the office to retrieve her phone. She was saying something about wanting to get home, while Nick ignored her, still trying to listen to Mark and the Detectives conversation.
“The crime scene team has been here already and has taken pictures, collected certain evidence and I’ve been interviewing witnesses. I was just finishing up with Mr. Butler actually,” Detective Williams added.
Mark glanced back at the two women vacuuming, to make sure that they had, indeed, gone back to work.
“What kinds of “certain evidence?” Mark inquired.
Detective Williams continued to walk along side Mark as he explained.
“There were a few perishable items that needed to be tested, and some finger printing, but that is a standard in any case,” he said, modestly.
Mark came to a stop in front of the main table and folded his arms. “I understand,” Mark scratched the back of his head. “Please excuse my sudden impatient nature; I’m usually not like this,” he lowered his voice as he spoke directly to the Detective.
“But, between you and me, I’m familiar with the standard procedures of an investigation. If you don’t mind, I would like you to be frank with me and explain it as if you were speaking to a fellow officer. I hope you understand,” Mark stated.
Detective Williams looked at Mark for a moment; his blue eyes squinting. He understood completely.
“Alright then, Mr. Anderson, I do,” Detective Williams cleared his throat.
“The certain “perishable items” that I mentioned, were slices of cake taken from each of the cakes, the victims, and the main birthday cake intended for the guests. We felt it needed to be examined and tested immediately. Also, wine glasses, cups and silverware were printed, and most of the waiters and waitresses were interviewed. Many dispersed quickly after the incident, but we were able to attain thirteen eye witness accounts. Some of these statements were from wait staff, some were guests. Perhaps, we could get a list of ALL of the people that were working here tonight, just in case we need to further question anyone, all though it may not be necessary…” Detective Williams chose his next words carefully.
“However, things seem pretty straight forward at this point,” he averted Mark’s eye contact.
“I’ll have Nick get you a complete list of the staff’s names in the morning. I would also kindly ask, for you to call me, personally, whenever you are privy to any new information,” Mark asked. Detective Williams nodded in approval.
“My daughter’s autopsy won’t be conducted until sometime after Monday, so I won’t have their findings or a definitive cause of death at least, until then. But, I would appreciate any information that you have beforehand. Also, with all due respect, Detective, this case is anything but straight forward,” they began to walk again reaching the main dining hall.
“Absolutely, Mr. Anderson; I meant no disrespect. I’ll call you if there are any changes,” Detective Williams hesitated, “I don’t mean to be insensitive, but might I ask you a few questions? I mean, tomorrow, obviously would be a better time. It’s just that with the nature of the events, it’s best to get the freshest recollection possible from a witness. I can imagine you would like to get some rest though,” Detective Williams glanced at his watch. It was damn near one o’clock in the morning.
“No, I don’t mind at all. Now, is just as good a time as any, please… have a seat,” Mark said collectedly. He gestured towards an empty chair.
“I appreciate your willingness to accommodate my requests. If there’s anything I can do to help you, then I have all the time in the world,” Mark said truthfully.
Mark heard Nick jingling his keys as he and Julie entered the main dining hall; they were heading
“The crime scene team has been here already and has taken pictures, collected certain evidence and I’ve been interviewing witnesses. I was just finishing up with Mr. Butler actually,” Detective Williams added.
Mark glanced back at the two women vacuuming, to make sure that they had, indeed, gone back to work.
“What kinds of “certain evidence?” Mark inquired.
Detective Williams continued to walk along side Mark as he explained.
“There were a few perishable items that needed to be tested, and some finger printing, but that is a standard in any case,” he said, modestly.
Mark came to a stop in front of the main table and folded his arms. “I understand,” Mark scratched the back of his head. “Please excuse my sudden impatient nature; I’m usually not like this,” he lowered his voice as he spoke directly to the Detective.
“But, between you and me, I’m familiar with the standard procedures of an investigation. If you don’t mind, I would like you to be frank with me and explain it as if you were speaking to a fellow officer. I hope you understand,” Mark stated.
Detective Williams looked at Mark for a moment; his blue eyes squinting. He understood completely.
“Alright then, Mr. Anderson, I do,” Detective Williams cleared his throat.
“The certain “perishable items” that I mentioned, were slices of cake taken from each of the cakes, the victims, and the main birthday cake intended for the guests. We felt it needed to be examined and tested immediately. Also, wine glasses, cups and silverware were printed, and most of the waiters and waitresses were interviewed. Many dispersed quickly after the incident, but we were able to attain thirteen eye witness accounts. Some of these statements were from wait staff, some were guests. Perhaps, we could get a list of ALL of the people that were working here tonight, just in case we need to further question anyone, all though it may not be necessary…” Detective Williams chose his next words carefully.
“However, things seem pretty straight forward at this point,” he averted Mark’s eye contact.
“I’ll have Nick get you a complete list of the staff’s names in the morning. I would also kindly ask, for you to call me, personally, whenever you are privy to any new information,” Mark asked. Detective Williams nodded in approval.
“My daughter’s autopsy won’t be conducted until sometime after Monday, so I won’t have their findings or a definitive cause of death at least, until then. But, I would appreciate any information that you have beforehand. Also, with all due respect, Detective, this case is anything but straight forward,” they began to walk again reaching the main dining hall.
“Absolutely, Mr. Anderson; I meant no disrespect. I’ll call you if there are any changes,” Detective Williams hesitated, “I don’t mean to be insensitive, but might I ask you a few questions? I mean, tomorrow, obviously would be a better time. It’s just that with the nature of the events, it’s best to get the freshest recollection possible from a witness. I can imagine you would like to get some rest though,” Detective Williams glanced at his watch. It was damn near one o’clock in the morning.
“No, I don’t mind at all. Now, is just as good a time as any, please… have a seat,” Mark said collectedly. He gestured towards an empty chair.
“I appreciate your willingness to accommodate my requests. If there’s anything I can do to help you, then I have all the time in the world,” Mark said truthfully.
Mark heard Nick jingling his keys as he and Julie entered the main dining hall; they were heading
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