Kate Gill Victim's Advocate
The Chronicles of Kate Gill Victim's Advocate
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The Chronicles of Kate Gill Victim's Advocate

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As a victim's advocate, Kate Gil works with the Hayesville Police Department to help those overlooked and forgotten victims of violent crimes. She uses resources available from the various private and governmental agencies to help them readjust to normal lives. Her personal compassion and involvement in their grief often leads to long workdays and sleepless nights. Her dedication to those most harmed and overlooked in society leads her to deep devotion to her clients. The admiration and respect from her clients often leads to friction and jealousy with her coworkers.

Each chapter stands alone and ends with a suspenseful occurrence. The reader will find Kate on a new assignment that proves to be as exciting as the one just completed.

These Chronicles are based on actual police cases with some of the events and names changed to protect the innocent.

Kate Gil is truly a remarkable woman working in today's world of grief and turmoil. She is setting a strong example of what young career women can now accomplish in society.

LanguageEnglish
PublisherAnne Copeland
Release dateJun 10, 2011
ISBN9781935670674
The Chronicles of Kate Gill Victim's Advocate
Author

Anne Copeland

I am an artist, and I don't just like to create mixed media and fiber arts and interactive art; I love to read and write about it, and this is what I have pretty much done. Life should never be a bunch of apologies for what we wish we could have, would have, should have done. I am feeling very happy that I have done so many things in my lifetime and my writing has been the base for most all of it.

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    The Chronicles of Kate Gill Victim's Advocate - Anne Copeland

    Special Smashwords Edition

    The Chronicles of Kate Gil

    VICTIM’S ADVOCATE

    by

    Anne Copeland

    This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events or locales is entirely coincidental.

    Special Smashwords Edition

    This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of the author.

    THE CHRONICLES OF KATE GIL VICTIM'S ADVOCATE

    Copyright © 2011 by Anne Copeland. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical without the express written permission of the author. The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials.

    The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.

    Cover Designed by: Telemachus Press, LLC

    Cover Art:

    Copyright© iStockPhoto # 5690921/tillsonburg

    iStockPhoto # 16071602/Maica

    Shadows image used with permission from Ammons Communications

    Published and distributed by: Smashwords.com

    http://www.smashwords.com

    Digital design by: Telemachus Press, LLC

    http://www.telemachuspress.com

    ISBN: 978-1-935670-67-4

    Version: 2011.05.28

    Dedicated to:

    All the victim advocates working

    to help those forgotten and overlooked

    Foreword

    Society had been absorbed for years in the rights of people accused of crime with little consideration given to the victims. This is reflected in the Miranda decision and in the election and appointment of public defenders. The pendulum now seems to be swinging back to a more balanced approach with the emergence of victims' advocates. A new twist on the victims in criminal cases and a new addition to the criminal justice system are revealed in these Chronicles.

    As a victim's advocate, Kate Gil works with the Hayesville Police Department to help those overlooked and forgotten victims of violent crimes. She uses resources available from the various private and governmental agencies to help them readjust to normal lives. Her personal compassion and involvement in their grief often leads to long workdays and sleepless nights. Her dedication to those most harmed and overlooked in society leads her to deep devotion to her clients. The admiration and respect from her clients often leads to friction and jealousy with her coworkers.

    Each chapter stands alone and ends with a suspenseful occurrence. The reader will find Kate on a new assignment that proves to be as exciting as the one just completed.

    These Chronicles are based on actual police cases with some of the events and names changed to protect the innocent.

    Kate Gil is truly a remarkable woman working in today's world of grief and turmoil. She is setting a strong example of what young career women can now accomplish in society.

    Contents

    Chronicle

    1 Briars and Meerschaums

    2 Emma

    3 Killer Car

    4 The Bright Side

    5 Tory

    6 Lost and Found

    7 The Mad Clown

    8 .40 Glock Automatic

    9 Squats and Lunges

    10 Proud American

    11 The Coal Chute

    12 Lillian’s Lament

    13 Tight Fit

    14 A Broken Pendant

    15 Cover-Up

    16 The Telltale Spoon

    17 Remembrances

    18 Dark Shadows

    About the Author

    There are those lost in the shadows....

