11
“Well, not only was Liam coaching Gwen, he was giving extra attention to her daughter, Stephanie,” Blair said in a disapproving tone. “And she’s still in high school.” Then she added, “You didn’t hear that from me.”
“Of course,” I said. "Just to clarify, are you telling me that Liam was having a sexual relationship with Gwen’s daughter?"
Blair frowned. "I don't think Liam knew how to have any other kind of relationship. Stephanie's 18, but still. That's inappropriate.”
I shared a look with JD. I'm sure Stephanie's father wouldn't approve either. He might even go so far as to take matters into his own hands and beat the tennis pro to death with a racket.
"Stephanie’s a talented girl," Blair continued. “I think she could be a professional if she keeps her head on straight and doesn't get distracted.” Blair shrugged. “But who knows? The trauma from this whole thing could have dire consequences. She may never recover." She almost seemed to revel in saying that. I gotthe impression she didn't care much for Gwen Wescott or her daughter.
"Where's your husband now?" I asked.
"I suppose he's at the office. You’re not seriously considering him a suspect?”
"At this point, I'm keeping my mind open to all possibilities. Given your history with Liam, he has a motive.”
The muscles in her jaw flexed. "I can assure you, my husband is unaware of my indiscretions. I'm not a fool. I know how to cover my tracks."
"I hear that a lot from people who end up getting caught. Overconfidence can be a flaw."
She frowned at me.
"Do you have Poppy Winslow's number handy?”
"I do. Why?"
"I'll need to speak with her."
Blair shifted uncomfortably. "Certainly, I can give you her contact information. But I would appreciate it if our conversation remains between us. My private life does not need to become the fodder for the rest of the neighborhood or the country club.”
"My interest is strictly getting to the bottom of this case. There's a killer running around, and I intend to catch him or her."
"Well, I hope you do. This is frightening.”
I handed her a card, and she texted me Poppy's number. I told Blair to get in touch if she thought of anything relevant.
She watched with concern as we left and strolled back down the walkway to the Porsche. I had no doubt she'd be on the phone with Poppy and her husband.
I climbed behind the wheel, cranked up the engine, and set out to find David Duval.
Jack grinned. "We sure are making a lot of people uncomfortable.”
"This is just the beginning."
David Duval was the CEO of a pharmaceutical company, Hypexion Labs. It was located in the Coral Crest building on Azure Park.
My phone buzzed with a call from Dr. Stockton's girlfriend, Elana, on the way over. I had left a voicemail and asked her to return my call. I swiped the screen, held the phone to my ear, and said, "This is Deputy Wild?”
"Hi, this is Elana Marx returning your call," she said in a timid voice.
"Thanks for getting back to me. I just need to ask you a few questions.”
She cleared her throat. "Certainly.”
"Can you tell me where you were last night between 8 and 10:00 PM?”
“Yes. I was at my apartment with Dr. Stockton.”
