Page 19 of Liar's Point

“I just need to center.” She pressed her hand to her chest and took a deep breath.

“Here,” Emmet said, offering her a paper cone filled with water.

“Thank you.” She sipped the water and closed her eyes.

Nicole watched the woman’s face as the word homicide seemed to penetrate.

“Sorry.” Cassandra shook her head. “I just—I don’t understand this. What about all the pills in the car? I thought she—”

“Ma’am, can you think back to the teal green pickup truck?” Emmet asked. “Did you happen to notice the license plate?”

“No.”

“Or anything distinctive about it? Maybe a bumper sticker? Or a toolbox in back?”

“No.”

“Was it a regular or extended cab?”

Cassandra shook her head. “I didn’t notice. Listen, I need to get back to my class so—”

“What about the dog?” Nicole asked.

“The dog?”

“What kind was it?”

“I don’t know. It was black, I think.” She darted another glance over Nicole’s shoulder. “I really have to go now.”

“Just a few more questions,” Nicole said. “Do you remember if you touched the vehicle?”

“What?”

“Aubrey’s Subaru. Do you recall if you touched it when you jogged up and saw her in the front seat there?” Nicole asked. “Maybe touched the window or tried the door handle?”

“No. I told them this last night, I didn’t touch anything. Look, I really need to get back to my students, so—”

“Here.” Emmet handed her a business card. “We’ll let you go.”

A look of relief came over her face.

“Call us if you think of anything else.”

She nodded.

“We’ll be in contact,” he added, and she walked off.

Nicole watched her rush down the hallway and duck into the restroom.

She shot a look at Emmet. “What was that? I wasn’t finished yet.”

“We can circle back.”

“But I have more questions.”

“Give her some time to absorb. Come on.”

Nicole followed him as they retraced their steps through the hallway, which was less crowded now that the next class had started. They passed a glass door and Nicole saw Cassandra’s co-worker leading everyone through a series of standing poses.

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