Page 30 of Silencing Stolen Whispers (Kinsley Aspen #2)

Kinsley Aspen

July

T he Landing Tower rose fifteen stories above the nearby buildings.

Its glass exterior reflected the afternoon sun with such brightness that Kinsley had to squint, even with her sunglasses.

The building displayed clean architectural lines and a well-maintained entrance, clearly indicating that this wasn't student housing but built for those who could afford the better things in life—or those whose parents could.

“I heard this building was finished late last year,” Alex said as they approached the revolving doors. “I don't think our salary would cover a week in this place.”

“Yeah, well, Webster is one of the highest-paid defense attorneys in the state,” Kinsley replied as she made no effort to remove her sunglasses. “I would have been surprised if he hadn’t set his daughter up somewhere impressive.”

“Are those cactuses?”

“Cacti. The plural of cactus is cacti.” Kinsley caught the side-eye glance from her partner. “Hey, I know a thing or two about plants. Is that so shocking?”

“I’m almost certain that you don’t own a single plant, Kin.”

“I didn’t say that I’m good at caring for them,” Kinsley amended as Alex gestured for her to go through the revolving door first. Once they were both on the other side, she finished her sentiment.

“It’s a perk of having a mother with a green thumb.

Speaking of which, what’s the update on your mother? ”

“Other than Paul the plumber making the list for homemade banana nut bread?

I hope a reasonable invoice," Alex muttered as he fell into step beside her while they approached a security guard sitting behind a curved desk, its dark wood surface spotless and fingerprint-free. “This guy is twice my size.”

“Maybe we should think about recruiting next year,” Kinsley murmured, finally removing her sunglasses. She dropped them in her purse. “He’d make an excellent linebacker in next year’s game.”

Kinsley dropped her gaze to the marble floor.

It gleamed like polished ice beneath their feet.

There wasn’t a scuff to be seen, allowing the prismatic light from the large crystal chandelier to take center stage.

Even the air carried the subtle scent of something expensive.

Not quite perfume, not quite floral, but something unmistakably curated.

“Good afternoon,” the guard greeted them, his voice carrying the practiced pleasantness of someone who dealt with important people daily. Kinsley lifted her gaze and pasted a smile to her face. “How may I assist you today?”

“Detectives Aspen and Lanen, Fallbrook Police Department.” Alex unclipped his badge and held it up for closer inspection. “We're here to see Sienna Webster.”

“Is she expecting you, sir?” The guard's hand hovered over a sleek phone.

After Alex responded negatively, the guard picked up the phone, pressed four buttons, and then waited patiently for Sienna to answer his call.

“Miss Webster, this is Scott at the front desk. There are two detectives from the Fallbrook Police Department here to see you.”

Scott paused, listening intently to Sienna.

“Yes, from the Fallbrook Police Department.” Another pause, longer this time. Kinsley monitored his expression, noting the slight tightening around his eyes that suggested Sienna wasn't exactly welcoming the news. “I understand, Miss Webster. I'll let them know you're not?—”

Kinsley leaned forward slightly, her voice loud enough to be heard on the other end of the line.

“Please inform Miss Webster that we just need to confirm Nick Ryder's alibi. It won't take more than a few minutes of her time.”

The guard hesitated, then relayed the message, although it probably wasn’t needed. This time, Scott didn’t remain silent for long.

“Yes, Miss Webster. I'll send them up.”

Scott replaced the receiver before gesturing to his left.

“Elevators are right over there. Miss Webster is on the eleventh floor, number 1107.”

After thanking Scott for his assistance, Kinsley and Alex crossed the lobby toward the elevator bank. Kinsley pressed the up button, and the doors opened immediately, as if the elevator had been waiting just for them.

Once inside, Alex pressed the button for the eleventh floor. The doors closed with a soft pneumatic hiss, sealing them into a small space lined with mirrors and more polished wood. The elevator began its ascent smoothly, the only indication of movement a subtle change in pressure in Kinsley’s ears.

“That was a good idea,” Alex said, his reflection multiplied in the surrounding mirrors. “Mentioning Nick's alibi. It got us past the gatekeeper.”

“Sienna will still try to get rid of us in under five minutes.”

“Probably,” Alex agreed as he adjusted his badge until it was more secure on his belt. “But at least we got a face-to-face. That's more than we would have had otherwise.”

“And sometimes that's all we need.” Kinsley observed the floor numbers illuminate in sequence, each soft ding marking their progress. “Just a foot in the door and a chance to observe.”

The elevator slowed to a stop, and the doors opened to reveal a hallway that continued the theme of understated luxury.

A thick carpet in a deep, rich grey muffled their footsteps.

The walls were painted in a soft cream color.

Tasteful abstract paintings in subdued tones were spaced along the walls.

They were highlighted by recessed lighting that bathed them in a golden glow.

“1107 should be to the right.”

The fact that Sienna had agreed to see them at all was telling. Either she had nothing to hide, or she was confident enough in her ability to conceal whatever she might be hiding about Hannah Scriven.

They came to a stop right outside Sienna’s apartment door. Alex rapped his knuckles against the solid wood, and Kinsley positioned herself slightly to the side out of habit.

The door opened smoothly, revealing Sienna Webster.

Kinsley immediately noted that she was about five feet eight inches tall, with an impeccable posture that suggested years of coaching rather than natural ease. Her dark, curly hair was styled in a complex arrangement of braids that somehow appeared both effortlessly casual and meticulously planned.

