“That’s what they say.” Val spoke automatically. Her thoughts started to run wild as she waited for more discussion about Oliver. She pictured another futile job search, losing her house. Living on the street. Her anxiety now ratcheted up to epic proportions. Wavering, she finally took hold of the chair and managed to sit down, before she fell down.

“Valentina—that’s a pretty name. Is it Italian? You look Italian,” Gwen said.

Val just nodded.

“You know, I don’t know anyone in this area. We’ll have to get a drink after work one night and you can let me in on all of the gossip around here.”

Val nodded again. Though she had managed a smile, feigning some enthusiasm towards Gwen’s suggestion, she was horrified at the thought. The last thing in the world Val wanted to do was be alone with Gwen for any length of time. How on earth would she handle any questions about their mutual friend Oliver? She barely knew what the man looked like.

“If you’ll excuse me, I have some work to do, plus I really need to change out of these wet clothes. Nice to meet you,” Val said in an effort to get away.

“Nice to meet you too.”

As Val got up to leave, Gwen said, “Isn’t it great they give us our own parking spot? Mine’s in a bad location. It’s in a corner on the second level of the ramp. Candace assigned me #232. Where do you get to park? I’m sure it’s better than that.”

17

Thomas Hayden and his partner Jack Styles sat in Gavin’s office, waiting for the detective. They had arrived in Buffalo from Boston a little more than an hour ago. After checking into their hotel room, they had come straight to the police station. Neither took time to unpack.

Jack glanced at his watch and frowned at Thomas. “We’ve been sitting here almost a half hour,” he said. “Maybe you should call him.”

“Be patient. Detective Gavin is working a murder case. He’s trying to find some solid evidence against our potential client. I’m sure he wants to influence us with something very good. Why else would he make us wait?” He checked his own watch. Then peered at the clock hanging on the wall.

They both turned towards the door as Gavin finally appeared. He had several folders in his hands and a confident smile on his face. He shifted the folders, extending a free hand to Thomas first and then was introduced to Jack.

“How was your flight?” Gavin asked.

“Horrible,” Thomas said. “The only positive thing was that I did get through Colin’s case file. I have to say you were right, Mitch, it’s pretty damning. He left a trail in his wife’s blood.”