The Girls in the Snow (Nikki Hunt #1) - Stacy Green Page 0,83
she had to ask about her statement. “I finally looked at their case file last night. I tried to look at it from a cop’s point of view.”
“How did that go?”
“Not well, but I did see some things that didn’t make sense,” Nikki said. “The reason I asked about the blood test is because there’s no record of it in the file. And some forensic details don’t add up. Then there’s your statement.”
Nadine tapped her fingers on the chair arm. “I have a feeling I know what you’re going to say.”
“You do?”
“I told Hardin that a loud engine woke me up,” Nadine said. “The weather was so nice, and my bedroom window faces the road. I was certain it was a muscle car, because my dad and brothers were all muscle car fanatics. I tagged along to car shows more times than I can remember. I know what they sound like. But Hardin chided me. He said there was no way I could tell if it was a muscle car or just a truck missing a muffler. I wanted to smack some sense into him, and he knew it. Then he starts blabbing about the road being far enough away that no one would be able to tell the difference.”
“That’s not true.” She paused, then, “I knew someone who drove a ’68 Shelby Mustang.”
“I know you did,” Nadine said evenly. “And so did Hardin. But he dismissed the idea.”
The implication made Nikki dizzy. “But Mark was in my parents’ house.”
“And John Banks wasn’t the only person with a loud car,” Nadine said. “But considering the two of you were dating, why wouldn’t Hardin take me seriously? Not to mention the other deputy suddenly transferring.”
“Who?”
“Deputy Anderson took the samples. I believe he had special training. He transferred to another county several months after the trial. One of my gals at the salon worked at the sheriff’s office, and she said Anderson didn’t like how things were being run and wanted out. He and Hardin clashed over your parents’ case.”
“Hardin never looked at anyone other than Mark,” Nikki replied. “Did you know about Mark and Hardin’s wife?”
Nadine sat her coffee on the side table. “I’d heard rumors that summer. Mark’s mother came in regularly, and she was upset at times. I heard she tried to confront him and he denied it, but everyone I spoke to was certain he was lying. Hardin had a temper, according to some people in his inner circle,” Nadine said. “They said he was vindictive. Do you think this was some kind of revenge against Mark?”
Nikki chose her words carefully. “I think Hardin lacked the capacity to be objective about Mark. Deputy Anderson never should have been overruled. Have you spoken to anyone on Mark’s defense team at the Innocence Project?”
“They came to see me a few weeks ago,” Nadine said. “I told them everything I just told you. I should have tried to reach you, but it didn’t seem like it was my place. I’m sorry.”
“No, no, that’s fine. I just wanted to make sure they were aware.” Nikki should have let the district attorney give her the details before she stormed out of his office the other day. No wonder Roger Mathews had doubts about retrying the case. “I should get going.”
“How long are you in town?” Nadine asked.
“Until I solve the murders,” Nikki replied.
Nadine paled and hugged her. “Oh, good Lord. The horrors you see, Nicole. Please stay in touch. It’s lonely out here. Maybe you could bring your girl around, when this is all over?”
“I will,” Nikki said, and she hoped she meant it. “Nadine, if Mark is innocent, do you think… do you think John could have done this?”
“Sweetheart, that question has haunted me for years.” Tears built in Nadine’s eyes. “I hope you can figure out the answer so your parents can finally rest in peace.”
Thirty-Three
Nikki followed the winding drive to the farmhouse where she grew up, her heartbeat accelerating. She remembered how her father was forever complaining about Nikki’s friends driving in the grass when they made the loop in front of the house. The driveway was gravel now, instead of dirt, and a couple of new trees provided shade in the front yard, but the willow tree Nikki played under still dominated the landscape. The farmhouse had new siding, windows, and shutters. The old barn was gone, replaced by a hibernating vegetable garden.
She left the jeep running and slowly crossed the yard, following the same path she’d taken that