Dr. Theodore Brooklyn offered chairs to McConnell and Simmons. Now seated, McConnell studied Dr. Brooklyn’s academic credentials, which were on the wall directly behind the large desk.
“What brings the city’s finest to my office?” Dr. Brooklyn asked as he walked around his desk to his chair. A smile revealing perfect white teeth formed on his lips.
“We understand that you knew Madalyn Ross,” Simmons said. “Is that correct?”
Dr. Brooklyn hesitated. “Uh, yes. Yes, I knew Madalyn Ross. Why?”
“We are investigating her murder,” Simmons said. “We need to ask you some questions about her.”
Dr. Brooklyn’s smile faded. “All right.”
“Doctor Brooklyn,” McConnell said, “you mentioned that you knew Madalyn Ross. How long? How many years?”
Dr. Brooklyn scratched his chin. “Well, I guess I knew her for ten years. Why?”
“That’s a long time,” McConnell said. “Would you say that you knew her well?”
“I suppose so.”
“How did you know her?”
“Primarily through her husband―I mean, former husband―David. We have known each other for some time.”
“Did you ever see her when she was not with her husband?” McConnell asked.
“I―I don’t believe so.”
“Did you ever see her with someone other than her husband?” Simmons asked.
Dr. Brooklyn shook his head. “No.”
“Was she seeing someone before her divorce?” McConnell asked.
Dr. Brooklyn glanced at McConnell. “Not to my knowledge.”
“Did she see someone after her divorce?” Simmons asked.
“I don’t know.” A picture of Thomas Marks formed in Dr. Brooklyn’s mind. He realized that he had lied. “How would I know that?”
“When was the last time you saw her?” Simmons asked.
Dr. Brooklyn leaned back in his chair, scratched his head, and glanced at the ceiling. “Perhaps two or three weeks ago,” he finally replied. “I was going into a restaurant and she was coming out. We exchanged a few words.”
“Was she with anyone?” McConnell asked.
“No. She was alone.”
“Are you sure?” McConnell asked.
“Yes. I’m sure.”
“Did she ever call you?”
“A couple of times after the divorce.”
“Why did she call you?” Simmons asked.
“She was suffering emotionally. She needed my help.”
“Were you able to help her?” McConnell asked.
“I believe so. We scheduled a few sessions. I suggested a prescription for a sedative.”
“Did she agree to the prescription?” McConnell asked.
“Yes, she did.”
“Did you mention this to her ex-husband?” McConnell asked.
“No. Of course not.”
Simmons glanced at McConnell and then nodded to Dr. Brooklyn. “Thanks for your help.”
Dr. Brooklyn stood and smiled. “Well, I hope I have been of some help.”
“You have,” McConnell said.
Dr. Brooklyn watched the detectives leave his office and then picked up the telephone.