Page 60 of Last Girls Alive

“How long did you work for the Pine Valley Sheriff’s Department?”

“About six years.”

“In that time, were you ever called to the Elm Hill Mansion?” she asked.

“A few times.”

Katie pulled a piece of paper from a file folder. Reading, she said, “Would you believe, according the records of the sheriff’s dispatch, there were seventeen calls for service in six months?”

“It seems high—but that is probably about right.”

“And on every call, you were the responding officer.”

“If you say so.”

“Were you dating Shelly McDonald?”

“Who?”

“Shelly McDonald. She managed the Elm Hill Mansion and oversaw the day-to-day care of the teenage girls. Ringing any bells?”

“Went out a few times. Nothing serious. I have needs, you know.” He looked Katie up and down.

“Did you know the six girls who resided at Elm Hill Mansion before it was shut down?” she said, ignoring his crude behavior.

“Only from the calls.”

“Where were you Tuesday night?”

“Working.”

“All night?”

“Yeah,” he sneered.

“Can anyone vouch for you?”

“Don’t need it because I was working…”

“Did they refer to you as the ‘Hunter’ or ‘Gatherer’?”

“What?” he said, looking at Katie completely confused.

“What were some of the problems at Elm Hill?”

“Fighting, running away, sneaking out in the middle of the night, stuff like that.”

“Did you know Candace Harlan?”

“Doesn’t ring a bell.”

“Mr. Keller, this can go easy or I can be your worst nightmare. Start answering my questions and don’t give me the runaround.”

He stopped and stared at Katie, then, leaning forward, he said, “You really want to play rough with me, Detective?”

“I don’t play, Mr. Keller. I want answers.”

McGaven shifted his position to remind Keller that he was in the room.