Page 12 of Random in Death

The Harboughs sat together on a couch that picked up that blue veining. Eve took the wingback white chair that faced them.

“Are you sure it’s her? I know the answer,” Julia said, “but I—”

“Yes. I’m very sorry for your loss.”

Eve often wondered if those words sounded as empty to loved ones as they did to her.

“At approximately eleven this evening, Jenna walked out the alley door of Club Rock It. According to the witness, she was in severe physical distress and collapsed. The witness contacted nine-one-one for medicals and attempted CPR.”

“But—but— She’s healthy. She’s only sixteen,” Shane objected. “Julia, you just gave her a full physical a couple weeks ago.”

“The medicals responded within five minutes, but Jenna was already deceased. She had a fresh needle mark in her left arm.”

“What!” Shane lunged to his feet. “You’re going to sit there and try to claim our little girl used illegals? That she’s a junkie?”

“Shane, stop. Stop now.”

“This is bullshit, Julia. It’s cruel.”

“Mr. Harbough, from my on-scene exam, I saw no signs to indicate your daughter was a habitual user of illegals. I believe the medical examiner will confirm that, but I have to ask if you know or suspect she experimented.”

“I know without question she didn’t. I’m a doctor, and I gave both our children a complete physical less than three weeks ago. As a doctor, I’d know. As her mother, I’d know. And you said needle. She’s phobic about needles. She even has issues with a pressure syringe, but she’d never willingly use a needle syringe. She’d never inject herself.

“Sit down, Shane. This is Lieutenant Dallas. She’s a friend of Charles and Louise. And she’s with Homicide.”

“Homicide.” He sat slowly as his face lost all color. “Somebody killed our baby? How the hell could that happen? It’s a decent club. Julia and I have been there, and we made sure to go there only last week, to be sure because we were letting Jenna go.”

“I haven’t determined homicide. We are investigating. I have detectives interviewing everyone who was in the club. I interviewed the witnesses. I can’t give you solid information as yet. I felt it was important to notify you as quickly as possible.”

“Is she still there?” Julia linked hands with Shane, gripped tight. “We need to see her.”

“No. I’ve asked the chief medical examiner to take care of her, and I can assure you, no one will look after her with more compassion. I know it’s difficult, but it would be best if you wait until tomorrow, until he contacts you.”

“You know it’s difficult? Have you ever had some stranger come to your door and tell you your daughter’s dead in an alley?”

“Shane.” Julia looked over as she heard feet on the stairs. “It’s Reed. Stop him, Shane. Take him back up. Don’t tell him. Please, we’ll tell him in the morning. Together.”

After he hurried out, Julia turned back to Eve.

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. Dr. Harbough, it would be helpful for me to see Jenna’s room, to have your permission to look through it.”

More distress showed as Julia gripped her hands together. “Her room’s just across from Reed’s.”

“Tomorrow’s fine.”

“They fought, as siblings do, but he looked up to Jenna. They fought and squabbled, but they had such a bond. I don’t know how we’ll tell him. Or her grandparents, or… God, she went with Chelsea and Leelee. Her friends. Are they all right?”

“As far as I know, and there was police response quickly. I’ll check on them when I get back.”

“You said there was a witness.” Julia used both hands to swipe away tears. “Could they have done this?”

“I don’t believe so. The timing doesn’t point to that, and his statement, and that of a second witness, check out. Dr. Harbough, we’re in the very earliest stages of our investigation, so I have more questions than answers. You said Jenna went to the club with friends.”

“Yes, and I can vouch for them. I know them, I know their families.”

“Was she dating anyone?”

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