Page 7 of Wild Escape

We took the elevator up to the 19th floor. At this time of day, there wasn’t much activity, but waiting for an elevator at 8 o'clock in the morning could definitely make you late for class.

We ambled down the hallway and banged on the door to #1912.

Indie rock music seeped through. Footsteps padded down the foyer.

A girl with pink hair pulled open the door a moment later and looked at us with uncertain eyes.

I flashed my badge and made introductions. "Are you Sierra?”

Her face tightened. "Why do you want to know?”

Sierra had a bit of an attitude. I got the impression she didn't like authority. Her wrist was adorned with bands and bracelets. She had multiple piercings in her ears and one in her nose.

"I hate to be the one to tell you this, but Gabby is deceased."

Sierra's eyes rounded with surprise. "What happened?”

"That's what we’re trying to find out. Maybe you can tell us.”

"I don't know. I haven't seen her in a few days.”

"When was the last time you saw her?"

Sierra thought about it. "I don't know. Friday. I'm not sure."

"Can we talk inside?”

A few other students had taken notice.

Sierra hesitated. "Yeah, I guess.”

She stepped aside, and we walked into the dorm room. She closed the door behind us as we walked into the living area.

It was a typical dorm with two twin beds, a dresser, two desks, shelving, and a mix of artwork on the walls that clashed. It was easy to tell which side of the room was Gabby’s. It was softer and had a cozy vibe. Sierra had pictures of punk bands and skaters on the wall.

"The last time you talked to her, did she say where she was going?" I asked.

"I didn't really pay attention, to tell you the truth."

"Were you two close?”

Sierra shrugged. "Not really. Just roommates. Luck of the draw kind of thing. I didn't know her before this semester.”

"Did you get along?”

"I guess,” she said with a shrug. “I mean, you live with someone long enough, you’re gonna start to hate them."

"Did you hate Gabby?"

She gave me an annoyed look. "How did she die?"

"We're still working out those details. If you hadn't seen her in a few days, why didn't you report it?"

"Report what?”

"If my roommate went missing, I might get a little worried,” I said.

"I didn't think about it. I was enjoying the time alone. I didn’t have to listen to her crappy music or hear her talk on the phone incessantly. The girl never shut up. And I mean never."