    The Chronicles of Kate Gil

    VICTIM’S ADVOCATE

    CHRONICLE ONE

    Briars and Meerschaums

    The call came at 5:18 on a dreary, cloudy Sunday morning. Kate, Kate, report to the station immediately for a briefing. came the operator’s voice.

    Kate hung up the phone, turned on the radio, brushed her teeth and found the new blue sweater she had just bought at Sunnyside Mall. She planned to wear it for the first time on a special occasion, not to work. Maybe this would turn out to be the appointed time. Her senses became highly agitated. Why did this queasiness in the pit of her stomach happen now? This situation had arisen many times before but not this early in the morning. The questions began.

    Who is involved, what’s happened and why the early rush?

    She switched her radio to the police band hoping to get some insight as to the emergency. No report came over the airwaves to explain the urgency of the call. No murder, no catastrophe event and no automobile pileup on the interstate. She slipped on the paisley skirt that matched the sweater.

    Wow! this makes a nice looking outfit. I’m glad I decided to go back and buy the skirt.

    Turning on the ignition she held her breath hoping her old l991 Accord wouldn’t let her down. Someday she hoped she wouldn’t be in this position worrying if she would make it to work on time. She always kept her AAA card handy in case she needed a tow. The morning dew still covered Red Maple Drive as she entered the freeway. Glancing down at her speedometer she eased up on the gas pedal.

    What would my boss say if I got a speeding ticket on the way to the police station?

    She turned her windshield washers on high swishing the heavy drops that began to accumulate. The wind started to blow the sweeping rain across the hood of her car like waves on the ocean. Turning off Central Street her headlights flashed into the parking lot. Number 27, her assigned space stood empty and waiting. She scrambled for her pager inside her purse and snapped it onto her belt. Instinct caused her to place her cell phone securely inside her skirt pocket where it would be handy. Her umbrella lay close by on the passenger seat. Her new outfit, crisp and unwrinkled would be protected so it could be worn again for that special something or somebody.

    The hallway seemed unusually dark and quiet this time of the morning. Scanning the name on the glass door she knocked softly, turned the knob and walked in.

    Mornin’, Kate. Sorry about the early call, but this couldn’t wait any longer. But now, that you’re here, have a seat for a moment.

    Knowing now it was not a life or death case, Kate relaxed.

    Sergeant Joe Macaya sat with feet stretched out securely on top of his desk. A small stained pillow lay snugly behind his head. An oversized mug of steaming coffee sat ready on top of his desk. Motioning to a side table, he invited Kate to have a cup. A long curved pipe stem set firmly between his teeth. In a wooden stand sat a number of special pipes the Sergeant had collected over the years. An ornate caricature of Sherlock Holmes caught Kate’s eye.

    That’s an interesting pipe, she said, removing it from its perch. I’ve never seen anything like it.

    The sergeant gently took it from her and placed it back in its spot. A detective from Scotland Yard gave it to me as a remembrance of a case we worked on together several years ago, he said. It involved a murder in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, and an American tourist, his sailing ketch and a local opium pirate...but that’s another story.

    It looks brand new. Haven’t you ever smoked it?

    No. answered Macaya. It has a special place of importance in my collection.

    A leather-bound humidor held aromatic blends of tobacco that permeated his office.

    Kate liked the odor, took a deep breathed and thought.

    Umm, this really smells nice. I wouldn’t mind having this replace all the strong perfumes splashed on by my coworkers.

    Glancing back over the pipes, she asked.

    What are these pipes made of? They all look so different.

    The sergeant leaned back in his chair, removed the long stemmed pipe and answered.

    My collection consists of Meerschaum and briar pipes. The Meerschaums are made of soft, white clay while the briars are carved from a special wood. The Meersschaums are a much lighter weight and softer in color.

    What is the Sherlock Holmes made of?

    That one is a briar pipe hand carved by a gentleman in London, Mick James. He is well known for his caricature images.

    Motioning to an oversized stained brown leather chair, he withdrew his pipe and invited her to sit down.

    Kate snuggled deep into the cushy chair and wished she had a pillow.

    I need you to go with Officers McGuire and Tim Kelly to sit with a Mr. Warren Elzinger who called earlier to report his wife Emma missing since yesterday morning.

