Page 65 of State of Alert

“I was with my friend and her family for the day. We visited Harpers Ferry in West Virginia and Antietam in Maryland for a school project.”

“Can you give me your friend’s name and number? Also, her parents’ names.”

Jada recited the information and used her phone to give Sam the girl’s phone number.

“Thank you,” Sam said. “That’s very helpful.”

“That’s our Jada,” Zoe said. “A real Girl Scout.”

“Shut up, Zoe, and quit being a bitch. Mom wasmurdered. We have to find out who did it.”

Sam wanted to give Jada a high five. At least one of the girls seemed to be in touch with reality. Zoe’s behavior had sparked a number of other questions that Sam might not have had otherwise.

“What was your relationship like with your mother, Jada?”

“We’re super close,” she said tearfully as Frank tightenedthe arm he had around her. “Or I guess I should say weweresuper close. I can’t believe she’s really gone.”

“I’m so sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you.” Jada used a tissue Frank handed her to wipe away tears.

“What about you, Zoe? What was your relationship with your mother like?”

“We fought about everything.”

Sam’s phone rang with a call from Faith Miller that she declined.

“What does ‘everything’ include?”

“My clothes, my attitude, my boyfriend, my grades, my driving. You name it, she didn’t approve of how I did anything, and her only goal in life was to ruin mine.”

Sam glanced at Frank.

“We’ve had the typical challenges that parents of teenagers experience,” he said in a weary tone.

“None of my friends put up with the shit that I do,” Zoe snapped.

“Sounds like you were pretty angry with your mother,” Sam said.

Zoe shrugged. “She made my life a living hell.”

“Were you angry enough to hurt her?”

“What?” Frank sat up straighter. “What’re you insinuating?”

“I’m asking if your daughter was angry enough with her mother to want her out of the picture.”

“This interview is over.”

“We can continue it downtown if you’d prefer,” Sam said.

“I want a lawyer.”

“Detective Cruz, please call Patrol for transport to HQ. You can call your attorney after you’re processed.”

As Freddie got up and left the room, Frank said, “We’re beingarrested?”

“You’re being taken in for further questioning.”

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