Page 75 of Badlands

Corrie gave him a cool smile. “Just getting a picture of the family, that’s all.”

“Elodie’s not talking,” he said brusquely.

“You mentioned that,” said Corrie. “I have a few questions about her life, education, employment, and state of mind. If I may?”

“Fine.” He glanced at his watch.

“Elodie had a PhD from UNM in archaeology, is that correct? I understand she studied with Professor Oskarbi.”

A curt nod.

“Do you know if she had a relationship with Dr. Oskarbi?”

“What do you mean?”

“A romantic relationship.”

“I don’t know. I don’t vet her boyfriends. How is this relevant?”

“Mr. Bastien,” Corrie said, her voice sharpening, “the FBI will decide what’s relevant or not. Of course, you’re not under any obligation to answer questions.”

“I’ll answer them,” he said with irritation. “Elodie was a grown woman. She lived her own life. I didn’t interfere.”

“Did she have a history of depression? Was she ever treated for any mental health issues?”

“Not that I know of.”

“But as her father, you would know—wouldn’t you? At least, during the time she was a minor?”

“You’ll have to ask her mother. I was very busy during Elodie’s childhood, and my wife was in charge of family matters.” He fidgeted in his chair.

“And what did you do that kept you so busy?” Corrie asked.

“I managed a hedge fund.”

“I see. Now: after she got her PhD, did she continue to associate with Professor Oskarbi or his former students?”

“I’ve no idea. I didn’t track her life.”

“She owns a small contract archaeology company, correct?”

“That’s right.”

“And how does it operate?”

“It’s just her—a one-woman firm. As I understand it, she does contract work for the New Mexico Department of Transportation. Identifying archaeological sites during road construction projects, that sort of thing. That’s all I know.”

“Did or does she have any boyfriends or romantic partners?”

“I don’t know. I never met any.”

“How often do you see your daughter?”

This question was met with a short silence. “Since my remarriage, not often.”

“Can you be more specific? When was the last time you saw her? Before now, of course.”

“A year, eighteen months.”

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