“Monique and Sheila were instant friends. They, along with a handful of other girls, formed a tight clique. They were part of what many people called the popular crowd, though they seemed to relish their popularity more than most.” He took a long drink of his soda. “Tyler was part of the popular group, too, you know.”
“I know my brother Phil and Tyler were good friends, and Phil had plenty of other friends.”
“Which means they were immune to the antics of Sheila, Monique, and their group.”
“Phil knew about it. He said they were the classic mean girls.”
“Yep. They went out of their way to target students they thought were beneath them. I have statements frommany former classmates, both men and women, who said the girls did everything they could to make their lives miserable.” Joe shook his head.
“It didn’t stop after high school either. As adults, both Monique and Sheila were known gossips. Sheila had been spoken to repeatedly by her bank supervisors. Monique worked for her aunt at the craft store, where she was originally in charge of the knitting and crochet circles. Too many of the conversations were being spread around, so her aunt stopped letting her participate in the circles.”
“Did that stop the gossip?”
“According to the aunt, it did.”
“And her death?”
“Monique’s timeline is less clear. Her aunt left around three o’clock that day, but Monique stayed to close up. The building’s alarm was set at five, exactly when it should’ve been.”
“And then?”
“Nothing until her remains were found Sunday morning. In a different section of mountains than Sheila. She was also strangled.”
“The same day Adam showed up at Gina’s place and took Tyler in for questioning.”
“Right. But let’s not forget you were attacked on Saturday morning while out for your run.”
Her hand went to the still-tender cut along her scalp. “I haven’t forgotten.”
He made a note in his notebook. “We know Tyler was at work that day.”
Brooke nodded. “Robert verified that.”
“But he doesn’t have an alibi for Friday night. You went to Jocelyn’s play with Steph. You thought he was going to play darts.”
“I didn’t know his friends that he usually played with were gone elk hunting.”
“So, he doesn’t have an alibi for Friday night. He works practically next door to where Monique works. There’re rumors they dated in high school—”
“Tyler says that’s a lie.”
“And I’m leaning toward agreeing with him. While several people have said they heard Tyler and Monique dated, no one confirms it. Your brother even laughed about it, saying no way.”
“You talked to Phil?”
“I’ve spoken to just about everyone who may have info on their history. But Tyler’s lack of an alibi doesn’t help him any.”
“You think he killed her Friday night, dumped her, and went into work Saturday morning like it was just a normal day?”
“I think it’s possible.” Joe’s expression was troubled. “I don’t want it to be true, Brooke. But the timeline fits.”
Brooke stood and walked to the window. Outside, the street was quiet. Normal. Like the world wasn’t falling apart around her.
“What about motive?” she asked without turning around. “Why would Tyler kill them?”
“The theory stems fully from their dating in high school.”
“But you just said you can’t prove he dated Monique. And really, it was years ago.” Brooke turned to face him. “If Tyler wasn’t here, if he never came back, who would be the main suspect?”
