Page 30 of Silencing Stolen Whispers
Alex recognized the deflection for what it was, and it didn’t go unnoticed that Melanie cleared her throat. There was something there, and she wasn’t certain she should divulge the information.
“Ms. Young, Hannah was murdered. Bludgeoned to death.” Several heads turned briefly in their direction when Alex didn’t bother to soften his tone this time around. “If there is something you noticed or witnessed, now is the time to provide me with that information.”
Melanie's expression tightened, her lips pressing into a thin line.She hadn’t appreciated his tactic to garner more information.
“There was an incident in May, but I’m sure it was nothing of significance. About three weeks before finals, I believe.” Melanie crossed her arms, suggesting that she wasn’t comfortable relaying such details. “Hannah’s sister came in searching for her one evening. I didn’t even know she had a twin, and at first, I thought that maybe Hannah had left without me noticing her departure. Anyway, the two were clearly upset with one another. They went into the far corner, argued for a bit, and eventually the sister left.”
“Bailey came to see Hannah here at the library?”
“I’m not sure if that’s her name, but yes. Stormed in here would be more accurate, though. At one point, I seriously considered calling campus security. Eventually, Hannah’s sister left.”
“Did you overhear what they were discussing?”
Before Melanie could elaborate further, a young man with thick black hair and perfectly pressed khakis walked behind the circular counter. It was clear he had overheard their conversation and wanted to elaborate on the subject.
“This is Clark Reimer, one of our law students,” Melanie said, taking the time to make the formal introduction. “Detective Lanen is investigating the death of Hannah Scriven. Did you know her, Clark?”
“No, ma’am.” Clark’s voice carried a hint of nervous energy, but Alex was certain it was part of the young man’s demeanor. “But if you're investigating what happened to Hannah, what Mrs.—”
“Clark, please lower your voice,” Melanie warned as she gestured for him to come closer. “There's no reason to upset the other students. What would you like the detective to know?”
“Don’t you remember? Hannah’s tires were slashed that same night,” Clark shared as he drummed his fingers on the counter. “After the argument with her sister. Four tires, all completely destroyed. I was here when it happened. Studying, not working. Anyway, Hannah stayed here until around nine. When I walked outside, campus security was taking her statement. Seeing as she lived across the street, they allowed her to leave her vehicle until she could have it towed the following day.”
“And you’re certain that the vandalism happened on the same night that Hannah and her sister had an argument?”
“Positive.”
“You should know that there were several incidents that month,” Melanie stressed, giving Clark a rather stern expression for not clarifying the situation. “There was a string of vandalism last semester, and campus security eventually arrested two teenagers.”
“Before or after the damage to Hannah’s tires?”
“I believe after, but you would be better off checking with campus security,” Melanie advised as a student approached the desk. “Clark, would you please see what Jeannie needs?”
As Clark excused himself, Alex flipped the cover of his notebook closed. He tucked both the small pad of paper and pencil into their rightful place as he thought over this new piece of information.
“Thank you for your time, Ms. Young. And please thank Clark for his input, as well." Alex retrieved one of his business cards and slid it across the counter. “If you remember anything else that might be relevant, no matter how small it seems, please call me.”
“Of course, Detective Lanen.” Melanie collected the business card, reading the small print. “I do hope you find whoever did this to Hannah.”
Alex requested directions to the campus security building, and once Melanie had given him a direct path without having to cut through the parking lot, he exited the library. The heavy door swung shut behind him as the humid afternoon air almost suffocated him. He couldn’t wait until the weather turned cooler.
He made his way into the shade, pulling his phone from his pocket. He accessed his speed dial list and pressed Kinsley’s name. Unable to take the heat a second longer, he loosened his tie.
The phone rang once, twice.
The third ring was finally cut short as Kinsley answered.
“Did you get my texts about Fawn Ginkel? That’s not a real name, and the number we have is burner,” Kinsley offered up, not bothering to wait for his reply. “Tell me you've found something useful.”
“Someone slashed Hannah's tires in May,” Alex replied as he decided to finally ditch his jacket. “And get this—that same evening, Bailey came into the library. They were witnessed arguing in private.”
The silence on the other end lasted only a moment.
“Could be a coincidence.”
“Could be, but I’m heading over to speak with campus security now. Turns out that they arrested two teens for vandalizing multiple vehicles. I’ll get their names and addresses. If they didn’t touch Hannah’s car, then we could be looking at the individual who murdered our victim.”
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