Free Deadly Web by Michael Omer Page A

angry, though Jacob suspected this was her natural expression. People with tight mouths always seemed unhappy. She wore a pearl necklace and large gold earrings. Combined with her name, her appearance gave her an air of aloof superiority which Mitchell frequently saw in low level managers and bad teachers.
    “We’re investigating a murder, Mrs. Pendergast,” Mitchell said. “I believe the sister of a man named Frank Gulliepe is staying here?”
    At the mentioning of Frank, Mrs. Pendergast’s mouth relaxed a bit and her eyes softened. Jacob was impressed by the transformation. She suddenly seemed more like a kindly aunt than an angry headmistress.
    “Of course. Melinda Gulliepe. Is her brother all right?”
    “I’m afraid not, Mrs. Pendergast. He’s dead.”
    She covered her mouth with her hand in horror. “Oh God!” she said, and leaned on the desk. “How did it happen?”
    “We are not at liberty to say,” Jacob said.
    “But… You said it’s a murder investigation, then… then… did someone…” Mrs. Pendergast blinked, tears appearing in her eyes.
    “I understand Frank was here yesterday?” Jacob asked smoothly.
    “Yes. He comes… came here every Tuesday afternoon. He visited his sister.”
    “What was Mr. Gulliepe’s relationship with his sister like?”
    “Oh, he loved her. It’s very rare to see such dedication between siblings. Parents, sure. Most parents regularly come to visit their children here. Sometimes even daily.”
    Jacob briefly imagined having a child in a place like this. The thought was ghastly and he pushed it away, shuddering inwardly.
    “But siblings?” Mrs. Pendergast continued. “Frank was a rare person. Every Tuesday and Thursday, like clockwork. And every other weekend, as well. Melinda was dearly loved.”
    “What about their parents?” Mitchell asked.
    “Both their parents are dead,” she answered.
    Mitchell and Jacob exchanged looks. There would be no knocking on Frank’s mother’s door to tell her that her son was dead. In a way, it was a relief.
    “Did Frank seem different yesterday evening?”
    “Well, I wasn’t on shift yesterday, so I didn’t see him,” Mrs. Pendergast answered. “You’d have to ask someone from that shift.”
    “Could you please let us talk with the person in charge of yesterday’s shift?”
    “Well, Dorothy Hobart was in charge… but she had a double shift and was awake all night. I’m sure you don’t want me to wake her up.”
    “Actually,” Jacob said. “If you could wake her up, it would be most helpful. This is a murder investigation.”
    “But I… of course.” Mrs. Pendergast sighed. She pulled a phone from her pocket and dialed, then waited with the phone glued to her ear, clearing her throat every two seconds. Finally, the person on the other side of the call seemed to pick up. “Dorothy? It’s Linda. I’m really sorry to wake you up. I… Yes, it’s nine-thirty. I’m sorry, but the police are here. They say that Frank Gulliepe was killed last night... Yes! It’s terrible. Poor Frank… I know you saw him only yesterday, dear, that’s why I’m calling you. They want to ask a couple of questions.”
    Jacob nodded silently at Mitchell, indicating that he’d take the call. Mrs. Pendergast babbled for several minutes more, then passed the phone to him. “This is Detective Cooper,” he said. “Could I have your name, please?”
    The lady on the other side sounded as if she was weeping. “My name is Dorothy. Dorothy Hobart.”
    “Mrs. Hobart, I’d like to ask you a few questions.”
    “Okay.” Dorothy Hobart said, sniffling.
    “Did Frank seem different yesterday evening? Was he worried, or preoccupied?”
    “No, he was his usual self.”
    “Could you describe what he did during his visit?”
    “Well, I wasn’t exactly following him around. He usually got to the center at about four-thirty, and then spent an hour and a half with his sister.”
    “Is there any way to corroborate that’s what