Page 136 of Don't Say a Word

“Of course,” Jack said, and I nodded. Who did he think we’d share it with?

“The killer had to stab deeply, but they didn’t pull the weapon fully out. Four jabs, essentially widening the hole the first stab wound made. This would minimize blood spatter, especially sincethe killer left the letter opener in her body. But it went in so deep the killer had to have blood on their hands and likely on their clothing. They had to have left quickly. It’s only eight minutes between the end of Lena’s call with Margo and when Parsons arrived. Eight minutes to go down the hall to the washroom and clean up.”

“You found evidence,” Jack said.

He nodded. “The killer must have had something to wrap his hand in to prevent blood from dripping, but he went to the washroom and did a good job cleaning up. Still, we found traces of blood around the sink area and a decent size drop on the floor under the sink that we confirmed is the victim’s.”

“And Parsons was found next to her body trying to stop the blood flow. He’d have no reason or time to wash up,” Jack said.

“Exactly.”

“Then why did King give me shit this morning when I said it wasn’t a suicide?” I asked.

“Because we had just arrived and were going off the evidence we saw. We only got the forensic report on Clark’s homicide late last night, didn’t read it until today. Parsons was our first and primary suspect.”

“Then why did you interview Angie Williams?” I asked. “King intimidated her.”

“I’m sorry about that. The girl got under Rachel’s skin.”

“I thought cops were better than that,” I said. “Don’t react, don’t take it personal.”

Before Chavez could say anything, Jack asked, “How did the killer get into the building? I thought it was on a card key system.”

“It is, but there is a master key. A physical key. Maintenance has them because most of the utility rooms use a key.”

“Maintenance and who else?”

“That’s what we’re still trying to determine.” Chavez looked from Jack to me and back to Jack. “If you learn anything that can help, please call. We’re on the same team.”

“Absolutely,” Jack said. He hit me and I nodded my agreement, though I was still irritated that King had shelved Elijah’s murder and made Angie feel like a suspect in Lena’s murder.

Chavez left.

“What do you think?” Jack asked.

“The killer has to be on staff. Killed Lena, washed up in the administrative building, cleaned up after himself. Then had access to the main building after hours without using a card key. Teacher, admin? Someone who knew there was a master key and had access to it, or someone Dwight trusted enough to let into the building.” I looked at my watch. It was four. “I need to shower and change for this stupid dinner party.”

“I was surprised when Mom said you wanted to go.”

“I want to meet with Manny Ramos about what’s going on at his store. I don’t want to have dinner with a bunch of stuffy people.”

Jack laughed. “Better you than me.”

“I’ll call Mom and she’ll make you join us.”

“No, you won’t, because you love me best.” He kissed my forehead and I playfully hit him. “Keep your eyes open for your stalker.”

“Roger that.”

Chapter Forty-Three

Cal Rafferty

Cal’s brain hurt. He’d spent the last six hours going through all his notes and records from the Bradford investigation. The conference room was a mess. His boss walked in and said, “You okay?”

“I missed it.”

George picked up the transcript from Ben Bradford’s plea interview where he gave, under penalty of perjury, all information that he knew in exchange for a reduced sentence. But because he refused to give up the supplier, he got fifteen years minimum.