Page 75 of Little Buried Secrets

“She sure did. Then she turned around and walked out. Thinking back on it now, I suppose I should have gone after her.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“I was in shock. I sat there not knowing what to do or how to convince her to change her mind. In the end, I wanted her to stay on the team, but I also wanted to respect her wishes.”

If Warren’s story was true, I had to wonder why Margot thanked a teacher she’d told her fellow classmates had been inappropriate with her. Something about it didn’t fit. Had she thanked him because she felt awkward in his presence and wasn’t sure what to say so she overcompensated by giving him a false compliment? The notion seemed too easy. I couldn’t shake the feeling I was missing an important connection—one I hadn’t made yet.

For now, it would have to wait.

There was somewhere else I needed to be.

“I have to get going,” I said. “I appreciate the time you took to talk to me today and how open you were to answer my questions.”

Warren nodded, stood, and walked me to the door.

“I know you don’t know me, but I hope by talking to me today, you were able to get an idea of the kind of person I am,” he said.

“I have.”

“If you have any other questions, please, stop by again sometime.”

“I will.”

I stepped onto the front porch, and he said, “Would it be all right to ask you what you think now that you’ve spoken to me?”

I paused, taking a moment to consider how to put my thoughts into words. “I’ll say this for now. I want to believe what you’ve told me is true.”

“It’s a start. May I ask you for a favor?”

“What’s the favor?”

“If Bronte believes I may have had something to do with Margot’s murder, I believe it’s best if my wife and I do not to attend the funeral. We’ll send flowers to Dr. Rae and let her know we’re here for her if she needs anything.”

“I believe you’re making the right decision,” I said. “You still haven’t mentioned the favor.”

“Would you be willing to speak to Bronte and tell her what we discussed today?”

“I’ll speak to her, but Bronte strikes me as the type of person who gets something in her mind and runs with it.”

“I’m aware. I’ve witnessed it firsthand at school. Not toward me, of course, but toward her fellow students.”

“If I may, I’d like to offer you a word of advice before I go. If Bronte shows up here, do everyone a favor and don’t answer the door.”

CHAPTER 29

Foley was inside his truck in front of the San Luis Obispo Police Department when I pulled up beside him.

He put his window down and said, “I was wondering when I’d see you today.”

“And I was wondering about the conversation you and Whitlock had with Isaac last night,” I said.

“The kid’s a real smartass, but as to whether he had anything to do with Margot’s murder, we’re not sure. For now, we’re keeping an eye on him. We’re also looking into his background to see what comes up.”

“What did he say when you brought him in for questioning?”

“As soon as we started asking questions, he asked to call his lawyer.”

“He has a lawyer?”

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