As he ran, Barrett reviewed what he knew.Celia Ann had felt something was wrong in her final months.She had been tired, losing energy, experiencing symptoms that troubled her even though Olivia assured her they were normal for her age and medical condition.The journal entry Cadie had shown him suggested a woman who trusted her caregiver but couldn't shake a nagging sense that something was off.
The meeting that morning was with the woman closest to Celia Ann in her final months.He would listen, observe, and gather information.Olivia Stewart might be exactly what she appeared to be, a devoted caregiver grieving the loss of someone she had cared for.
Barrett completed his usual distance and returned to the hotel as the sun climbed higher.Back in his room, he showered and dressed in jeans and a dark button-down shirt.Professional but not intimidating.He wanted Olivia to feel comfortable talking to him, not defensive.
He checked his phone.The meeting with Olivia was confirmed for ten o'clock at her apartment.That gave him time for breakfast with Cadie first.
The thought of seeing her sent a wave of anticipation through him that he tried to ignore.
*****
The hotel dining room was small and inviting, with tables near windows looking out to the street.Barrett arrived a few minutes before seven and helped himself to coffee from the buffet.He chose a table in the corner that offered a view of the entrance and settled in to wait.
Cadie appeared in the doorway at seven on the dot.She scanned the room, and when her eyes met his, he felt a spark.
She wore jeans and a soft green sweater that brought out the color of her eyes.Her dark hair was pulled back in a simple ponytail.She looked beautiful and approachable, and Barrett felt his heart rate pick up in a way that had nothing to do with his morning run.
He stood as she approached the table."Morning."
"Good morning."She set her purse on an empty chair and smiled at him."Have you been up long?"
"For a while.I went for a run."
"Of course you did."Her smile widened.
They moved to the buffet together, selecting breakfast from the spread of eggs, bacon, fruit, and pastries.Cadie chose fruit and yogurt, while Barrett loaded his plate with protein.They returned to the table and sat across from each other.
"How did you sleep?"Barrett asked.
Cadie wrapped her hands around her coffee cup."Not great, honestly.I kept thinking about meeting Olivia."
"That's understandable."Barrett took a sip of his coffee."It's natural to be nervous."
"Areyounervous?"
"No, but I've done this kind of interview hundreds of times."He set his cup down."I'll be observing her body language, her word choices, and how she responds to questions.You just be yourself and ask whatever you want to know.Don't worry about the investigative part.That's my job."
Cadie nodded."What should I expect from her?"
Barrett considered the question."She's been a professional caregiver for years, so she's used to dealing with families and emotional situations.She'll probably be polite, maybe a little guarded.She might be grieving."
"And you'll be watching for inconsistencies."
"Yes, and opportunities to gain more information.We know very little so far."Barrett found himself noticing small details about Cadie, the way she cut her fruit into precise pieces before eating it, how she took her coffee with just a touch of cream."Did you read more of the journal last night?"
"I started, but I want to go through it carefully."She looked up at him."I don't want to miss anything."
He didn't hesitate."Whatever you find, we'll figure it out together."
"I'm really glad you're here, Barrett.I don't think I could do this alone."
"You're stronger than you think."He meant it.She might not be a trained investigator, but she probably had good instincts.
Cadie looked like she wanted to say something else, but the moment passed.She glanced at her watch instead."What time are we meeting Olivia?"
"Ten o'clock.Her apartment is about fifteen minutes from here."
"Then we have some time."Cadie told him about her favorite restaurant in New Orleans, a small place in the French Quarter that served the best gumbo she had ever tasted.Barrett described a case he had worked on the previous year, a missing-person investigation that had ended with a happy reunion.
