Page 88 of Ruthless Cross

"I'm hanging in there."

"I've been thinking about your mom. We all have," she added, as Shari Watkins, the educational director, stepped out of her office. Shari handled the kids' events at the museum and worked closely with her mom. At twenty-eight, she had an abundance of energy and lots of creative ideas, something her mom loved and respected.

"How is Juliette?" Shari asked, concern in her gaze.

"She's dealing with everything as best she can."

"It felt horrible to come to work this morning," Shari said. "There's a terrible pall over this place. I wish we could have stayed closed for a few more days."

"I was a little surprised the museum reopened so quickly," she admitted.

"Victoria said the board wanted people to be allowed to mourn in the place where Judge Corbyn died," Shari explained.

"I think they also wanted to move past it as quickly as possible," Elaine interjected, a more cynical note in her voice. "Not that they want to diminish the tragedy."

She nodded. "That makes sense. Is Victoria in? We need to speak to her. This is Agent Flynn MacKenzie with the FBI."

"Victoria is in a meeting," Elaine replied. "She should be done shortly if you can wait. I'm sure she wants to talk to you both as well."

"Okay. We're going to stop into my mom's office in the meantime. She wanted me to pick up a few of her personal things. Can you let us know when Victoria is free?"

"Of course."

She led Flynn down the hall, turning right into another corridor where her mom's office was located. In this wing, there were also offices belonging to three museum curators as well as the public relations director. At the far end was the restoration department.

She was just about to open her mother's door when a woman came out of the restroom down the hall. Her waist-length, black hair stopped Callie in her tracks. The woman lifted her gaze, which suddenly filled with alarm.

"Layana," Callie said sharply, her pulse jumping at the sight of Arthur's lover. "What are you doing here?"

"I—I have a meeting."

Layana looked more put together than she had on Sunday, but her face was still pale and there were dark shadows under her eyes.

"Excuse me," Layana said, as she moved to pass them.

"Wait," Flynn ordered.

Layana paused at his commanding tone.

"I'm Agent MacKenzie with the FBI. I'd like to have a word with you, Ms.Vazquez."

"I don't have anything to say. I told Agent Adams that when I spoke to her at my studio an hour ago. I don't understand why you're harassing me."

"This will only take a minute," Flynn said, ignoring her protest. He waved Layana toward her mother's office, and Callie moved inside quickly, Layana reluctantly following.

She stopped in the middle of the room, her arms folded across her chest, her expression defiant. "What do you want?" she asked.

"I understand you were having an affair with Judge Corbyn," Flynn said.

"Yes, but I didn't kill him," Layana replied. "I loved him. You should be talking to Juliette. She's the one who's crazy. She snapped when she found out about us. I told her daughter that yesterday."

Callie wanted to defend her mother, but she could see the warning light in Flynn's eyes, so she turned away, wandering over to the window, drawing deep, calming breaths.

"Where were you Friday night?" Flynn asked.

"I was at home."

"Anyone with you?"

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