Thats terrible, he said, sounding genuinely shocked. Is itwell, with two women in such a short amount of timedo you think its a trend? A serial?
We dont know quite yet, Mackenzie said. We were hoping you might be able to fill in the pieces. I saw on the college website that there are only two academic advisors for the political science department, and that youre one of them. I also happen to know that both Jo Haley and Christine Lynch shared the same advisor. Would that happen to be you?
There was a tense nervous chuckle from McMahons end of the phone. No. And actually, this is one of the primary reasons I have such a heavy workload right now. The other academic advisor within our department, William Holland, quit his job about three days before winter break. I got the majority of his studentsand Ill likely be handling that load until they find a replacement. We have an assistant that is helping where I need it, but Ive been swamped.
Do you have any idea why Holland quit?
Well, there were rumblings that he had gotten involved with a student. As far as I know, there was never any evidence to support this, so I thought it was just a rumor. But when he just simply quit like that, out of nowhere, it made me wonder.
Yeah, that makes me wonder, too, Mackenzie thought.
As far as you know, did he ever do anything else that might have been shady? Was he the type of man where news like this shocked you?
I cant answer with any certainty. I meanI knew him only because we worked together. But I didnt know him much outside of work.
So Im going to assume you have no idea where he might live?
Sorry, no.
While I have you onMr. McMahon, when was the last time you spoke with either Jo or Christine?
I never did. I was assigned them both when I was handed Hollands students, but the most I ever communicated with them was a mass email that was sent to all of the affected students. He paused here and added: You know, given the nature of all thats happened, I could probably get Hollands address for you. I just need to make a few calls.
I appreciate that, Mackenzie said. But theres no need. I can get that information as well. But thank you very much for your time.
With that, she ended the call. Ellington, sitting on the edge of the bed with one shoe off and the other on, had been listening the entire time.
Who is Holland? he asked.
William Holland. She filled Ellington in on all she had learned via her brief conversation with McMahon. As she did, she also sat down on the edge of the bed. She didnt realize just how tired she truly was until her feet were off of the floor.
Ill make a call to get his information, he said. If he works at the college, the chances are pretty good he lives around here somewhere.
And if he is our guy, Mackenzie said, my calling and leaving a message has probably freaked him out.
Then I guess we need to act fast, then.
She nodded and realized that she had once again placed her hand on her stomach. It was almost habitual now, like someone chewing on their nails or nervously popping their knuckles.
Theres life in there, she thought. And that life, if the books are right, is feeling the same emotions Im feeling. Its sensing my anxiousness, my happiness, my fears
As she listened to Ellington hunting down a physical address for William Holland, Mackenzie wondered for the first time if she had made a mistake in keeping the pregnancy from McGrath. Maybe she was taking a huge risk by remaining an active agent, out in the field.
Once this case is over, Ill tell him, she thought. Ill focus on the baby and my mew life, and
Her thoughts had apparently snagged her full attention, because Ellington was looking at her now, as if waiting for a response.
Im sorry, she said. I was somewhere else there for a minute.
He smiled and said, Thats okay. I got an address for one William Holland. He lives here in town, in Northwood. You feel up for a visit?
Honestly, she didnt. The day had not been overly grueling but coming into a case directly off of a trip to Iceland and not sleeping much in the past thirty-six hours, it was all starting to catch up to her. She also knew that the growing baby inside of her was sucking some of her energy away and the thought of that actually made her smile.
Besides, even if the guy was capable of questioning or taking into custody, it probably wouldnt take that long. So she put on her best go-get-em face and stood back up.
Yeah, lets go pay him a visit.
Ellington stepped in front of her, making sure they were looking eye to eye. You sure? You look tired. You even told me less than half an hour ago that you felt a little wiped out.
Its okay. Im good.
He kissed her on the forehead and nodded. Okay, then. Im going to take you on your word. With another smile, he reached down and caressed her stomach before heading for the door.
Hes worried about me, she thought. And hes already so in love with this child that its overwhelming. Hes going to be such a good father
But before she could latch on to that thought, they were out the door and headed for the car. They moved with such speed and purpose that it served as a reminder that she would not be able to truly focus on thoughts about their future together until this case was solved.
CHAPTER SEVEN
It was shortly after seven p.m. when Ellington parked their car in front of William Hollands house. It was a small house tucked away on the outer edges of a nice little subdivision, the sort of house that looked more like a misplaced cottage than anything else. A single car was parked in the paved driveway and several lights were on inside the house.
Ellington knocked on the door in an almost assertive way. He was not being rude about it by any means, but he was making it clear to Mackenzie that while he was worried about her health, he would be taking the lead in just about every facet of the case: driving, knocking on doors, and so on.
The door was answered by a well-groomed man who looked to be in his late forties. He wore a pair of trendy eyeglasses and was dressed in a blazer and khakis. Based on the smell wafting out of the door from behind him, he was enjoying Chinese takeout for dinner.
William Holland? Ellington asked.
Yeah. And who are you?
They both showed their badges at the same time, Mackenzie taking a single step forward as they did. Agents White and Ellington, FBI. We understand that you left your job at Queen Nash recently.
I did, Holland said with some uncertainty. But Im confused. Why would that warrant a visit from the FBI?
Can we come in, Mr. Holland? Ellington asked.
Holland took a moment to think before conceding. Sure, yeah, come on in. But I dontI mean, what is this about?
They entered the doorway without answering. When Holland closed the door behind them, Mackenzie took note. Hed shut it slowly and firmly. He was either nervous or scaredor, more likely, both.
Were here in town investigating two murders, Ellington finally answered. Both Queen Nash students, both females, and, as weve learned today, both advised by you.
Theyd entered Hollands living room by then and Holland wasted no time in plopping down into a small lounge chair. He looked up to them as if he truly did not understand what they were telling him.
