I was amazed by the response I received from last week’s column. Many readers requested additional excerpts from my book. In answer to the questions about its completion, I will write the final chapter in April.
Here are a few very condensed excerpts:
The voice on the other end of the line said, “I am trying to reach the mayor.”
I responded “This is she.”
The male voice responded. “I am not really sure how to say this to you, but I have been asked to take you out. I have been paid to take you out.”
I responded “Excuse me, you have been asked what?”
The called replied, “I have been asked to take you out; I have been hired to take you out.”
My mind was racing, as I wondered if I had someone with mental issues on the line. I responded, “Look, I don’t know if this is some kind of joke, but I am in my 60s and happily married for more than 40 years, so I am certainly not interested in going out with you or anyone else.”
The caller responded, “No, Mrs. Mayor, you don’t understand. Do you know what a red rum list is?”
I answered, “I have no idea what you are talking about.”
The caller said, “Red rum is murder spelled backwards. I have been hired to kill you and many other people in your city. They gave me a list of people. You are the prime target; you are number one on the list. I am supposed to take you out first.”
I started to comprehend what he was telling me. I could feel my heart beat faster; I felt nauseous. I gripped the phone.
He continued, “I will give you a website to check me out. I don’t live in the United States. I will give you my phone number, too. I am not going to kill you. I am not going to kill anybody, but I received wire transfers. I can explain. Go and talk with your chief of police. I will be waiting for a call back. I will cooperate. I am not a murderer.”
Before I contacted the chief, I wrote down the conversation that had just taken place. I knew it would be important later. (I have devoted numerous chapters in my book detailing what transpired next.)
Another excerpt:
My pulse quickened when the voice on the other end said, “Hello, this is CBS producer Michael Rey. Armen Keteyian and I would like to come to your city to do a broadcast, and we would like to interview you.”
The very last thing in the whole world I wanted was to be on national news discussing something negative about our beautiful quiet community. I quickly learned my objections were falling on deaf ears; they saw this as newsworthy and they were coming, with or without my blessing.
I asked others to take my place. No one volunteered.
It is your role, Mayor, you are the primary target and they want to talk with you, is what I heard.
However, some officials agreed to accompany me into the interview. There was no mistaking Armen Keteyian when he entered City Hall with his Berluti shoes and Armani suit. This was actually happening. It was all so surreal. I wanted to get up and leave, but I knew I couldn’t. The lights and camera were not in my wheel house. My family was already worried sick. I knew seeing me on CBS national news was going to escalate their fears, but I had no choice.
When my brother who lives in Colorado saw the broadcast, he called immediately. I hadn’t really told him much about the hit list. I didn’t want to worry him, but now he knew. He urged me to come to stay with him for awhile. He wanted me to get out of town. He wanted me safe.
My life as I knew it changed. My son, who normally calls me weekly, began calling daily. He didn’t tell me he was worried, but I knew. I prayed my grandchildren didn’t see the broadcast. I didn’t want them to be frightened. My husband insisted on driving me to work. In fact, he drove me everywhere; he barely let me out of his sight.
Knowing this was national news seemed to validate the seriousness of the situation. My office at City Hall was secured. I was told not to do things routinely; take different routes to work and to the grocery store. I was given a police radio. Carrying a phone was a must.
My husband purchased a small hand gun. (Now he has a concealed carry permit.)
During the last conversation I had with the FBI, I was advised to remain vigilant.
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