14. Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fourteen
Brooklyn Sloane January 2025 Friday — 2:19 pm
Brook stepped into the dim, poorly lit hallway of Nora Miske's apartment building. The stale odor of mildew and cigarette smoke hung densely in the air as the cracked plaster on the walls seemed to mirror the fractured lives of its inhabitants. Each step on the worn carpet was muffled, except for the areas where it had been damaged down to the bare floor. A sense of desolation lingered in the air, despite the distant wails of a baby from behind one of the closed doors.
Approaching apartment 3B, Brook made the conscious decision to unfasten the button of her dress coat. She wanted the ability to reach her firearm if necessary. After three rapid knocks, she reached into the side pocket of her purse to retrieve her credentials.
While she waited for Nora to open the door, she took the time to note the exits. There was a stairwell at the end of the hallway, while the elevator bank was to her left. The white paint on the walls had faded, peeled, and been marred by scuff marks. The shoddy interior reminded her of this morning’s conversation with Bit.
Jacob had a knack for blending into any environment. Still, she never would have believed he had chosen the state of Alaska. It was for that very reason she believed Bit’s theory regarding the connection between Jacob and Norona. How many times had Jacob done the opposite of what she had expected? It had taken her many, many years to get to his level of intelligence. She needed to stay there if she was going to keep him behind bars.
Nora’s lack of response at the door forced Brook to snap out of her reverie and return to the present. Bit had provided her with the make and model of Nora’s vehicle, which just so happened to be conveniently parked out front.
Brook knocked again, firmer and louder this time around.
“Coming!” Nora's voice filtered through the barrier, tinged with annoyance.
The door finally cracked open. Nora Miske’s auburn hair hung loose and tangled around her face. The color was faded, and the thin waves were damaged from lack of care. Such a feature hadn’t been noticeable on the security footage since she had the strands secured at the base of her neck for her shift. Her green eyes were bloodshot, but Brook couldn’t determine yet if the irritation was from stress, lack of sleep, or drugs.
“You have the wrong apartment.”
Nora went to close the door, but Brook immediately reached out and placed her palm on the rough surface. The woman blinked in shock before narrowing her eyes.
“Like I said, lady, you have the wrong apartment,” Nora replied with a sneer after raking her gaze over Brook’s apparel. “Most likely, the wrong building.”
“Nora, my name is Brooklyn Sloane.” She flipped open her credentials, holding them up for the woman. “I’m with S&E Investigations, and we’re working alongside the Montgomery County Police Department on the investigation into Mara Miles’ death.”
Nora stared at the identification, and it was apparent she was weighing her odds on the benefit of speaking with Brook. To add incentive, she offered up another reason for her visit.
“I’m also hoping you can help me locate Vaughn Queller. We would like to notify him of his sister’s death, and we have reason to believe that you might be able to provide us with some information on his whereabouts.”
“I was sorry to hear about Mara,” Nora said rather begrudgingly as she glanced over her shoulder before widening the door. “I guess you can come in for a second. The place is a mess, though.”
Brook didn’t comment on the statement as she crossed the threshold. The air inside the apartment wasn’t just tinged with cigarette smoke. The sour odor of weed was predominant, masking the rancid smell of days-old Chinese food littered across the coffee table. To say the place was unkempt was an understatement. Besides the numerous take-out containers, used chopsticks, and empty beer bottles, crumpled clothes were strewn across the furniture.
It didn’t take long for Brook to confirm her suspicions as to why Nora’s wrinkled shirt hung from her thin frame. Drug paraphernalia was among the mess, including a tarnished metal spoon and several lighters.
“I’m sure Vaughn has already heard what happened to his sister,” Nora said as she closed the door. “It’s not like it hasn’t been all over the news.”
“Have you seen Mr. Queller this past week?”
“No.”
The direct response came a little too quickly.
Nora fidgeted with her hands before walking toward the small kitchen. The apartment had an open layout, with the kitchen to the right. There were two closed doors on the opposite side, presumably the bedroom and bathroom.
“Is that the answer you gave Mara when you spoke to her a few weeks ago?” Brook’s question had certainly garnered Nora’s attention, just as intended. By this time, she was on the other side of the small counter. She began to pick up some dirty dishes and place them in the sink. “Miss Miske, we have you on security footage at the Persimmon Restaurant engaging in a conversation with the victim. Is there another reason besides Vaughn that the two of you spoke outside the restroom? Are the two of you close friends?”
Brook was uncomfortable with keeping her back to the other half of the apartment. She crossed to the other side of the living room and turned around, facing the front door. The location allowed her to keep an eye on the other rooms inside the apartment while speaking with Nora.
“Look around you, Agent Sloane.” Nora’s laugh was anything but humorous. “Mara and I didn’t hang out in the same social circles.”
Nora sighed audibly as if Brook couldn’t take a hint.