    Kate had worked with the sergeant before on a few cases but this one seemed to have him on edge.

    When did he first realize she was missing? she asked knowing this question showed a lack of experience. Did it really matter when she disappeared? She began to sound like a detective instead of a victim’s advocate. Kate then began to reflect on her life and wondered just how she’d gotten herself into police work.

    Six years ago I would never have thought about getting involved with these kinds of circumstances, she mused as her mind wondered back....

    Bored with her life, she had begun working two jobs, neither of which fulfilled her, but together they paid her ongoing bills. Taking only one course each semester at her hometown college she couldn’t see much in her future. She thought about taking more classes but wasn’t that crazy about school or studying. At any rate it would take eight years to get her degree. After graduation she began working as a teacher’s aide for a local elementary school, teaching third grade. She soon realized teaching would become her favorite job. Her attendance and work habits were so good she always received the highest evaluations. The students loved her and her vivacious personality. A great sense of humor won her many friends both in the academic world and in the classroom.

    At the end of the school year a permanent position as an eight grade teacher in middle school became available. She reflected on the offer but questioned whether she would be happy in this grade level. When she first became an aide assigned to this age, she found them hard to handle. After great consideration she turned down the school board’s offer and resigned. The next several weeks were spent completing her job resume. Soon began the process of job hunting.

    Combing through the want ads in the local newspapers, she spotted an advertisement in the Hayesville Chronicle for a job as a victim’s advocate with the local police department. She didn’t know what the position entailed, but she decided to answer the ad because her savings were slowly ebbing away. Three weeks later she received a call from the city asking if she would come in for an interview. Kate agreed to an appointment the following Wednesday at ten o’clock.

    Rising early due to apprehension of the unknown, she dressed in her light beige cotton suit with the below knee pleated skirt. Gazing into her floor length mirror, she twirled around several times and decided this outfit had to fit the situation for she wanted to dress as conservatively as possible. She selected a pair of light tan two-inch heeled dress shoes. She wasn’t sure the shoes matched, but they would have to do.

    Maybe no one will look at my feet, she thought.

    Later that morning she was escorted to a large room filled with a conference table that sat eight or more. She felt conspicuous and uncomfortable. Six uniformed police officers, one gentleman in a dark business suit and a middle-aged lady with glowing strawberry red hair were seated and waiting. They were all staring at her when the man in the suit motioned for her to sit at the head of the table. The interview began with the review of her resume. Many general questions about her life and ideas were brought up. Several times she felt the lady dwelled on the emotional aspects of the job not realizing at the time this would be the most important part of the interview. She had never had a consultation that seemed so in-depth or one that lasted so long. Walking to her car Kate felt relieved, exhausted but exhilarated. Then doubt began to creep into her thoughts.

    Do I really want this job? Maybe it requires more then I can give.

    Munching on a fried grouper sandwich and a glass of ice tea she began to recall parts of the session. Most of it had gone good for her but in the back of her mind another obstacle popped up, her age. How could she compete with younger graduates who had so much enthusiasm to offer the world and the energy to face it. Would they even consider hiring a mature woman of thirty-three with no experience?

    Kate had no idea she would soon be placed in a position so exciting she couldn’t wait for a new day to see what lay ahead.

    CHRONICLE TWO

    Emma

    Kate, are you listening?"

    I’m sorry Sergeant, I guess my thoughts were elsewhere, Kate answered.

    Well, let’s get back to Mr. Elzinger’s wife missing. The call came at two twenty this morning, began Sergeant Macaya. Mr. Elzinger reported he hadn’t seen Emma since about nine o’clock yesterday morning.

    The report read: Emma was in her sewing room trying to finish a quilt for our daughter, Alice, for her birthday in three weeks. I took the 9:30 transit bus to town to pay some bills and run a few errands. Arriving back home around 12:15, I called Emma but she didn’t answer. After checking the sewing room I began to search the house. Finally I decided to check with our neighbor next door. Mrs. Gordon said she had not seen her but to go over to Mr. Braswell’s three doors down. Emma frequently took him some goodies she had baked for she knew he was homebound and lonely. Funside Park came to mind five blocks away. Emma often went on her walk to watch the children on the playground. She knew many of them and enjoyed pushing them on the swings and merry-go-round. Not finding her I returned home to have a bite of lunch. After a grilled cheese sandwich and a plate of tomatoes I decided to call our son, Keith. He reported he had not talked to her for about two weeks but suggested I phone his sister. Alice’s voice became highly nervous but said she had talked with her mother two days ago. She became concerned and agitated and began to question me intently. I don’t know what else to do or where to go from here.

