He tried to make his questions sound casual. After Betsy sheepishly admitted that she had one or two vodkas, they established what time Betsy got to the party and what time she left. Wilson asked, “Were there any fights or disagreements at the party?”
Of course, Betsy immediately told him that Alan and Kerry had an argument because Kerry and Chris Kobel were flirting with each other. And after the quarrel, Alan left before anyone else. She told Mike that everyone else left in a group because Kerry wanted them all out by eleven o’clock.
The interview turned out to be simply a verification of what Mike knew from the texts and his interview of Alan.
His final question was “Do you know who brought in the beer and vodka?” It drew a shake of Betsy’s head.
“It was already there when I arrived, and I was the first one to get to the party.”
Similar answers came from the next two girls who had texted Kerry. The one who’d sent the “Dump Alan” text heatedly exclaimed that Alan wasn’t just upset or annoyed; he was ballistic.
It was the last girl who had texted Kerry after the party who proved the most valuable to Mike. When he asked her who brought the liquor to the party, her answer was “Kerry told me that the guy who fixed the flat tire on her car had told her that anytime she had a party, he could get her whatever alcohol she wanted.”
Mike did not show any change of expression. “Do you know the name of the guy who fixed the flat?”
“I don’t.”
“Did Kerry describe him or say where she met him?”
“I think she got the flat on Route 17 in Mahwah, and he pulled over to help.”
“Did she say where she met him to get the alcohol for the party?”
“No, but she did tell me that when she met him to pick it up, he put it in her trunk. Then when she closed the trunk, he asked her if he could come to the party. She told him it was just for her high school friends. There wouldn’t be anybody his age there. Kerry said this guy was about twenty-five. Then he said, ‘Well, maybe we can get together after your friends go home.’ Of course, she said no. Then he grabbed her and started kissing her.”
“Did she ever describe this guy to you?”
“No. Right after she told him to get lost, she told me she got in her car and drove off.”
“So she didn’t say where she met him to pick up the alcohol?”
“I don’t think she did. I can’t remember.”
He looked at her parents. “I’m very grateful to have had this opportunity to talk with your daughter.”
He said goodbye and left to go back to his car. As he drove away, he could only think about the fact that there might just be yet another potential suspect in Kerry Dowling’s murder.
22
The sun was streaming through the windows of the rectory. Marge sat opposite Father Frank in his office. Instead of sitting behind his desk, he had pulled up a chair closer to her.
“Marge, I’m happy you’ve come to see me. I could tell from your voice on the phone that you are very upset. What’s wrong?”
“Jamie, he’s in trouble.”
There was a pause. And then Marge, her voice trembling began, “Father, from his window Jamie was watching the party at Kerry Dowling’s house. When she fell or was pushed into the pool, he thought she went swimming and went over to swim with her.”
“Did he tell you that?”
“Not at first. The next morning I noticed that his slacks were wet and so were his socks and sneakers. When I asked him about it, he told me he had seen someone come up behind Kerry, hit her and push her in the pool. Still thinking he could go swimming with her, he walked down the steps to the pool.”
Marge took a deep breath.
“I didn’t know what to do, Father. I watched that awful scene of Steve Dowling and Aline finding Kerry in the pool. I was afraid. Afraid for Jamie. His sneakers and pants had stains on them. Maybe it was wrong, but I washed them. I had to protect Jamie. I made Jamie promise not to talk to anybody about what happened that night.”
“Marge, what Jamie saw could be very helpful to the police.”
“Yes, but it could also get Jamie in a lot of trouble if they think he did it.” Marge drew a deep breath. “Father, that’s not all. Remember how Jack always called Jamie ‘Big Guy’?”
“Of course I remember.”
“And now Jamie has been talking to me about ‘the Big Guy’ who pushed Kerry into the pool. Alan Crowley is average height and has a thin build. Jamie sometimes talks about himself as ‘the Big Guy.’ He can get mixed up if he’s upset. I’m so afraid that if he ever tells that to the police . . .” Marge’s voice trailed off.
“Marge, is there any chance Jamie might have hurt Kerry?”
“Jamie was disappointed and maybe even angry that he wasn’t invited to the party, but I can’t see him ever hurting her.”
“But when Jamie said a ‘Big Guy’ pushed Kerry in the pool. Do you think he may have been talking about himself?”
Marge sighed. “I don’t know what to think. He loved her. I can’t believe he would hurt her. A detective came by and spoke to us. I don’t think he suspects Jamie, but I just don’t know.”
“Marge, I don’t want to give you quick advice that might turn out to be wrong. Let me think about what we’ve discussed.”
“Thank you so much, Father. And please pray for me. And for Jamie.”
“I will, Marge. I promise.”
23
Excited by the start of a new school year, students poured back into the hallways. As they passed Aline, many of them stopped to tell her how sorry they were about Kerry. Aline tried to keep her eyes from welling up as one after the other they told her they couldn’t believe what had happened to her sister. “Neither can I” was her answer.
