Page 57 of Silencing Stolen Whispers
“Did you know Hannah personally?” Kinsley asked, keeping her tone conversational. “The campus is holding a vigil for her tonight, in case you would like to attend."
“Not personally, no.” Sienna's hands still rested in her lap, perfectly still. She would make one hell of a lawyer one day. “We didn’t even run into each other on campus, but Nick speaks of her occasionally. Still, it's always a tragedy when someone with such potential is lost so senselessly.”
The words were perfect—sympathetic without being overly emotional. Kinsley couldn't help but wonder if Sienna had rehearsed them or if such diplomatic responses came naturally after a lifetime of observing her father perform for judges and juries.
“I’m surprised the two of you hadn’t met through your families,” Kinsley said, pushing the issue just a little more. “Those in the legal profession typically move in similar circles.”
Something shifted in Sienna's posture. A subtle tensing that was barely discernible. She had recognized the trap being laid and was clearly calculating how to avoid it.
“Corporate law and criminal defense are hardly the same world, Detective Aspen,” Sienna replied, her voice taking on a harder edge. “Though I imagine you'd know that better than most, given your father's profession.”
The jab was delivered with precision, leaving Kinsley to respect such a response. She kept her expression neutral, though she sensed Alex shifting slightly beside her, getting ready to smooth over the sudden tension.
Sienna's gaze remained fixed on Kinsley, a new interest kindling in her dark eyes. She studied Kinsley for another moment before advancing the conversation.
“Why don't we skip the dance, Detectives? What is it you really want to know?”
“Where did you go after dinner with Nick last Wednesday?” Seeing as Sienna’s directness was unexpected but refreshing, Kinsley decided to match it. “For our records, of course.”
“I actually drove to my father's residence outside Fallbrook,” Sienna responded without hesitation. “I often stay there when he isn’t due in court. The traffic cameras on the main highway would have captured my license plate, should you need to verify my route. In addition, my father's property has surveillance cameras at the gate and around the perimeter, of course.”
“I take it we’ll need a warrant for that footage,” Alex said with a knowing half-smile.
“I’ll tell you what,” Sienna responded, surprisingly amicable given the situation. “As a show of faith in my cooperation, I’ll request the relevant timeframes be sent to you.”
“It is much appreciated,” Alex replied with a nod in her direction.
“Contrary to what you might think, I have no reason to obstruct your investigation.” Sienna stood, signaling that their conversation was drawing to a close. “Hannah's death was tragic, and whoever is responsible should be brought to justice.”
“Did you know that Rebecca Chambliss was offering illegal services to those graduating from law school?”
“Those illegal services are offered almost anywhere for any type of exam, whether legal or medical,” Sienna clarified as she uncrossed her legs. “To answer the question you would really like to ask me, no. I did not know about Rebecca’s involvement until Nick mentioned it to me last night. It’s not surprising, though. Rebecca has an extremely high IQ with the emotional intelligence of a teenage girl wanting to get back at her parents. I do my best to distance myself from people like her.”
Sienna rose and then crossed the room to a small desk in the corner. She reached into a drawer, took out a business card, and handed it to Kinsley.
“My direct number should you have any follow-up questions about the footage. Any other inquiries can be directed toward my attorney.”
“Your father, I presume?”
“You presume correctly, Detective Aspen.”
Kinsley accepted the card, noting the heavy stock and embossed lettering. Alex pulled out one of his business cards in exchange. Standard issue, of course. The contrast was almost comical.
“I believe that covers everything.” Sienna followed behind them as they made their way to the foyer of her apartment. “Detectives, what time is Hannah’s vigil this evening? I do believe that Nick and I should attend the memorial.”
By this time, Kinsley and Alex had stepped out into the hallway. Sienna, however, kept a hand with manicured fingernails wrapped around the edge of the door.
“Ten o’clock this evening in the courtyard,” Alex replied as he slipped her business card into the interior pocket of his suit jacket. “Thank you for your cooperation, Miss Webster.”
Kinsley fell into step alongside her partner. It wasn’t until they could hear the soft latch of Sienna’s door that he commented on the interview.
“She’s going to make one hell of a lawyer,” Alex muttered as they came to a stop in front of the elevator doors. “What’s your take on her?”
“I think you’re right,” Kinsley agreed as she reached out to push the button. “Sienna Webster was cut from the same cloth as her father. The kicker? I don’t think she had anything to do with Hannah Scriven’s murder.”
23
Kinsley Aspen
