Page 47 of Her Last Whisper

“I don’t know…”

Katie sensed her dishonesty, but she wasn’t going to push. “Was she dating anyone or interested in anyone? It didn’t have to be a formal date, but someone else she talked to.”

Emily remained quiet. It was obvious that she was struggling with something. “I think she might have been talking to someone. I don’t know who it was, but I got the feeling that it was someone from the hospital.”

“What makes you say that?”

“She made a reference about doctors. That’s all I know.” Emily stood up now, clearly distraught. “Amanda was my best friend and I can’t even help in her investigation…” She began to cry and pace back and forth.

Katie paused. “It’s okay, Emily. We’re done for now. But, if you remember anything, even if it doesn’t seem important, call me, okay? Emily, okay?”

She nodded as she tried hard not to cry anymore.

The detectives walked to the door.

“Oh, one more question,” said Katie.

Emily waited. “Yes?”

“Did Amanda cook dinner here on Wednesday night? Something fancy? A roast?”

Emily looked confused. “No, she was mostly vegetarian and only sometimes ate meat.”

“Okay, thank you.”

They left the apartment.

Katie waiteduntil she heard the door close before she turned to McGaven. “Check the phone records to check her story. I think she’s telling the truth, but I want to make sure she isn’t covering for someone.”

“Will do. Sounds like I have some desk time,” he said.

“Emily Day isn’t off the radar yet.”

When they reached the car Katie pulled out her cell phone and dialed as McGaven climbed into the passenger seat.

“Hello,” said Denise, sounding chipper as usual.

“Hi, it’s me. You busy?”

“Always, but never for some real investigative work.”

“Good,” she laughed. “I have something for you to check out, basically some background stuff—hope I’m not piling on too much.”

“Not at all—go ahead.”

“First, this is unrelated to the homicide case we’re working on. Is that okay?”

“I’m intrigued.”

“It’s a missing person case for a very special friend of mine. I promised that I would check it out. It’s probably going to be an easy case where we find out he’s at a new job or residence.”

“No problem, Katie. I’ve got your back, no need to explain.”

Katie almost let out a loud sigh of relief. “Okay, the name is James Samuel Haines. That’s spelled H a i n e s.”

“Got it.”

“His brother is Army Sergeant Nick Haines. And… Wait, I need to get the rest of the info from my briefcase. Can you hang on or do you want me to call you back?”