Page 9 of If She Stayed
She had the feeling that once she and DeMarco closed this case, the Willowbrook Book Club might never be the same.
CHAPTER SIX
Kate was a bit surprised to find the FBI field office in Richmond quieter than usual for a Wednesday afternoon.It seemed that most agents were either out on cases or attending the weekly briefing that Kate had managed to avoid.She and DeMarco had claimed a conference room on the third floor, spreading crime scene photos, witness statements, and timeline notes across the long table in an attempt to organize everything they'd learned about Margaret Carlisle's murder.
Kate studied the photographs of Margaret's library one more time, focusing on the precise positioning of the candlestick and the careful arrangement of Margaret's body in the reading chair.Every detail suggested someone who had taken their time, someone who understood both the Christie novel and Margaret's personal reading habits well enough to create a scene that would resonate with anyone who knew the book.
"The staging is too perfect to be spontaneous," Kate said, arranging the photos in chronological order."This killer planned every detail, knew exactly what message they wanted to send."
DeMarco looked up from her laptop, where she'd been compiling the list of book club members Eleanor had provided."Eight current members, including Margaret.Two former members who left the group in the past year.All women between the ages of fifty-two and sixty-seven."
"Any obvious red flags in the preliminary background checks?"
"Nothing that jumps out immediately.The usual mix of retired teachers, homemakers, a few women still working part-time.No criminal records, no obvious financial troubles."DeMarco scrolled through her notes."Sandra Morrison, the neighbor who found Margaret, has been with the group for nine years.Diana Clark joined about the same time as Margaret.The others have all been members for at least twenty years.It’s sort of nuts.”
Kate picked up the evidence report from the crime scene.Margaret's fingerprints on the wine glass, Harold's fingerprints on her arm, and the base of her neck from when he'd tried to check for a pulse.No foreign DNA on any of the surfaces, suggesting the killer had worn gloves and been careful not to leave trace evidence.
"I want to run this by Director Duran," Kate said, gathering the photos into a neat stack."I need to formalize my involvement in this case beyond just consulting."
DeMarco raised an eyebrow."You want to come on in an official basis?"
"I want to be an active partner, not just an advisor,” Kate clarified.“This case has too many complex elements for a consulting arrangement."Kate stood up from her chair."The literary staging, the intimate knowledge of the victim's habits, the careful timing around Harold's work schedule.We're dealing with someone sophisticated, and I think it's going to require both of us working it full-time."
DeMarco said nothing, but Kate saw the traces of a smile on her face.Kate was glad to see it; she didn’t want to give the impression that she thought DeMarco couldn’t handle the case alone.
Taking one last glance at the work they’d done so far, Kate made her way down the hall and knocked on Director Duran's open office door.It was already open a crack, a policy on his part, so that his agents saw him as permanently approachable.He looked up from a stack of case files, his expression shifting to mild curiosity when he saw her.
"Kate, how's the Carlisle investigation progressing?"
"That's what I wanted to discuss with you."Kate settled into the chair across from his desk."I'd like to request an active role in this case, not just consultation."
Duran leaned back in his chair, studying Kate's face.For just a split second, she saw that same ghost of a smile she’d just glimpsed on DeMarco’s face."What's changed since this morning?You were pretty clear about maintaining boundaries with your consulting work."
Kate had anticipated this question and had spent time thinking about her answer."The complexity of this case is beyond what I can effectively contribute to on a part-time basis.The killer has intimate knowledge of both classic literature and the victim's personal habits.The staging suggests someone making a statement that goes beyond simple murder."
"And you think this requires both you and DeMarco working it full-time?"
"I do.There are too many variables to track effectively if I'm only involved peripherally."Kate paused."Plus, I have an opportunity tomorrow night to observe the book club members in their natural environment.That kind of undercover observation requires more commitment than a consulting arrangement typically allows.And given my age, I believe I’d fit right in."
Duran considered this for a moment."Kate, you've been very clear about prioritizing your family life.Are you sure you want to take on a case that might require extended hours and travel?"
"This case is local, and I don't anticipate it requiring travel beyond the Richmond area.Michael is doing well with Allen, and my wedding isn't for another month.It’s sort of the perfect storm."Kate felt the familiar pull of professional engagement that she'd missed out on as a mere consultant.
Duran smiled slightly."All right.I'll formalize your assignment to the case as DeMarco's partner.But Kate, if this starts affecting your personal commitments, I need you to be honest about pulling back.The last thing I need is for you to start resenting this work."
"Understood.Thank you."
Kate left Duran's office feeling energized in a way she hadn't experienced in weeks—outside of excitement over the wedding.The consulting work had been intellectually satisfying, but there was something about being fully engaged in an investigation that she'd missed.
By six o'clock, Kate was driving home through Richmond's evening traffic, her mind already shifting from work mode to family.She'd spent the remaining afternoon hours reviewing Margaret's autopsy report and studying crime scene measurements.But now she found herself remembering Allen's comment that morning about finalizing the catering menu for their wedding reception.
The house smelled of basil and tomato sauce when Kate walked through the front door.She could hear Michael's delighted laughter coming from the kitchen, punctuated by Allen's voice making airplane noises.
"Mommy!"Michael called out when he saw Kate appear in the kitchen doorway.He was strapped into his highchair, his face covered with what appeared to be marinara sauce, grinning at her with pure toddler joy.
"Hello, sweetheart," Kate said, kissing the top of his head and noting that his hair smelled like baby shampoo and something that might have been applesauce."Are you helping Daddy cook?"
"He's been my sous chef all afternoon," Allen said, wiping Michael's face with a damp cloth."We made salad, garlic bread, and he personally tasted-tested every ingredient at least twice."
