Page 96 of Pretty Broken Dolls
Katie shifted in her chair, knowing she would not only have to break the news of a death, but of a brutal murder. “Yes. I’m sorry to inform you that Ms. Winchell is dead.”
He sucked in a gasp. “What?” he whispered. “Dead? But you are detectives so that means…she was murdered?”
“Yes, that’s correct.” There was never an easy way to break the news. It always sounded harsher than it needed to be under such trying situations. “I am so sorry to have to share such horrible news about one of your employees.”
“Oh my…how?”
“We’re not able to discuss any details at the moment,” she said. “It’s an active investigation.”
“Of course. What can I do to help?” he said, obviously upset. His mind was clearly reeling from the news.
“We would like to ask a few questions about Darla. If that’s okay.”
“Of course. I’ll try to answer if I can.” He looked back and forth from Katie to McGaven and then settled on Katie.
“How would you characterize Darla’s work here?”
“She was what every employer dreams of. I mean that. She was one of those employees that always wanted to learn more, strive more, and move up whenever she could.” He paused a moment to gather his thoughts, as if it had really sunk in that she was dead. “Whenever there were classes— whether it was better ways to work with co-workers or new computer systems in dealing with business accounts—she was the first to sign up.”
“Did she ever confide in you that something was bothering her at work? Like another employee or a customer?”
“No, never. But I’m not the best person to ask, being her boss. Some of the other employees would be better suited to answer that question.” He leaned back in his oversized chair. “I know that she was close with Daniel Harper; he’s in charge of new accounts and investments.”
“Is he here today?” asked McGaven.
“Yes.”
“Just a couple more questions and then we’d like to speak with him, too,” said Katie.
As Mr. Raines waited, he tapped his right index finger on the arm of the chair.
Katie thought he was holding something back. She was curious and suddenly remembered what John had said about the killer receiving an injury to the right index finger. “Mr. Raines, can you show us your hands?”
He looked confused, but slowly moved his hands forward with his fingers and palms facing upwards for Katie and McGaven to see. There was no indication of any injuries.
“Thank you,” she said, changing tack quickly to hide her disappointment. “Did you ever have to reprimand Darla for anything?”
The president appeared to think about it. “No, I don’t think so. She is…wasone of my best employees…and I still can’t believe she’s gone.”
“I would suggest informing your employees so that they don’t hear it from some other source. Please give them time to grieve and whatever support they need. Everyone is different.” Katie made sure that the president understood.
“Yes. We have a company that helps with crisis situations and I will have them be available to anyone that needs it.”
Katie felt relief wash over her. “That’s wonderful. Would it be possible to speak with Daniel Harper?”
“Uh, yes. Please stay. I’ll bring him in and you can use my office.”
The president left the office and Katie waited until the door was closed and he was out of view.
“What do you think?” she said in a low tone.
“He’s genuinely shocked. We’ve seen it many times, but did I detect some deception?”
“I caught that too. He was too nervous, but that could have something to do with things going on in his own life—not with Darla.”
“True. There’s a high percentage of nervousness among people who interact with police.”
“Daniel Harper,” she said. “I didn’t see any photos in the apartment or her parents’ home with him. Is that odd? Or maybe she didn’t want to be reminded of him.”
