the interviews

As they approached Emily’s house, they agreed it would be best to question them separately. Though neither didn’t think either was

involved in the killing, it would be best for the integrity of the investigation.

Once at the door, Jake knocked on it.

When the door opened, Camille was standing before them. “Oh, I thought you might be more trick-or-treaters.”

“Well,” Steve replied. “Sorry to disappoint you. “ He paused a moment. “May see come in?”

Camille stepped aside.”Oh, sure.”

As they stepped in, Emily appeared from the hallway. When she saw the detectives, she stopped suddenly with a surprised look on her face. She cleared her throat. “Detective.”

“Sorry to disturb you, ladies,” Steve said. “But we need to ask you both some questions.”

“Of course.” Emily glanced at Camille, then faced the detectives“Anything you need,” She walked over and stood by Camille.

The detectives looked at one another and faced the ladies. “We would like to talk to you separately,” Sally said.

The ladies looked at one another and back at the detectives.

“Sure.” Camille said, She turned around.” I’ll go check on my son.” She touched Emily’s shoulder and walked away.

Emily watched her go and then looked at the detectives. “Would you like to sit down?” She walked over to a round wooden table with four wooden chairs sitting around it and sat. Jake walked over and took a seat on her right. Sally moved a chair so it was across from Emily and sat down.

Sally brushed the table with her left hand. “ So what can I help you with?” She brushed the table again.

“First off,” we just need to know if you saw anything suspicious tonight?” Jake said.

Emily looked miffed by the question. “I already told your partner before you got her that I didn’t.”

“Well, we’ve gotten new information since then.” He studied Emily’s face from the side. “The neighbor across the street said she saw someone in a Zorro outfit leaving the Whitmoore’s house around eight. We were wondering if you might have seen it too since you’re right next door.”

“Zorro.” Emily brushed the table again and looked at Jake,” You mean that guy with that big hat and a sword?”

Jake nodded. “Yes. And a black cape.”

Wow.” Emily chuckled. “ That’s blast from the past. I used to watch the old movies. To me they were a bit tacky.”

“Did you see anyone like that?” Steve asked boldly.

Emily shooked her head. “I can’t say that I had.” She glanced at Sally and then focused on Steve. “The only time I looked outside was when I answered the door. But then I was focusing on the kids and putting candy in their sacks.”

Jake nodded and wrote in his pad. “Now, did you happen to hear anything tonight out of the norm? Like screaming or yelling.”

Emily twisted her lips and replied. “Well, it wasn’t out of the norm , but I heard Mike yelling coming from next door. But he did that

a lot. He was.” Emily wrung her hands and sighed. “He was always so uptight and rigid. Very strict with his daughter, and wasn’t happy about how loose Camille was with Cassandra.”

And about what time was that?”
Emily thought a moment. “I believe it was a little before eight.”

Jake looked at Sally for a moment and then shrugged his shoulders.” Alright. I believe we’ve got enough from you.”

Emily looked over her shoulder. “Would you like me go get Camille?”

“Why don’t you just call her?” Mike stated flatly.

Emily raised her brow and when she looked at Jake like had just been scorned. finally she said. “Let me guess. You don’t trust us.

And on’t want us getting our stories straight.” She quickly stood up. “You think we conspired to kill Mike?”

“Sit down,” Mike commanded.

Emily sat down slowly and took a couple of deep breaths. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what I’m saying. Maybe I’ve seen too many coop shows.”

“That’s okay,” Jake replied calmly. “Why don’t you call Camille now?”

Emily looked over her right shoulder and yelled “Camille!” After a few seconds, she yelled again.

Camille finally came into view.” Sorry. I was reading to my son. Is everything okay?”

“Yes,” Mike said. “We’d like to talk to you now.”

Emily got up. As she walked past Camille She said, “I’ll go keep an eye on junior.”

