Page 10 of State of Bliss

“Do you know of her having any visitors or guests while you were at dinner?”

“She didn’t mention having plans.”

“We noticed there was a line down the center of your room,” Cruz said.

Harley nodded as she swiped at tears. “We got off to a rough start as roommates. I put that line down the middle to make a point. But freaking Rachel… She couldn’t let it be. She had to keep at me until I decided to like her, which took about two days, because you can’tnotlike her. Pissed me off.”

Gonzo would’ve been amused by her under any other circumstances.

“Everyone loved her. She was like the mother hen around here, checking on everyone, making sure we were all right. I can’t believe she’s gone.”

He wasn’t entirely convinced this was a homicide, as the victim was so universally well liked, or so it seemed. “Did she have any health problems that you know of?”

“No, she was ridiculously fit and tried to swim every day.”

“Did she swim competitively still?”

She shook her head. “Only for exercise and because she loved it so much. She tried to talk me into taking up swimming, but I told her to stand down. This girl doesn’t do pools.”

“Did she have trouble with anyone that you know of?”

“Not at all. Like I said, people liked her even when they didn’t want to.”

“Did she have a boyfriend?”

“There is this one guy. They’ve been kinda on-again, off-again.”

“His name?”

“Gordon something? We made fun of his name. One of the other girls said her grandfather’s name was Gordon.”

“Do you know where we can find him?”

“He lives in the building next door.” She pointed in the direction. “Over there.”

“Would anyone here know his last name?”

“I think Kristy would.”

“Can you get her for us?”

“Sure.”

As she got up to go get Kristy, Gonzo turned to Cruz. “Send the names to Green so he can start looking at the social media. Also, let’s see if any of the neighboring buildings have cameras pointed this way or if the department has anything.”

Cruz stood to leave the room. “On it.”

Harley returned with another girl, this one with light brown hair and freckles. Her face was red and swollen from crying. “This is Kristy. She was close with Rachel.”

“We’re very sorry for your loss.”

“Th-thank you.”

“What can you tell us about Gordon?”

“She really likes him. Or, um, I guess I should say shelikedhim. I’m sorry. I’m in shock. She was so amazing. Never had a bad word to say about anyone.” When Kristy broke down into heartbreaking sobs, Harley put her arm around her.

Cruz returned. “ME is here.”

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