Page 19 of Wild Escape

"We need to figure out what happened during that gap."

"I'm just gonna throw this out there," Jack said. "What if she makes it back to the sorority, and she’s pissed? She threatens to report them for hazing. Something like that could bring down the sorority.”

“Murder seems like an extreme response, but then again, those girls take Greek life seriously.”

"I think we need to have a talk with the chapter president.”

"She's not going to talk to us," I said.

I sent a text to Isabella and asked her to track Rachel's phone. She texted back a few moments later and told me her phone was at the sorority house. I didn't think we’d get far, but it was worth another shot.

JD and I walked back to the Porsche, hopped in, and drove back to campus. We parked in front of the mansion, strolled the walkway to the front door, and I knocked once again.

A brunette woman answered a few moments later. She was not a student. If I had to guess, she was about 28 or 29. She wore a navy blue blazer and skirt with a cream blouse. Her hair was pulled back into a stylish updo, and she wore large tortoiseshell glasses. She definitely had the hot librarian thing going on. "Can I help you?”

I displayed my badge and made introductions.

"The girls had mentioned two deputies stopped by. My name is Jenna Miller. I’m the alumni chair. Is there something I can help you with?”

"Actually, there is,” I said. “I'm sure you're aware by now that one of your potential new members is deceased.”

A grim frown tightened her plump lips, and she nodded. "Yes, it's a terrible tragedy.”

"We have a witness that says Gabby was dropped off here around 10:45 PM the night she disappeared. I've been trying to talk to Rachel, or really anyone, who can answer my questions. When was the last time anyone saw Gabby, and what was she doing last Friday night? I keep getting the runaround, and frankly, I'm a little frustrated and suspicious. I’ve got another witness who says Gabby was dropped off on Oyster Avenue half-naked as part of some hazing ritual. I'm happy to talk to the Dean of Students about this.” It was a not so veiled threat.

Jenna's face tensed with concern. "Gentlemen, I understand how serious this matter is. I can assure you that no hazing took place here at the sorority. We have a no-hazing policy, and that is strictly enforced by the university. You have to understand, all the girls here care deeply about Alpha Epsilon Beta Theta and its reputation on campus. They would never do anything to jeopardize the status of our chapter.”

It was a load of manure.

"If what your witness claims is true, it was completely unsanctioned and not affiliated with the sorority. Perhaps there is some other group Gabby is affiliated with.”

I gave her a doubtful look. "Can you tell me if Gabby made it back to the sorority house Friday night?”

"I'm unable to answer the question myself as I was not here.”

"Do you live at the house?”

She chuckled. "No. Sadly, my college days are over. My role as the alumni chair is to oversee and advise the chapter. I sit on the board with other alums, and together we manage the housing corporation that owns this wonderful mansion for the girls.”

"I'd really like to talk to Rachel,” I said. “From what I understand, she's in charge of the chapter and activities?”

"Rachel oversees the social calendar and provides leadership for the girls. She is a role model that all Thetas look up to.”

"Who has final approval of the activities for potential new members?”

"The alumni board sets the guidelines, but we don't micromanage the sorority. We leave that up to the elected board. These young women are adults, and part of transitioning into adulthood is taking responsibility.”

"So, to the best of your knowledge, there has been no hazing.”

She dismissed the notion. "Absolutely not. We don’t believe in that kind of behavior.”

"I'd really like to talk to Rachel. I know she's here.”

Jenna looked puzzled. She cleared her throat, then said, "Rachel is here, but unfortunately, she's not feeling well. I'm sure she would love to talk to you, but she's got some kind of bug, and she's been driving the porcelain bus all day. I don't think she'd be up for conversation at the moment. But I will tell her you stopped by and will have her contact you as soon as she is feeling up to it.”

"You realize we are dealing with a homicide?"

"Yes, I'm aware. I'm heartbroken about that. Every girl in the sorority is like family. Sisters.”