“Detectives,” Sienna greeted them in a somewhat mocking tone behind a practiced smile. “Please, come in.”

Sienna stepped aside, gesturing them into her home.

The furniture was minimal but clearly high-quality. A charcoal grey sectional sofa that appeared both inviting and pristine was placed around a glass-topped table with a sculptural base.

“Thank you for seeing us,” Alex said before making introductions. Afterward, Sienna subtly indicated they should sit on the sofa. “As you heard over the phone, we’re investigating the murder of Hannah Scriven, and we’re confirming that you were having dinner with Nick Ryder last Wednesday night.”

Sienna chose an armchair opposite them. She crossed her legs and loosely interlaced her fingers over her abdomen.

“Yes, Nick and I had dinner that evening at Marcello's downtown. We left around nine.” She tilted her head slightly. “Nick called me the day after to tell me what happened to Hannah. I was very sorry to hear about what happened, of course.”

“Did you know Hannah personally?” Kinsley asked, keeping her tone conversational. “The campus is holding a vigil for her tonight, in case you would like to attend."

“Not personally, no.” Sienna's hands still rested in her lap, perfectly still. She would make one hell of a lawyer one day. “We didn’t even run into each other on campus, but Nick speaks of her occasionally. Still, it's always a tragedy when someone with such potential is lost so senselessly.”

The words were perfect—sympathetic without being overly emotional. Kinsley couldn't help but wonder if Sienna had rehearsed them or if such diplomatic responses came naturally after a lifetime of observing her father perform for judges and juries.

“I’m surprised the two of you hadn’t met through your families,” Kinsley said, pushing the issue just a little more. “Those in the legal profession typically move in similar circles.”

Something shifted in Sienna's posture. A subtle tensing that was barely discernible. She had recognized the trap being laid and was clearly calculating how to avoid it.

“Corporate law and criminal defense are hardly the same world, Detective Aspen,” Sienna replied, her voice taking on a harder edge. “Though I imagine you'd know that better than most, given your father's profession.”

The jab was delivered with precision, leaving Kinsley to respect such a response. She kept her expression neutral, though she sensed Alex shifting slightly beside her, getting ready to smooth over the sudden tension.

Sienna's gaze remained fixed on Kinsley, a new interest kindling in her dark eyes. She studied Kinsley for another moment before advancing the conversation.

“Why don't we skip the dance, Detectives? What is it you really want to know?”

“Where did you go after dinner with Nick last Wednesday?” Seeing as Sienna’s directness was unexpected but refreshing, Kinsley decided to match it. “For our records, of course.”

“I actually drove to my father's residence outside Fallbrook,” Sienna responded without hesitation.

“I often stay there when he isn’t due in court.

The traffic cameras on the main highway would have captured my license plate, should you need to verify my route.

In addition, my father's property has surveillance cameras at the gate and around the perimeter, of course.”

“I take it we’ll need a warrant for that footage,” Alex said with a knowing half-smile.

“I’ll tell you what,” Sienna responded, surprisingly amicable given the situation. “As a show of faith in my cooperation, I’ll request the relevant timeframes be sent to you.”

“It is much appreciated,” Alex replied with a nod in her direction.

“Contrary to what you might think, I have no reason to obstruct your investigation.” Sienna stood, signaling that their conversation was drawing to a close. “Hannah's death was tragic, and whoever is responsible should be brought to justice.”

“Did you know that Rebecca Chambliss was offering illegal services to those graduating from law school?”

“Those illegal services are offered almost anywhere for any type of exam, whether legal or medical,” Sienna clarified as she uncrossed her legs.

“To answer the question you would really like to ask me, no. I did not know about Rebecca’s involvement until Nick mentioned it to me last night.

It’s not surprising, though. Rebecca has an extremely high IQ with the emotional intelligence of a teenage girl wanting to get back at her parents.

I do my best to distance myself from people like her. ”

Sienna rose and then crossed the room to a small desk in the corner. She reached into a drawer, took out a business card, and handed it to Kinsley.

“My direct number should you have any follow-up questions about the footage. Any other inquiries can be directed toward my attorney.”

“Your father, I presume?”

“You presume correctly, Detective Aspen.”

Kinsley accepted the card, noting the heavy stock and embossed lettering. Alex pulled out one of his business cards in exchange. Standard issue, of course. The contrast was almost comical.

“I believe that covers everything.” Sienna followed behind them as they made their way to the foyer of her apartment. “Detectives, what time is Hannah’s vigil this evening? I do believe that Nick and I should attend the memorial.”

By this time, Kinsley and Alex had stepped out into the hallway. Sienna, however, kept a hand with manicured fingernails wrapped around the edge of the door.

“Ten o’clock this evening in the courtyard,” Alex replied as he slipped her business card into the interior pocket of his suit jacket. “Thank you for your cooperation, Miss Webster.”

Kinsley fell into step alongside her partner. It wasn’t until they could hear the soft latch of Sienna’s door that he commented on the interview.

“She’s going to make one hell of a lawyer,” Alex muttered as they came to a stop in front of the elevator doors. “What’s your take on her?”

“I think you’re right,” Kinsley agreed as she reached out to push the button. “Sienna Webster was cut from the same cloth as her father. The kicker? I don’t think she had anything to do with Hannah Scriven’s murder.”