“All I do is think about her, about her routine and her friends and the people she interacted with every day, and I can’t come up with a single thing that would’ve led to something like this. Everyone liked her. She was sweet and kind and… I just don’t know how to go on without her.”

The comment gave Sam an idea. “I have a friend who was recently widowed. She’s joined a group of young widows, and she just told me it’s been very helpful to her. I can connect you with her if you think it might help.”

“I’m not a widow, though.”

“Aren’t you? You were going to spend your life with Audrey, and now you’re not. I’d say you qualify. Would you mind if I gave my friend Roni your number?”

He shrugged as if he couldn’t care less. “Sure.”

“Thank you for seeing us. I’m sorry we had to put you through it again.”

“Whatever it takes to get this guy, not that it’ll bring her back, but it’ll give us some comfort to know he’s not out there living his life while she’s dead. And I don’t want anyone else to go through the hell we are.”

Freddie gave Sam an arm to help her up.

Wes walked them to the door.

“Keep coming to the grief group meetings. It helps to connect with other loved ones who’ve been touched by violent crime. It’s helped me.”

He looked confused for a second. “Oh right. Your dad.”

“Yes. We’ll keep you informed of any developments. Hang in there, Wes.”

“I’m trying.”

After the door closed behind them, Sam said, “Well, that did nothing but reopen his wound.”

“It was a good thought to connect him to Roni. That alone might make it worth the trip.”

“I suppose. We’ve had some frustrating cases, but this one is the worst ever.”

“Yeah, it’s right up there.”

They went next to the apartment Ling Woo had shared with three other Georgetown graduate students. Only her roommate Lily was home when they arrived on the third floor after another slow, painful climb for Sam.

“Is there news?” Lily asked.

“No.” Sam explained about starting over when the leads ran dry. “Would you mind if we interviewed you again, just to be sure we have everything?”

“Of course. Whatever I can do. We’re all still in shock. Ling was the sweetest girl. She’d do anything for anyone. We called her the house mother. She was always cooking for us and cleaning up after us and taking care of us.” Her voice broke as she sat on a red sofa. “We had no idea how much she did until she wasn’t here anymore.”

“We’re so sorry for your loss.”

Lily used a tissue to wipe away tears. “Thank you. It’s so senseless, you know?”