Hold onyoure saying two?
Yes, Mackenzie said. Did you not know?
I knew about Jo Haley. And the only reason I knew that was because were notified by the provost whenever a student that we work with passes away. Who is the other one?
Christine Lynch, Mackenzie said, studying his face for a reaction. There was a flicker of recognition there, but very little. Do you recognize the name?
Yes. But II cant recall the face. I had over sixty students, you know.
Thats another thing, Ellington said. The had of it all. We hear that you quit your job shortly before winter break. Did that have anything to do with the rumors that you were seeing one of your students?
Ah, Jesus, Holland said. He leaned back in his chair and removed his glasses. He massaged the bridge of his nose and sighed. Yes, Im dating a student. I knew word was getting around and what that might do to both my career and her academic career. So I quit my job.
Just like that? Mackenzie asked.
No, not just like that, Holland snapped. Wed been sneaking around for months and Ive fallen in love with her. She feels the same. So we talked long and hard about it, trying to figure out what to do. But during that time, it somehow became public knowledge. And that sort of made the decision for us. Butwhat does any of this have to do with the murders?
Were hoping nothing, Ellington said. But you have to see this the way we see it. We have two murdered students and the only firm link between the two of them is that they share you as an academic advisor. Add to that the fact that youre having a fairly open relationship with a student
So you think Im a suspect? You think I killed those girls?
Saying the words out loud seemed to make him sick. He placed his glasses back on and sat up in the chair, hunched over.
Were not sure what we think right now, Mackenzie said. Thats why were here to speak with you.
Mr. Holland, Ellington said, you just told us that you could not really place Christine Lynchs face. How about Jo Haley?
YesI knew her rather well, actually. She was a friend of the woman Im currently seeing.
So Jo Haley knew about the relationship?
I dont know. I dont think that Melissathats my girlfriendwould tell her. We tried our best to remain very discreet.
Mackenzie took a moment to think. The fact that his girlfriend had known one of the victimsand that the victim could have potentially known about the taboo relationshipcertainly painted Holland in a worse light. It made her wonder why he would so voluntarily offer up all of this information without much of a fight.
Forgive me for asking, Mackenzie said, but was this girlfriend of yoursthis Melissathe first student youve ever been involved with?
A knot of frustration worked its way across Hollands face and he got to his feet in a sudden flash of movement. Hey, fuck you! I cant
Sit back down right now, Ellington said, stepping directly into Hollands path.
Holland appeared to realize his mistake right away, his expression going from one of resigned regret to anger, back and forth as he tried to settle on an emotion.
Look, Im sorry. But Im sick and tired of being judged for this and I truly dont appreciate being accused of screwing around with all students just because I happen to be involved in a current, responsible relationship with a consenting of-age woman.
How old are you, Mr. Holland? Mackenzie asked.
Forty-five.
And how old is Melissa?
Twenty-one.
Have you ever been married? Ellington asked, taking a step back and relaxing his posture.
Once. For eight years. It was miserable, if you must know.
And how did that marriage end?
Holland shook his head and started making his way to the edge of the living room, where the foyer joined it. Yeah, this conversation is over. Unless you plan on charging me with something, you can both get the hell out. Im sure there are others at the college that can answer the rest of your questions.
Slowly, Mackenzie made her way to the door. Ellington followed reluctantly behind. Mackenzie turned back to him, her gut telling her there was something here.
Mr. Holland, you understand that by failing to cooperate, it makes it look much worse for you.
Ive dealt with that for the last month or so of my life.
Wheres Melissa right now? Ellington asked. Wed like to speak with her as well.
Shes But Holland stopped here, again shaking his head. Shes been dragged through the mud, too. I wont have you bothering her over this.
So you arent answering any more of our questions, Ellington said. And youre refusing to give us the location of someone else we need to speak with. Is that correct?
Thats absolutely correct.
Mackenzie could tell that Ellington was getting riled up. She could see his shoulders going tense and his posture going as rigid as a stone slab. She reached out and gently touched his arm, anchoring him.
Well take note of that, Mackenzie said. If we need to speak with you again in regards to this case and its discovered that you arent home, well consider you a viable suspect and you will be arrested. Do you understand that?
Sure, Holland said.
He crowded them into the foyer as he opened the door for them. The moment they were standing on the porch, Holland slammed the door.
Mackenzie started toward the porch stairs but Ellington held his ground. You dont think its worth pursuing? he asked.
Maybe. But I dont think anyone that is guilty would willingly share some of those details. Besideswe know his girlfriends first name. If its really pressing, we can probably weed her full name out from his records. The last thing we need, though, is the hasty arrest of an academic advisor who is already on thin ice and in a bit of controversy.
Ellington smiled and joined her heading down the stairs. Seeits things like this that are going to make you an amazing wife. Always keeping me from doing something stupid.
I suppose I have had ample practice these last few years.
They got back into the car and when Mackenzie was in the seat, she again realized how tired she was. She would never admit it to Ellington, but maybe she did need to take it easy.
One or two more days, little one, she thought to the growing life inside of her. Just a few more days and you and I will be getting all the rest we want.
CHAPTER EIGHT
She knew she shouldnt be doing this, but it was hard to resist. Besideswith a new semester on the way, this would be a good way to kick things off. One last fling. One last night of absolute craziness. And if it went the way it usually did, shed leave feeling empoweredso empowered that it would easily override those quick little flashes of regret.
And it would be a great way to start the new semester.
Marie hadnt even tried to talk herself out of it. The moment shed parked her car in the garage, she knew this was where she would end up tonight. All shed had to do was make the call, to let him know that she was back in town and wanted to see him. He had never denied her before and after three weeks apart, she highly doubted he would deny her now.