“You’re right. Mara wanted to know if I’d been hanging out with Vaughn. I told her that I hadn’t seen him for a while.” Nora snagged another dirty glass from the counter. “Like I said, I was sorry to hear that she died, but I’m sure Vaughn has already seen the headlines splashed all over the news. He’ll turn up sooner or later.”
“While the Montgomery County Police Department arrested Jordan Miles, there are some details of the investigation that haven’t been released to the public.” Brook made a calculated decision to push the situation. “I believe that Mr. Queller could be in serious trouble, Nora.”
The woman slowly turned to face the opposite counter, carefully placing the glass in the sink. She didn’t seem inclined to continue the discussion or address Brook’s view of Vaughn Queller’s predicament.
“Are you close with Mara’s brother, Nora?”
“I’ve known Vaughn a long time. We went to school together.” Nora finally turned around and tilted her chin somewhat defiantly. “I wish I could help you, Agent, but I don’t know where he is.”
Brook had surveyed the evidence left littered around the apartment enough to be certain that Nora was lying through her stained teeth. The amount of take-out food wasn’t for one person, and some of the clothes lying around belonged to a man. Considering her guest’s wallet had been left tucked into the cushion of the couch, it was a safe bet he was still inside the apartment.
“Vaughn?” Brook raised her voice so that it would carry through the door of the bedroom while keeping Nora in sight. “Vaughn, I suggest you come out of the bedroom and speak with me. I really don’t want to make this visit into something more than it needs to be.”
Such a declaration was a complete exaggeration, but Brook’s warning had done the trick. The slight click of the bedroom door opening had Brook casually pulling back the right portion of her coat. Her suit jacket wasn’t fastened, either, giving her the ability to draw her weapon without any interference.
A moment passed, heavy with silence and tension, before the bedroom door opened completely. Vaughn slowly emerged, his disheveled appearance speaking volumes about his current state. His sharp features were marred by dark circles under his eyes, and it was obvious that he hadn’t shaved in weeks. He seemed strung out, and Brook quickly surmised that cocaine was the likely culprit behind his erratic demeanor.
“Did you rat me out?” Vaughn accused Nora with a rather hoarse voice.
“Of course not!” Nora shot back with indignation. She quickly made her way around the counter. “And don’t you dare blame me for this situation, V. I told you to go home, but you wouldn’t listen.”
Brook studied the pair, and she got the sense that they were a couple.
“Vaughn, Nora didn’t rat you out,” Brook confirmed, her voice cool and measured. “But when every take-out container has two servings, it's hard not to notice that she hasn't been eating alone. There's also white powder left on the coffee table—Nora doesn't dabble in cocaine.”
“How did you…”
Brook wasn’t going to waste time explaining the physical signs of an addict. Nora was one herself, but hers was clearly everything else besides nose candy. Her gaunt figure and slightly decaying teeth were the outward markers of her struggle with substance abuse. It was only a matter of time before she was fired from her job at the restaurant.
The air in the room grew thick with unspoken anticipation as Vaughn regarded Brook warily, his breaths in shallow, rapid gasps. Brook would have to tread carefully if she were to obtain any answers from either of them. He finally took a defiant step forward, his jaw set and eyes narrowing.
“I didn’t hurt my sister.”
“I never said you did,” Brook countered gently, monitoring Nora as she closed the distance to stand beside him. “If you were listening in on our conversation, you already know that I believe you might be in trouble.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Your sister’s murder was premeditated.” Brook didn’t wait for Vaughn or Nora to react to the statement. She had succeeded in forcing them off balance, and such a position meant she might finally learn something. “An ATM puts you within twenty minutes of Mara’s home on the day in question. Were you at the estate that night?”
“No.” Vaughn’s reply was spit out in hurt and anger. He pressed both hands against his eyes, as if willing himself not to cry. She wasn’t sure when he had taken his last hit of cocaine, but his emotional state was evident. “No. I told Mara a few weeks ago that I needed money. My hours were cut back at work, and I couldn’t make this month’s rent. She…”
Something snapped inside Vaughn, and he made his way to the couch. He didn’t even take the time to move the discarded clothes. He began to sob with heavy heaves that wracked his body. Brook gave him time to collect himself before addressing the deal between him and his sister.
“You requested—though some would consider it blackmail—fifty thousand dollars from your sister in exchange for remaining far from the life she had created with Jordan in Bethesda.” Brook caught the slight stillness in Nora’s movements as she came to stand beside the arm of the couch. “Your sister wouldn’t go above ten thousand.”
“I already told you that I was short on money,” Vaughn said as he wiped away his tears. “My sister…she always took care of me.”
“A sister who loved her brother wouldn’t ban him from her life, V.” Nora lifted the corner of her lip in disdain. “Mara’s husband was a billionaire. That is generational money. She—”
“Mara was my sister,” Vaughn yelled as he stood abruptly. “Don’t go there, Nora. You don’t know what it was like for us. She found her way out.”
“You mean as an escort? Let’s call it what it was, V—prostitution.”
“What does it matter now? Huh? Mara is dead, and that son of a bitch killed her.”
