Page 49 of Girl, Empty
Ripley’s grunt was so loud it made Ella jump.‘Who collects this crap?It doesn’t even look good.’
‘We’ve met a few of these types, and they’re always… questionable.’
‘You’re not kidding.Let’s pay this Sinclair guy a visit, but I can’t promise I won’t shoot him.You got his address?’
‘No.Wait.He might be at his office.’Ella went back to the Sinclair Corporation website and found the contact number.She grabbed her phone and dialed.
It rang three times before a man answered.‘Sinclair Corp, how can I help?’
‘Hi, I’m looking to arrange a meeting with Alexander Sinclair.Is he around?’
‘I’m afraid not.Mr.Sinclair is working from home today.He’s due back in on Friday according to his calendar.’
‘Got it.Thank you.’Ella hung up.Ripley was buzzing beside her.She had that look about her, the one that reminded Ella of a shark sniffing blood.Once Ripley got her claws into someone she didn’t like, they rarely came out unscathed.‘He’s not in.He’s at home.’
‘Day after a murder and he’s at home?Address.Now.’
Ella navigated to the police database.She typed inSINCLAIR, ALEXANDER,and got two hits in Indianapolis.One was a 26-year-old, the other was a 52-year-old.Ella dug into the older gentleman's file.
‘Here.116 Anfield Avenue.Unmarried.No divorces.No next of kin.He’s got a rap sheet too.’
Ripley leaned in and took over mouse duties.‘Trespassing charge two years ago.Trespassing for what though?It doesn’t say.’
Ella jumped out of her chair.Adrenaline fired up her veins, and it was the kind of adrenaline she welcomed.Not the kind where you feared for your life, but the type where you made a connection that might just lead you to a serial killer’s doorstep.‘Let’s go find out.’
‘I like this guy, Dark.Trespassing charge.Got a hard-on for murderers.We’re on a good track.’
Ella checked the address on her phone.‘Anfield Avenue’s twenty minutes from here.’
‘Fifteen if I drive.’
She threw the car keys to her partner.‘Then you’re driving.’
CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR
Alexander Sinclair’s house had a driveway big enough for ten cars, and there wasn’t a single car on it.That alone was cause for concern, Ella thought.
‘That’s a lot of house for one person,’ Ripley said.
‘Sure is.Doesn’t look like Sinclair is home, though.’
‘You know who has houses this big and no family?Weird people.’
Ella unhooked her belt and grabbed the door handle.‘That’s a generalization, but I don’t think you’re far off the mark.’
‘Think about it.If you’ve got money, people flock to you, especially the opposite sex.You’re fighting them off.Sinclair’s file said he was 52 and single with no kids or divorces to his name.’
‘Let’s go take a look.’Ella exited the car and headed down the cobblestone driveway towards the front door.Ripley spent a moment scanning the perimeter before catching up.
‘And another thing – I thought this guy was a security freak?I’m not seeing much in the way of security.’
Ella reached the front door and conceded that Ripley had a good point.Despite the house’s size, there wasn’t much keeping potential burglars at bay.‘Maybe he relies on those weapons he’s got.’
‘Yeah, let’s get a closer look at this collection.I’ve got a feeling some of that stuff should be in our vault at HQ.’
Ella hammered on the door and waited.Meanwhile, Ripley took it upon herself to gawp through the ground floor windows, but she couldn’t see much judging by how she was cupping her eyes against the glass.
‘Looks dead in here,’ she said.
