Detective Nesbit bagged the shoes as evidence. Since they arrived separately, they drove back to the station alone, each trying to make sense of the clues.
They spent the rest of their shift on reports. The next morning, Peter and Dave arrived early, eager to dive into the case. They were greeted by forensics and medical examiner reports.
It took an hour to read through them. Peter noted, “The reports point in the same direction, but we shouldn’t rush. Let’s see what else we can find from the computer. Meanwhile, we should talk to his lawyer and colleagues.”
David agreed, and they visited Mark’s lawyer, Robert Graham, who quickly gave them a few minutes of his time.
“I can’t discuss my client’s legal situation. What do you need?”
Detective Nesbit said, “We need confirmation of these emails sent to you from Mark Evans’ computer. We want to ensure they’re not just drafts.”
He handed over four pages. The lawyer confirmed, “These are originals. I can confirm receipt.”
The detectives thanked him and headed to their car, exchanging smiles.
On their way to ABC Industries, Peter said, “As you mentioned, the spouse is usually involved, but we have more work to do.”
At Mark’s workplace, they were ushered into his supervisor’s office. Detective Klein took the lead.
“We’re investigating the discovery of Mark Evans’ car in George Washington Park. You might have read about it. We have some questions.”
Mark’s boss assured them of his cooperation.
“Mark is a valuable employee. What do you need to know?”
“First, is Mark supposed to stay in Pittsburgh until Friday night? He reportedly had seminars on Saturday and Sunday. We need to confirm his schedule.”
Mark’s boss quickly responded, “Mark didn’t have any events scheduled for the weekend. I expected him back Friday night.”
Detective Klein noted this and continued, “Have you noticed anything unusual about Mark lately? Anything on his mind?”
The boss thought for a moment, then replied, “Mark seemed to have a lot on his mind recently. I asked if he was having any problems, but he said everything was fine. He’s been brooding a lot. I assumed he was just working hard.”
The detectives thanked him and returned to their car, sensing they were making progress.
By late morning, they were back at the office and received preliminary DNA results and a forensic report, which included a strange box with wires.
With more pieces of the puzzle in place, they reviewed their notes and information in an interrogation room. Confident they had a better understanding, they decided to visit Lisa Evans again.
Arriving at the Evans house around 3:00 p.m., they didn’t call ahead, hoping to catch her off guard.
Lisa seemed startled when she saw them.
“Detectives, have you found my husband? I call the sergeant every two hours, and he has nothing to report.”
Detective Nesbit replied, “No, but we’ve made some progress. We’d like to ask you a few questions.”
Lisa, looking embarrassed, said, “Sure, come in. I’ll do my best to help.”
In the living room, the detectives sat across from her. Detective Klein opened his notebook and asked, “Is there anything you want to tell us about your relationship with Blake Moore?”
Lisa turned pale.
“What? Blake is my husband’s best friend. He’s just my friend.”
Detective Nesbit asked calmly, “Are you having an affair with Blake Moore?”
Lisa, even paler, stammered, “Absolutely not. How can you ask me that?”
The detective stood up. Detective Klein said, “We need you to come to the station for a formal statement.”
Lisa panicked.
“What? Am I under arrest? Why do I have to go to the station?”
“You’re not under arrest yet. We need an official statement. You can have a lawyer if you want.”
Lisa replied quickly, “I don’t need a lawyer. I’ll come to the station. I’ll do whatever it takes to help find Mark.”
Lisa escorted the detectives to their car. Once at the station, they led her to a dim interrogation room designed to create a negative environment.
“We’ll ask you to wait here while we gather our documents. Are you sure you don’t want a lawyer?”
Detective Nesbit gave her another chance to decide. She refused, shaking her head, her blue eyes full of tears.
The detective left the room, ensuring the cameras were on.
Detective Klein told his commanding officer, “I want a good recording of everything said. I think we’re going to solve this case.”
Peter Nesbit approached with files.
“Let’s have a coffee first. Let her have a little time to reflect.”
The three men agreed and spent twenty minutes in the coffee shop, discussing the case and planning the interrogation.
Meanwhile, across town, a volunteer at Crime Stoppers answered a call.
“Good morning, this is Crime Stoppers. We pay up to $1,000 for tips on solved crimes. This call is being recorded.”
After a few seconds of silence, an older man spoke.
“Can I get money if I help the police?”
“It depends on your tip and how it helps the police. Do you have any information about a crime?”
There was another pause before the caller said, “Do I get the money right away? What if the police trick me?”