Page 5 of Haunted By Sin

Brook's voice sliced through the clamor with an authoritative clarity. Microphones immediately raised like an array of metallic flowers reaching for the sun. A vibrating hush finally descended over the crowd.

"As of yesterday, S&E Investigations has officially been retained by the Bureau to assist in the investigations involving three victims all named Mary Jane Reynolds," Brook announced, though she doubted the information came as a shock to the press. The FBI had already put out a statement to such effect. "Due to the ongoing nature of these cases, we won't be providing any specifics at this time. However, I assure you that we are fully committed to uncovering the truth. As you all know, the FBI values the role of the press in keeping the public informed, which means that when we have something to share with you, my firm will either issue a press release or request a press conference. In the meantime, we would appreciate your cooperation in maintaining the integrity of this ongoing investigation."

Brook paused, allowing her last sentence to not only resonate with the members of the press but also serve as an exit strategy. A murmur rippled through the crowd, and while some of the reporters continued to eagerly toss out questions, the majority seemed to understand that she would say no more on the subject matter. Upon hearing Jacob's name in one of the numerous inquiries, Brook merely arched her brow and let her expression convey her opinion of such a personal question as she began to advance, forcing the audience to part.

"That was very well done," Sylvie murmured as Brook lifted the small handle on the white gate. Once they were through and the latch was secured behind them, they began to walk down the narrow path to Mary Jane Reynolds' front door. "You spoke efficiently, but somehow managed to say absolutely nothing."

Brook took the compliment as she studied their surroundings, wanting to know everything and anything about Mary Jane Reynolds. According to the woman's background check, she worked in retail at a very exclusive boutique in town. She was in her late twenties, single, and rented the two-story home from one of her family members for half of what rent would normally cost her in this neighborhood.

The front door had been painted a vibrant, cheerful yellow, offset by immaculate white trim. A wreath adorned the entrance with scores of daisies and lush green leaves. The decoration hung delicately from a brass holder, welcoming visitors with its beauty.

"It's all staged," Brook noted quietly as her gaze settled on the welcome mat. The images of daisies were woven in between the letters to keep with the porch's theme. "Mary Jane posted a video last month to share with her followers how to make this very wreath."

Mary Jane was all about being an influencer. Every single day for the past year, she made sure to post perfectly polished reels on social media. It was all about fashion, makeup, home décor, and those recipes that made one's mouth water. She had a decent number of followers, but it wasn't until she posted the video about the three victims who shared her name that things really blew up for her.

Suddenly, she had become viral famous.

Before Brook could lift her hand to knock, the door swung inward. Mary Jane stood framed in the entrance with a small smile on her face. She held the door open just wide enough to cause a stir from those outside wanting to capture some footage. It was difficult to determine if she relished the attention.

"Miss Reynolds, I'm Brooklyn Sloane with S&E Investigations." Brook gestured toward Sylvie. "This is my colleague, Sylvie Deering. As I explained on the phone earlier this morning, our firm has been retained by the Bureau to investigate your concerns regarding the three victims who share your name."

Mary Jane was a beautiful woman. Her long brown hair had hints of auburn highlights, adding depth and dimension to the strands. Her green eyes were framed by thick, dark lashes that were a result of premium products. Delicate lines of eyeliner and shimmery eyeshadow complemented her skin tone, and the rest of her makeup had been meticulously applied, leaving her complexion flawless and radiant.

She was meant to be in the spotlight.

"Please, come in." Mary Jane extended the invitation as she stepped back, making room for Brook and Sylvie to cross the threshold. It didn't go unnoticed that she kept the door ajar long enough for prying lenses to steal glances at the interior. The lime green vase with orange flowers set on an antique piece of furniture would undoubtedly be featured online sometime soon. "I'm so glad that the FBI is now taking this threat seriously. If it took my video to get the job done, then so be it."

Mary Jane finally closed the door before stepping around Brook and Sylvie. The scent of her perfume was faint, but that might have been due to the plug-in air fresheners in almost every outlet. The strawberry fragrance was quite heavy as Mary Jane led Brook and Sylvie into the living room. Brook cleared her throat as she continued to read between the lines.

"This is my fiancé, Adam Bouras." Mary Jane introduced a man who was standing near the window, though he was far enough away to avoid being captured on film. He stepped forward and shook their hands. "And this is Cindy, my sister."

Cindy resembled Mary Jane, though the woman's hair was shorter with blonde highlights. Her smile didn't reach her eyes, and she seemed to be genuinely concerned for her sister.

"It's good to see that you're surrounding yourself with people," Brook pointed out as she took a seat on the couch. Sylvie joined her, setting her purse on the hardwood floor. "With all the attention you're receiving, you've been thrust into the limelight. It could take some time for the curiosity to fade."

The living room was just as bright and cheery as the exterior of the house. Natural light poured in through the large windows, illuminating the soft cream paint on the walls. Bright pops of color in the form of vibrant throw pillows and artful decorations spoke of Mary Jane's talent to blend décor seamlessly.

"I'm scared," Mary Jane stated bluntly as she took a seat in the overstuffed chair. Her fiancé had left his position near the window to stand next to her. His black hair was slicked back, and there was no denying the man's attractiveness. When he placed his hand on Mary Jane's shoulder, she reached up and laced her fingers with his. "I mean, it's obvious that I'm a target based on my name. I could be next."

"Which is why your video plea was a bold move," Brook responded truthfully, not seeing the need to sugarcoat the situation. "Miss Reynolds, while there have been three murders committed over the past seven months of women sharing your name, the police have yet to connect the cases with any substantial evidence. If the investigations are unrelated, you have nothing to worry about. If, however, we do find that the women were linked in some other manner or through DNA left at the crime scenes, then you've made yourself a target."

"I had to do something," Mary Jane responded as she tilted her chin defiantly. "I couldn't just sit here and wait to be killed by some lunatic with a knife."

"Didn't you say that the FBI hired you?" Adam asked as he slipped his free hand into the pocket of his khaki pants. "It's pretty obvious that the cases are connected, right? You wouldn't be here otherwise."

"Until we receive a forensics report comparing the DNA at each crime scene, we're looking into all possibilities," Sylvie responded as she rested her hands on her knees. "Are you staying with Miss Reynolds, Mr. Bouras?"

"Adam, please. And no, I travel a lot for work. I'm an insurance adjuster."

"I'm staying with my sister for the time being," Cindy offered up from her spot near the television. She had her phone in her hand, and she had been switching her attention between the screen and them. "We both work at the boutique, so we just made sure our schedules aligned."

"That's good to know," Brook said before getting right down to it. "Miss Reynolds, I'd like to ask you some questions."

"You can call me Mary Jane.

"Mary Jane," Brook said in concession. "Did you know the victims personally?"

"No," Mary Jane responded as she finally released her fiancé’s hand. "None of them."

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