Pretty Witches All in a Row Read Online Free PDF Page B

waiting,” Sera answered smoothly.  “What is it that you would like to know?”
    Nick caught on to the flicker of impatience behind her eyes, and wondered if it was because she was a busy executive or due to the nature of his visit.  “Did you know Miss Mackenzie personally?” 
    “Yes, I did.  She worked for my division some months ago.”
    “Oh?  In what capacity?”
    “We occasionally set up displays in local businesses with samples, literature on our products, and where they can be purchased.  She would transport them to the various locations, set them up, tear them down…”
    “Do you normally meet all of the display girls in your employ?”  It seemed unlikely for someone of her status to be involved at that level. 
    There was the tiniest bit of hesitation before she responded.  “I do.  Perhaps it’s a bit of micro-management, but I like to meet with everyone who comes into contact with the public on our behalf, to let them know of the expectations placed upon them.”
    “And what was your impression of Miss Mackenzie?” 
    This time the pause was longer as she seemed to choose her words carefully.  “She seemed a little scattered, but she followed instructions well enough.  We never had any complaints about her work.”
    “When did she stop working for you?”
    “About three or four months ago I’d say, I can get the exact dates for you if you need them.”
    “Was she let go or did she quit?” 
    Her jaw tightened for a fraction of a moment before her placid smile returned.  “She quit, rather abruptly as I understand it.”
    “Oh?  Was there an incident leading up to that?”  Nick made a note to follow up on the point with her friends.
    “Not that I’m aware of, but then again, I didn’t have much contact with her after she was hired on.” 
    “I see,” he nodded.  “How many people do you have setting up these displays for you at any given time?”
    “Just the one, and it’s not full time work at that.  Our local presence is formidable, but we choose our venues carefully.” 
    Formidable.  Interesting choice of words.  “Were you aware of any personal problems… any incidents here at work or out on the job…?”  He left the question open ended.
    “No, not that I can think of.  But like I said, I didn’t know her very well.”
    “Alright, I think I pretty much have everything I need for now.  Thank you for seeing me, Miss Ryan,” he smiled, rising to his feet.   
    Sera remained seated, leaning back a little in her chair as he rose.  “May I ask, why the inquiry?”
    “Miss Mackenzie died last night,” Gibson replied gravely.  She blinked, and he could see her processing it, but didn’t know her well enough to know exactly what it was she was processing.  He was struck by the thought that this was a tightly controlled lady and she didn’t like to give anything away.  Was that because she felt the need to be in control at all times regardless of the circumstance, or did she have something to hide?
    “I’m sorry to hear that,” Sera murmured softly, rising to her feet.  “If there’s anything I can do to help, don’t hesitate to call.”  There was no mistaking the note of finality in her voice; the interview was at an end. 
    Nick nodded; there was nothing more he was going to get out of that one.  “Have a good day, Ma’am, I’ll see myself out.”
    * * *
    His phone chirped as soon as he stepped out of the elevator and Nick pulled up his email, glancing over the info Brady sent about the two witches Annaliese identified.  In addition to their addresses and phone numbers, he included the information he’d been able to dig up on them for starters. 
    Meiliyn Xiang, age twenty-five, single, lives with a room mate Bonnie Myers in the Crosspointe Apartments on 122nd.  No record. Has a brother, Khang, age twenty-eight living in Gresham. Parents Chang and Miu Yi Xiang reside in Bremerton, Washington and own a dry cleaning business