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Robert shifted his lunchbox to the same hand with his briefcase and then pinched the bridge of his nose. “I didn’t recognize Anna. At least…not with certainty. Hillary had sent me a few pictures, and there was a resemblance, but I thought it was my imagination.” He dropped his hand. “I’m sorry. I should’ve voiced my suspicions, but there was no reason to believe Hillary and Anna were in Cutler. They’d moved to Austin, remember?”
His explanation seemed reasonable. And Dr. Whitcomb had an alibi for the night of the grocery store attack. He was working at the hospital. Chase had questioned the nursing staff while waiting for his arm to be examined. Several had confirmed Robert arrived hours before the attack and left long after. There was no way he was responsible.
“What do you know about the relationship between Hillary and her brother?” Chase asked.
Robert’s expression darkened. “It wasn’t good. Silas was a constant source of trouble. Hillary bailed him out of jail more than once and gave him money periodically. He took advantage of her.” The doctor’s gaze darted around the waiting room, as if to make sure no one was listening to their conversation. Then he settled his attention back on Chase. “If you want my opinion, I’d take a good hard look at Silas. I never saw him do anything violent toward Hillary, but the man has a temper when he’s using drugs or alcohol. Hillary used to tell me about their fights, and what she described sounded unhealthy at best, abusive at worst.”
“Thank you for the information.” Beyond the glass window, Chase caught sight of David’s cruiser pulling up to the doors. He placed a hand on the small of Faith’s back. “That’s our ride. If you think of anything else, Dr. Whitcomb, please contact the police department.”
“I will.” He shook Chase’s outstretched hand and then Faith’s before turning to leave. Something dropped out of his jacket pocket onto the tile floor.
A black ski mask.
