A Piece of Work
Previously: The team winds up the week, and pays a visit to Seb Podesta.
Need to catch up on The Spring? Visit the chapter index here:
6:49 PM - Friday, November 6, 2014
3rd Avenue and Hugo St, Inner Sunset, San Francisco
“Well, on that point Alexa was correct.” Mark said quietly, finally settling into Seb’s admission. “We have the video, and we found it on Tripp’s laptop, so we know concretely that it was his.” Mark sighed and leaned forward slightly. “While filming a sex act without consent is a crime, this video wasn’t posted publicly anywhere; but the video with you, Dash, and Jen Tyson was posted publicly — that’s a different crime. Both you and Jen said that you didn’t know about the video being made and never gave your consent - Dash also said he didn’t remember much.” Mark realized that while Dash Reilly had said he’d barely remembered the threesome on July 4th, they’d never specifically asked him if he’d given his consent. “Filming it and posting was a crime, but the three of you could press your own charges against Tripp because of it.” Seb looked at him warily. “I think it may be a good idea.”
“File charges for the video?” Julie asked, her face in shock. “What about assault charges — that boy needs to be locked up for what he did to Seb,” she growled.
Seb shook his head slowly. “No,” the boy whispered.
“Sebastian —” Julie began, “he drugged you — “
“Mom, no.” He said louder, turning to look at his mother for the first time. “Mom, think of what would happen to me: I’d be the guy that got raped by another guy — everyone would start talking shit all over, no one would believe me, BECAUSE I was drugged.” He paused, catching his breath. “Think about it, Mom. It’s not worth it. His family has money — they make things like this just go away.”
“He’s right, Mrs. Richards, as much as I hate to say it,” Mark told her. “While personally I think charging Tripp Hartman with sexual assault would be the correct thing to do, and we will explore this option, the only proof that we have is the video.”
“Isn’t that enough?” Julie screeched.
“It is, and it isn’t. We wouldn’t be able to prove that there were drugs involved, there’s no tests that were done, your son didn’t see a doctor the next day — he wasn’t even sure what had happened. Also, while we have the video from Tripp’s computer, he never posted it publicly. That said, the first video of your son with Dash Reilly and Jen Tyson may be another matter. He filmed it illegally and posted it online illegally. All three of you admit to being unaware and non-consenting about the video being filmed — if the three of you were to corroborate the charges of non-consensual pornography, Tripp would be getting into major trouble. He’d likely have to pay a hefty fine, and might even have to register as a sex offender. The three of you could also file a civil lawsuit and sue for damages.”
“But not for what he did to Sebastian?”
Mark sighed again. “I understand your concern, but pressing charges about the first video of the threesome would be a stronger case against Tripp. Likewise,” Mark looked at Seb and back to Julie, “your son is right about the scrutiny that would be on him if Tripp were charged with sexual assault due to the second video. Seb would have to press charges, testify in court, there would be a lot of publicity around it.” Julie shed a slow tear, and moved to take Seb’s hand again. “I think these are things you both need to discuss and consider. That video hasn’t been made public and I intend to keep it that way.”
Seb’s shoulders seemed to shake within his large hoodie, even though the kitchen was warm. The boy’s Adams apple bobbed as he swallowed hard.
Jeannie glanced at Mark and then looked back to Seb.
“Seb, when Alexa told you about the video that day after her soccer practice, did the two of you talk about a way to get it from Tripp’s phone?”
“No — no.” Seb shook his head. “No, she didn’t know how anyone could get it off of Tripp’s phone, but she thought I might get lucky sometime just hanging with Tripp — like if he wasn’t guarding his phone sometime? Tripp’s always on his phone though — it’s either in his hand or in his pocket — he never lets it go.” Seb paused. “I — I felt bad that Tripp went after Ryan — Ryan’s a nice guy and I should have looked out for him, I should’ve — should’ve warned him or…something.” He faded.
“Seb — “ Paco began, speaking for the first time. All eyes went to his face. “Seb, did you ever see Tripp’s dad — Jim Hartman — did you ever see him get upset at Tripp or his brothers over the years?”
“Sure.” Seb whispered. “The guy’s a piece of work.”
“What did you see?” Paco coaxed him gently.
Seb huffed. “I dunno, like face slaps, or there was this one time Tripp was horsing around and he didn’t like it, and I remember he grabbed his wrist and twisted it behind his back and marched him into the other room…when things like that happened, I’d always get my stuff and head home.”
