“Right.” Courtney nodded, agitated. “He could have had a motive, if he made a move and she rejected him.”
Alex exhaled, stepping back and raising his hands. “Courtney, slow down. I know why you’re upset. I’d be upset, too, Iamupset. But I don’t think he’d ever hurt her.”
“You don’t?” Courtney pursed her lips. “I’m not so sure. He could have, or he could be in cahoots with somebody who would. Maybe he went there to get the object, whatever she found, and things went wrong and she ended up dead?”
Alex shook his head, setting his jaw. “No, I’ll tell you why. Another thing about Samuel. He couldn’t work with anybody. He can barely participate in a group project, much less be an accomplice to murder.”
“Is that supposed to be a comfort?” Courtney asked, incredulous. “That he hates people?”
“He didn’t hate people, he just kept to himself. Kay was friendly enough to reach him. I swear, he wouldn’t hurt her or cooperate with anybody who would.” Alex gestured at the photos. “Look how many pictures he took of her. He could have hurt her any one of those times. He obviously cared about her, all this time, like he carried a torch.”
Julia swallowed, wondering if Alex wasn’t talking about Samuel anymore.
Courtney arched an eyebrow. “Does he have a gun, do you know?”
“He doesn’t. That’s another good point. He’s a peaceful guy.”
“He could still have a gun.” Courtney eyed the photos again. “You know what? The pictures are taken from the south side of the pasture, in the woods. That’s where the state police found the ghost gun.”
Alex shook his head. “Samuel doesn’t have a 3D printer. He’s a Luddite. Do you see any tech here, at all?”
Courtney shook her head, slowly. “I hear you, Alex, but I’m taking the pictures with me for evidence and I’m telling the cops.”
Julia nodded. “I agree.”
Alex pursed his lips. “I think you should tell the cops, too. But let’stake pictures of the pictures, rather than taking them. I wouldn’t feel comfortable taking his property.”
“Fine, I’ll call Kowalski.” Courtney slid her phone from her pocket, scrolled to the number, and made a call. She put the phone to her ear. “Of course, it’s going to voicemail.” Then she said, “Detective Kowalski, I may have important evidence in my grandmother’s case. Please call me as soon as possible. I’ve called you several times.” Courtney ended the call, angry. “Jesus.”
“Hang in there,” Julia said, touching her arm.
“I’ll try Glushenko.” Courtney scrolled to the Buckley police website, found the number, and placed the call. “Chief Glushenko please,” she said, giving her name, then put the call on speaker.
“How can I help you?” Chief Glushenko asked, but his tone said,What now?
Courtney filled him in. “These photographs are evidence that Samuel was stalking my grandmother, and they look recent. That makes him a suspect. You need to start looking for him—”
“What in God’s name are you up to? Detective Kowalski is conducting this investigation. You had no right to enter Samuel’s cabin. You’re trespassers. Alex, you should know better.”
Alex interjected, “Chief Glushenko, we thought something was wrong.”
Chief Glushenko scoffed. “Horseshit! Those ladieswantedto search the place. If you’re still in Samuel’s house, you need to exit immediately.”
Courtney shook her head. “I’m going to take pictures of the photos—”
“No. Leave the premises. You’re interfering with police business.”
“This is my business. It’s my family—”
“Your grandmother’s funeral is tomorrow morning. That’s your business.”
“How dare you!” Courtney hung up, her lips pursed. “I hate that guy!”
Julia touched her arm. “Do you want to go, or do you want to take pictures of the photos?”
“Have we met?” Courtney answered, defiant.
Twilight had fallen by the time they finished taking pictures, and Samuel hadn’t returned. Detective Kowalski hadn’t called Courtney back, so she’d emailed the photographs to him and Glushenko. They left the house and closed the door behind them, crossing the porch.
