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Brook began to shut down the files that she had opened on her computer as Kate went ahead and buzzed the siblings in through the glass entrance. The upcoming conversation should be very interesting, especially since Millie Gwinn had turned down their offer of money in exchange of leaving well enough alone.
Brook could hear Kate ask Catherine and Brett to remain in the waiting room, but neither one of them seemed inclined to respect the professional setting. Catherine led the charge and walked through the open doorway with her head held high. There was a small hitch in her step after she’d already advanced into the office. Brook figured it had to do with the noticeable change in temperature, but Brook wouldn’t apologize for how she liked to keep her office during working hours.
“Is there something that I can help you with?” Brook inquired as she stood from her chair. She made her way around her desk, not wanting to give them the sense that they were driving the conversation. Brook had no use for others who preferred to use intimidation as a tactic. “May I offer you coffee? Water?”
Brook’s offer of a beverage had Catherine hesitating prior to her possible tirade.
“No, thank you,” Brett responded for both of them before glancing at his sister. “Catherine?”
“We heard about Dr. Cranston. We find it hard to believe, of course. So does our father, and he’s decided that he would like to see you,” Catherine stated before taking a seat in one of the two guest chairs. Brett followed suit, but Brook wouldn’t be forced back behind her desk. She chose to remain standing. “Considering his recent diagnosis, we have some stipulations before such a visit can take place.”
“I’m listening.”
Chapter Eighteen
Brooklyn Sloane
December 2022
Thursday — 5:42pm
Thefirstaromatohit Brook when she stepped through the front doors of the Kolsby residence was a complex mixture of various herbs and spices. She’d yet to have dinner, and the delicious fragrance was downright mouthwatering.
“You must be Ms. Sloane. Please, let me take your coat.”
Brook almost turned down the request, but then thought better of it. It occurred to her that it would be beneficial to get someone else’s insights into the Kolsbys, especially from an individual who was basically inserted into the family’s daily lives.
The meeting with Catherine and Brett hadn’t gone as well as they had hoped, but at least they now understood where Brook stood in regard to the situation. While it was their right to try and shield their father from as much stress as possible, Brook’s independent investigation and the two police agencies had a job to do.
Unfortunately, their father’s health didn’t enter into the equation. Brook wasn’t running for office nor looking to win a popularity contest. She didn’t need to bend over backward to placate anyone’s sensibilities.
One good thing had come from the discussion, and that was the knowledge that Dr. Kolsby had shared his diagnosis with his entire family, his friends, and his colleagues. There wouldn’t be a need to tiptoe around such a sensitive topic when questioning anyone connected to him.
“Thank you so much,” Brook murmured as she took her time removing her leather gloves. She made it seem as if she wasn’t aware of the woman’s identity. “You have me at a disadvantage, though. Are you Dr. Kolsby’s—“
“No,” the woman replied with a stiff smile before allowing Brook to ask her full question. The woman clearly wasn’t one to make small talk. “I’m Dr. Kolsby’s housekeeper. You’re thinking of Cecilia, the woman who was briefly involved with Dr. Kolsby.”
According to Sylvie’s research, Peg Stockerman was in her late fifties. She’d been with the Kolsby family for the past twenty-four years, which meant that she’d been under the employment of Dr. Kolsby through at least one of his marriages and had been a part of his children’s lives since they were very young.
As for Cecilia, Peg had been speaking about Cecilia Hemsworth. She had been linked to Dr. Kolsby romantically, although that relationship was apparently extinguished in light of the most recent circumstances. The woman had left the city and had been in Aspen, Colorado for the past month in order to spend time with her family for the holidays. She’d yet to return Sylvie’s call.
“It’s very nice to meet you.” Brook shoved her leather gloves into one of the pockets on her dress coat. Wanting additional time with the woman, Brook then removed her scarf before slowly folding it into a square. “I must have missed you on my last visit. Do you reside in the residence, as well?”
“No, Ms. Sloane.”
Brook tucked her scarf into the other pocket of her dress coat. Peg had been around long enough to know when she was being played, so it wasn’t likely that Brook would be getting complete answers to any questions any time soon.
She tried a different approach.
“I was very sorry to hear about Dr. Kolsby’s diagnosis,” Brook said softly, completely abandoning the sets of questions that she’d thought of on the drive over. “I can only imagine how hard it was for you to hear the news.”
Peg looked down at her hands as she fought for composure.
“Dr. Kolsby is a good man,” Peg replied after clearing her throat. “He’s also a fighter. I have faith that he will face this diagnosis head on and come out the other side of this.”
“I’ve only had the privilege of speaking with him once. I would agree with your assessment. He comes across as someone who is not willing to give up quite yet.”
Brook could sense that she’d taken Peg by surprise. Not wanting to push too hard, Brook concentrated on unfastening the button on her dress coat.