“Thank you,” Camille replied and walked towards the table. As she sat down, she glanced at Sally and then looked at Jake. She gulped.

“Again, we are so sorry for your loss,” Jake began. “We have some new information and need to ask you some questions.”

Camille got the book of a person who just downed a cup of coffee. “New info.”

“Yes, but first, you say you took your son out trick or treating?”

“That’s correct.” Camille said.

“Jake took out his pen and pad. “And about what time did you leave?”

“On, umm.” Camille thought a moment. “I believe it was around eight.” She pursed her lips and then let to a small gust of air.

Jake cocked his head as he observed her.

“Sorry,” Camille said softly. “ I’m just still dealing with my Hus_” She let another gust of air.

“That’s okay,” Jake replied sympathetically.” We Understand.” He paused a moment. “ Look, when you were walking around, did you happen to see a person dressed as Zorro?”

“Zorro.” Camille looked confused.

Yeah,” Steve replied. “ He was a character from the sixties or seventies, I believe. He wore a big black rim hat. A black cape and mask. He was a great swordsman.”

Camille thought a moment, then snapped her fingers. “Oh yes. I think I do remember him. Well, not from the sixties. But I think Antonio Banderas played him in a movie.”

“I’m not sure.” Jake said.

“I believe you’re right,” Sally interjected.

Camille nodded. “Then yes. I know who you’re referring to.” She quickly smiled, then her face got a sad look.

“Do you remember seeing a person dressed like that?” Jake Asked.

Wow.” Camille rubbed her chin and thought about it. “I can’t say that I did. Why?”

“Well, tour neighbor saw someone dressed like that leaving your house just after eight.”

“And you think that might be the killer?” Camille went wide eyed.

“We’re pretty sure,” Jake said.

“And you’re positive you didn’t see anyone dressed like that walking around?” Sally interjected.

“No,” Camille snapped. She saw the detectives looking at her with curiosity.

“Sorry.” Camille's lips twisted. She stared at the detectives a moment with a shameful look. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to,” she took a deep sigh. “You know.”

“Alright, let’s move on.” Jake said.”Let me ask you. How well do you know Emily?”

Camille looked surprised by the question.” I’ve known her for twenty years. We met her the day after we moved here.”

“And you trust her implicitly?” Jake said.

“Of course,” Camille replied in a loud voice. She paused a moment and continued in a lower voice. “She practically raised our kids.”

“”Really?” Jake looked at her quizzically.

“Well yeah,” Camille continued. “Me and my husband worked a lot, all too often at the same time. And when we did, Emily was nice enough to look at them so we wouldn’t have to pay a sitter.”

“So, she did it for free?” Jake asked.

“Yes.” Camille’s tone reeked of frustration. “She’s a wonderful lady.”

Okay.” Jake lifted his hands in surrender.

“Wait. You don’t think she could have_” She stopped and gave Jake an hard stare.

“We’re not saying anything at this point. We’re just being thorough.” Jake retorted coldly.

“We’re just doing our job,” Sally added.

Camille sniffed twice and then wiped a tear from her cheek. “Looks like the shock is starting to_” She cupped her hands over her face. The detectives could hear her sobbing.

They looked at one another, then Jake said,” I think we got all we need for now. But if you think of anything else that might help us,

don’t hesitate to call.” He placed his card on the table, then Him and Sally walked towards the door.

He walked out, but Sally paused a moment and looked at the grieving widow. It made her heart ache. She finally turned and closed the door.

Jake was getting in the car as she headed towards it. Once she got in, she sighed. “I hate leaving her like that.”

Jake started the car. “There's nothing we can do for her.” He put the car in drive and pulled away from the car.

They drove in silence for a minute before Sally said. “ So what’s your take on them?”

“I honestly, don’t know,” Jake replied quickly. “But there’s something one of them isn’t telling us.”

“Well , I’m trying to figure out why neither of them saw the figure in the Zorro costume,” Sally stated firmly.