Page 35 of State of Alert

He raised his head and wiped tears from his face. “Homicide?”

“Yes, sir.” He had salt-and-pepper hair and wore a light blue dress shirt with dark trousers. “We believe your wife was murdered.”

“That isn’t possible. Who would kill her? Everyone loves her.”

Sam wished she had a buck for every time she heard someone say that about a murder victim. She could retire early. “Was she having trouble with anyone in her life?”

“No, of course not.”

“You say that like it’s impossible for people to have conflicts with others.”

“Elaine wasn’t like that. She’s a gentle, caring soul. When I say everyone loves her, I mean it.” His eyes filled. “What am I supposed to do without her? She’s my whole world.”

“We’re very sorry for your loss. Where were you today?”

“I was at a day-long staff retreat in Bethesda.”

“Can someone confirm that for us?”

He glanced up at her, seeming surprised. “You certainly don’t suspect me. I didn’t hurt her. I adored her.”

“I understand, but if you can help us establish your alibi, we can move on to other suspects.”

“You can contact my assistant. She can confirm my whereabouts today.”

Sam wrote down the name and phone number he gave her. “Was she with you?”

“Yes, she was there. The retreat began at eight, ended at five, followed by dinner. I got home about thirty minutes ago, and… I found her.” He broke down again. “How can this be happening?”

“I know it’s a lot to process all at once. We noticed you have cameras positioned around the house and grounds. Is there a way to gain access to the recordings?”

“There’re no recordings. Our daughters are adamant about not being recorded in their own home.”

Shit,Sam thought.That would’ve been too simple.“What was your wife up to today?”

“She went out to do some errands. She texted around three to say she was home.”

“How did she come and go to the house?”

“Through the garage. She had an opener in her car.”

Sam made a note of the detail.

“Officer Clare mentioned you have teenagers.”

He nodded. “Two girls, fifteen and seventeen.”

“Where were they today?”

“I… I don’t know. Elaine manages them.”

“It’s getting kind of late. Where are they?”

“I’m not sure.”

“Have you contacted them since you found their mother dead?”

“No, I haven’t. I… I don’t know what to say to them.”

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