“You don’t understand” Liliana murmured. “For years, I’d been brainwashed by Craig. I couldn’t think on my own. Icertainly couldn’t make a rational decision. I blame him. This is all his fault.”
Brit eyed her with a cool disdain.
“What can you tell us about the gun the police found in your closet?” Brit asked.
Beady eyes glared back. “I’m done talking. I want my lawyer, you little bitch.”
Dammit.
That was it. They left the room, pulling the door closed behind them.
“Thanks for trying,” Nikki said. “It was a longshot. How are you holding up?”
“She’s someone I used to know. Now, she’s like any other suspect. “Brit extended her hand and Nikki shook it. “Great job tonight.”
“You too,” Nikki said.
“I’m headed back to the Krause’s,” Brit said.
“I’ll keep you updated,” Nikki said.
As Brit walked down the stairs to the first floor, she called Rebel.
“Hello, Agent Marshall.” His deep, relaxed voice rumbled through her.
She smiled. “How’s it going, Agent Jones?”
“Did you hear we found a weapon?”
“Yeah. Anything else?”
“One of the officers checked for the lone black earring, but couldn’t find it. He did find several luxury lipstick containers, like the one found at Kurt’s.”
“That’s good,” she replied.
“Any luck getting her to talk?”
“No. When we told her about the gun, she lawyered up. I’m on my way back to the house.”
“As soon as Honor got here, she and Jordan took off for the station.”
“Thanks for the heads up.”
“Drive safe,” Rebel said and hung up.
Brit pushed open the stairwell door, entered the lobby. Waiting nearby were Honor and Jordan. Brit made her way over to them.
Sad eyes stared up at Brit. “Why did you lie to me?” Honor asked. “I thought you were an artist.”
“Iaman artist, Honor. This part of my life isn’t something I talk about. How are you doing? This must be a shock for you.”
“I can’t stop shaking.” She held up a trembling hand. “She killed those women. She told me she’d make it up to me, but I thought it would be by doing something nice for me, not by murdering them.” Tears spilled down her cheeks. She stood, threw her arms around Brit, sobbing. “I’m so broken over what she did. I hope she never gets out.”
Breaking away, Honor wiped her eyes, then pointed at Jordan, who sat there, like a zombie. “He’s in shock.”
“Did you have any idea she was murdering your classmates?” Brit asked.
“Of course not. I would have told Jordan. He would have known what to do. I didn’t suspect a thing. She spent all her time at those seminars and conferences. I had no idea she was killing my classmates.” Pausing, she hugged herself. “She’s a mess. A total mess.”
