Chapter 45: A soft tone works best

Elisabeth wasn't going to pounce. He was young. Encouragement was the method needed. Both to get Constable Matthews talking and to show the jury she was genuine in wanting to learn the truth. She saw him swallow and briefly blink rapidly. She smiled. He returned it, teeth white against his tan. It was obvious he did not spend a great deal of time indoors. Elisabeth was patient. It was important not to hurry him. 'When you entered the motel room you say you saw three people. The accused, a young woman, and one other male?'

He was nodding as she spoke. 'Yes mam.'

'The accused was lying on the floor and the other male was holding a rifle in his hands and was kicking the accused?'

'Yes mam.'

'And he didn't stop kicking when you arrived?'

'That's right.'

Elisabeth softened her voice even more. 'And you have said that your initial belief, after separating this man, Gregory Waite, from the accused, was that the accused was dead?'

'Yes.' The nodding was emphatic.