Do you have any personal knowledge about that?”
“No.”
“What about alcohol? Do you know if she abused alcohol?”
“I have no idea.”
“Where did the wine come from? There was a platter with two glasses.”
One of which was clearly unused. “I always ask Francie to set out a hospitality plate for guests, white wine and fruit. She did that, turned out the horses, and went home.” Julian paused. “I assume she told you that.”
“Yes. Now, do you know how much alcohol Ms. Barrow consumed?”
“No, I didn’t look at the bottle. I was so shocked when I saw her that way, I didn’t think of it.”
“As far as her state of mind earlier today, was it your impression she intended to commit suicide?”
“No, not at all.” Julian shook his head. Dumbfounded.
“Did she say anything about suicide? Any words to that effect?”
“No, and if you want my opinion, I don’t think it was intentional. I think it was by accident. I know she was upset after the funeral, but she wasn’t suicidal, and as I said, she hadn’t seen David in a long time, as far as I know.”
“Do you know if she was in a romantic relationship?”
“No, but I don’t think she was.”
“So no boyfriend?”
Julian thought of Luiz. “Not that I know of.”
“Was she ever married?”
“I don’t think so.”
Detective Moran paused. “Did you have a romantic relationship with her?”
She was the love of my life. “No, we were just friends.”
“May I ask if you are in a romantic relationship?”
“Not really, no one steady.” Julian knew they’d never find the hidden camera in the bedroom, and if they did, it wasn’t illegal.
“Do you know if she had any relatives, friends, or associates in the area?”
“No idea. She told me today that her parents live out of the country.”
“Do you have any idea if she had any friends who would know about her state of mind?”
“No.” Julian edited out Allie, again.
Detective Moran smiled in a pat way, leaning back. “I think we have what we need, for the time being. Thanks for your time.”
“Thank you.”
“We’ll be doing an autopsy, routine blood testing, and an initial toxicology scan. We’ll need you to come to the station in a day or two. We’ll go over your statement, make sure we have the details right, and have you sign off.”
“Not a problem.” Julian sighed. “I wonder when the funeral will be. Did you notify her family?”
“Yes, we reached the mother. The contact information was in the wallet. We normally wouldn’t have moved so fast, but the press jumped on the story.” Detective Moran hesitated. “I think because it involved you.”
“I get it. It’s gossip.” Julian frowned, not completely for show. News vans with microwave towers were parked on the street in front of his house, and reporters stood at the curb smoking, talking, and filming B-roll of the horses. He didn’t like the publicity, and neither did they.
“Your house will be released tomorrow. You might want to stay elsewhere tonight. I assume finding a place to stay isn’t a problem for a builder.” Detective Moran chuckled, and Julian did, too.
Ha ha ha. “Luckily, I have a house in Jersey, and I can stay there tonight.”
“Good.” Detective Moran rose, brushing down his slacks. “I have your cell number, and I’ll give you a call if need be.”
“Here, let me walk you to the door.” Julian got up, led the way, and opened the screen door. “Thanks again, and let me know if there’s anything else you need.”
“Thanks for your cooperation. Again, our condolences.” The detectives left the house, walked to an unmarked black Explorer in Julian’s driveway, and started the ignition.
Julian waved goodbye, looking every inch the responsible Chester County citizen.
CHAPTER 63
Allie Garvey
Brandywine Hunt had expanded since Allie had been here. Studying the map at the development’s entrance, it took her a minute to get oriented. The original development was now at the center of the property, and Thoroughbred Road, which used to be the outermost road, was now somewhere in the middle, with other roads radiating out like rings on a suburban sequoia.
Allie followed signs to Thoroughbred, passing the new McMansions, but the road had been rerouted. She realized she was approaching the section that had been the construction site where she, Sasha, David, and Julian had gone to shoot that night. The memory came back to her. She hadn’t thought about the details of that night in so long, since it was buried by the horror of the night Kyle died.
She took a right turn, heading in that