Page 39 of Passions in Death
“The investigation’s ongoing. My partner and I are conducting interviews. I’d like to follow up with Ms. Hunnicut when it’s convenient.”
“We’re at the—the morgue now. Shauna’s with Erin’s parents. Dr. Morris is very kind, just as you said.”
“Yes, he is.”
In the classroom, Rajinski and his students moved into a cross-legged position, eyes closed, hands palms up on knees.
“Becca and Greg just left. Becca’s going to get some of Shauna’s things, and Greg’s picking up some food, I think. Shauna’s going to stay with me until… Well, as long as she needs. I think—” Angie swiped at her eyes. “Actually, I think the sooner the better if you need to talk to her again. Get it over with, and we can be there with her.”
“We’ll come to your place, within the hour.”
“All right. I’ll tell her. We’re all just… It feels like sleepwalking today. She’s coming out now. I’ll tell her.”
Eve put the ’link away.
Inside, Rajinski put his hands in prayer, bowed. Most began to roll up their mats, but two women made a beeline for him.
Practice over, Eve thought, and went through the door.
Quiet music—bells, strings, flutes—played under the chatter of people getting ready to move on with their day. The room smelled of patchouli with just a hint of sweat.
The two women vied for Rajinski’s attention with hair tossing, body brushing, arm stroking.
He managed to smile at both of them and give Eve the flirt eye as she crossed the room.
Smooth.
“Wade Rajinski.”
“Yes.” His eyes, a soft sea green, fixed on her as if only she existed. “Hello.”
Eve held up her badge. “Lieutenant Dallas, NYPSD.”
Curiosity crept into his gaze, his voice. “Really?”
“Yes, really. I’d like to speak with you regarding an investigation.”
“Of course. Jin, Lea, you’ll have to excuse me. You have a perfect day, and remember, five minutes of meditation before sleep quiets the busy mind.”
They left, and Eve felt their looks of resentment burn into her back.
“Now, what can I do for you, Lieutenant? If you’d like to sit, we have a small water bar on the main level.”
A water bar, she thought. Didn’t it figure?
“This is fine. You were at the Down and Dirty last night?”
“Yes, I was, for about an hour. I enjoy its raw, real vibe.”
“While there did you engage with Erin Albright and/or Shauna Hunnicut?”
“I engaged with a number of people—that’s part of the vibe. But let me think.”
He stepped over, took a rolled towel off a shelf, and dabbed at his face and neck. “Erin and Shauna, Erin and Shauna… Yes! I remember. The brides-to-be. Adorable, both of them. Their happiness just brimmed over. I enjoyed spending some time with their group. Such joy and energy.”
“Had you met them, or any of their group, before last night?”
“Unfortunately no.” His smile flashed. “But I hope to meet a few of them again.”
