Page 7 of Her Last Whisper

“What kind of case?” he persisted.

“I’m not allowed to discuss it.”

“Did Amanda do something?”

“Not at all,” Katie countered quickly and confidently.

“Oh.”

“Are you sure that you don’t know where she moved? It would really help me out.”

“Um, maybe with her friend Emily that she works with.”

“You have a last name?”

“I think Day. She has blonde hair and used to come here a lot.”

Katie felt her cell phone vibrate in her hand.

“What’s your name?” she asked.

“Simon.”

“I’m Detective Katie Scott from the sheriff’s department—nice to meet you. Thank you, Simon, for your help.”

Katie turned to leave.

“Detective Scott?” he called after her.

Looking up again, Katie said, “Yes?”

“I hope you find who hurt Amanda and put them in jail.”

Katie hesitated and wasn’t completely sure how to respond. She nodded. “I’m going to do my best.”

After Katie returned to her vehicle, she made some brief notes. It wasn’t a complete dead end; she could enquire about Emily at the hospital.

Her phone buzzed again; she answered it.

“Hey, I’m at your house. Are you going to be late?” said Chad.

Katie had forgotten about her dinner date.

“Uh…” she whispered.

“You forgot, didn’t you?” he teased, not sounding surprised or upset.

“I’m so sorry.”

“No problem.”

“You want to reschedule?” she said.

“No. I’ll wait. Besides, I can play with Cisco while you get ready.”

“Okay. I’ll be there in about fifteen minutes.”

“Is that with or without sirens?” he said.