Page 81 of Last Girls Alive

Katie and McGaven walked up the meandering white cement pathway to the front doors. Once inside, it was set up like a spacious living room. There wasn’t a front desk, but an office to the left. An older dark-haired woman sat at a desk working on the computer. There were no signs of where to go—just numbers on doors and at hallways.

“Hello?” said Katie catching the woman’s attention.

“Yes?” she said.

“I called earlier about speaking with Mrs. Margaret Adler.”

“Oh, yes, of course. Detective Scott, right?”

“Yes, and this is Deputy McGaven.” Katie smiled.

“Oh my,” she said, looking up at McGaven. “You’re probably the tallest police officer I’ve ever seen.”

“I think he’s the tallest I’ve seen too,” Katie chimed in, having a bit of fun at McGaven’s expense.

“Okay,” the woman said. “Margaret is out on the porch reading. Just follow through the main area until you see the sliding doors.”

“How will we know Margaret?” Katie asked.

“Oh,” the woman said and giggled. “You’ll know. Have a nice visit.”

Katie looked at McGaven and shrugged. “Okay.” They continued through the large living room where people were playing cards, working on puzzles, and a few reading books in the corner.

They came to the sliding doors which opened onto a large deck area where there were maple trees and low blooming bushes. Two men were chatting, and two women reading paperback novels.

“What do you think?” asked Katie.

“I don’t know. Just ask, I suppose.”

Both were feeling conspicuous, but no one paid them any attention.

Katie walked up to a woman fitting Margaret Adler’s build and what she thought she would look like. “Excuse me,” she said. “Are you Margaret Adler?”

The woman politely shook her head no.

“You looking for me?” said a voice behind her. A robust woman with fire-red hair, clearly dyed, and a colorful floral top, had appeared, riding a scooter. “I’m Margaret Adler. Judging by your suit, not to mention your gun and badge, you must be Detective Scott.”

“Yes,” said Katie. “Yes, I am. And this is—”

“Deputy McGaven,” Adler finished her sentence and smiled up at him.

McGaven nodded his head in introduction.

“Can we talk?” said Katie.

“Of course. Follow me,” she instructed and took off at full speed to another area of the patio.

Katie and McGaven almost had to jog to keep up with the woman—each feeling their bruises as they hurried.

Mrs. Adler settled in a nice spot between some of the landscaping and where there were two Adirondack chairs for Katie and McGaven.

Taking a seat, Katie jumped right in and began asking questions about Elm Hill. “Mrs. Adler, how long were you employed at Elm Hill?”

“Four years, three weeks, and sixteen days.”

“Okay,” said Katie and she lightly laughed. “I guess I’m just going to come right out and ask.”

“Please do. I have no secrets.” She waited patiently for the questions.