Page 14 of Silencing Stolen Whispers
Once again, William Scriven’s assumption spoke volumes about the family dynamics. Kinsley kept her expression neutral while Alex once again explained their need for privacy.
“Sir, we'd prefer to discuss this with both you and your wife present. It's a sensitive matter.”
Something in Alex’s tone must have finally registered with William Scriven, because the man’s posture stiffened. The mustache above his lip twitched slightly as he stopped in front of a large conference room.
“Of course. Please, have a seat in here, and I’ll return with my wife shortly.”
The corridor was lined with glass-walled conference rooms. Inside each, several men and women in costly suits huddled over documents in small groups. The transparency was an illusion, a display of openness that actually reminded everyone they were always being observed, always on exhibit. She could only imagine that their private offices were on the other side of the building.
Kinsley entered the conference room and placed her purse on one of the high-backed leather chairs surrounding a long mahogany table. She positioned herself where she could monitor the comings and goings through the large glass wall.
“Look,” Kinsley instructed Alex quietly without making her stare obvious. “That must be Katherine Scriven.”
The woman was talking to three young adults in their late twenties who were nodding earnestly at everything she was saying. Even from a distance, Katherine's authority was obvious. Not a single auburn strand was out of place, her posture was almost military perfect, and her manicured hands made precise gestures to emphasize her points.
“Formidable woman,” Alex replied after he had followed Kinsley's gaze. “Reminds me of Judge Holloway.”
Kinsley silently agreed, recalling how notoriously strict the federal judge was, often making even the most experienced defense attorneys wary during long, drawn-out trials.
They continued to observe the scene before them as William entered the conference room across the hall, interrupting the meeting without uttering a word. Katherine's expression shifted from mild annoyance to sharp curiosity. She dismissed the three employees with efficient courtesy while switching her attention from her husband to Kinsley and Alex through the glass wall.
“We’re about to shatter their world.”
Alex’s words squeezed Kinsley’s heart.
As the Scrivens approached the conference room, their body language shifted from interest to rejection. They were both beginning to realize something was very wrong.
William walked slightly behind his wife, his hand hovering near the small of her back without actually touching her. Katherine moved with purpose, her chin raised in defiance as she crossed the corridor. She entered the room first while William paused to close the door behind them. The action caused a soft click to be heard, a sound that would forever divide their lives into a before and after.
“Detectives,” Katherine greeted casually. She didn’t appear eager to sit down either. “My husband explained that you have something urgent to discuss about one of our daughters.”
Kinsley gestured toward the chairs, forgoing deeper introductions.
“Please, sit down,” Kinsley urged gently as she and Alex stood on the other side of the table. Neither would claim a chair until Katherine and William were settled. Whatever flaws these parents might have, Alex was right. The next few minutes would tear their world apart beyond repair. “It would be better for you if?—”
“Just spit it out, detective.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Scriven,” Alex began when it was clear that neither Katherine nor William was going to make this moment easier for themselves, “we’re very sorry to inform you that your daughter, Hannah, was found deceased this morning at a cabin she was renting up north.”
Neither parent moved.
Alex’s words hung in the air, suffocating even Kinsley.
William Scriven's face lost all color. He blindly reached to the side for a chair, his knees giving way as he sank down. His hands shook intensely as they moved to cover his face. A sound escapedhim, not quite a sob, but the lead-up to one. It sounded like a wounded breath that couldn't find its way back out.
Katherine, on the other hand, remained standing. Her fingers gripped the back of a chair, knuckles whitening from the intensity of her hold. For a moment, she appeared as if carved from stone.
“Deceased?” Katherine’s voice was barely audible. “Murdered?”
“Yes,” Kinsley replied, confirming the woman’s correct conclusion. “Hannah’s body was discovered by Dorothy Whitaker, the owner of the cabin.”
“How?” William managed to ask after lowering his arms. His hands now rested on his stomach, as if he were about to be sick at any moment. “How did she?—”
“The preliminary examination suggests blunt force trauma to the head,” Kinsley explained, keeping her voice steady. “We're waiting on the medical examiner's full report, but it appears she died sometime between ten and two last night.”
Katherine swayed slightly as her body finally absorbed what her mind was still trying to understand. She cleared her throat and slowly pulled out the chair from the table. Once she had carefully lowered herself, she met Kinsley’s gaze.
“Have you made an arrest?”
