George shared a look with Geena and Andi. They hadn’t had the time to closely look at the protocols of Izzy’s disappearance. Something for either Tobias or one of the beat officers Sandra had by now added to their task force. “I can assure you, we’re listening now.” He held his hand up in a soothing gesture. Tina watched him with narrowed eyes for a moment, clearly weighing whether to trust him. George decided to take a small risk.
“We already know Izzy was—different than the other victims.”
Anger sparked in Tina’s light green eyes. “Come on, say it. You think she was crazy.”
George shook his head. “No. Not at all. Me and my partner”—he gestured to Andi—“have seen too many things to simply dismiss other… perceptions. And I’m sure it’s the same for Agent Davis.” He glanced at Geena, trying to convey with his eyes for her to play along. It wasn’t necessary. Geena was an old warhorse.
“Yes. There certainly are things that never make it into the reports. Doesn’t mean they’re not real, though.”
Tina relaxed the tiniest fraction. “My sister wasn’t crazy, just sensitive. Our parents didn’t understand and were spooked by the whole talking-to-people-that-aren’t-there thing. I can’t blame them. Sometimes it was tough for me as well. But sending her to that asylum? That was so, so wrong. Izzy had no business being there.”
“I assume you visited her regularly?” George could see the love Tina had for her sister. It wasn’t a hard guess.
“Of course.”
“Did she ever mention anything strange? Was she afraid of something? Nervous?”
Tina sighed. “You’re going to think she was completely off her rocker, but I can assure you, she was absolutely clear in the head. They didn’t give her any medication either, because they had deemed her degree of schizophrenia so low, they hoped to be able to help her with various therapies. And Izzy was smart enough to let them believe that. It’s not like they could have helped her anyway.”
“You’re saying her mind wasn’t clouded by any kind of medicine.”
“Yes.”
“And what did she tell you about House Cusabo?”
Tina put her cell into her jeans pocket, started kneading her fingers. “After about three weeks, she started talking about the bees. They have bees there, for therapy, you know, and first I thought it was good, that it was helping her. But the things she said….” She rubbed her hands on her jeans, went back to the kneading.
“Yes?” George held his breath. Tina was like a ten-pound salmon hanging on a line designed for five-pound fish. The slightest disturbance and the line would snap.
“She said the bees are death. Cloaking the darkness dwelling in House Cusabo.”
George shot Andi a look. Again, the bees.
“She thought someone in House Cusabo was killing people?”
Tina nodded. “Izzy had her own vocabulary when it came to her… other sense. I didn’t always get it right, but I’m absolutely sure she was referring to an active killer. The problem was, what should I have done about it? I knew I couldn’t say anything because then they would have medicated her for sure. And I was still a minor. There was no way I could have gotten her out of the clinic. I told her to lay low, to not draw attention, and she promised. When she vanished, I told the police about what she had said. They didn’t even laugh. They just handed me to my parents and told them to take care of me because, clearly, I was upset by my sister’s disappearance.” Tina’s shoulders slumped. “I abandoned her.”
“No. You didn’t.” George was surprised to hear Andi talk. Usually, he stayed out when things got emotional. “You did what you could. It’s not your fault the odds were stacked against you. And you’re helping her now. By being brave enough to tell us this, you help her get justice. It’s not what you wish for, but it’s the best you can have.”
Tina stared at Andi for a very long time. There was a shimmer in her eyes, telling George this young woman was more perceptive than was probably good for her. Finally, she nodded. “You’re right. Thank you. And thank you for trying to find her killer. I want that bastard to pay.”
“He will.” George fished a card out of his wallet and handed it to her. “If you remember anything else, no matter how crazy you think it is, don’t hesitate to call us. We’re always willing to listen.”
Tina took the card, turned it around in her fingers. “Can I have your number as well?” She looked directly at Andi. “I think I’d like to talk to you.”
Andi nodded. He pulled out his own card, which Tina took. “Thank you.” She glanced at George. “No offense.”
“It’s fine. He’s the prettier one.”
Tina snorted.
“I have pretty cards as well, you know?” Geena teased, an amused smile dancing on her lips.
“I’ll take it. Just in case.” Tina held her hand out.
“I feel so appreciated.” Geena handed over her own card, winking at the young woman. “I think we need to get going. Do you need a ride?”
“No, thank you.”
