This is the fourth part in a series, so if you have not already done so, you might want to read Part I, Part II, and Part III before continuing.
Her conversation with the would-be-sister-in-law over, Knott found Officer Bates again and asked, “Who do we think was the last person to see her alive?”
“That would be the flower girl,” he said, pointing to a girl who couldn’t be more than eight years old.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.”
“Wish I was. And I’d handle this one carefully if I were you. I don’t think she realizes yet that she was probably the last one to see her alive.”
Knott nodded her agreement as she looked the girl over. She was sitting next to a woman Knott had to assume was the mother. They looked remarkably alike and they were two of only a handful of dark-skinned people in a very white crowd.
The woman had her arms around the girl and they were both crying. It was days like this that made Knott question her life choices. She told herself it would all be worth it when she caught whoever was twisted enough to do something like this.
As she approached, the woman looked up, and Knott introduced herself.
“Nancy Jones,” said the woman. “This is Liz.”
“You’re the one who called 911?”
The woman nodded.
“Given what a common name Jones is, am I to assume it’s a coincidence you have the same last name as the groom or…?”
“No, I’m his aunt by marriage.”
“I see. And is Liz your daughter?”
They both nodded.
“Is it OK if I ask Liz some questions?”
“Of course.” She didn’t offer to leave, which meant she knew her daughter’s rights as a minor.
Detective Knott turned to the flower girl. “Liz, is it OK if I ask you some questions about what you saw today?”
The girl nodded, her eyes wet with tears and round with shock.
“Did you see Harper before you got here today?”
Liz shook her head.
“When was the first time you saw her?”
“Before the music started.”
“What music?”
Liz hummed a few bars and Nancy filled in, “The music the bridesmaids and groomsmen walked down the aisle to.”
“I see. And did you see Harper?”
Liz nodded.
“Would you say she was in a good mood or a bad mood?”
“A good mood,” said Liz. “A very good mood. She was so happy.” She and Nancy both started crying again and Knott gave them a moment.
“What about the rest of the wedding party? Did they all look like they were in a good mood?”
Liz nodded.
“No one seemed angry or upset?”
Liz shook her head.
“Do you know if anyone was upset with Harper? Did you ever hear her fighting with anyone?”
Liz shook her head again, and Knott looked to Nancy. “What about you, Nancy? Can you think of anyone who would want to hurt Harper?”
Nancy shook her head. “No. Everyone loved her. She was the sweetest girl. And she was such a lovely bride.” Her voice broke over the last sentence and Knott gave her another moment.
“Can you think of anyone who would have wanted to hurt her? Anyone she had fought with recently?”
“No. She never fought with anyone.”
“All right. Thank you for your time. And please let me know if you think of anything else. Anything at all. It doesn’t matter how small it is. You never know what could end up providing a break in the case for us.”
She handed Nancy her card, and Nancy sniffed and nodded her assent as she took the card.
Knott still had questions for them, but she could tell they needed a break, and she didn’t seem to be getting what she needed from them. Best to start interviewing other members of the wedding party and circle back.
To be continued…