Page 45 of Pretty Broken Dolls

“No weapon found. No clear idea even of the type of weapon.”

“Nope.”

“It’s strange. Now, we haven’t completely gone through the two previous homicides yet. But…did you notice that it seemed very textbook with Jeanine? Originally the suspects were the closest friend, boyfriend, and people at work were antagonistic. It could be anyone.”

“Good point,” he said. “But that’s what we’re here for.”

“There’s something not right about this case. I get the distinct impression that we’re missing something—or something is being withheld from us.”

Chapter Sixteen

Friday 1100 hours

Mandy Davis worked in an office building downtown as an administrative assistant for a real estate broker. She had not wanted to meet with them initially, but McGaven had managed to convince her, explaining that it was routine. She insisted that they meet at the park, which was next to her work premises.

The morning was still chilly and overcast, so Katie paced back and forth to keep warm. The park was small with two rows of immature trees and bushes strategically planted and benches along the walking path. It was clean and pleasant. The space seemed generally used for running or walking workouts. As they waited, Katie looked around and noticed that most people who passed by were oblivious to what was going on around them.

A tall woman with long, flowing fiery-red hair approached, puffing on a cigarette which she quickly discarded before meeting with them. Dressed in a tan suit, she looked professional but it was clear that she was nervous—anxious about speaking with them.

“Mandy Davis?” said Katie.

“Yes.”

“Ms. Davis, I’m Detective Katie Scott and this is my partner, Deputy Sean McGaven.”

She nodded at them.

Katie noticed that she fidgeted with her hands and nails frequently.

“I’m sorry it’s so cold, but I didn’t want them to talk at work. You know…”

“Of course,” said Katie as she gave McGaven the subtle signal for him to ask questions.

McGaven gestured for them to sit down on a bench. “Ms. Davis,” he began.

“Please, call me Mandy.” She began to relax a bit. Her shoulders eased downward and she stopped fiddling with her hands.

“I’m sorry to have to ask these questions about your friend Jeanine since you’ve answered them before. But we’re here as cold case detectives and we want to hear from you in person, since you were the one that found her body. Are you feeling up to a few questions?” he asked.

Smooth, thought Katie as she took a backseat to the interview. She stood about ten feet away watching the cityscape, but still hearing the conversation, glancing every once in a while to observe body language.

“Yes, I’m fine,” she said, her voice calm.

“I understand that you were both to meet at a party.”

“Yes.”

“When did you decide to go to Jeanine’s house?”

“Well, she was usually late so I didn’t think much of it at first. Time had got away from me when I realized that Jeanine didn’t show up. It wasn’t like her to completely blow it off. You know?”

McGaven patiently listened and nodded, letting her continue.

“I called her a couple of times but she didn’t answer…”

“You called her from the party?”

“Yes, and then once when I was driving.”