The day passed by in a blur. After the school buses had come and gone and the teachers began to go home, Aline sat in her office. She tried to familiarize herself with the names of this year’s seniors. She knew that one of her jobs would be to help them finalize which colleges they would apply to.
She was troubled by the fact that the first thing she had done on the computer was to look up the information requested by Mike Wilson. She worried that if they found out what she had given to the detective, her first day at Saddle River High School could be her last. She hoped not.
There was a tap on her door. Pat Tarleton opened it and came in. “So Aline, how did the first day go?”
“As well as can be expected,” Aline said wryly. “That said, it feels good to be here. And I’m looking forward to getting to know the students and my fellow faculty.”
“Speaking of that, I noticed that you and Scott Kimball were chatting in the teachers’ lounge together. He’s been a great addition to the faculty this past year. His math classes have been very popular with the students. And he’s been a godsend for the girls lacrosse program.”
“He had some of the players at the wake with him,” Aline said, her tone noncommittal.
“And I remember Kerry talking about what a great coach he was. Okay, I just wanted to pop by. See you in the A.M.”
The door had barely closed behind Pat when Aline’s cell phone rang. It was Mike Wilson.
“Aline, when Kerry was in touch with you, whether by phone, text or email, did she ever mention somebody stopping to help her with a flat?”
In her mind Aline raced through her recent emails from Kerry. “No, I don’t recall that. I assume there’s a reason you’re asking.”
“I’m just trying to be thorough. One of Kerry’s friends told me that someone who helped her change a flat got a little aggressive with her after she refused to invite him to the party. It’s probably nothing. But I want to find out that person’s name.”
“Do you think he may have been the one who . . . ?”
“Aline, we follow up on anything that might turn out to be relevant. That’s why I need to ask your folks about the flat tire.”
“Of course.”
“How are they doing?”
“I know going back to work is helping my father. My mother is pretty bad.”
“Will they be home this evening? Kerry might have talked to them about the flat and who helped her. Do you know what time might be convenient for them?”
“Dad is usually home by six-thirty. We never eat before seven-thirty. I would say about six-forty-five.”
“Fine. I’ll see you then as well.”
Aline pushed the button to power down her computer. She was about to get out of her chair when there was another knock on the door. Scott Kimball came into her office.
The lacrosse coach was also a mathematics instructor, teaching courses in algebra, geometry and calculus. It was the beginning of his second year at this school. He had been hired a year earlier to replace a retiring teacher, and the athletic director had been delighted to find in Kimball someone who had played lacrosse and was willing to coach it. He was quickly made head coach of the girls’ varsity squad.
“Just a social visit,” he said. “How is it going?”
“My grandparents have gone back to Arizona. I’ll miss them, but in a way it’s easier. My dad went back to work. My mother is having a really hard time. Of course, we all are. But she’s determined to keep as busy as possible.”
“Aline, I know the timing may not be right, it might be premature, but I’m going to plow forward anyway. I would very much enjoy taking you to dinner. I’ve been dying to try a new French restaurant that opened right on the Hudson in Nyack. I’m told the food and the view are both great.”
Aline hesitated. Undoubtedly Scott was an attractive man. But she wasn’t sure if it was wise to socialize—oh come on, call it what it really is—date a fellow staffer. “I’m not ready yet, but can we talk about it in a couple weeks?”
“Absolutely. As you know, I’ll be around.”
With a wave he left her office.
Aline thought of Kerry’s reaction to Kimball at the end of last season. He’s a great coach and a really nice guy. He was so much better than the former coach, Don Brown, who had no idea what he was doing. Score one for you, Kerry, Aline thought. It seems like you would have approved of my joining Scott Kimball for dinner at the restaurant with the great view.
She locked her door behind her and headed out to the parking lot.
24
True to his word, Mike Wilson rang the doorbell at precisely 6:45. Aline had told her parents that he wanted to stop in. Her mother’s reaction was instant. “He’s going to tell us that they’ve arrested Alan Crowley.”
“No, it’s not about that at all. It’s just a question he has for you.”
Steve asked, “About Kerry?”
“Yes, it’s about a flat tire Kerry had.”
“Kerry never had a flat tire,” Steve said firmly.
“Well, tell Detective Wilson that.”
When Mike arrived, Aline wanted to avoid having the meeting in the family room. That was where the three of them had been sitting when Mike told them that Kerry’s death was not an accident. Instead she suggested that they go into the living room.
When they were seated, Mike explained the reason for the meeting, reporting what he had told Aline. Steve said firmly, “Kerry said nothing about getting a flat. But I had told her that the rear tire on her car was looking threadbare. And I wanted her to go to the dealer and have it changed right away. If she had a flat before she took care of it, she would not have wanted to tell us about it.”
“Did she ever get a new tire?” Mike asked.
“She showed me she got the new one about ten days ago.”
“Doesn’t that narrow the time when she met whoever changed the flat and sold her the beer for the party?” Aline asked.
“And then tried to force himself on her,” Steve said bitterly.
“Yes, assuming she got the replacement tire right after getting the flat.” Mike got up. “This could be very helpful in following up on whoever that guy is.”
