Page 59 of Three Girls Gone

Amanda’s breath froze in her lungs. How Hailey Tanner was found was withheld from the public. “How do you know that?”

“There was a picture in the paper, provided by her family when she went missing.”

Could Amanda trust that’s all it was? Anne lived in a fantasy world where every man adored her. “But you know Hailey has since been found?”

“No. That’s good though. Right?”

It was hard to tell if Anne was putting on a performance or being genuine. “She’s dead. Discovered in a local park.”

“Her too? Monsters.”

But her reaction fell flat, like she was saying the words she deemed appropriate but didn’t feel. “Why are you in Woodbridge?”

“To visit with my grandmother, and I need to get her set up in a nursing facility. Oh, Grandma.” She shifted again, as if she were going to get up, and tugged on the handcuff.

“Yeah, you’re not going anywhere, but I’ll make sure that someone goes by to check on her.” Amanda turned to Trent, who nodded and stepped into the hallway. Being a good cop didn’t follow a strict guidebook. The primary rule was protecting and taking care of people, and the grandmother shouldn’t suffer the consequences of their interestin Anne. “How long have you been in town?” She needed to verify what Katherine had found out.

“Since the start of December.”

With that, the timing was confirmed. She was here beforeThe Nutcracker. “Then it seems like you’ve had a long time to set something up.”

“Not really. Homes have long waiting lists. But you don’t believe me. Why should I be surprised? Why are you interested in me anyhow?”

“You seem to enjoy watching people, even when they don’t know they’re being watched.”

“So?”

“It must make you feel untouchable, powerful. Do you like watching little girls like Julie Gilbert?” Amanda asked.

“I saw her with Evan and that bitch of a mother, but what are you implying?” Her voice turned menacing.

“And you saw Julie backstage in NYC for her last pageant?”

“I did.”

Amanda was shocked that she admitted as much. “That must have been thrilling to mingle with Evan’s wife, all the while knowing what it was like to have sex with her husband.”

“Not going to lie.”

“Then, tell me, were you at the party the Gilberts held afterward?”

“I wasn’t exactly on the guest list.”

Not that there was one…Amanda stiffened. “That wasn’t my question.”

“Yes, I was there.”

Trent returned to the room. “An officer is going over to be with your grandmother,” he told her.

Anne didn’t acknowledge he’d spoken and kept her gaze locked on Amanda. “You were at the Gilberts’ party,” Amanda repeated for Trent’s benefit. “Julie was killed that night.”

“I heard.”

Spoken devoid of emotion, and chills ran through Amanda. “Where were you last Friday night?” Amanda asked her.

“Home with Grandma. I’d tell you to ask her, but you know… Her mind.” She circled her left index finger next to her head.

“Then you’re sure you didn’t pick up Hailey Tanner from her dance lesson?” Amanda asked.