She then moved to the bedroom and looked around. The bed was made and the rest of the room was just as proper as the living room. The few items that were displaced on her bedside table and desk revealed very little: pens, pocket change, an iPhone charger, a pamphlet for a local politician, a glass with just a swallow of water remaining in it. It was evident that nothing of a physical nature had occurred in this room on the night Christine had died.
It opened up many questions and conclusions, all of which Mackenzie sorted out in her head as she made her way back out into the kitchen.
Someone met her here when she returned from her boyfriends apartment. Was she expecting them or did they surprise her?
The fact that her body was discovered inside the apartment and her shirt was off likely means that, expected or a surprise, she invited the killer in. Did she invite him in having absolutely no idea that she was in danger?
When she got back into the kitchen, Ellington was taking down notes as he spoke to Deputy Wheeler. She and Ellington exchanged a look and a nod. It was one of the many ways they had learned to fall into sync with one another on the joba non-verbal language that saved many interruptions and awkward moments.
Well, Deputy Wheeler, I think were good here, Ellington said. By chance, were you also placed on the Jo Haley murder from a few days ago?
No. But I know enough about the case to help if you need it.
Great. Well call on you if it comes to that.
Wheeler seemed pleased with this, smiling to them both as they left Christine Lynchs apartment. Outside, Mackenzie looked to the sidewalk, where there were only sparse indications that it had snowed at all. She smiled thinly as she realized that she and Ellington had likely been about to get married when this poor girl had died.
Christine Lynch wont ever have the privilege of a wedding or a husband, Mackenzie thought. It made her feel a pang of sorrow for the womana sorrow that deepened when she realized that there was another rite of womanhood that she would also never feel.
Wrapped in that sadness, Mackenzie placed a hand on her barely bulging stomach, as if protecting what was inside.
***After a call to the bureau, Mackenzie and Ellington discovered that Christines boyfriend was a twenty-two-year-old fellow Queen Nash student. He worked part-time with a public health office to get his feet wet for whatever career awaited him after graduating with his public health degree. They found him not at work, but at his apartment, apparently having taken the loss of Christine much harder than a typical boyfriend.
When they arrived at his apartment, Clark Manners was habitually cleaning what already looked to be a sparkling clean apartment. It was clear that he had not slept well recently; his eyes were glazed over and he walked as if some unseen force was having to push him along. Still, he seemed enthusiastic when he invited them into his apartment, eagerly wanting to get to the bottom of what had happened.
Look, Im not stupid, he said as they sat down in his immaculately cleaned living room. Whoever killed herthey were going to rape her, right? Thats why her shirt was off, right?
Mackenzie had wondered this herself, but the crime scene photos told a different story. When Christine had fallen to the floor, shed landed on the shirt. That seemed to indicate it had come off rather easily and had been discarded on the floor. If Mackenzie had to wager a bet, shed bet that Christine had taken it off herself, likely for whomever she had invited inwhoever had ended up killing her. PlusMackenzie wasnt so sure the murderer had intended to rape Christine. If hed wanted to, he could have. NoMackenzie thought he had come by to kill her and that was all.
But this poor guy didnt need to know that.
Its just too early to tell, Mackenzie said. There are several different ways it could have gone down. And we were hoping you could maybe provide some insights to help us figure it all out.
Sure, sure, Clark said, clearly in need of a long nap and less coffee. Anything I can do, Ill do.
Can you describe the nature of your relationship with Christine? Ellington asked.
Wed been dating for about seven months. She was the first real relationship Ive ever hadfirst one that lasted more than two or three months. I loved herI knew that after about a month.
Had it reached a physical level yet? Mackenzie asked.
With a faraway look in his eyes, Clark nodded. Yeah. It got there pretty quickly.
And on the night she was killed, Mackenzie said, I understand that she had just come from here, from this apartment. Did she stay over often?
Yeah, once or twice a week. Id stay over there sometimes, too. She gave me a key to just come and crash whenever a few weeks ago. Thats how I was able to get into her placethats how I found her
Why did she not stay here that night? Ellington asked. It was late when she left. Was there an argument between the two of you?
No. God, we rarely argued about anything. Nowed all been drinking and I had far too much. I kissed her goodnight while she was still out here with some of my friends. I went to bed and passed out, feeling a little sick. I was sure shed eventually join me but when I woke up the next morning, she was gone.
Do you think any of your friends might have given her a ride? Mackenzie asked.
I asked all of them and they said no. Even if theyd offered, Christine would have said no. I mean, its only like three blocks and she likes the cold weatherlikes to walk around in it. Shes from California, so the snow is this cool magical thing, you know? I even rememberthat night she was excited because there was snow in the forecast. She was joking about taking a walk out in it.
How many friends were here with you that night?
Including Christine, there were six of us in all. From what I gather, they all left not too long after she did.
Can we get their names and contact information? Ellington asked.
Sure, he said, pulling out his phone and starting to locate the information.
Is it common for you to have that many people over on a weekday night? Mackenzie asked.
No. We were just sort of getting together for one last hoorah before winter break came to an end. Classes start next week, you know? And with work schedules and visiting family, it was the only time we could all get together.
Did Christine have any friends outside of your group?
A few. She was sort of an introvert. There was me and then two of my friends that she hung out with, but thats about it. She was really close with her mother, too. I think her mom was planning to come out here before the end of the semesterlike to move out here for good.
Have you spoken with her mother at all since this all happened?
I did, he said. And it was weird because it was the first time I ever spoke to the woman. I was helping her out with
He paused here, his tired eyes showing signs of tears for the first time.
with funeral arrangements. Shes having her cremated here in town, I think. She flew in last night and shes staying at a hotel somewhere out here.
Any family with her? Mackenzie asked.
I dont know. He hunched over and looked at the floor. He was both exhausted and sad, a mixture that looked to have finally devastated him.
Well leave you alone for now, Mackenzie said. If you dont mind, do you have Mrs. Lynchs hotel information?