Page 51 of Once Broken
Ann Marie looked up from the screen, her expression shifting as realization dawned.“That’s right …”
“Sarah Brooks was the director of production design,” Riley said, the connection crystallizing.“She would have access to the film studio where Veronica Slate was poisoned.”
“I guess the namecouldbe a coincidence,” Ann Marie said, though her tone suggested she didn’t believe it.
“A woman with the same name as Weston Black’s only granddaughter works at the studio where our first victim was killed?”Riley shook her head.“I doubt that it’s a coincidence.”
“And we actually spoke with her,” Ann Marie commented wryly.“She offered to help with the investigation in any way she could.”
“If it’s really her, she’s good at maintaining her cover.That’s how she could have already gotten by with two murders.”Riley pulled out her phone, quickly finding the number for Magnolia Gateway Films.After two rings, a receptionist answered.
“Magnolia Gateway Films, how may I direct your call?”
“This is Special Agent Riley Paige with the FBI.I need to speak with Sarah Brooks immediately.”
A brief pause.“I’m sorry, Agent Paige.Ms.Brooks hasn’t come in today.”
Riley’s pulse quickened.“Is that unusual?”
“Very,” the receptionist confirmed.“She’s typically here by seven-thirty.She’s missed a production meeting that was scheduled for nine o’clock.We’ve been trying to reach her, but her phone goes straight to voicemail.”
“Please connect me with Gillian Sinclair.”
“One moment.”
As they waited for the transfer, Riley and Ann Marie exchanged tense glances.
“Agent Paige?”Gillian Sinclair’s voice came through the line, surprise evident in her tone.“What can I do for you?”
“Ms.Sinclair, I’m calling about Sarah Brooks.I understand she hasn’t come to work today.”
“That’s right,” Gillian replied, concern coloring her voice.“It’s not like her at all.Sarah is nothing if not reliable.Is this related to Veronica’s murder?”
Riley chose her words carefully.“We’re following several leads.Can I ask you something that might seem unusual?Is Sarah Brooks related to Weston Black, the film director?”
A silence followed.“Yes,” Gillian finally said, her voice quieter now.“She’s his granddaughter.It’s not something she advertises, but it’s not exactly a secret either.How did you know?”
“Professional research,” Riley deflected.“Does Sarah ever talk about her grandfather’s films?”
“Occasionally,” Gillian said, wariness creeping into her tone.“She has a special interest in preserving his legacy.Agent Paige, what’s this about?Is Sarah in danger?”
“I don’t think so, but I can’t say more at this point,” Riley replied.“When was the last time you spoke with her?”
“Yesterday afternoon, before she left the studio.She mentioned she was working on something special—a personal project.She seemed...intense about it.More than usual.”
“If she contacts you, please call me immediately,” Riley instructed, providing her direct number.“And Gillian?Don’t tell her we’re looking for her.”
“You’re frightening me,” Gillian said softly.“Is Sarah in some kind of trouble?”
“Just call if you hear from her,” Riley insisted, avoiding the question.“Thank you for your help.”
She ended the call just as the office door swung open.Hayes strode back in, his face drawn with the gravity of coordinating a potential third victim search.
“Team’s assembled,” he reported.“We’ve got officers at Lucy Morgan’s apartment and workplace.I’ve authorized an emergency cell phone trace.Now, what were you two—”
Riley cut him off, rising from the chair with new urgency.“Detective Hayes, we’ve got a lot to discuss.”
CHAPTER TWENTY ONE
