“I haven’t told her anything, sir. However, I picked them up on my way to the house fire, so she might be wondering how I knew their house was on fire and why I was going there.”
“Has she asked yet?”
Liam shook his head.
Howard put his hands behind his back and walked to the window. “I’m sure we can spin a believable tale to explain that.” He turned back to Liam. “Go talk to the sisters and see what you can find out. Report back to me.”
“Yes, sir.”
Liam exited the office and made his way to the conference room.
Isabella sat with her head on her arms on the table, but Liam didn’t figure she was asleep. Sam was beside her sister, massaging her temples. His heart ached for them.
He knocked on the doorframe. “Ladies.”
Two sets of eyes focused on him.
“Sorry to keep you waiting.” He pulled out a chair and took a seat. Standing over them could intimidate them. Something he didn’t want to do. So he got on their level. He looked from Samantha to Isabella. “Can you tell me about this morning?”
Sam shifted in her chair. “I got up at five like I usually do and ran on the treadmill. Left the house at six and was at the station by six fifteen. I did not see anything suspicious when I left. I haven’t noticed anything suspicious or out of the ordinary in the last few weeks. Other than Bella’s school trouble and getting a new marshal.”
Yeah, she’d done this before.
She folded her arms over her chest. “I’ve followed protocol like I have been the last six years. No contact with anyone in our past, and I stay away from social media.”
“Okay.” Liam turned his attention to Isabella.
She huffed. “Same. I didn’t see anyone unusual when I left. Yes, I’ve gotten into trouble the last couple of days, but I haven’t talked to anyone I used to know, and I haven’t told anyone about us being in WITSEC.”
“Not even Sophia?” Liam held his breath.
“Not even Sophia. I know the rules.” She, too, crossed her arms.
He released his breath. At least his niece was still in the dark on that one.
Samantha looked at her sister. “Vaping in the bathroom and pulling fire alarms unnecessarily are also against the rules, but you still did that.”
“For the last time, I wasn’t vaping.” Bella sighed. “Pulling the fire alarm is different. It won’t kill us in horrible ways.”
“People have been trampled to death during fire alarms, Isabella.” Samantha put her palms on the table.
“Sorry.”
“Okay.” Liam wanted to interrupt before this got too far off topic. “Have either of you received any threats recently? Weird or unusual telephone calls, text messages, or emails?”
Both shook their heads.
“Are either of you seeing anyone?”
“As if.” Isabella pouted. “She won’t allow me to date.”
“You’re too young. You need to focus on school.” Samantha pinched the bridge of her nose.
Liam agreed with her, but fighting that battle with Sophia was another story. He looked at Samantha. “How about you?”
“No. I’m forever single thanks to my poor decision-making skills.” She sighed.
Something he had in common with her. Choosing Giselle had been one of a list of poor choices he’d made.
