Were very sorry for your loss, Harley added. It was a nice touch, as was the sadness in her eyes. Callaway thought it might even be genuine.

I knew it, Jake muttered, staring at the floor with hollow eyes. I knew she was dead.

Dont you dare say that! Mrs. Powell cried, striking his arm. He jumped up, muttering a few choice words, and disappeared behind a curtain at the back of the room.

Mrs. Powells breathing began to quicken. She rose, pacing rapidly back and forth across the room in an awkward, leaning waddle. She was just here, she whispered to herself, shaking her head. Just here. No, she cant be gone.

Im afraid, Mrs. Powell Callaway began, but Harley touched his arm.

Let me, she mouthed. Callaway shrugged, turning to the window. He had never quite understood how to handle others big emotions. His job was to inform the family of Lisas death, and he had done so as gently as he could. They needed a grief counselor, not an FBI agent.

Glancing back at Mrs. Powell, who was nearly hyperventilating now, Callaway watched Harley take the old woman by the shoulders.

Look at me, Mrs. Powell, Harley said calmly. I know its bitterly painful I lost someone close to me as well but you still have a son. You still have Jake. You need to hold yourself together for his sake.

As if the words had unlocked her grief, Mrs. Powell burst into a sob and threw her arms around Harley, weeping into her shoulder. When she had at last finished, she sat down again and dabbed her face with a tissue.

Shes better at this than Id thought, Callaway mused. Maybe she brings something to the table, after all.

How did she die? Mrs. Powell asked, her voice thick.

She was murdered, Harley said gently, sitting on the couch beside Mrs. Powell.

Mrs. Powell closed her eyes. Lord, help me, she whispered. Then she opened her eyes again. Was she…you know…in a bad way?

Callaway opened his mouth to speak, but Harley was quicker.

She looked very peaceful, Harley answered. Like she was ready to go. She squeezed Mrs. Powells hand. I know this is painful, but I need you to answer some questions to help us find whoever did this to Lisa. Can you do that for us?

Mrs. Powell nodded. What do you want to know?

Harley glanced at Callaway, as if to indicate it was time for him to reenter the conversation. He cleared his throat and stepped forward. Was there anything abnormal about Lisas behavior the past few weeks? Any new friends around, any boyfriends she brought over?

She wasn't around much, Mrs. Powell answered, plucking a tissue from a box and blowing into it. Spent all her time with that friend of hersI can't think of her name. Kathy, maybe.