Julie made a quiet sob, shaking her head. “What is wrong with these people?” She whispered, looking from Paco to Mark to Jeannie.
“That is definitely the question,” Jeannie said quietly. “While we’ve been learning quite a bit about the Hartman family, I’m afraid we’re only just scratching the surface.” She offered Julie the faintest of smiles. “We’re getting closer though.” Jeannie rolled her lips, wishing she could reassure her more, the woman’s distraught face seemed to beg for answers.
“Okay Seb,” Mark began again, folding his arms on the tabletop. “Jen suggested to us that Alexa was helping her to get the video of the threesome, and at the same time, Alexa was going to try to find your video too. Does this sound right to you? Did you hear anything about this?”
“I — I don’t think so. Alexa was helping Jen? I mean, I knew she helped her with her Halloween costume, but she did that for all of those girls. Why—why would she help Jen?” Seb was in disbelief.
“Yeah, we weren’t sure about that either.” Mark agreed. “But, we also heard that there was a double-cross happening: Alexa was supposedly trying to get both videos: the first to help Jen, the second to make sure Tripp wouldn’t hurt Ryan. She wanted to expose Tripp for what he was, and thought getting the video was the way to do it.”
“That sounds — “ Seb paused, “ambitious.”
Mark considered this as maybe the most intelligent thing Seb had ever said to them.
“You’re right, that’s what we thought too. And Jen wasn’t really helping her, she was actually helping Tripp cross her up so he’d still supply her with drugs. Were you aware of Jennifer’s Oxy usage?”
“Of course.” Seb whispered.
“Some girl you know uses Oxy?” Julie asked, eyes narrowing. “Recreationally? Seb that is incredibly dangerous. I see those people in the hospital all the time — ”
“I know, Mom. I’ve told her she needs to stop, but she’s just — she’s just kind of on another planet. She’s a strange chick.”
“Jen also admitted that Tripp gave her the bottles of Tito’s that were spiked with GHB, to give them to Alexa specifically.” Mark watched Seb’s face as he added this up. “You mentioned to us last Sunday that Jen gave you a few bottles?”
“Yes, she said they were for Alexa — she said Alexa needed to catch up — ” Seb suddenly looked hurt.
“And do you remember who instigated the wolf pack? What was the plan there?”
“I don’t know. Tripp’s Mom got the wolf masks on Amazon — I don’t know who thought of it. It was just some stupid Halloween scare thing they wanted to do. Wh- I’m sorry, why would Jen want to hurt Alexa? Why would she give her the GHB?”
“What do you think is the answer to that, Seb?”
“I — I dunno. I guess if Jen was doing what Tripp wanted…” he shook his head, face bent.
“Or what Tally wanted?” Jeannie countered.
“Tally? And Jen? I don’t believe it.”
“Jen thinks that’s why the video went public on Pr3pSF — that Tally posted it as a warning.”
“Tally posted it? She got it from Tripp?” Seb’s eyes flared. “Who was she warning?”
“She was warning Jen not to talk to us.” Jeannie answered.
7:14 PM - Friday, November 6, 2014
3rd Avenue and Hugo St, Inner Sunset, San Francisco
Jeannie was grateful for the cool night air as they emerged from the home of Julie Richards and her son, Seb Podesta. She pulled in the fresh air greedily as she Mark and Paco made their way to the SUV.
“Well, at least Seb knows now.” Paco said, buckling himself in. “I think it’s better that he knows, but it would be devastating for a guy like that — someone so built up, you know, star athlete, all that — he’s only in high school.”
“And yet it happens to girls all the time.” Jeannie said quietly from the back seat. Paco met her eyes in the rear view mirror.
“Yeah, I agree, it’s better that he knows.” Mark concluded. “I think they kids is through with the bullshit he was offering us last weekend. He’s scared now, and he should be. Maybe it will get him clean up his act a little.”
“I don’t think anyone will be hanging much with Tripp Hartman any more.” Jeannie said staring out the window.
Jeannie’s cell phone rang loudly, flashing SFPD NORTHERN on the screen.
“This is Hagen.” She answered.
“Hagen, this is the Sergeant — I have something for you I think. Where are you?”
“I’m with Greenberg and Mayfield — we’ve just finished an interview. What’s going on? I’m putting you on speaker.”