“The only one you should be concentrating on is Alan Crowley,” Fran said firmly as her eyes filled with tears.
Aline walked Mike to the door. “I wonder if Mom is right about Alan Crowley?” she asked.
“We try to avoid fixating on one obvious suspect. We’re determined to pursue any relevant leads.” He repeated the question Pat Tarleton had asked. “How did your first day go?”
“A little overwhelming, of course. But I have a question. Does anyone else know I gave you the information about the birth dates and where they’re going to college?”
“No one knows where I got that information.”
“Good. If it’s okay, I’d like to keep it that way.”
“Absolutely. Good night.”
Aline watched his retreating figure and waited until he stepped into the car and drove away.
• • •
Valerie endured the first day of school as though she was walking in her sleep. Every step of the way it felt like Kerry was there. Kerry on the lacrosse field. Kerry walking with her arm around her as they headed to the locker room.
Inside, Valerie so much wanted to be able to cry. But somehow the tears were all stuck in her throat.
As she was changing classes, she saw Kerry’s sister, the new guidance counselor, in the corridor. She was wearing a dark blue jacket and slacks. As she passed her, Valerie thought she was so pretty. She was taller than Kerry and her hair was dark brown, but they still looked a lot alike.
I’m sorry, Kerry, Valerie thought. I’m so sorry.
25
As they had planned, Alan Crowley’s parents met the well-known defense lawyer Lester Parker. A reluctant Alan accompanied them.
“Alan, let us go over what happened at the party,” Parker began. “Kerry Dowling was your girlfriend, wasn’t she?”
“Yes, she was.”
“How long were the two of you, um, in a relationship?”
“A year.”
“Is it true you two had a lot of arguments?”
“Afterwards we joked about them. Kerry was a flirt and liked to see me get mad. But we always made up.”
“What about the night of the party? Did you have a quarrel?”
“Kerry had had a couple vodkas. She never could handle any liquor well, even a glass or two of wine. So when Chris Kobel started flirting with her, she kept flirting back with him.”
“Had you been drinking?”
“Yes, I just had a couple of beers.”
“A couple?”
“Maybe three or four. I’m not really sure.”
Alan was very aware that his parents were now glaring at him.
“I understand you left the party before it was over. Where did you go?”
“I knew some of my friends would be at a local pizza restaurant, Nellie’s in Waldwick. I met them there.”
“Did you stay with them until you went home?”
“No.”
“Did you go directly to Kerry’s house from the restaurant?”
“Yes.”
“Where was she when you got there?”
“She was out on the patio in back of the house, cleaning up.”
“What did she say when she saw you?”
She didn’t say anything. I said, ‘Kerry, I’m sorry. I just want to help you clean up.’ ”
“How did she respond to that?”
“ ‘I’m tired. I’m getting up early in the morning. I want to go to bed now.’ ”
“Did you leave then?”
“I could tell that she meant it. She was yawning. So I said, ‘I’ll see you tomorrow.’ ”
“What happened next?”
“She said, ‘Okay, let’s talk tomorrow.’ ”
“And what did you do then?”
“I gave her a hug and a kiss and went home.”
“What time did you get home?”
June jumped in. “We were in the bedroom. I looked at the clock. It was exactly eleven-fifty-one.”
A look of annoyance came o
ver Parker’s face. “Alan, do you agree? Was it around eleven-fifty-one?”
“No, I think it was a little later.”
“It was exactly eleven-fifty-one,” June interjected. “As I told you, I was looking at the clock when Alan came in.”
There was a pause, and then Lester Parker turned to the Crowleys. “I wonder if you would mind waiting outside. The best way I can help Alan is if I hear the facts directly from him.”
When the door closed behind them, Parker said, “Alan, we have attorney-client privilege. Nothing you tell me will be shared with anyone. In any way shape or form, did you either hit Kerry or push her in the pool?”
“Absolutely not.” Alan’s expression and body language were fiercely defensive. “How would you feel if everyone in town thought you were a murderer?” he burst out. “How would you feel if your parents were so sure you were going to get arrested that they hired a hotshot lawyer to defend you? How would you feel if your girlfriend, who you really loved, got murdered?”
Alan’s lips quivered. Lester Parker studied Alan. He had heard many defendants plead their innocence and could often detect who was lying and who was telling the truth. He was still reserving judgment on Alan Crowley as he prepared to offer a defense for him.
“When did you learn that Kerry was dead?”
“About noon on Sunday. I was outside mowing the lawn and my cell phone was in the house. When I went in to get a bottle of water, I could see there were a lot of messages and texts. I read one of the texts and found out what happened. As I was reading the message, a detective came to the house and asked me to go down to Hackensack with him.”
“Did you tell him exactly what you’re telling me?”
“Yes, I did.”
“Alan, it must have been very scary for you to go down to the Prosecutors Office and get videotaped. Did you say anything in that interview that was not true?”
Alan hesitated.
“It’s okay, Alan,” Parker said. “You can tell me.”
“I told the detective I stayed at the restaurant with my friends the whole time and then I went straight home from there. I didn’t tell him I went to see Kerry on the way home.”