Micah’s first impression was that it was relatively clean for a college dorm. Sure, Nico’s desk was covered in an array of books and notes – and a laptop Micah was eager to examine – but there were no dirty clothes littered on the floor or opened Dorito bags lying around. (Though maybe Micah was biased because that was how his dorm had looked.) A peek inside Nico’s closet revealed a wardrobe many fashionistas would be envious of. Rifling through the immaculately pressed pants and vibrant-colored shirts, Micah spotted names like Alexander McQueen and Dolce and Gabbana.

Micah was no expert, but he knew there was no way he himself could have afforded those brands as a college freshman. (Or as a police detective, for that matter.)

Mateo cleared his throat, bringing Micah’s attention back to him. “So, um, should I leave?”

“Let’s do that interview we talked about first,” Micah suggested, closing the closet door.

“Oh, yeah, of course.” Mateo glanced around the room. “Feel free to have a seat… uh, anywhere, I guess.”

Not wanting to disturb Nico’s desk quite yet, Micah took a seat on the edge of the missing boy’s mattress, gesturing for Mateo to do the same on his own meticulously made bed. “Do you mind if I record this?” Micah asked, pulling a department-issued device from the small bag of equipment he’d brought with. He also took out a notebook and pen.

Mateo glanced nervously at the recorder, but he voiced his agreement.

“Okay,” Micah said, beginning the interview, “so I know we’ve been over a lot of this on the phone already, but for the sake of clarity, can you please tell me about the last time you saw your roommate, Nico Sanchez.”

Mateo licked his lips. “Uh, it was Saturday morning. He left the dorm sometime between nine and ten, I think. Said he was going out, but didn’t say where.”

“And was that usual for him?” Micah asked. “To not let you know where he was going when he went out?”

“I’m his roommate,” Mateo pointed out, nervously pushing up his glasses, “not his keeper. He meets with his study group sometimes on Saturdays, but it’s not like I grilled him about it.”

Micah frowned at the almost… defensive tone, making note of it before continuing. “Do you know if he was meeting with anyone, in particular, on this Saturday?”

Mateo shrugged, and Micah gestured at the recording device.

Mateo flushed. “I don’t know.”

“What was he wearing?”

“Just a pair of jeans and a long-sleeve shirt. It was red, I think – one of those fancy designer ones.”

Micah was grateful for the opening Mateo had unwittingly provided, quickly latching onto it. “Yeah, I saw he had quite a few of those in his closet. According to Nico’s parents, he’s at Queen’s College on a scholarship. How does he afford such luxurious clothes?”