Page 20 of Forever Gone

“Do we have Karen’s key?” Selena asked.

“Karen’s key was recovered from the floor beside her purse,” Connor added. “Matt has it bagged.”

Selena thought for a moment. “Any maintenance workers, cleaners, or contractors?”

“Not that we know of yet.”

“Get the rental agreement and a complete list of anyone who had permission to enter. We’ll need to know whether another key exists.”

Connor wrote it down.

Selena glanced toward the hallway. “You said she was divorced. Who’s the ex-husband?”

“Gerry Tomes.” Connor nodded. “Karen went back to Sloane as soon as the paperwork was final.”

“Is Tomes local?”

Connor nodded. “Lives outside Loyall.”

“Any children?”

“No. No other local family either. Her parents retired to Florida years ago.”

“Have they been notified?” Selena asked.

“Not yet. We only confirmed her identity about an hour ago. I didn’t want to do that over the phone without arranging someone to be there.”

Selena hated the idea that they didn’t know what had happened to their daughter. “I can contact the appropriate local agency and have officers make the notification in person.”

Connor closed the notebook. “Thanks.”

Matt moved to the window and photographed the latch. Blethan bent over Karen again, examining one of the wounds without disturbing her clothing. The work continued around Selena, methodical and restrained, but the room still felt marked by the violence of what had happened.

Connor stepped closer, lowering his voice. “I thought it was best to bring you in because…”

“You don’t need to explain.”

His mouth straightened. “It’s county jurisdiction. I know that. I just don’t want it to seem like I’m calling you every time something bad happens.”

“This is brutal, Connor. You were right to call.”

He glanced toward Karen. “We don’t see many scenes like this.”

“No department should,” Selena said.

“I’m glad you’re here.”

The admission was simple, but it disturbed the careful distance they had built over the past three weeks.

Selena kept her attention on the body. “I’m glad to help.”

Connor slipped the notebook back into his pocket. “I appreciate it.”

She returned the flashlight to her kit and removed the outer pair of gloves, turning them inward before placing them in an evidence-scene disposal bag.

“Let’s start with the people closest to her. Tomes being our first.”

“Yes.”