Page 47 of Pretty Broken Dolls

“What do you mean?” Her demeanor changed, and there was a definite edge to her voice.

“Like, was there anything out of place? You said that Jeanine was a tidy person.”

“Um…” she stammered. “Well, I remember a green vase, maybe it was blue, I don’t know.”

“A vase?”

“Yeah, it was on the floor and it seemed strange—out of place.”

McGaven moved a bit closer to Mandy, his expression sensitive and understanding—intended to make her feel more secure. Katie watched him and knew that he would be outstanding in any area of law enforcement. She was lucky to have him as a partner.

“I don’t know, the place just gave me an uneasy feeling,” she said.

“I’m sorry, I have to ask you about this. It was in the statements that Jeanine was dating your boyfriend.”

Mandy remained quiet, almost stoic, as she sat there. Her jaw clenched. “I know what you must be thinking. The original detective asked me about this too…” She pushed her wavy hair back. “Yes, she dated my boyfriend after we broke up. I don’t know why everyone gets this wrong. Brady and I broke up, and then he started dating Jeanine.”

McGaven paused. “It had to put a strain on your relationship with Jeanine.”

“No…well, yeah, it did for a bit. But we had known each other for a while and our friendship was more important.” She looked away as she spoke. “They only dated for three months anyway.”

“What about Jeanine’s experience in the army?”

Mandy shrugged. “I don’t know much. I mean, I knew that she was in for two years.”

“Working as a K9 trainer,” added McGaven.

“Yeah, I guess.”

“She never talked about it?”

“Not really. She loved dogs and would foster sometimes, but that’s all I know.”

“Was she dating anyone at the army training facility?”

She shrugged. “Not that I know of. She was pretty quiet about her time in the army.”

“Does the name Sergeant Anthony Serrano mean anything?”

“No. I’ve never heard that name.”

“I see. One more question, for now. Can you think of anyone who might have wanted to hurt or take revenge on Jeanine? Anyone at all?”

“No,” she said. “I’ve thought about this ever since…ever since I found her that night. Oh God…” she trailed off.

“Anything you tell us is confidential, I promise you,” said McGaven as he appealed to her sensitivities.

She wiped a tear away. “Like I said, I’ve thought about this a lot. She said that she was having trouble with her next-door neighbor, but nothing that would make her…murder her.”

“What did she say about the neighbor?”

“It’s what she didn’t say. When I would come over, she would usher me inside because she didn’t want the neighbor to see us. At least, that’s what she said.”

“Anything specific?”

“No, it was little things.”

“Like?”