Page 42 of Race to Save Her

Katie opened the door and said, “You ready?”

“Just keep going… I’ll be fine.”

The workout area was occupied by a few patrons, but suddenly a class finished and at least a dozen people filed out. Katie saw a woman matching the description of the owner. She wore turquoise tights and a black jog bra.

She looked up from her clipboard. “Can I help you?” she said and smiled.

“Are you Cindy Ware?” said McGaven.

“Yes.” She walked closer to the detectives. “And you are?”

“We’re Detectives Scott and McGaven from the Pine Valley Sheriff’s Departments.”

“What can I do for you, Detectives?” she said, appearing concerned.

“It’s about Shelby Roberts,” said Katie.

“Have you found her?” she said and tears welled in her eyes. “It’s…” She couldn’t finish her sentence.

“I’m sorry to tell you, Ms. Ware, but we’re afraid she’s been the victim of foul play and is dead. We are working on confirming that.” Katie hated telling people a loved one had died; it never got any easier.

“I thought something bad had happened to her,” she said quietly. She turned away and became distraught. “When she didn’t show up for two shifts and wasn’t at home, I knew something had happened.”

“We’re sorry for your loss.”

“What happened to her? How?”

“I’m sorry, we’re not at liberty to discuss details.”

“It’s bad, isn’t it?” she said. “She was a great instructor. Everyone loved her. She was a true friend…” Her voice faded.

“Ms. Ware, had anything changed in her life recently? Was she having trouble with anyone?”

“No, no. She was doing well. She’d been in debt for a bit, but was making progress. That’s why I rented her an apartment to help with bills.”

“She lived in your rental house?” said McGaven, checking his notes.

“Yes. For about two years now. It’s 1616 Merry Lane.”

“What about family? Parents? Siblings?”

“She mentioned one time that her parents had died when she was young and never said anything about siblings—so I don’t know for sure.”

“Did she have any problems with neighbors or anyone else? Was she seeing anyone?” said Katie.

“Nothing. I’m sorry I can’t be more helpful.”

“Since you own the property, can we have access to it? There might be something that could help in the case,” said Katie.

“Yes, of course. I have a key. Just a moment.” She left the detectives and disappeared into one of the offices.

Katie took a look at the studio; no one seemed to pay any attention to them. She saw that most of the women from the class went across the street to the coffee place.

Ms. Ware came back and gave Katie a key.

“Thank you. If you think of anything, please contact us,” said Katie, giving her a business card.

“Please,” said the woman. “Please find out who killed her.”