“That makes sense. I’m renovating my own house at the moment, and it’s taken ages to even get one room fixed up.” I smile, glancing at Jonesy, and his eyes soften. I like that we’ve done everything together. I like that he’s helped me build a space that I want to be in.
Hannah pulls me back to the present. “Exactly, and given that he’s away a lot, I didn’tthink it was odd. When he’s home, we just spend all our time together.”
I nod, and Jonesy shifts a little, leaning forward, his elbows on his knees.
“I can imagine you wouldn’t want to waste any time together,” he says, running a hand over his mouth. He glances at me, a soft smile reaching his eyes. Is that how he feels? That we’ve wasted too much time apart?
“Exactly.” A few tears act as a catalyst until her uncontrollable sobs take over. “I just don’t know how this could have happened. I mean, literally—when would he have had the time for this? He practically lives here. He hasn’t spent the night in that house in over a year, maybe more. When would he have been able to kill three women and bury them in his yard before coming home to me?”
“There hasn’t been a single night that you spent apart in the last year?” I frown.
“No. Except when he’s been away, but I would always go to the homecoming. It’s not like he could have even claimed he was back the next day or anything.”
I look at Jonesy, and he gives me a stoic expression back, but I can see the confusion in his eyes. Hannah could be lying, but her sad, confused state would tell me she’s trying to understand how he could have done this, not just to his victims, but to her.
“Excuse me for a moment,” I say.
I indicate to Jonesy to stay seated whilst calling Anthony outside.
He picks up after a few rings. “Katie, I’ve been meaning to call you.”
“Hey Anthony, me too. I’m sorry about how things went the other day.”
“No, I’m sorry. I hate to admit it, but Jones is right. I’ve been way off base here, and that’s on me. I’d love to come round and give you both a proper apology.”
Holy shit. Not what I was expecting.
“Tonight? I’ll order in.”
“Sounds good. What were you calling about? I’m guessing it wasn’t just this.”
“You’re a detective for a reason.” I laugh.
He chuckles, too. “Talk to me, Murphy. What do you need?”
“We’re at our interview with Hannah, Connor’s Maddox’s girlfriend.”
“Okay.”
“Well, how would you feel about going over the case notes with us tonight? Like what we did for Thomas Vale’s case. We could talk everything through and try to understand the timeline. I know you said the investigation is just evidence gathering at this point, but I have a feeling that something is missing.”
I expect him to say no, especially given the last few times we’ve interacted. But he doesn’t. “Jones was right about that, too, Katie. I’m sorry I’ve made you doubt yourself. Two sets of eyesare better than one. Or in this case, three, with Jones.”
I let out a breath. “Thanks, Anthony. I’ll see you tonight. Oh, do you have the autopsy reports for the women in the backyard?”
“We should be getting them this afternoon. Why?”
“Bring them tonight. It’s part of the timeline issue.”
“Got it. See you later.”
I slip my phone back into my pocket before heading back inside.
Jonesy is leaning forward opposite the two women. He’s clearly consoling Hannah, but her friend is giving him googly eyes. Placing my hand on his shoulder, I watch as her mouth parts, her eyebrows hiking up her forehead.
“We have another appointment, Dr. Jones.” I squeeze, and he smirks up at me. “Thank you for your time, Hannah, miss.” I nod to both women, and they rise from their chairs, Hannah turning wide-eyed to her friend.
“We’ll be seeing Connor in the next few days,” I say softly. “Is there any message you’d like me to pass on?”
