Simmons found another tube of lipstick in Miss Ross’s purse and put it in the bag. Then he and McConnell gave the bags to Dr. Stricklin.
McConnell asked Dr. Stricklin to check the fingerprints on the glasses and the blood on the knife. “You may be able to identify who they belong to. You may be able to test the tubes of lipstick, too. One could have been used to print the letters.”
Doctor Stricklin nodded, but he didn’t say anything.
McConnell and Simmons drove to Dr. Ross’s office. McConnell informed the young woman behind the counter that they needed to see Dr. Ross. She said she would inform Dr. Ross and asked them to be seated. Five minutes later, she informed them that Dr. Ross could see them.
When the detectives entered the office, Dr. Ross asked, “What is it, gentlemen?” Dr. Ross glanced at his watch.
McConnell noticed and replied, “It won’t take long.” McConnell pulled the photograph from his shirt pocket and handed it to Dr. Ross. “Can you identify everyone in this photograph?”
Dr. Ross studied the photograph. “Where did you get this?”
“It was in your ex-wife’s condominium,” McConnell replied. “Can you identify everyone?”
“Yes. Of course, you recognize my ex-wife and me―”
“Of course.”
“The others are Doctor Michelle Priestly, Doctor Theodore Brooklyn, Thomas Marks, and Caroline Jantzen. Doctor Priestly teaches psychology at Ohio State, and Doctor Brooklyn is a psychiatrist. He has a private practice. Thomas Marks, who was in his teens at the time the picture was taken, is unusual―”
“Unusual?” Simmons asked. “In what way?”
Dr. Ross glanced at Simmons. “Gifted. Very intelligent. If you’d like to know more about him, see Doctor Brooklyn. He was the boy’s psychiatrist. The girl―Caroline Jantzen―was slightly younger than Thomas, I believe. She was a good friend of the boy's.”
“Why are they in a picture with you and your ex-wife?” McConnell asked.
“Some awards banquet. However, I don’t remember which awards banquet. I and Madalyn were the host and hostess, I think, and these four were our guests. Actually, we had not invited Caroline Jantzen. She came with Thomas Marks.”
“You mean you didn’t know Miss Jantzen until that evening, when she was introduced to you by Thomas Marks?” McConnell asked.
“That’s correct, Detective,” Dr. Ross said.
“How old is this photograph?” Simmons asked.
“I’d say it was taken about eight or nine years ago. Do you think one of these four had something to do with Madalyn’s murder?”
“Maybe, maybe not,” McConnell said. “But we have to find out who Madalyn knew―”
“You can’t be serious,” Dr. Ross interjected. “None of these people had anything to do with Madalyn’s murder. I’m sure of it.”
“How do you know?” Simmons asked.
“At least three―Michelle Priestly, Theodore Brooklyn, and Thomas Marks―knew Madalyn. They were friends. And Caroline―Caroline Jantzen― seemed sweet and innocent.”
“I understand your position,” McConnell said, “but we have to check everyone.”
Dr. Ross shook his head. “Well, I think you’re wasting your time.”
“May I have the photograph?” McConnell asked.
Dr. Ross handed it to him.
“Thanks for the information, Doctor. If we have any further questions, we’ll be in touch. Let’s go, Simmons. I’m sure Doctor Ross has patients to see.”
* * *
As soon as they returned to their offices, Simmons called Dr. Priestly and scheduled an appointment for the next morning. McConnell called Dr. Brooklyn and scheduled an appointment for the next afternoon.