"You used a dead man's suspected affair to hurt her into reacting.It's not the line of questioning that's the issue; it's that you're being too heavy-handed with it.That can make suspects close up, when we need them to talk more."
Connor looked away toward the fields.
Selena lowered her voice.“I want to dig into why Marlene Schmidt lied about where she was the night her husband was killed.”
“You won’t let that go, will you?”
“Connor.”
He turned back to her.“Will you just trust me?It’s not Marlene.Renee might be connected to it.”
“You only want that because you care about Marlene and Victor, and you don’t want to entertain the fact that Marlene may have been involved.”
Connor frowned and looked at the sky as if hoping for some assistance.“And you only want Marlene because she looks good on paper, when you won’t listen to my experience.”
“She lied, Connor.We have the phone records.She came back to town the night Victor was murdered.”
“There’ll be a valid reason for it, I promise.People lie when they panic,” Connor explained.
“Yes.Sometimes because they’re guilty.”
“You’re impossible.”Connor opened the driver’s door.“I’ll see you back at the station.”
“Connor.”
“Back at the department, Selena.”
He got into the SUV, shut the door, and started the engine.
Selena stood on the gravel while he reversed too sharply, dust rising behind the tires.The SUV turned toward the lane and disappeared past the gate.
For the first time since she had arrived in Harlan County, she regretted taking the case.
Not because of the dead.Not because of the work.Because every lead seemed to tug on someone Connor loved, hated, pitied, or owed.Every name came with history.Every question reopened an old door.
The radio in her car crackled.
Selena crossed to it, got in, and lifted the handset.“Raven.”
Arnold’s voice came through.“Agent Raven, Cheryl’s sister just called.Marlene Schmidt’s back at her house.”
Selena started the engine.“Have you contacted her yet?”
“Not yet.Wanted to tell you first.”
“Good.I’ll go question her.”
A pause.“You want Connor?”
Selena looked down the empty lane where his SUV had gone.“I’ll notify him.”
She changed channels and keyed the radio.“Connor, it’s Selena.”
Static answered first.
Then his voice.“What is it?”
“Marlene Schmidt is back home.I’m going to speak with her.”
