Page 46 of The Perfect Obsession
“I don’t think so,” Paulette said, perplexed.“She usually handles closing on Thursdays.Besides, she wouldn’t leave without reviewing assignments for tomorrow.That’s standard.I don’t know where she is.”
Jessie felt her anxiety level rise exponentially.Was it possible that the killer had already slipped into the library somehow?All the other victims had been murdered in their homes.But if the killer saw the TV news this afternoon, maybe they determined that time and opportunity were running out and decided to change their M.O.
“We need to find her,” she said urgently, focusing on the librarian who was clearly more experienced.“Paulette, can Jimmy take over for you briefly with the kids?We need you to show us where she might be.Her office, the break room, the nearest restroom.”
“That won’t be necessary,” someone said from behind her.
She turned around to find Riley Sinclair standing there.The woman, who appeared to be uninjured and annoyed, looked much like the photos Jessie had seen of her.Her dirty blonde hair was tied in a ponytail.She wasn’t wearing any makeup.And her clothes—black slacks and a loose-fitting navy top—only partially hid her build, which seemed to be her intention.She was big-boned but not heavy.In fact, she reminded Jessie a bit of Kat in that way.Not quite attractive, she was blandly pleasant-looking, although that was currently undermined by the scowl plastered across her face.
“Ms.Sinclair,” Jessie said.“We were worried about you.”
“Clearly,” the woman said, “And while I appreciate the concern, I’d love to be able to visit the ladies’ room without worrying that guards are going to be sent looking for me.”
Jessie fought the urge to clap back.“May we speak to you privately?”
Sinclair still looked irritated but motioned for them to follow her.“Paulette, please get back to the kids.Jimmy, you can start pre-closing cleanup procedures.We’ll be asking folks to leave in the next ten minutes.”
She led them to her office, which was small and made to look even smaller by the hundreds of books lining every shelf, table, and cabinet.
“Look,” Sinclair said once she’d closed the door and taken a seat at her desk.“I don’t mean to be harsh.I really appreciate the attention you’ve given to my situation, but it’s become a little overwhelming.I’ve gotten multiple calls from the research department of the Homicide Special Section.That’s your unit, right?”
Jessie nodded.
“They’ve been very attentive, but it’s a lot,” Sinclair said.“The guards here know about what’s going on.I’ve agreed to let one of them accompany me to my car.And I’m staying with a friend in a secure apartment complex tonight.I don’t know what else I’m supposed to do.I’m still trying to lead something close to a normal life, you know?”
“You’re not worried about the potential danger you’re in?”Jessie asked.
“Of course I am, but if I think about it too much, I’m just going to freak out.Am I supposed to curl up in a ball in a corner?That’s not going to lower my anxiety.And truth be told, as awful as all this is, I don’t think it really connects to me.”
“Why not?”Devery asked.He wasn’t really supposed to pose questions, but Jessie didn’t mind.It was a good one.
“Like I told your researcher, I graduated a year after all these women,” Sinclair explained.“We were friendly back then.They kind of took me under their wing.But I eventually lost touch with them.They included me in a couple of group chats and emails, but that was about it.If I have something in common with them that makes me a potential victim, I don’t know what it is.”
“That’s what we’d like to talk to you about,” Jessie said.“We’re hoping that even if you weren’t super tight with the victims, you might have some insight that could help us.”
“Of course,” Sinclair said with a sad, heavy sigh.“I’ll do anything I can to help.”
“What’s your connection to Alexander Krantz?”Jessie asked.
“That name sounds really familiar.Didn’t he marry Amanda Black?”
“Correct,” Jessie said.“He attended The Griffin School.And prior to marrying Amanda, he dated several of the girls in your social circle.”
“Okay, I can picture him now,” Sinclair said.“What does he have to do with any of this?”
“You haven’t watched the news lately?”Jessie asked.
“No.I like to stay focused on work while at work.Why?”
“He’s currently in custody for the murders,” Jessie told her.
“Oh my god,” Sinclair said, putting her hand to her open mouth.“That’s crazy.I barely knew the guy, but I never would have thought of him as a killer.”
Jessie was about to press her on that when Sinclair continued.
“Wait.If he’s in custody, why do I have to take all these extra precautions?”
“Because we’re not sure we have the right guy,” Jessie explained.“That's where I’m hoping you can help us.”
