“The fact that she didn’t know Jennifer very well was only reported by Jennifer.” Val smiled, remembering Jack’s comment about Perry Logan. Only Perry reported Gabrielle had mental issues.

“Ron and Jennifer confirmed separately that as a couple they hardly knew Gabrielle at all. There’s a difference.”

“Yes, but there are long stretches of the day when Jennifer is home without Ron; her social activities could have changed at any time. Same goes for Ron. And if he’s shagging the neighbor, he’s certainly not going to be comparing notes with his wife about her.”

“Now who’s thinking like a deviant?” Jack smirked.

“I’ll add one more deviant detail. All of Gabrielle’s friends have been pretty blondes, like herself. Bethany, Melinda. Jennifer could have easily fit into that clique.”

“Excellent observation, Val,” Jack said. “But if that’s the case, why is she with Ron? The used car salesman. And living with him in a modest house.”

“Gabrielle also ended up living in a modest house,” Val reminded him.

“That she did. I’m teaching you very well now, aren’t I?” Jack said. “Your thought process is amazing.”

“I aim to impress.”

They continued to walk towards the car but then Jack stopped outside Gabrielle’s house. The front porch light was on, as well as a few lights in the house. Probably all on a timer, Val thought.

“Val, have you been in there at all?”

“No. I really don’t have a reason to. This is not where she died. There’s no one to question living in the house. The crime scene techs have already gone through it and found nothing unusual. I don’t know what more I can add.” Val looked at the driveway and noted wooden posts on each side of it, from the street up to the front of the house. Markers for a snowplow service. The markers ended at the house making it obvious that Gabrielle didn’t have her driveway plowed further down, to where the garage was. This is why she didn’t park in her garage. She couldn’t. But why not just plow the entire driveway and use the damn garage?

“Maybe we should take a look. Examining crime scenes is my specialty.”

“Jack, that’s called breaking and entering. I thought you just said think like a deviant, not act like one.”

Jack pointed. “It has a lock box on the door. Do you have the combination?”

The lock box would open with a combination, and inside would be a key to the house. The same system is used by real estate agents. It’s so that anyone wanting to enter the residence will have the means.

“Yes. I typically get them for all cases I’m part of,” Val said slowly, sensing what was coming next.