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"It's not as mystical as it appears," Elsa went on. "We read the lines on the palm as a way of interpreting a person's character, their strengths and weaknesses, and the path they are on. It's more like a spiritual counseling than anything else."
"Let's talk about Juliette Reed and Natasha Petrova," Sheila said, watching Elsa's face for any signs of discomfort. "You mentioned earlier that you read their palms. Can you tell us what you discovered?"
Elsa nodded, seemingly unfazed by the question. "Yes, I did meet with both of them. Lovely women, really. When I read their palms, I saw bright futures ahead for them—success, love, happiness..." She trailed off, her gaze distant as if recalling the readings.
Finn raised an eyebrow. "I suppose, then, it would surprise you to learn they were both murdered."
"Murdered?" Elsa's eyes widened, and her face twisted in shock. "Oh, dear. That is terrible news. I had no idea." She paused, taking a deep breath to compose herself. "I'm afraid I don't have any insights into who could have done such a thing. My skills are more suited to understanding a person's character traits, not identifying killers."
Sure they are, Sheila thought. It seemed clear to her that this woman was only a charlatan masquerading as a palm reader. But was she a murderer, as well? That was the real question.
"Where were you last night, Elsa?" she asked, her eyes narrowing as she studied the woman in front of her.
"Last night?" Elsa tilted her head, thinking for a moment before answering. "I was at a charity event for most of the evening. There must have been over a hundred people there who can vouch for me, if that's what you're asking." She flashed a confident smile, clearly believing her alibi was rock solid.
Sheila could feel her frustration mounting but knew she couldn't let it show. "We'll need to know the details of the event," she said.
"Of course. It was a fundraiser for the local children's hospital. I was there from seven until eleven, helping to organize the silent auction. It was a wonderful event, and we raised a lot of money for a good cause."
Sheila made a mental note to check Elsa's alibi with the organizers of the event. She wasn't convinced that the palm reader was telling the truth, but she didn't have any evidence to prove otherwise.
"Well, thank you for your time, Elsa," Sheila said, standing up from her seat. "We may need to follow up with you again in the future."
As Elsa left the room, Sheila couldn't help but feel that they were no closer to finding the killer than when they'd started.
"Alright, let's move on," she said to Finn as they headed down the hallway to the next interview room. "Who's the second psychic we're talking to again?"
"Her name is Reilly Hubble," Finn replied, consulting his notes. "She's been in the business for decades and has a reputation for being eerily accurate with her predictions. She's authored several books on palmistry and even appeared on some TV shows."
"Let's hope this one gives us something more useful," she muttered under her breath as they stepped into the room where Reilly Hubble awaited them.
Reilly Hubble's posture was impeccable, her silver hair coiffed in an elegant updo, her eyes were sharp behind a pair of designer glasses. Dressed in a tailored black suit with a silk blouse underneath, she exuded sophistication and intelligence. Sheila couldn't help but feel a twinge of intimidation as she took in the woman's presence.
"Good afternoon," Reilly said, her voice melodic and poised. "I've been expecting you." She gestured for Sheila and Finn to take their seats across from her.
"Have you?" Sheila asked, trying to maintain her composure. She glanced at Finn, who looked just as surprised as she felt.
"Indeed," Reilly replied. "I know this must be about Juliette Reed and Natasha Petrova."
Sheila's heart skipped a beat. Was this a confession? Did they have their killer right in front of them?
"And how would you know that?" Finn asked.
"Because," Reilly said, her gaze never wavering from Sheila's eyes, "I saw the news reports on their tragic deaths. I remembered reading both of their palms sometime before the incidents took place. Such a terrible loss."
"Can you tell us about your meetings with them?" Sheila asked, hoping it would lead to something significant. Reilly nodded, her expression somber.
"Juliette came to me seeking guidance on her new life here in Utah, while Natasha sought reassurance regarding her family's financial situation," Reilly explained. "Both were lovely women, but their readings were unremarkable."
Sheila eyed Reilly carefully, taking in the woman's poised posture and the elegant curve of her fingers as they rested on the table. There was a certain air of refinement about her that seemed at odds with their current situation. The detective cleared her throat and pressed on.
"Did either Juliette or Natasha mention any threats or enemies? Anyone who might have wished them harm?" she asked, hoping to find some link between the palm reader and the murders.
Reilly shook her head, her expression thoughtful. "No, I don't recall either of them mentioning anything of that nature during our sessions."
"If you saw the news reports," Finn said, "then you must have heard about the tarot cards. Any theories why they'd be left there?"
Reilly shrugged. "The cards can have a great number of meanings, so it's very…subjective. Clearly, the person who killed them is fascinated with death, but that's hardly surprising."
