“It’s already been compromised because the journal was hidden in the library for three years. But I’m certain that a handwriting expert would be able to confirm the journal is Candace’s.”

“This is a complex case with no physical evidence.”

“I have a witness who is willing to come forward who can offer some testimony about the events that led to Adele’s death, and who saw Candace after the Spring Fling party.”

“Why didn’t she come forward earlier?”

“She didn’t live in Flagstaff at the time and didn’t know that Candace had been missing. She only heard about her death later. She is fearful for her life because she believes that Taylor James was killed because of what she knew about Candace’s murder.”

“You think that Rachel Wagner killed her?”

“Yes. I can’t prove it.” Yet.

“Steven thoroughly investigated Swain’s murder. There were a lot of issues—contamination of the evidence because of the lake, and the fact that the body was moved, but we didn’t know it until more than a month later because of a backlog in the state lab. Time was not with us on this. The suspect was known to have harassed Ms. Swain and had been seen on campus multiple times. She knew him from Sunrise Center, and he had a record of being belligerent when intoxicated.”

“And a witness allegedly saw him jump on a train, and he has never come back,” Lucas said. Regan was glad he spoke up; she wanted to see him engaged. “I talked to Willa March; he rode the rails frequently, but he always returned to Flagstaff. He hasn’t been seen in three years.”

“Possibly because he’s wanted for questioning in a murder investigation.”

“Did you have any other suspects?” Lucas asked.

“Normally, I would tell you I can’t say, but in light of the information you already have—and the fact that I don’t want this department adversely represented on your podcast—the answer is no. We cleared the two boyfriends. No interview pointed to anyone having a problem with Ms. Swain, other than Mr. Abernathy. Steven has been looking at the case again, in light of the people who have come forward through your podcast.”

“I wanted to interview Detective Young,” Lucas said. “He refused to help.”

“He wouldn’t generally be allowed to speak to the media, not on an open case like this,” Olivia said. “Now, he has a clear conflict of interest. I’m going to have to reassign the case.” She looked at her computer, typed, read something. “I’m passing this on to Detective Brian Hernandez. He’ll contact both of you for statements. He’ll have to get up to speed.”

“That’s all I can ask,” Regan said. “Thank you.”

Regan and Lucas left their contact information with the commander and exited the building.

“What now?” Lucas said.

“We wait. I’ll take you home.”