“She’s an amazing person and a very talented hairstylist.”
“The reason I came here is to ask you about the boat shed you own on the northern side of the cove. We found Dakota James’s body inside it.”
“I don’t know what to tell you, Officer. To be honest, I didn’t even know we owned it. Beckett purchased a number of investment properties when we first moved here, with the idea to renovate them.”
“He didn’t mention that to you?”
“No, I didn’t,” Beckett said, appearing behind her, “because I didn’t even know it myself. There’s a lot of those old boat sheds along the north shore, and I bought up more than a few of them.”
“Is it normal not to lock it?”
“There’s nothing of any real worth in that old shed. Besides, I haven’t been in it in over a year, so I wouldn’t really know.”
“Are you two close to Jessica James?”
“She is a divorcée and frequents the club on occasion, but otherwise we rarely socialize with her,” Samantha said.
“Was your son friendly with Dakota?”
Samantha looked up at her husband before returning her gaze to Karl.
“The two boys were not close, despite hanging out in the same circles,” Beckett said.
“If you’re implying that Julian had anything to do with his murder, then you’re way off base,” Samantha said.
“I wasn’t implying anything like that, Mrs. McCallister,” Karl lied. “What about Willow Briggs? I heard a rumor that the two boys were romantically involved with her.”
“It’s true, they had an argument over Willow,” said Beckett. “This is what teenage boys do. Not like we never fought over a girl when we were that age.”
I wish I’d fought harder over one in particular. “And yet only Julian is still here.” Karl regretted saying that as soon as it left his lips.
“I think we’re done with this interview,” Beckett said. “Please refer all other questions to our attorney.”
The door slammed in his face. At least he had more answers than when he’d shown up. He had to get Katie to tell him what she knew. For whatever reason, he didn’t completely believe this story of hers that she couldn’t remember anything from her ordeal. It seemed too convenient. He needed to press her. Make her aware of the serious consequences of not telling the truth.
* * *
He drove over to the Eaveses’ house to ask for permission to speak to Katie. Isla answered the door. She looked much different than she had last night, when she’d been all made up and dressed to kill. He liked her much better this way, natural and true to form, rather than the way she looked when she was trying to imitate all the gussied-up women on the other side of town, most of whom were desperately trying to look younger.
Standing in front of him, she seemed to know almost instinctively that he’d come here to see Katie. He asked for permission but really didn’t need to. With a simple nod of her head, she led him down to Katie’s room. Raisin waved to him from the couch as he passed.
“Remember, she’s sensitive to light,” Isla whispered.
“No problem. I can work in the dark. How was the party last night?” he asked.
“Fund-raiser, you mean.”
“Maybe not so much fun?”
She looked at him. “You heard what happened?”
“I did. Must have been quite uncomfortable.”
“More than you know.”
“Do you think you and I can have coffee soon and talk about some things?”
“Not sure that’s a good idea, Karl.”
“It’s about the case.”
“I don’t know what else I have to offer.”
“I think you have a lot to offer. You seem to be the most popular woman in Shepherd’s Bay these days.” He allowed the subtlest of smiles to cross his lips. “Why else would you be invited to the biggest fund-raiser in town?”
“Okay, I’ll contact you.”
“Sooner than later, I hope.”
“Yes, soon.”
She opened the door to her daughter’s room and he made his way inside. Katie lay smothered in blankets, facing the opposite wall. Her body rose and fell with her breathing. He moved to the side of the bed and knelt next to the mattress so that her back faced him. Something told him that the girl was not asleep, but wide awake and avoiding his inquiry. He glanced up at Isla, who stood in the lit doorway with her arms crossed. Gently tapping Katie’s shoulder, he called out her name. After no response, he did it again.