The Gilded Sanctum Page 8

“I said no.”

  “What were you doing with your buddies?”

  “Playstation.”

  Walker turned to Castillo, and he nodded. “His story checks out. He was in a friend’s room at the boy’s dorm. They were playing Call of Duty.”

  Walker turned back to Josh, who was smirking. “Did Amanda text you at all that night?”

  “No.”

  “Was that odd for her to not text you?”

  “Our fights sometimes lasted a few days, so no, I expected she wouldn’t text for a while.”

  “Please tell us what you fought about that day.”

  The polite question seemed to calm Josh’s combative stance and softened his tone somewhat. He looked embarrassed and lowered his head. “Because she was flirting with Ben Rhodes in class”

  “Ben Rhodes?”

  “Just a classmate. An old friend.”

  “And all of you had class together?”

  “Yeah. Chemistry. 1st period.”

  “And she was flirting with him?”

  “Yeah, she was all over him, laughing and joking around.”

  “And this was during class?”

  “Yeah, they were lab partners.”

  Walker sighed. “So, they were lab partners, but being a little too friendly that day?”

  “Yeah.”

  “And that made you mad?”

  “Yeah!” said Josh defiantly.

  “So after class, you laid into her?”

  “Yes, and she got pissed and said she was done with me.”

  “Done with you as in breaking up with you.”

  “No, just done with me for the day I thought.”

  “And you never saw her again after that?”

  “No.”

  “And no texts, calls, or emails the rest of the day?”

  “No.”

  “You ever touch Amanda or get physically violent with her?”

  Josh was immediately incredulous. “Of course not! We would yell pretty loud, but I never hit her if that’s what you’re asking.”

  “Anything physical that day?”

  “Absolutely not.”

  “Your insecurity from that morning didn’t lead to any violence later in the day?”

  “Jesus. No. I didn’t do anything to her.”

  Castillo pounced. “Roommate says she met you that night.”

  Walker glanced at Castillo. He knows what he’s doing. Heather never said that, but Castillo wanted to see Josh’s reaction.

  Josh pounded his fist on the table, “That’s bullshit! I told you I didn’t meet her that night,” he yelled at Castillo.

  Walker carefully watched Josh’s facial expression. He had been telling half-truths the entire interview. Eye twitches, blinking, looking around — it was all a combination of fact and fiction — but this was the first truthful statement of the entire interview. Or at least Josh believed it to be true.

  Not getting a reaction from Castillo, Josh turned to Walker, trying to find a friend in the room. “I didn’t see her that night. You have to believe me. I didn’t kill her!”

  “Who said she was dead?” Walker asked.

  Josh paused, gawked at Walker and Castillo as though he had just gone too far — said too much — then slowly settled back in his seat with his head down. The room was silent for a long moment as Walker let that question hang in the air like the smell of a rotting carcass.

  Then he went in for the kill. “We’re just trying to find out the truth here, Josh. Are you telling us the truth?”

  “Yes, of course,” he said, exasperated and still looking down.

  Walker paused for a moment. “Tell me about the Sons of Liberty?”

  “What?” Josh looked up, surprised.

  “The Sons of Liberty. Rumor is that you’re a part of it.”

  Josh pushed back. “That’s an old legend. Years ago. Before my time.”

  “Does it still exist?”

  “I wouldn’t know,” Josh said, inadvertently twisting a ring on his right hand.

  “What’s it all about?” Walker asked, peering at the silver ring, a rendition of an owl carved into the thickened top, encircled by words he couldn’t quite read.

  “I wouldn’t know.” Still twisting the ring.

  “What’s with the ring?” Walker asked.

  Josh suddenly realized he was touching the ring and immediately put his hands down. “Nothing. Just something a lot of the guys have. Sort of a symbol of Washington Academy. Kind of like a class ring, I guess. One of my friends...his father actually handcarves them...so I’ve helped to sell a few them to other kids on campus.

  “Just for guys, huh?

  “Yeah.”

  “What does it say?”

