Heads nodded, everyone piping up with yeses.
Amanda gestured toward Betty. Why dont you come with me first? Itll only take a few minutes. She glanced at Justin. You can use my deputys office to interview the men.
Justin pointed to Raymond. Come on, Fisher. There are a couple of things I need to ask you.
He looked sullen and nervous, but he followed Justin without a word. The moment Justin shut the door, the man turned on him.
What else can I tell you? I dont know who would send me and Kelly that text. And I sure as hell dont know anyone whod want to hurt her.
Mr. Fisher, Justin said calmly. You mentioned that Kellys ex wanted to get back with her. Im going to question him as soon as I leave here. But Sheriff Blair pointed out another possibility.
He hesitated, giving the man a moment to gather himself. Do you have any ex-girlfriends that were unhappy about your upcoming wedding? Maybe a woman who wanted to get back with you? Or...one who wanted to get revenge against you for some reason?
Fisher lapsed into a stunned silence for a moment, then dropped into a chair. I dont think so...I mean...
What? Theres something you remember?
Fisher wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. I did break up with my old high school girlfriend to date Kelly our senior year, he said. But that was ages ago. Renee wouldnt do anything to hurt Kelly because of it. Shes probably already moved on.
Justin gritted his teeth. Where does she live?
Some small town north of here. He drummed his fingers on his knee, thinking.
What else?
A muscle twitched in his jaw. She chaired the committee to set up the high school reunion.
So she knew you were coming back for the reunion and to get married. Perhaps facing old friends as a single woman while you two were together pushed her buttons?
I suppose its possible, Raymond said, but he didnt sound convinced. Although I just cant imagine it.
Justin shoved a pad toward him. Write down her contact information. You do have it, dont you?
A sliver of guilt streaked the mans face. Yes, but only because of the reunion.
Right. Justin watched him scribble the womans name and number, wondering if she could have kidnapped Kelly out of jealousy.
Now they had two feasible suspects, Kellys ex-boyfriend and Raymonds ex-girlfriend.
His cell phone buzzed, and he checked the number. The ME.
Excuse me, he told Fisher. I have to take this. You can go now.
Fisher looked wary as he rose. You want one of the other guys sent in?
Justin nodded. Send Lance Stephens in. Hed start with the guy whod protested. Maybe he had a reason to avoid questions.
His phone buzzed again, and he hit Connect. Sergeant Thorpe.
Its Dr. Sagebrush. We have an ID on the body from the creek.
Justin held his breath. Her name?
Tina Grimes.
Cause of death?
As we first thoughtstrangulation, Dr. Sagebrush said.
Any sign of sexual assault?
No, she wasnt raped, Dr. Sagebrush said. But theres something else that I noticed, too. I dont know if its important, but her high school class ring was clenched in her hand.
Justin frowned. What did that mean? That shed hung on to it as the perpetrator killed her?
Or had the perp put it in her hand as part of his signature?
* * *
THE YEARBOOK ANNUALS were all laid out in a row on the top of the dresser. All the high school students from Sunset Mesa, four years worth of girls whod finished their high school degrees and gone on to plan their futures.
They were successful, married, had babies of their own. One had even become a reporter who covered human-interest stories.
Ironic since the little witch had no sense of humanity.
Flipping the pages brought a sea of females who had to be punished.
Amanda Blairs photograph stood out. She wore her softball uniform and was grinning from ear to ear after Canyon High won a game. Amanda had been a star player.
Shed also abandoned one of her friends, someone whod needed her.
And she would have to be punished for that.
But there were others that had to be dealt with first. So many others...
Who would receive their penance next?
Chapter Six
Amanda had interviewed two of the bridesmaids and had two more to go. According to Betty and Anise, Kelly adored Raymond, couldnt wait until the wedding and had intentionally planned the ceremony the week after the reunion so more of her former classmates could attend.
Amanda studied Mona, aware the blonde was only a year younger than her. Man, she felt old. More worried about dead bodies and missing young women rather than a date for a mani-pedi and highlights.
Did you sense any trouble between Raymond and Kelly? she asked.
Mona twisted a strand of hair around one finger, reminding Amanda of the way the girl had behaved in high school. She had been a huge flirt. All the guys had eaten out of the palm of her hand.
They were the perfect couple, Mona said, blinking back tears. I just cant believe shes missing.
Raymond said that her ex-boyfriend, Terry Sumter, wanted to get back with her. Did she mention that to you?
Mona sighed. She said shed heard from him, but she blew it off. Every couple of years, Terry would contact her and want to get together, usually after hed broken up with his latest conquest.