And what happened between you and Winger at the party?
We talked a little, that’s all.
What about?
He asked me to leave with him, but I didn’t.Julia glanced at Courtney.Then I went back in, but he was already leaving with another girl.
Can you describe her?
She was pretty, with long red hair.
Courtney interjected,Officer, what’s this about?
The campus cop pursed his lips, folding up the photo.Matt Winger is not this man’s real name.
What is?Julia asked, confused.
I can’t divulge that information. He uses several aliases. He’s posing as a student at the business school, but he’s not registered there.
Julia felt shocked.Why are you looking for him?
We have reason to believe he sexually assaulted a woman that night, a redhead at the same party.
Julia gasped. Courtney looked over, stricken.
Ms. Pritzker, would you come with us to make a statement? It wouldbe what you just told me, nothing more. We’d also like to show you a photo of the victim and see if you can identify her.
Of course.Julia realized that she’d had a near-miss that night. If not for Courtney’s making her leave, she could have been assaulted.
Courtney grabbed her coat.I’m coming with.
Thanks.Julia caught Courtney’s eye.Really, thank you for everything. I owe you, big-time.
Nah.Courtney smiled, softly.I got you, girl.
Julia’s throat caught at the memory, as she headed for the exit door. She never found out if Winger went to jail because she was never called to testify against him, but she owed Courtney so much for saving her that night.
Julia felt the weight of her promise to Courtney and, at the same time, realized that she’d come to a turning point. Maybe she wasn’t an experienced medium who could summon a vision or conjure up a soul, but she knew now that she hadsomepsychic ability. She just had to figure out how to wield that power to free Courtney.
Julia pushed through the door, entered the waiting room, and paused to text Susan about the funeral, then left the station. She was hurrying down the steps to her car when she noticed Alex hustling toward her, his forehead creased with concern.
Julia’s heart lifted at the sight of him, knowing how much he cared about Courtney and grateful to have an ally. She flagged him down, and they met at her car. “Alex, thanks for coming.”
“Of course, sorry it took me so long. The kids were upset. I heard you got in to see her.”
Julia blinked, surprised. “Yes, how do you know?”
“A friend on the force, Tim Pavalka. How is she?”
“Not good. Sorry you can’t get in to see her.”
“Me, too, but I knew I couldn’t. I came here for you. Tim told me you were here and that the cops found a ghost gun in her room.”
“Yes, I think they planted it to frame her.”
“Of course they did.” Alex set his jaw. “They’re corrupt as shit.” He glanced over his shoulder, his wary gaze following a cruiser passing through the fenced gate. “They don’t want her to keep asking questions about Kay’s murder.”
“That’s what I think, too.” Julia felt validated, which was somehow worse. “Or they could have been worried that Courtney found out what the missing piece was, after we met with Glushenko.”
