“Yeah, I was working.” He scratched his cheek. “I told you before I work the graveyard shift on Sunday and Wednesday nights. It’s good money and there’s not much to do. I was at head office from midnight until six this morning, had breakfast at Aunt Betty’s, went home and slept until midday, went to work at one. I had a job to finish over at Glacial Heights.” He glared at Kane. “Until Deputy Kane arrived.”
“Okay.” Jenna removed the images of Christine Pullman and Joy Coran from the folder and slid them across the table to him. “Do you recognize these women?”
She watched him closely as he swallowed with his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down.
“I’m not sure.” Anderson leaned back in his chair. “It’s hard to tell with all the blood and all.”
“They’re Christine Pullman and Joy Coran.”
“I’m not familiar with their names, no.” Anderson lifted his attention back to her. “Are they out of Black Rock Falls? I didn’t hear anything about them on the news.”
“No.”
“So why drag me away from work?” Anderson rolled his eyes. “You’re wasting my time.”
Jenna cleared her throat. “We’ve two murdered girls in the morgue, Mr. Anderson. I’m sure if they were your daughters you’d want me to interview everyone who’d met them. The deaths of the other victims form part of our investigation into the Rosen and Braxton cases.” She placed her pen on the table and looked him straight in the eye. “You’ve worked at both the ranches and installed a so-called foolproof security system and yet someone abducted both girls from their beds. How do you account for that, Mr. Anderson?”
“Human error, I guess. The systems we install are state-of-the-art.” He opened his arms wide. “But they only protect a property if they’re activated. I’ve personally inspected both systems and they’re working just fine.”
“Tell me about the codes. Do you give the owner a code?”
“Sure do, we use a basic code, 1-2-3-4, on all the systems for us to make sure it’s operating.” Anderson gave a bark of a laugh. “Before you ask, no, I don’t have a little book with all their codes. I always give them a complete run-down of the system and leave instructions. I insist they reset the codes immediately I’ve gone.”
Jenna exchanged a look with Kane and he shrugged. She turned back to Anderson. “Where did you live growing up?”
“My family came from Butte.” He smiled at her. “You know they hold tours of a nineteenth-century brothel?”
“Ah no, I’ll be sure to remember if I’m ever by that way.” Jenna blinked at him, trying to keep her mind on track. “Do you have any objections to one of my deputies searching your home and vehicle?”
“Why?” Anderson frowned. “Am I a suspect?”
“We’re just eliminating everyone who came in contact with both girls.” Jenna inclined her head. “It would save time if you agree, Mr. Anderson, or you’ll have to remain here until a judge gives us a warrant – and we do have probable cause. You drive a similar vehicle to the one seen both nights the girls went missing, we’ve yet to establish your alibi and—”
“Yeah, I know, because I worked inside both houses and spoke to both girls?” Anderson towered his fingers and thought for a moment, then shrugged. “Sure. I want this over.”
“Thank you for your assistance. I’ll leave you a statement form to complete giving us permission to search your vehicle and home. Once the search is completed, I’ll arrange a ride home for you.” She pushed to her feet and bit back a groan of discomfort. “Can you get the door, Kane?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Outside in the hallway she handed him her notebook and gripped her back. “What do you think?”
“I’m glad you pushed him to allow us to do a search but I doubt we’ll find anything. If he’s the killer, he’s way too smart to leave any evidence.” Kane scratched his cheek. “He’s very confident, so either he’s a good liar or has a solid alibi for both murders.”
Jenna sighed. “Call his workplace and check out his alibi. If they corroborate his story, and we find zip at his home, we’ll have to cut him loose.”
“It won’t be today.” Kane frowned and glanced at his watch. “We’ll have to do the searches in the morning but they’re going to walk unless we find some evidence.”
Jenna nodded in agreement. “Okay, I’ll call a lawyer for Kittredge then update the case files and leave you to chase up Anderson’s alibi. You might as well call the Triple Z and see if the barman knows the woman Kittredge said he spent time with on Wednesday night.” She glanced down the hallway. “When we’re done, we’ll speak to Lancaster and Packer.”
“I’ll interview them if you need to take a break.” Kane touched her face. “You’re so pale. I wish you’d let the paramedics take a look at you.”
Jenna leaned into his hand. “Thanks, but if one of them is intent on killing innocent girls to get to me, I want to look the SOB straight in the eye.”
Forty-Five
As Jenna disconnected from a call to Sam Cross, she looked up, to see Rowley waiting in the doorway. “How did you go with George Miller?”
“He’s bringing Matt in now but he insiste