    I tried to calm him down, said Sergeant Macaya, "and to assure him we would do everything we could to find her.

    The patrol crew on duty was dispatched to comb the neighborhood and check the bus depot. Officer Grimes checked the hospitals for any emergencies but none have been reported. There were no records of her at either Methodist Medical or Hayesville General. Since Mr. Elzinger seems to be so upset and has no family or close friends I decided to send you out to be with him for assistance. Officer McGuire and Miller will stay with you as long as it is necessary or until you feel comfortable alone.

    Squirming her way out of the big comfortable chair Kate straightened her skirt, picked up her handbag and started towards the door.

    I’ll do all I can to try to calm him and will assure him the police department will do everything they can to find his wife. Would it be all right with you if I stop at the Quickee Twenty-Four Hour Food Mart and buy him some breakfast?

    That would be nice, Kate. You always think of that little extra.

    Daybreak began to fill the empty sky with hues only that time of day can bring.

    I sure am glad the sun is up. Night duty doesn’t agree with me especially when I am assigned to a case where no family will be present, Kate thought to herself as she turned down Rosewood Lane nearing the victim’s home. As she pulled into the driveway, her low beam lights shown on an old, much used lawn mower housed in the rear of the carport. A car, once a bright sky blue, now a washed out faded gray, sat on the side lawn. Rusty hubcaps covered with weeds could barely be seen. Grass grew over the tops of the tires and almost swallowed the fenders. Dents and dings shown all over the car’s body and only two windows were intact. A musty odor hovered all around the piece of junk. The right front tire sat flat on the ground causing the old pile of metal to lean to one side.

    That thing hasn’t been driven in years, she said to herself as she strolled toward the front door. I wonder why people want to keep an eyesore like that in their front yard. It may be an antique but it has absolute no value and it certainly doesn’t add any class to the neighborhood.

    Checking to be sure she had her pager and cell phone handy, Kate waited for the two police officers to join her on the front stoop. She knocked softly on the front door trying not to let her associates see her trembling hand. Sometimes she lost her confidence and self-control when she was first assigned a new case. Only after she met with family members did she regain her quiet composure, a prerequisite for her job. She remembered her classes where it was emphasized not to let herself get caught up in those first emotional moments. Her training in crisis counseling had provided her with the necessary tools to assist victims in critical times. She also had to remind herself to disbelieve most of what a victim said or did.

    The front door slowly opened and a small, bespectacled balding man with a bulging stomach appeared.

    Hello, Mr. Elzinger. My name is Kate Gil from the Hayesville police department

    She handed him her business card showing a badge identification number, name and phone number. Officer McGuire and Officer Kelly and I are here to help you in any way we can. I brought along a couple of fast food breakfasts as I didn’t have time to eat before I left home. It smells pretty good to me and the coffee is very hot. Would you like to join me?

    Please come in. I need all the help I can get. That does smell good and I am mighty hungry, thank you.

    Motioning to a seat overlooking the backyard, he retrieved the salt and pepper from the pantry and sat across from her.

    I’m confused and very tired. It’s been a long and lonely night. I haven’t slept since Friday night and I don’t know if I can stay awake long enough to answer any more questions.

    Kate scanned the inside of the house and found it very neat, meticulously clean and orderly. The two officers began to comb the various rooms looking into closets, baths and storage areas. Entering the living room, she asked Mr. Elzinger to sit down so they could talk.

    We’re going to check around the back alley and talk with some of your neighbors, said Officer Miller. We’ll be back shortly...use your cell phone if necessary.

    Kate felt uneasy as the two left but reminded herself she had been in situations like this before and always came through without a problem. She started discussing Emma’s whereabouts with Mr. Elzinger. He repeated much the same story he reported to Sergeant Macaya just hours before.

    I understand you found a suicide note left to you by your wife. Did you read it and did it indicate she might have been depressed or concerned about anything?