  “It’s Latin — Numquid Avis Tincta.”

  “Which means?”

  “Bird of Prey,” Josh said with a long smile.

  Walker stared at Josh for several seconds and then changed the subject again. “Were you sexually active with Amanda?”

  His smile turned into a grin. “Yes.”

  “Any issues?”

  “Any issues?” Josh clarified.

  “Meaning, did you have any issues with your sex life? Were you trying to spice things up? Play any sex games perhaps?”

  “No. Amanda liked it...traditional.”

  “Is that how you liked it?”

  “That was fine with me.”

  “How about drugs?”

  “Yeah, maybe.”

  “Pot, heroin, cocaine?”

  “None of the hard stuff. Just pot occasionally.”

  “Were you smoking marijuana that night?”

  “Maybe.”

  “Impair your judgment at all?”

  “What?”

  “Loss of memory, poor decision-making, anything like that?”

  Josh was fed up. “No, man, I told you, I was hanging out with the guys that night. I didn’t see Amanda at all. My judgment was not impaired. And I don’t know what happened to her. Can I please go now?”

  Walker looked at Castillo who shrugged and said, “Yeah, kid, you can go.”

  As Josh slammed the door on his way out, Castillo again sat in the seat across from Walker. “What do you think?” he asked.

  Walker thought for a moment. “I don’t think either one of them is telling us the whole truth, but obviously they’re scared and don’t want to get wrapped up in this. They both put up a nice front, but some cracks may start to emerge as we continue to turn up the heat.”

  “Agreed. I just hope they crack sooner rather than later,” Castillo said, caution in his voice. “Amanda’s life may be depending on it.”

  Chapter 14

  Several more of Amanda’s friends were interviewed over the next few hours, but nothing more about the night in question was learned from any of them. The interviews, however, did provide a consistent story, and it was clear from her friends’ testimony that Amanda was popular, involved in lots of school activities, and well-regarded by the faculty and staff. And although many students had seen Amanda that day, no one could give them any information about her after 9 PM that evening, when Heather said she had left their dorm room. No one had seen her that night or witnessed anything out of the ordinary.

  Additionally, all of her friends spoke of a content young woman, succeeding in her classes, enjoying her activities, and making plans for the days and weeks ahead. Their accounts did not paint the picture of an unhappy student who wanted to runaway or would do something stupid or dangerous. From her friends’ effusive descriptions, she was intelligent, popular, and level-headed. It seemed that Amanda was not planning to disappear.

  Amanda’s teachers would be questioned tomorrow.

  As the interviews ended for the day a little past 7 PM, a young male student arrived at the study room to escort Walker back to his residence for the night. A small percentage of the school’s faculty lived on campus, situated in a cluster of buildings, similar to a row of townhomes, not far from the girls’ dormitory. It was
a short walk, but darkness had already descended on the campus as dusk had passed, and the final rays of twilight could not penetrate through the canopy of trees.

  Walker carried a small duffel bag he had retrieved earlier from his car with the strap looped over his shoulder as he followed the student up the set of stairs to the front door of the second residence from the end. The student unlocked the door and turned on the lights in the main living space before he handed the keys to Walker and then quickly made his exit.

  He dropped the duffle bag on a chair next to the front door and snooped around the apartment, impressed with the exquisite accommodations for the somewhat cramped space. The residence resembled that of a studio apartment, but the interior decorating represented an affluent style with intricate wall paintings and expensive furnishings. He smiled at a beautiful painting of a forest landscape in a thick wooden frame on the far wall. And became lost in the trees.

  A voice whispered from behind him. “I figured I would come and find you before you sought me out.”

  Walker turned to see a woman in her early-thirties leaning in the doorway. She had a slender build and wavy, dark brown hair which fell just below her shoulders. Her complexion was smooth and her hazel eyes were penetrating, behind a pair of gray glasses, giving off an intelligent, yet sexy look. She wore a simple light orange blouse over a denim skirt with flesh-colored stockings and flats. She leaned against the jam of the open door, as if waiting for Walker to invite her inside.

