Page 70 of The Girls in the Snow

But just because its effects weren’t nationally known in 1993 didn’t mean that some users weren’t aware of it. The lack of rape reporting—especially date rape—also meant it could have been an issue before the media found out.

Courtney was heading back into St. Paul to process evidence, but she’d promised Nikki to do some research on the known effects of drinking and liquid ecstasy in the nineties.

Nikki debated asking John flat out, but they’d come to investigate his connection with Janelle. And she wanted more information before she confronted him about the past. Right now she only had a missing blood test and theories.

She finally located Liam’s car and parked nearby. Liam joined her and they walked toward the main building together.

“Where are we on the industrial freezers?” Nikki’s face stung from the cold wind.

“Just about every restaurant and grocery store has at least one,” Liam said. “So far, I haven’t connected any of those to Madison or Kaylee.”

“What about hunters?”

“You know how many people have a hunting license?” Liam asked. “And then there are the poachers. But the only connection to an industrial freezer is Hanson, and his alibi is good. We aren’t getting a warrant for his father-in-law’s place. You didn’t bring Sergeant Miller, I see.”

Nikki shook her head. “He’s busy with Doug and paperwork, but I spoke with him before I left. Both morning-shift waitresses remembered John Banks. He allegedly has a couple of favorite dancers, but neither one of them is working today. They’ll be on tomorrow, so plan on talking with them.”

Roan Pharmaceuticals’ network of buildings and skywalks rivaled a small hospital, with the sales and marketing department spanning an entire floor.

“I showed him Janelle’s picture, and he lied to my face.” Nikki wasn’t leaving the building until John told the truth.

His administrative assistant said John wasn’t taking any meetings today, but she changed her tune when Nikki and Liam showed their badges. She led them to a corner office with a bank of windows.

Nikki beat the assistant to the closed door. “We can take it from here, thank you.”

The woman looked irritated but nodded.

Nikki knocked on the door and opened it without waiting for a response. “Hi, John.”

John jerked his head off the desk. He’d obviously been asleep. His hair was disheveled and his eyes bloodshot. “Nikki. I wasn’t expecting you,” he said, and then looked at Liam. “Who are you?”

Nikki stepped forward. “He’s Agent Wilson. He was at your house when Amy overdosed. How is she?”

“Okay,” John said. “She’s trying to focus on Bailey. Have you found something? Or are you here about the autopsy results so we can finally bury Madison?”

Nikki sat down in the big leather chair in front of John’s desk and Liam took the other one. The corner office had an impressive view of the snow-covered park surrounding the campus. “Director of Sales and Marketing for big pharma. That’s pretty high up in the food chain.”

“I guess.” John rested his chin on his hand. “Why are you here?”

“The autopsies aren’t complete yet,” Nikki said. “I’m here about the murder of Janelle Gomez.”

“Who?”

“The woman found in the park,” Nikki said. “You told me you didn’t recognize her.”

“Oh, right. Sorry, I’m exhausted. Haven’t been sleeping much.” John rubbed his eyes. “What about this woman?”

“Her boss at The Doll House is the one who identified her,” Liam said.

John nodded. “I know that place.”

“We know,” Nikki said. “Two of the dancers said you’re a morning regular.”

He sighed and reclined in his chair. “Look, I’m not proud of it. Things haven’t been great between Amy and me since Madison disappeared. I go a few times a week to blow off steam. But I don’t pay for sex.”

“I really don’t care about your personal affairs,” Nikki replied. “I do care that you’re the common denominator between Madison, Kaylee and Janelle.”

John paled. “You’re not suggesting I hurt Maddie, are you? I would never.”