    Yes. I read the note describing that she intended to do herself in because she couldn’t take it anymore.

    Do you still have the note?

    Yes, he answered, as he reached inside his shirt pocket, removed it and handed it to Kate. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I read it. We have been married for twenty-seven years and she never indicated any unhappiness of any kind. Emma seldom confided in me regarding her thoughts or ideas but we seemed to get along very well.

    Are you familiar with any medications prescribed for your wife and do you know where she kept them?

    Yes, they are on top of her dresser in a small box. I’ll get them for you.

    Kate looked over the medications and didn’t find anything that looked like addictive painkillers or any that could lead to depression. She wasn’t familiar with some of them but knew the ones that usually gave a clue to a potential suicide. They were all prescribed by a Doctor J. Kimmer.

    OH! Emma, how could you do such a horrible thing? cried Mr. Elzinger.

    Kate realized she needed to change the subject as her line of questioning was upsetting her client.

    Do you mind if I stretch my legs and take a quick walk outside. I need some fresh air. Have another cup of coffee, I’ll be back in a few minutes.

    Kate didn’t know why she wanted to check out the tool shed but instinct told her to investigate. A small window just inside the door didn’t let in much light so she propped the door open. A light bulb with a pull string hung over the workbench. She reached up, pulled the string and saw the usual tools, hoes, shovels, hedge clippers a power saw and a large tree limb cutter. Peering over into the corner she stumbled over something on the wooden floor. She couldn’t see what it was so she tried to kick it out of the way. Nothing happened, it didn’t move. As her eyes adjusted to the bright bulb she looked down and she saw a brown toeless sandal. Frightened she jumped back and leaned against the shed wall. A revolver with a brown handle lay in an upturned palm of a hand. The body of a woman lay slumped against an old trunk covered with blood. Emma, it had to be Emma. Splattered pieces of flesh, bone, brains and blood drenched the walls, floor and ceiling. She suddenly felt sick to her stomach but couldn’t leave the scene for some bazaar reason.

    So this is what a gun does to someone who pulls the trigger and ends a life.

    Carefully she reached up, pulled the light string, stepped over the shod foot and nervously closed the door.

    Returning to the house she found Mr. Elzinger sitting where she left him enjoying his cup of coffee.

    Trying to keep a calm voice but feeling very weak she asked him if he had any guns in the house. This question had been drilled into her brain at every training class she ever attended. She always thought this should be left to the investigators. She didn’t know why she asked except she began to feel frightened and at a loss for words. Besides she didn’t like weapons to start with...especially now.

    Yes, he answered. I have several, but haven’t used them or checked on them in quite awhile.

    Would you please show me where you keep them?

    Her face flushed, her knees grew weak and her hands tingled as a wave of nervousness swept over her. She didn’t feel safe now being in a home with a stranger whose dead wife lay in the back yard. To make matters worse there were more weapons in the house.

    It’s missing, it’s missing, he yelled. The .357 revolver isn’t here. He stood and leaned against the wall holding the empty holster in his hand.

    There is a shotgun in the back hall. Let me go see if it is still there.

    Kate reached inside her skirt pocket for her cell phone and nervously hid it in the palm of her hand.

    Thank goodness, it’s here. he called out. The shotgun is here. I think I will go out into the alley again and look for Emma."

    Fine! Fine! That’s a good idea. Now that it is daylight you just might find some sign the officers overlooked.

    When the back door slammed Kate quickly punched the operator’s code. She was so frightened she couldn’t remember the precinct number.

    Quick! Quick! Send someone to Mr. Elzinger’s home on Brentwood Lane. I found his wife in the tool shed, dead from a bullet wound. He is out of the house now looking in the back alley. I’m all alone and there are more guns in the house. Quick! I’m frightened of him!

    Officer Compton arrived on the scene first followed by Sergeant Lentz. They found Mr. Elzinger and escorted him to the police cruiser. Sergeant Macaya was notified of the suicide. The rescue squad arrived and pronounced Emma died at approximately 15:31 hours. The medical examiner arrived and gave a written report to the investigators. He advised them the bullet entered the mouth and exited three inches above the ear on the left side of her head. Pastor Brian Carpenter arrived at 17:29 hours and joined Mr. Elzinger in the cruiser. The body

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