“How well do you know your brother-in-law?” Brook asked, inserting the question before Nora could antagonize Vaughn anymore. Nora’s contempt for Mara was obvious, and those types of emotions tended to skew reality. “And do you truly believe that Jordan murdered your sister?”
“Didn’t he get arrested for it? I hope he rots in jail.” Vaughn began to pace in agitation. “I did hear what you said about evidence not being released to the public. What were you talking about? Is Jordan going to walk free?”
“Jordan has been arrested, but he has also been released on bail. There is evidence that suggests someone else may have been in the house that evening.” Brook kept her response vague. “Where did you go after you withdrew money from the ATM?”
Vaughn held up his hand as if he needed a moment. He stared at her longer than necessary, but that was probably due to his growing paranoia.
“You think I killed my sister, don’t you?”
“I didn’t say that, Mr. Queller.” Brook used his surname to inject some formality into the conversation. “I do find it interesting that your sister made a note in her planner that you were scheduled to stop by the estate on Sunday night…the same time that her security system was switched off.”
“Don’t say another word, V,” Nora urged, crossing her arms in agitation. “Seriously. I watch those television shows, and nothing good can come from you talking to the police.”
“I’m not the police, Nora. I’m a consultant working for Jordan Miles, who I truly believe loved his wife. Vaughn, you want answers, too. Help me, please. Help me give your sister closure.”
Vaughn pressed the bottom of his palms to his eyes and released an anguished moan. Nora held herself tighter, though it was obvious she wanted to reach out to him. She was wise to keep her distance. Brook wasn’t so sure Vaughn could take anyone touching him at the moment.
“Mara called me and said not to show up,” Vaughn revealed after lowering his hands to his neck. He began to rub his skin while recounting the details of the phone call. “She said the money was in my account and to stay away for a while. I could tell something was wrong, so I didn’t go home. I thought maybe Jordan found out and was going to pay me a visit. I didn’t want to deal with him if he decided to come and lecture me again.”
“Again?”
“It was a ritual between us, which was why Mara stopped telling him when she gave me cash.” Vaughn’s expression began to break down again. He somehow managed to control his emotions enough to finish his thought. “I did my best not to go to her when I got into a bind, but work…well, they cut my hours.”
Vaughn was only repeating himself.
“We have Mara’s phone records, and there was no call placed to you on the day that she was murdered,” Brook pointed out, needing him to stay on track. “As a matter of fact, we couldn’t find any phone calls between the two of you.”
“Mara gave me a burner phone a few years ago. When I need help, I call it.”
“Look, lady, V couldn’t have killed Mara,” Nora interjected as she faced Brook. “He was with me that night.”
Brook studied the couple. While there was an air of desperation in their tones, she wasn’t so sure that Vaughn had the capacity to lie while keeping all the facts straight. The fear of being implicated in a crime only raised their level of paranoia.
Unfortunately, no one had recovered a burner phone to confirm Vaughn’s account of said call. Why would the killer remove it from the crime scene?
“Did Mara say anything else during the conversation? Did she seem scared? Upset?”
“I…I don’t know.” Vaughn stared at Brook, his bloodshot eyes swimming with emotion. “I don’t know.”
“I might.” Nora swallowed visibly, averting her gaze from Vaughn. “The day that she talked to me at work, she wasn’t looking for Vaughn. She wanted to know if either of us had told anyone about her past.”
“As an escort?” Brook asked cautiously, mindful of how she had worded her question so as not to anger Vaughn.
“Yes.”
“Did Mara go into more depth as to why she would ask you such a question?”
“Someone was blackmailing her, I guess.” Nora shrugged indifferently. “I overheard her talking to some guy at the restaurant. I thought I heard her asking him for money, but why would she do that when her husband was worth billions?”
“Why didn’t you tell me this, Nora?” Vaughn asked, visibly upset.
“Because you would have tried to involve yourself, and we all know how that ends up, don’t we?” Nora exclaimed in disgust. “Your sister wanted nothing to do with you, V. When are you going to realize that?”
“Nora, what did this man look like?” Brook inquired, hoping she could get Nora to focus. “Height. Hair color. Name?”
“Average height. Blond. I don’t know his name, but he’s a regular at the restaurant.”
Brook followed up with additional questions, but it was obvious that Vaughn could no longer stay absorbed in the interview. His gaze kept drifting toward the coffee table. He needed another hit, and she was in the way. She left them her card, advised them that the police might have some follow-up questions, and exited the apartment. Detective Kitsis might seek out Vaughn Queller now that they were aware of his location, but it would only be in the prosecution's interest.
Fortunately, Brook had vacated the premises with two new leads.
Derek Haze had been truthful with Sylvie regarding his involvement with Mara Miles. They hadn’t been engaged in corporate espionage. If Brook were interpreting the chain of events correctly, Mara had requested money that not even Barry Ackles could trace.
The reason?
Someone else other than Jordan had been blackmailing his wife.