Page 75 of Lorenzo

I photograph the tray.

The police may have cataloged it. They may have ignored it because jewelry had nothing to do with Alessio.

They were looking for evidence that connected him to Genevieve.

I am looking for evidence that connects Rachel to her.

I study the still again, specifically the earrings.

I open the top drawer.

More jewelry. Receipts. Boxes. A few items still in their original packaging.

Nothing tells me what is missing.

Absence is difficult evidence.

I close it and continue through the room.

The police took Genevieve’s computer. The space where it sat is obvious on the desk. A charging cable remains. Papers have been moved and returned without care.

Her phone would have been collected from the hotel room.

I briefly wonder if I have a connection that can get me a look at her phone. I'll have to look into that.

Regardless, for now, that leaves me with whatever she kept off both devices.

I examine the papers.

Bills, work documents, notes, receipts. Nothing that appears connected to adoption, twins, Rachel, or the Halston.

Why would there be? That would be far too easy.

I move to the nightstand.

The first drawer contains ordinary personal items. The second holds a notebook.

I open it.

The pages are mostly blank. The few used ones contain lists. Errands, appointments.

I guess it was too much to expect a diary.

I turn through each page anyway, then replace it exactly as I found it.

The bathroom gives me even less.

Cosmetics and skin care. Medication with her name on it. Towels folded unevenly. One drawer left open.

I return to the bedroom and stand near the center.

If Rachel came here, how did she enter?

The front door shows no obvious damage. The building appears secure enough to discourage casual access, but not enough to stop someone determined. Rachel could have followed another resident inside, claimed she lost her key, or waited until Genevieve opened the door herself.

She may have had a key.

That possibility keeps pulling at me.