  “I beg your pardon?” was all Walker could muster.

  She finally reached out her hand, embarrassed. “I’m sorry. I’m Meredith Thomas. I’m a member of the faculty. I teach AP English Literature and Composition.”

  Walker moved to her and shook her hand. It was soft, smooth. “Nice to meet you.”

  Meredith regained her composure from the awkward introduction. “I didn’t mean to startle you. I actually saw the student bring you up to the residence, and your door was open, so I thought I’d pop in. I actually live right next door,” she explained, tilting her head to the left, “in the adjoining faculty residence. It’s an end unit.”

  Walker smiled at the humor. “Does that mean it’s a little bigger than this place?”

  Meredith smiled back. “Slightly.”

  “I’ll make sure to request an end unit the next time I come for a visit. Do a lot of faculty members live on campus?”

  “No. Just a couple of us. Mostly younger ones just starting out. My situation is a little more...complicated.”

  Walker nodded. “I know all about complicated.”

  “But I really don’t mind it at all — it’s such a beautiful campus.”

  “It is,” Walker agreed. “I could certainly live here. No question.” Walker paused. “Were you assigned to show me around?”

  “Oh, no,” Meredith stuttered, “nothing like that. I just figured you would eventually want to talk with me, so I thought I’d find you first.”

  Walker gave her a quizzical look. “Talk with you?”

  “I taught Amanda Bryson. I had her in class the day she disappeared. I guess it was her last class that day.” Meredith paused as he voice dropped. “So I may have been one of the last people to see her.”

  It suddenly dawned on Walker about the faculty interviews the next day. He jerked back, apologetic. “I’m sorry. I haven’t quite gotten that far yet. We just finished the interviews with the students today. Faculty members are slated for tomorrow.”

  Meredith could obviously see the tired strain on Walker’s face, so she gave him a reassuring smile. “You want to start you faculty interviews early? I can buy you a drink.”

  Walker suddenly realized he had been sober all day. Not one drink. He couldn’t actually remember the last time that had happened. Can I handle it? he wondered.

  Based on his pensive look and delay in responding, Meredith immediately recognized she had put him in an awkward position (again) and tried to smooth out the building tension. “As long as that’s appropriate. I’m not a suspect or anything, am I?” Meredith asked with a grin.

  “Not yet.” Walker shot back, smiling.

  Meredith chuckled, then her facial expression turned to one of concern. “Actually, how about dinner? It looks like you could use some.”

  Walker nodded, realizing he also hadn’t eaten in several hours. “That sounds great.”

  “I know a wonderful place,” she said.

  Chapter 15

  The quaint Italian bistro in downtown Leesburg was not crowded at this late hour on a weeknight, so it was quiet as the lights were dimmed and only the slightest sounds of intimate conversations, silverware on plates, and the clinking of glasses could be heard. Two half-empty glasses of wine stood on the table as the waitress took their finished plates and asked if they needed anything else. Walker felt much better after having eaten some food and sipped gently on his second glass of wine, which was perfect in taking the edge off. He thanked Meredith for suggesting it.

  The conversation throughout the meal had been pleasant and engaging, mostly small talk about their jobs and families. Walker learned that Meredith, a transplant from upstate New York, had been teaching at the academy for eleven years, her first teaching position after graduating from UVA. Exchanging nuptials with her husband shortly after college, the two had lived in an old farmhouse on two acres of land in Warrenton, Virginia until the marriage eventually ended. Selling the property through the divorce proceedings and moving onto the campus of Washington Academy was Meredith’s way of starting over. There were no children.

  Walker told her about his former life as an FBI agent, his current life as a private investigator, and his struggle with alcohol after the divorce. He didn’t go into details about the sudden collapse of his career or the family turmoil which followed because it was still so difficult to articulate. He simply told her he had made a grave mistake and left it at that. She didn’t press.

  They had not yet discussed the disappearance, but now was the time, so Walker maneuvered the conversation back to the campus. “Was your move back to campus a good one?” he asked.

