Page 110 of Nightshade

“You mean birth control?”

“Yes, she was on the pill. Why are you asking me this? Was she raped?”

Outrage was building in his voice.

“I’m just gathering all the facts,” Stilwell said quickly. “We need to ask about everything because we don’t know what could become important to the investigation.”

Stilwell could already see the complication this information brought to the case. If it was Easterbrook’s DNA that was recovered during the autopsy, it handed an easy alternative suspect to a defense lawyer representing anyone else charged. He tried to put that thought aside and continued his questioning.

“On that Saturday, what did you do after dropping Leigh off at the Express dock?” he asked.

“I just turned around and went home,” Easterbrook said. “Wait—no. I stopped by my office first to pick up some files I was going to work on at home.”

“Did anyone else in the office see you?”

“Uh, no, it was a Saturday. The office was closed.”

“What about in the building? Was there security or some kind of check-in process? Cameras?”

“There’s cameras and security but I don’t remember seeing anybody. You’re asking if I have an alibi, aren’t you? You don’t believe me.”

“I’m not going to lie to you, Mr. Easterbrook. If you’ve got an alibi, then I need to check it. Because when we catch whoever did this and go to trial, my investigation will also be on trial. It doesn’t matter whether I believe you or not. I need proof of innocence before you’re in the clear.”

Easterbrook nodded.

“I understand,” he said. “I’m sorry.”

“So, was the building locked?” Stilwell asked, pressing on. “Does it have a gated garage?”

“Yes and yes. I have a key card that opens both the garage gate and the doors to the building and my office. I’m sure that can be checked.”

“It can be but it will only show that your card was used. It doesn’t prove it was you. Where are the cameras?”

“Actually, I’m not sure. I’ve just seen the screens at the security desk.”

“But no one was at that desk when you entered?”

“I don’t remember seeing anyone. Maybe they were on a break or making the rounds. It was a Saturday, so I’m sure it was a short-staff day.”

“And when you left with your files, did you see anyone?”

“I don’t think so.”

“What time did you get there and what time did you leave?”

“Probably got there a little before ten and stayed about an hour. I had to print out some documents so the originals would stay in the office.”

While his instincts told him that Easterbrook was telling the truth, Stilwell knew that a further effort would be required to prove his alibi and clear him. He moved on with his questions.

“Let’s get back to the relationship you had with Leigh,” he said. “Did you ever buy her expensive gifts?”

“I did,” Easterbrook said. “I bought her a pair of heels she wanted.”

“Do you remember the brand?”

“Prada.”

“And you stayed with her up at the Mount Ada on occasion?”