Page 50 of Three Girls Gone

Candace let out a deep sigh. “No, but Steph, that’s the girlwho greeted you when you arrived, was working. She should have been posted there.”

This news hadn’t reached Detective McGee, or in the least hadn’t hit the investigation files. And if Steph routinely watched out for Hailey, wouldn’t she have seen that someone different had come for her? “All right. We’ll want to speak with her when we’re finished here.”

“That’s fine, if she agrees. I’m not going to make her. Tiptoe would never allow harm to come to that girl, but we don’t run a daycare either. It’s a dance studio.”

Amanda could point out that the parents probably saw things differently, how they entrusted their children to Candace’s care, but the combative spirit would shut down communication.

“Was Hailey the only one dropped off and picked up for lessons?” Trent asked.

“No, it’s what we recommend, so the students aren’t distracted. It’s never been a problem before. I inherited the studio from my parents, and it’s been here for fifty years.”

“Congratulations on such a milestone,” Amanda said.

“Thank you,” Candace responded, ice in her tone.

“Just a few more questions,” Amanda began. “Have you had any new hires in the last seven months?”

“No.”

“No one? Not even new cleaners?” Amanda figured this one area might be overlooked if someone else was contracted to do the work.

“No.”

“Do you handle the cleaning in-house or pay another company?” Amanda asked.

“We all pitch in.”

Amanda nodded, satisfied enough to move on. “What about dance competitions and public events Hailey took part in? Anyone new in that crowd, or a person who stands out to you?”She knew what Jean had told them, but wanted to hear from Candace.

“Most of our students enter competitions, but Hailey never did. That was a shame too. Hailey was an incredible dancer, a true natural.”

“Why didn’t she?” Trent asked, playing along.

“Her mother wouldn’t allow it. Teaching Hailey ballet wasn’t about glory or even for her future career. She hoped that dance would challenge and stimulate her from an intellectual standpoint.” Candace looked at Amanda. “If you have kids, please be sure to grab a brochure listing all our classes before you leave. I can’t recommend dancing lessons enough for young children.”

It was distasteful that she’d worked in a sales pitch, but Amanda considered the offer anyhow. Zoe had lit up seeing figure skaters take to the ice near Christmas. She might like ballet. “I’ll consider it. I think that’s all we have for you, if you could get Stephanie for us?”

“Sure.” Candace rose from her chair with the grace of a dancer and left the room.

“I can’t believe they just let a six-year-old stand outside alone,” Trent said under his breath.

“Me either, even if there were eyes on Hailey. And if there were, I don’t understand how she just disappeared.”

“That makes two of us. I don’t remember seeing Stephanie’s name in McGee’s reports.”

“It wasn’t in there.”

The woman from the front desk entered the room and took the chair closest to the door.

“Stephanie?” Amanda asked.

“Yes. My last name is Welch.”

“Detectives Steele, and Stenson,” Amanda said. “We understand you were working last Friday night.”

“I was.”

“And what is your job at the studio?” Trent asked.