Break the Silence (Detectives Kane and Alton)

“Her cause of death is undetermined at this time.” Kane studied his face. Anger shimmered under his surface of calm.

“Is that right? So you figure maybe someone followed her home and killed her to keep her quiet? I wouldn’t be surprised. We all know what goes on at Lyons’ house.” Stein grimaced. “Chrissie isn’t the first girl to come back from there messed up.”

Intrigued by this information, Kane leaned forward. “Do you have any names or is it just a rumor?”

“We hear things but you’ll never get any proof. It’s common knowledge Lyons’ daddy pays off any problems. I wouldn’t be surprised if he makes them sign some kind of document to keep his boy safe from jail.” Stein met his gaze. “So no, I don’t have any names.”

“Okay.” Kane leaned back in his se

at. “Can I ask where you were on Saturday night?”

“Sure, in my room studying.” Stein gave him a determined look. “I didn’t go out, check with my roommate or ask the others. I was there all night.”

“And last night around nine?”

“I’d heard about Chrissie on the news and called her parents. I spoke to her dad. He asked me where she’d been and if I knew anything. I told him about her date with Lyons. Her dad was a mess—it was the worse call I’ve ever made.” Stein shrugged. “After, I went for a walk around campus to clear my head.”

Kane pushed to his feet. “Okay, thanks for your time.” I need to find out if Mr. Lowe is capable of murder.

Jenna found Livi with a group of friends, and after introducing herself, she took her to a quiet corner of the cafeteria. She sat opposite, and seeing the girl was picking at her fingernails, she squeezed her arm. “I know this has been a terrible time for you, Livi, but to understand why Chrissie killed herself and to find the men who raped her, I really need your help.”

“I told Deputy Kane everything I know.” Livi lifted a distraught face and peered at Jenna through red-rimmed eyes. “She was my best friend so I knew her better than most.”

Jenna took out her notebook and pen. “Did Chrissie have many boyfriends?”

“No, she was pretty quiet. She dated a boy in high school for a month or so and then his family moved back east.” Livi frowned. “I guess you could count Phil but he wasn’t really a boyfriend, he was more of a friend. They had lunch together sometimes and he’d study with her in the library; he’s one year ahead of her and real smart, so I guess she kinda used him, to help her.”

Jenna unfolded her notebook on the table. “Did she ever consider dating him?”

“Yeah, she wanted to go to the dance at the showgrounds next Saturday night. I’m going but she didn’t have a date.” Livi lowered her gaze to her fingers again. “She figured if she went out with Phil, she could convince him to take her to the dance.” She made a waving gesture with her hands. “Then she blew him off for Seth without a second thought.”

Jenna made a few notes. “Was Phil angry?”

“Nope, he made a study date with her for Monday.” Livi shrugged. “Maybe he just liked her company. One thing’s for sure, he’s not afraid of Seth Lyons.”

Jenna leaned forward. The conversation just got interesting. “How so?”

“Oh, they had a disagreement in the cafeteria. Seth walked in with his friends and told Phil he was sitting at his table. When Phil refused to move, Seth pushed him. Well, Phil is real strong. He just stood up and glared at him. Next minute, Seth threw a punch and Phil ducked and then laid him out cold.” She brightened. “Then he sat back down, looked at Seth’s friends, and told them to take out the garbage because it was starting to smell. Everyone started laughing. Seth was like a mad bull and threatened to get even.”

A cold chill blew across Jenna’s neck. Had Seth chosen Chrissie to get back at Phil? She frowned. “Could Seth have known Phil was seeing Chrissie?”

“I don’t see why not.” Livi stared out the window but it was obvious she wasn’t seeing the lush green grass and flowerbeds. “Yeah, I recall Seth being in here when Phil was having lunch with her, and they were together in the library at least four times a week.”

Jenna slid her pen back into her pocket and folded her notebook. “You’ve been very helpful. I hope I haven’t taken up too much of your time.”

“I’m fine, my next class isn’t until two.” Livi stood. “I’ll be getting back to my friends now.” She hurried away.

“How did you go?” Kane touched her back then dropped into the seat beside her.

Jenna smiled at him. “Oh, she was a wealth of information. I’ll tell you on the way to the morgue.” She frowned. “There’s something else.” They stood and headed out the building to the truck. “I figure we have an ace up our sleeve already.”

“How so?” Kane started the engine and headed the truck down the campus driveway.

Jenna smiled at him. “Webber. He’s a student here, remember? We’ll get him to go undercover and find the dirt on our Mr. Lyons.”

“They’ll know he’s a deputy, and what about his age?” Kane frowned.

“No one here will remember he’s a deputy and he hasn’t mentioned it to anyone. He was only in uniform for a couple of months before he started working with Wolfe, and he’d pass for early twenties, easy.” She smiled at him. “If they do remember, he can say I fired him last year and he joined the ME’s department. Think about it, Kane. Webber ticks all the boxes. He was at college last year, uses the gym and the track. He’ll pass without notice.”