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“I spoke to Kane just before you arrived.” Rowley lowered his gaze. “I’m heading over to speak to Sky Paul’s parents, then heading back to the office. Kane is doing a background check on Ella Tate. He hasn’t found a listing for her family. Can you ask her for a next of kin contact?”
Wolfe nodded. “Sure. Keep me in the loop and I’ll make sure everyone gets a copy of my report.” He had a thought and stared at Rowley. “Did you Mirandize her?”
“Nope. I figured she’s a victim.” Rowley’s cheeks pinked. “Dang, she is in custody and you’re going to question her about a crime.”
“Yeah. It’s normal procedure. The last person to see a victim alive is the first suspect we look at.”
“I know that but she sounded so convincing.” Rowley shrugged. “I’ll go do it now.”
Wolfe sighed. “No, you have enough to do. I’ll do it. You’d better be on your way.”
“Yes, sir.” Rowley turned on his heel and headed for the elevator.
Wolfe turned to Emily. “I’ll be taking a statement from Miss Tate after the examination but I’ll need you to record our conversation from the moment we enter the room.” He opened his bag and handed her his voice recorder.
“Okay.” Emily took the device.
Once inside the examination room, Wolfe introduced himself and Emily. He pulled on a pair of latex gloves and donned a mask. “I’m going to take your statement but first, do you mind if I take a few photographs and some samples from your face and clothes?”
“No, do whatever you want if it helps to find Sky.”
Wolfe walked around her, taking in the scratches on her face and the blood spatter over her left side, her cheek and her left glove. If she was left-handed, she could be the killer. He pulled a candy bar out of his pocket and handed it to her. She took it with her left hand. “You must be hungry. I am in this weather.”
“Thanks.” Ella gave him a quizzical stare. “I was hoping the hospital would feed me soon.”
Wolfe smiled. “They will as soon as I’ve finished. Before we start I need to advise you of your rights under the law.” He read her her rights then pulled his camera out of his bag. “Do you understand your rights?”
“Yeah, but I’m not under arrest, am I?” Ella gaped at him, wide-eyed. “I didn’t do anything wrong and I don’t need a lawyer. Why read me my rights? I’m a victim. I don’t understand.”
“I’m an officer of the law and I’m detaining you until further notice. I’m going to be asking you questions about a crime. A girl is missing presumed murdered and as you’re the last person to see her alive, I wouldn’t want you to incriminate yourself.” Wolfe moved around her, taking photographs of the blood spatter. “Are you left-handed, Miss Tate?”
“Yeah. Why?” Ella peered at him from under the hood of her coat. “I’m warm now. Why can’t I remove my coat and gloves?”
Wolfe lifted Ella’s arm. “Hold out your arm and turn it from side to side.” He clicked away. “I’ll need to take a few swabs from your face, then I’ll be taking your clothes back to the lab. The hospital has provided you with hospital scrubs and a dressing gown until your family arrives.”
“Oh, wonderful. I saved for ages for that coat.” Ella’s eyes flashed in anger. “My boots were two hundred bucks.”
“Do you really want to wear them when they’re covered with your friend’s blood?” Emily moved closer. “Haven’t you realized you’re covered in blood?”
“N-no.” Ella peered at her arm. “Where?”
“All down your left side.” Emily frowned. “I think your clothes are ruined.”
Wolfe watched the girl’s reactions. “Do you have a number we can call to notify your family where you are?”
“Not right now.” Ella lifted her chin. “My brother was deployed a couple of weeks ago. That’s why I’m spending my vacation with Sky. Christmas in Black Rock Falls is supposed to be spectacular but it’s freezing.”
“It is very cold here.” Wolfe shrugged. “If necessary I’ll be able to get a message to your brother. I’m sure he is allowed to Skype you from time to time.”
“If he could I wouldn’t tell you.” Ella cast him a disapproving glance. “Please don’t ask me again.”
Fully aware of the security required around military deployment overseas, he nodded. “Sure, I understand.” He took a collection kit from his bag. “I’m going to take a few samples from your face and hands. It won’t hurt.”
“Okay.” Ella turned her face to give him access.
“I’ll be happy to lend you some of my things.” Emily smiled at her. “We look about the same size.”
“My bag is in Sky’s car. When you locate it, can you bring my things to the hospital?” Ella looked hopeful. “I have just about everything I own in her car. My cellphone should be in there as well. I threw it at the man and it bounced off him and fell on the floor. It’s pink and has my name in rhinestones on the cover.”
