Page 41 of Only Girl Alive

Collin sat in the back seat of the SUV with his recorder.

Eve opened the passenger door for Kathryn before walking around and sitting behind the wheel.

“This should not take long,” Eve assured her. “We have the same list of questions for everyone. This is the routine part of our investigation to be sure we cover all bases. How well did you know the Tanners?”

“I request my husband be present for my interview,” Kathryn said stoically.

“You are an adult and may have information that helps us solve the deaths of four people.” Eve intentionally left the word “innocent” from in front of the Tanner name. Mr. Tanner was far from innocent. “We need your help,” she implored.

“I am requesting my husband be present.”

“That will not happen,” Eve said point-blank.

“I will not speak to you without him.” She glared at Eve showing all the revulsion she felt.

“You are interfering with a homicide investigation. If any woman in this house tells me you are involved in any way, I will arrest you on the spot. I will arrest anyone who refuses to answer simple questions if I discover they had any knowledge that would lead to solving the homicides. I am not part of your church and I do not live by your rules, I live by the laws of our state and the laws of this country. Help or don’t help. The consequences will be on your head.” Eve repeated her first question. “How well did you know the Tanners?”

Kathryn stayed silent for more than a minute. Eve breathed slowly and simply waited her out. Silence made others uncomfortable and could be a detective’s best interview tactic.

“I did not associate with the Tanners.”

Eve went to her second question.

“Are you aware of anyone in your household having a friendship with the Tanners?”

This was a trick question. Eve knew about Candace’s tie and wanted to see if Kathryn would answer honestly.

“One of my sisters was removed from their home. You spoke to Candace yesterday.” Her expression said she knew Eve was trying to trick her. It didn’t matter. Eve just wanted to lock Kathryn into a story.

“Did she have any association with them after she left the family?”

“No.”

“Do you know if any women in the community had friendships with Marcella or Tracy Tanner?”

“Women do not make friendships outside their sister wives. I know of no one who would do that.”

“Was there gossip about the Tanners?”

Her chin came up while she looked straight ahead. “I do not listen to gossip.”

“When was the last time you were inside the Tanner home?”

Her hard glare snapped to Eve. “I told you I did not associate with the Tanners.”

“I asked about their home, not the family. When was the last time you were inside the home?”

“I have never been inside that house and I hope never to enter it,” she said with a frustrated shake of her head.

This was the question Eve really wanted answered. They now had Kathryn saying there was no reason they would find her prints or DNA at the crime scene.

“Where were you the night of the homicides?” Eve kept the same tone with each question.

“I was at home,” Kathryn replied.

Her hands clenched into fists when she lied. A good tell Eve would remember when they interviewed her again.

“Do you know of anyone who would want to harm the Tanners?”

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