The Sergeant sighed. “You aren’t going to like this — I don’t like this. But, we received a report and the name sounded familiar to me, based on the briefing this morning. It’s about a Jennifer Noelle Tyson? Isn’t she part of your case?”
“Yes, she is. What’s going on?”
“I’m sorry Jeannie, but she attempted suicide earlier this evening. She took a lot of pills.” Jeannie felt the air go out of her lungs. Her mouth hung open, gasping. “Her aunt came over to look in on her and found her — she called 911 and the Crisis Response Team came, but she was already loaded up on the bus for SF General.” Jeannie looked up at Paco who’d twisted around in the driver’s seat, his face mirroring hers.
“So — so she’s at SF General? Is she stable?”
“I believe so. She got lucky. They’re keeping her on a 72 hold in the psych ward, but apparently the aunt has already filed paperwork to get her released to the McAuley Clinic instead.”
“That’s — that’s probably the best place for her.” Jeannie thought of the wan distant girl they’d interviewed earlier in the day. “She needs some serious help.”
“Sergeant, this is Greenberg — the 72 hour hold and then she goes to this other clinic? Will we be able to see her, to speak with her? We still need to get her statement.”
“I’ll find out the specifics, but it looks that way, yes. I’ll see when they expect her to be able to see people. I’m sorry Hagen — all of you.”
“Thank you sir, have a good weekend.” The Sergeant rang off.
“I can’t believe they took her to General — she’s a child.” Jeannie said quietly.
“It’s protocol, isn’t it?” Paco said, staring out the windshield.
“I know…it’s just, bleak. I’ve visited the psych ward at General before, and it’s —” Jeannie faded. “I feel sorry for that girl.”
Everyone was silent again for a long moment. Paco barely remembered that he needed to start the car and get them back to the office. Mark checked his watch and wanted nothing more than to be on his way home, home to Katie, and a night of sleep. Jeannie made an attempt at her box breathing from the back seat.
Jeannie’s phone rang again, making all of them jump. This time the phone flashed XAVIER.
“This is Jean Hagen.”
“Jean, this is Dan Driscoll.”
“Brother Driscoll? Wh— good evening, what can I do for you?” Jeannie closed her eyes for a long moment trying to center herself.
“I need you to come out to Xavier right now — it’s something regarding that case of yours. Have your colleagues all gone home for the evening?”
“N-no they’re here in the car with me. We just finished an interview. I’ll put you on speaker phone.”
“Good evening, everyone. I’ve just told Jean that you all need to come out here to Xavier — someone has just arrived here and I believe they’re related to your case. I don’t want to speak about it over the phone, you need to get here. This is a very delicate situation and I’m not sure what the legal procedure should be, so I think it best that you get here.”
“Dan — it’s late, we’ve had a very long day already —”
“Jean.” The Jesuit’s voice was now stern. “I’m not asking you again. You need to get here immediately. This is significant. Do any of you speak Spanish?”
“Span— what is going on?”
“I do — I speak Spanish.” Paco added.
“Good. The more the better. Get here quickly. Come to the residence. We’ll be watching for you.” He hung up abruptly.
Again, a long pause of silence, no one knowing what to think.
“What the fuck kind of Da Vinci Code bullshit is this?” Mark exploded. “I have had enough of these summons Jeannie — why are you always in the middle of these things?”
“I — Mark! You think I knew about this?” Jeannie yelled back at him. “I have no idea what this is about, okay? All I know is he wouldn’t be calling me for nothing. It has to be serious. And I don’t want to be in the middle of these things at all, okay? But sometimes things happen that way — don’t blame me for the way things work.” She hadn’t yelled at anyone but Chris in years. She hated herself whenever it happened, but now she’d yelled at a colleague, and a federal agent at that. But he’d yelled first.
“Look guys,” Paco began quietly, always trying to mitigate things. “I know we’re all tired and we’ve had enough and it’s all been one thing after another. But the sooner we go out there and account for whatever he’s got going on, then the sooner we can all go home, okay?”
“Mark started it.” Jeannie tossed out petulantly, flopping back into the seat. Mark scoffed. “Go to Lincoln and take a left, go all the way out toward the Sunset. I’ll tell you where to go.”
“See, at least we’re close by.” Paco said. “If you two are going to pout, I’m putting on the Mexican radio station and singing along — and I’m a terrible singer.”