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“Extra bacon on mine,” Bit called out over his shoulder. He was already halfway down the hall when he almost ran into Brook. He pulled up just in time to not spill the coffee in her hand. “Boss, Adeline Murphy is a teacher…an art teacher.”
Chapter Thirteen
Brooklyn Sloane
December 2023
Tuesday — 6:44pm
ThewindlashedagainstBrook’s face like icy tendrils as she stepped out of her car. The sky overhead was pitch black. Not a star could be seen from Harbor, Maryland. There was even a hint of snow in the air, but she’d checked the weather a few times earlier in the day to ensure that she could drive to the city in the morning and back in the evening tomorrow without the threat of bad weather.
Brook glanced at the address on her phone before looking up at the quaint cottage where Bella Kadel had drawn her last breath inside a clear, plastic bag. The neighborhood, just a couple of streets removed from the bay, should have felt serene and inviting. But the knowledge of the violence that had occurred within those walls filled the night air with an oppressive tension.
Such a dark ambiance could be due to the fact that the new homeowner hadn’t turned on the porch light. Brook’s gaze was drawn to the minivan parked in the short driveway. The streetlamp shined down on the back bumper, showing an assortment of stickers adorned to the rear window and bumper. Each one revealed a small piece of the driver’s life.
The woman had a daughter named Chelsea who loved to dance. Chelsea loved ballet, and her mother had proudly displayed the name of her daughter’s studio for all who cared to take note. Chelsea also went to the local elementary school and had apparently made honor roll recently. The family owned a Yorkie and a boat. The marina where said boat was stored conveyed that they spent time away from their home on the weekends.
It was astounding how people unknowingly shared so many details about themselves through stickers. They had no idea it was billboard for every robber, burglar, rapist, or killer walking about looking for their next target.
Brook walked past the minivan on the shared driveway and made her way to Adeline Murphy’s front door. As Brook rang the doorbell, she caught the ghostly trail of her breath in the frigid air. Just when she would have pressed the button once more, the door swung open and revealed the homeowner.
“Ms. Adeline Murphy?” Brook wasn’t so sure that the art teacher wouldn’t slam the door in a stranger’s face, so Brook pulled out her credentials and held them up for the porch light to illuminate the information. “My name Brooklyn Sloane, and I’m investigating Bella Kadel’s murder. I was hoping that you would have time to speak with me.”
Adeline’s gaze was unwavering. She was dressed modestly in a cream-colored blouse and dark slacks. Her appearance reminded Brook of her own elementary school teachers, though Adeline was much more beautiful. Her red hair cascaded down her back, her green eyes were highlighted with black eyeliner, and interestingly enough…her light pink lipstick matched her nail polish.
“Bella’s murder was over a year ago,” Adeline said, seemingly not bothered by the cold air attempting to seek entry into her home. “Has some new information come to light?”
“You might say that,” Brook replied vaguely as she bought herself more time to decide on how best to handle the situation. Adeline obviously wasn’t like most people. “I’m sure that you’ve heard on the news about a second murder taking place last week. We believe there might be a connection.”
Brook realized very quickly that Adeline didn’t react without first going through all her options. It was almost as if Brook could see the wheels spinning and decisions being made in real time. Adeline reluctantly stepped back, her shift in movement signaling that it was alright for Brook to enter the residence.
Brook crossed the threshold, taking note of the simple yet tasteful décor. The walls were painted in a soft shade of gray, which were currently illuminated by the warm glow of several antique lights. A gas fireplace was nestled in between dark gray bookcases, and the small flames danced behind the pristine glass.
“Please, have a seat.” Adeline closed the door without offering to take Brook’s coat. She also didn’t offer Brook any type of beverage. “I’m not sure what else I can add from my statement that was taken by the police during that time. I didn’t see or hear anything that day.”
“I saw from the report that you’re a schoolteacher,” Brook said as she took a seat on the couch. It was obvious where Adeline preferred to sit from the overturned book and the empty mug on the side table next to the overstuffed chair. “If you don’t mind me asking, why were you home during the day that Bella was murdered?”
“School had started its winter break.”
“And you didn’t hear or notice anything unusual?”
“No,” Adeline replied as she made herself comfortable. She even crossed her legs and rested one hand on her leg. “I was watching some holiday movies that day.”
“Were you and Bella friends?”
“Neighbors. We exchanged pleasantries from time to time, but that was the extend of our relationship.”
“What about anything unusual taking place in the neighborhood?” Brook inquired, switching from the personal connection to a broader one. “Did you notice a strange vehicle? Anyone passing by more than usual?”
“Nothing like that,” Adeline replied, her gaze never leaving Brook’s face.
“Did Bella often have guests?”
“Every now and then I would notice when her boyfriend would spend the night. He drives one of those little BMW convertibles. Since I share my driveway with the next-door neighbors, it’s hardnotto notice when another vehicle is parked next to mine.”
“What about in the weeks prior to the murder?” Brook asked, recalling that Michael Davis did indeed have a BMW registered under his name. “Do you recall if the BMW was parked on Bella’s side of the driveway? Or any other vehicle that didn’t belong to Bella?”
“Now that you mention it, I do believe that the BMW stopped coming around in the weeks if not months before Bella died.” Adeline paused, as if she were thinking back to that specific time period. “I really didn’t pay too much attention to who Bella had over to her residence, or any other neighbor for that matter.”
