Page 73 of I Will Find You

“I’m also old. So sometimes I’m forgetful. But you’re right, Special Agent Bernstein. That was a mistake on my part. I’ll be more careful in the future.”

He was being played. Like with Rachel Anderson. He understood Rachel’s motive as a loving sister-in-law. But why would Hilde Winslow be lying to him?

“So David Burroughs knocked on the door,” Max continued, “and you opened it.”

“Yes.”

“Did you recognize him?”

“Oh heavens no.”

“What did he look like?”

“Just like, well, a man. I tried to give the police detective a description, but it all happened so fast.”

“What did you say to him?”

“Nothing.”

“What did he say to you?”

“There was no time for any of that. I opened the door. And suddenly there was this big commotion coming from downstairs. I guess the police were already inside and rushing up to my floor.”

“I see. So what happened next?”

“I guess he got spooked.”

“David Burroughs?”

“Yes.”

“What did the spooked Burroughs do?”

“He jumped into my apartment and closed the door behind him.”

“That must have been scary.”

“Oh yes. Yes, it was.” She turned to the paramedic. “Annie?”

“Yes, Mrs. Winchester?”

“Can I have another juice box?”

“Of course. Are you feeling okay?”

“I’m a little tired,” Hilde Winslow said. “It’s a lot of questions.”

Annie the paramedic gave Max a baleful eye. Max ignored it and tried to right the teetering ship.

“So Burroughs is in your apartment with you and the door is closed now?”

“Yes.”

“You’d been standing in the doorway, right? Did he push you to get in? Did you step back?”

“Hmm.” Dramatic pause. “I don’t remember. Does it matter?”

“I guess not. Did you scream?”