  Meredith smiled, taking a sip from her wine. “Oh, absolutely. It’s really allowed me to clear my head, you know? Focus again on the little things — the subtle beauties that surround us. I sometimes just sit on my porch and stare out at the campus, the gorgeous tree growth, the manicured flower beds, the kids walking to class. I was so absorbed for so long by my crumbling marriage, that I lost sight of the beauty in life. I think I’m finally getting that back again. Plus, living on campus is very convenient and cheap,” she said with a smile.

  Walker nodded. “Sounds like you’ve found yourself again?”

  Meredith grinned. “Yes, I have. But it wasn’t easy. And it took time. I’m not all the way there yet, but better than I was. Certainly improving every day.”

  “I’m sure it would have been tougher to do that with children,” Walker said.

  “Exactly. So I guess that was for the best.” She paused for a moment, pensive. “That was actually part of the problem. He never wanted kids. I did. I thought I could eventually convince him, but it didn’t work out that way. I wonder if we ever would have lasted.”

  Walker sighed. “We solve all of these mysteries, but relationships still seem to elude us.”

  Meredith looked him in the eyes. “How old is your daughter?”

  “She just turned thirteen.”

  “And you don’t see her at all?”

  “No. But it’s better this way. I don’t want her to see me like this. I’m not good for anyone right now.”

  Meredith tilted her head. “No one?”

  Walker scoffed and looked out at the dining room.

  “I see you nursing that wine like it’s the last one in the world. How’s your drinking? I’m sorry I didn’t realize earlier when I offered to buy you a drink.”

  Walker was solemn. “It’s okay. I’m dealing with it. Some days are better than others. I don’t need to be completely s
ober to do the work I’m doing, but I’m trying to keep my wits about me for this case. I need to be sharp, but I think I may have lost that years ago.”

  “Perhaps you need some time away. Live in a faculty residence on a beautiful private school campus. The residences are mostly for the younger teachers because of their size, but it’s a great respite from it all. What better place to live, right?”

  Walker agreed. “I was actually just thinking the same exact thing. Does Washington Academy need any criminal justice teachers?” Or perhaps just criminal.

  “I don’t know,” Meredith giggled. “You’d have to check with our illustrious leader.”

  “Ah, yes,” Walker leaned back. “The famous Dr. Ellis.”

  “Quite arrogant, don’t you think?”

  “I do. And definitely hiding something,” Walker added.

  Meredith smirked, “Indeed. I think it’s the whole private school thing. As I’m sure you’ve realized, we are a world unto ourselves, beholden to no one, not even the Board of Trustees. They simply do whatever Ellis wants. As long as the endowment holds out and the tuition checks keep clearing the bank, no one is going to speak up.”

  Walker edged forward, “So you’ve been there for ten years, what’s really going on there, behind all the pomp and circumstance?”

  Meredith smirked. “We would need a lot more wine.”

  “Try me.”

  Meredith stared at Walker for a long moment, seemingly trying to judge if she could trust him. Then she instinctively looked around the deserted dining room, as though she believed they were listening in on her conversation. She leaned in closer and started to whisper. “Well, first of all, they’re very secretive. Both of them. Ellis and his security chief, Castillo. He’s with him all the time. It’s like the security is paramount to all else, including the academics. I know we have lots of famous children here and maybe some notorious ones as well, but everything we do seems to be centered around protection. I’m just not exactly sure who they’re protecting — us or them.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, with Amanda’s disappearance, the faculty is definitely on edge, but people are literally afraid to talk about it. I can barely get a word out of my colleagues. Dr. Ellis and Mr. Castillo have spoken to all of us separately on at least two occasions. It’s almost like an interrogation. They weren’t asking questions pertaining to what we knew about Amanda’s habits or routines to help figure out what happened to her, but rather, what we saw or think we saw before she disappeared. It didn’t seem right. It was almost like they were asking these questions to ensure Amanda hadn’t told us anything that might, you know, implicate the two of them.”