McConnell and Simmons were seated in Dr. Priestly’s office, watching her grade a paper. McConnell and Simmons noticed that her hair outlined her face and neck. She was wearing a blue blouse.
When Dr. Priestly finished grading the paper, she put it aside and looked at the detectives. “Okay, what is it?” she asked.
McConnell smiled. “We understand that you knew Madalyn Ross. Is that correct?”
She started playing with the pen that she had used to grade the paper. “Yes, I did. Why?”
“How well did you know her?”
“I knew her well enough. We were friends.”
“How long?” Simmons asked.
Dr. Priestly put the pen on the desk and studied Simmons for a minute. “About ten years,” she finally replied. “Why?”
“When was the last time you saw her?” McConnell asked.
“About two months ago. We were at some civic function.”
“Did you go with her?”
“No. But we sat together.”
“Do you remember what you discussed?” Simmons asked.
“Yes. We talked about what we’d been doing.”
“Can you be more specific?” McConnell asked.
“Yes. She told me that she had been working for several charitable organizations. I told her that I had been teaching and writing several articles.”
“Did you ever discuss her marriage?”
Dr. Priestly shook her head. “No. At least, not the last time I saw her. You have to understand that I was friends with her ex-husband, too.”
“I know that, Doctor Priestly, but―”
“We didn’t discuss her former marriage,” she said flatly.
“But you said, ‘At least, not the last time I saw her.’ What did you mean by that?” Simmons asked.
“Well, I’m sure we discussed her marital problems and divorce at some other time."
“When? Do you remember?” McConnell asked.
“Not really.” She glared at McConnell. “I can’t remember every conversation I have with friends. Can you, Detective McConnell?”
“Do you know if she was seeing someone―I mean, before her divorce?” McConnell asked.
“No, I didn’t, Detective McConnell.”
McConnell smiled. “Do you know if she dated anyone after the divorce?”
“I believe she was seeing someone. I don’t believe it was serious, though.”
“Why do you say that?” Simmons asked.
She turned toward Simmons. “I think she would have mentioned it the last time I saw her.”
McConnell stared at her. “Where were you on the evening Madalyn Ross was murdered?”
Simmons gaped at McConnell in disbelief.
Dr. Priestly glared at McConnell. “I was at home, Detective McConnell.” She stood. “Am I suspect, Detective?”
McConnell studied her for a minute. “Every so-called friend of Madalyn Ross is a suspect, Doctor Priestly. Including you.”
“Well, I will not answer another question.”
McConnell stood and glanced at Simmons who appeared puzzled. Then he turned back toward Dr. Priestly and wondered how she would react to his next question. “Can you prove that you were home?”
“Get out of my office, Detective McConnell.” She turned toward Simmons and added, “That includes you, too.”
Simmons shook his head. “I’m sorry, Doctor Priestly.”
* * *
When they reached the car, Simmons stopped and crossed his arms over his chest. “McConnell, why did you ask that question? Doctor Priestly didn’t kill Madalyn Ross.”
McConnell sighed. “Look, Simmons, everyone who knew Madalyn Ross is a suspect.”
“But―Doctor Priestly? She’s a suspect?”
“That’s right. That is, until her story checks out.”
Simmons shook his head and hoped the appointment with Dr. Brooklyn would not end the same.