Chapter 4 Preliminary Investigation

Mark went to the library right by the Student Center. He took pictures of the entire area, particularly, the area where the body was found in the library.

As he walked around the library, he took notice of the setup of the place. There were about 10 to 15 stacks of books. The computers were all on the side of the library near the entrance. The microfiche was at the opposite end. In the front of the building are the bathrooms. At the back of the building is the parking lot. He walked up to the librarian and asked if she was there that day.

"Excuse me, Miss?" askes Mark waiting for her response.

"Miss Watkins." the woman answered.

"Miss Watkins, I am Mark an attorney and investigator. My daughter Charlotte is a student here. Just started going as a freshman. I am concerned about the student dead in the library. Does anyone know what happened?" asked Mark.

"No one knows right now," answered Miss Watkins.

Continuing his questioning he asks Miss Watkins, "Do you have a list of your employees, students, or volunteers in the library at the times?"

Looking at him she considers not answering but then shrugs and responds,"Let me check the sheets for yesterday. Actually, the only people here were Jaime and Leslie. I had left on an emergency in the family that day. I think that we were running an exhibit on the AIDS blanket on the vestibule and a program on horticulture that evening. Students and people from the area were in and out of the entire building the whole day. Somebody has to have seen her or the person who did this."

Sighing with no frustration but not sure where to go he continues his questions. "Is there anything else you can or could tell me about that day?"

"I don't know. What do you want to know, specifically?" asked Miss Watkins.

"What time did you leave exactly?" he asks.

She responds, "It was approximately 9:45 A.M; very early. I believe Leslie comes in at 9:00 a.m., with me. She works three days a week."

"Okay, I may have more questions later. You will be here Ms. Watkins?" inquired Mark.

"Sure. I'm here until closing." Answers Ms. Watkins. "And please call me Anne."

"Which is?" he waits for her answer.

"11:30 P.M." she states.

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As he walked back towards the stacks, he looked at the empty spots to see where they were in the stacks. He noticed a book hanging on the edge. He looked at the title of the book on the binder. It was titled "To Sir Windham", by James Peach. The binder was slightly beaten up. He quickly glanced around the stacks some more and went to where they found the body.

It was near the back of the library. Around the corner were the two elevators. Down the hall are the bathrooms. Right in front of where her body was found were three plants, leafy. Next to her body according to the pictures was a diamond earring and a diamond ring. The pictures also showed her body was contorted into a curved position. He found it interesting but shelved it for another time. His name was called over the loudspeaker. He went to the front desk.

Excuse me, Ms. Watkins? You called my name.

Yes, Mark, what is your name, Mark Regent, right?

Yes. Is my daughter, Charly here?

She is waiting over there. See that doorway? The benches are on the other side. You will see when you walk right through them.