“I understand your concern for their privacy,” Jenna said.“But we have a killer who’s targeting specific individuals for reasons we don’t yet understand.Your workshops appear to be the only connection between Derek and Amanda.If there’s a pattern, we need to identify it before someone else dies.One of these people might be the killer—or the next targeted victim.”
Paula held Jenna’s gaze for a long moment, then gave in.“You’re right, of course.This is an exceptional circumstance.”She turned to a leather bag beside her chair and extracted a notebook.“I’ll write down the names of regular attendees from the past six months.”
After a few minutes she tore the page from her notebook and gave it to Jenna.“There are twelve names, including Derek and Amanda.I’ve marked the three individuals who displayed the most significant hostility or resistance during sessions.Not that I believe they’re in any danger—or pose any danger—but you asked for notable interactions.”
Jenna scanned the list, recognizing several names from around town.“Thank you, this is helpful.”
“One more question, Dr.Boatman,” Jake said.“Where were you on the nights Derek Sullivan and Amanda Hartford were killed?”
Paula’s eyebrows rose slightly, but her expression remained composed.“I understand that you need to ask that.I was at home both nights with my husband, George.Last night, when Amanda died, we were home watching a documentary series we’ve been following.”
“Can your husband confirm that?”Jenna asked.
“Of course.”Paula reached for her phone.“Would you like me to call him now?”
Jenna nodded.“If you don’t mind.”
Paula dialed, putting the phone on speaker as it rang.A male voice answered.
“Hey, honey, what’s up?”
“George, I’m here with Sheriff Graves and Deputy Hawkins,” Paula told him.“They’re investigating the recent murders and need to confirm where I was last night and the night before that.”
There was a brief pause.“Oh, um, okay.Yeah, you were home with me both nights.The night before last was our movie night—we watched that thriller you’d been wanting to see.And last night we were catching up on that NASA documentary series.”
“You’re certain about that?”Jake asked.
“Absolutely,” George replied, his voice growing more confident.“Is everything okay?Paula’s not in any trouble, is she?”
“No trouble,” Jenna assured him.“We’re just being thorough.Thank you for your time, Mr.Boatman.”
After Paula ended the call, she looked up at them.“Satisfied?”
Standing as she noticed people beginning to gather outside the room, Jenna replied, “Thank you for your cooperation, Dr.Boatman.If you think of anything else that might be relevant, please call me directly.”She handed Paula her card.
“Of course.”
Back in the car, Jenna buckled her seatbelt and sat in silence as Jake started the engine.
“You’re not buying her story,” Jake said as he pulled out of the parking lot.
“A husband’s alibi isn’t worth much,” Jenna replied.
“You think Paula could be our killer?”
“She has the psychological training to understand what drives people like Derek and Amanda.Rage.Envy.And she has a history of public humiliation that could have left her with deep-seated resentment.”
“Plus that comment about overcoming her own anger issues,” Jake added.“Seemed a little too convenient.”
“Too rehearsed,” Jenna agreed.“Like she was trying to preemptively remove herself from our suspect list.We should have someone watch her, just like we’re doing with Heather Banning.”
“I’ll arrange it when we get to the station.”
That felt right to Jenna.They had to keep an eye on any suspect, follow any lead, because she felt sure this killer would strike again, and probably soon.
Two victims, two colors: Red for rage.Green for envy.The yarn wasn’t just a signature—it was a message.But what color might come next?What meaning?What person struggling with strong emotions was already in terrible danger?
CHAPTER TWENTY
