Lizzy indicated they had another caller.

Lucas pressed another button. “We have another caller. This is Lucas Vega with Regan Merritt. Would you like to share your name?”

“No, not really. I almost didn’t call.”

Her voice was quiet, but not because she was trying to disguise it. It was almost as if she was trying not to be overheard.

“I saw Candace on Tuesday morning. After she was reported missing. But I didn’t know she was missing then, so I really didn’t think anything about it.”

Regan asked, “How can you be sure that it was the Tuesday after she went missing?”

“I knew Candace, and she was supposed to meet with me and a couple others from our molecular biology class the night before. We were going to study because there was a huge test on Thursday and if you didn’t pass it, well, you probably wouldn’t pass the course, and we all needed it to graduate. We’d been meeting every Monday for the entire semester, and Candace really understood everything and could explain it in a way that helped. Anyway, she didn’t show and she didn’t answer her text messages, and I was kind of pissed. The next morning was Tuesday, and it was early. Cline Library had just opened, and I saw Candace walk out the side door, not the main door. She ignored me.”

“You and Candace studied together, so she would recognize you.”

“Yes. I mean, we didn’t hang out or anything, but we had a lot of classes together over the years, so we were friendly.”

“Go on,” Regan encouraged.

“The library had literally just opened. I was on my way to a morning lab. I live off campus, but it’s not far to walk. I always pass the library. It’s sort of a shortcut across campus for me. Candace had an oversize bag, like a big, bulky purse. She walked right by me without looking, even though I said hello. I’d wanted to ask where she was the night before, but she looked mad, and she totally ignored me.”

“Why did you think she was angry?”

“Her expression. Like she was furious about something, her mouth set, walking fast. She had on sunglasses, even though it was early, and she looked determined. She stomped down the path heading off campus. She was kind of a mess. Her hair sloppy, clothes all wrinkled. Every time I saw Candace she was always so put-together, you know?”

The more this student spoke, the more Regan believed her.

“What was she wearing?”

“I dunno. Just regular clothes.”

“Jeans? A dress? A sweatshirt?”

“I—” The caller sighed dramatically. “Jeez. I really don’t remember. Maybe a sweatshirt, but everyone wears sweatshirts, so I don’t know. Not a dress or skirt. Just casual.”