Part 10 (1/2)
He noted it down. ”Did you notice any inventory missing?''
”No.”
”Damaged equipment?”
”No.”
”Any holes in security?”
”No. I would have dealt with any of those things immediately.”
Did he think she was an idiot? ”Work was progressing on schedule, and the inventory I looked over was fine.”
His eyes cut back to hers, lingered. ”You didn't look over everything?”
”I did a spot check, Inspector.” The stare was designed to make her uncomfortable, she knew. She refused to allow it. ”It isn't a productive use of time for me or my staff to examine every negligee or garter belt.”
”The building was inspected in November. You were up to code on all fire regulations.”
”That's right.”
”Can you explain how it was that, on the night of the fire, the sprinkler and smoke alarm systems were inoperative?”
”Inoperative?” Her heart picked up a beat. ”I'm not sure what you mean.”
”They were tampered with, Ms. Fletcher. So was your security system.”
She kept her eyes level with his. ”No, I can't explain it. Can you?”
He took out a cigarette, flicked a wooden match into flame with his thumbnail. ”Do you have any enemies?”
Her face went blank. ”Enemies?”
”Anyone who'd like to see you fail, personally or professionally?”
”I-No, I can't think of anyone, personally.” The idea left her shaken. She pulled a hand through her hair, from the crown to the tips that swung at chin level. ”Naturally, I have compet.i.tors...”
”Anyone who's given you trouble?”
”No.”
”Disgruntled employees? Fire anyone lately?''
”No. I can't speak for every level of the organization. I have managers who have autonomy in their own departments, but nothing's come back to me.”
He continued to smoke as he asked questions, took notes. He wound the interview down, closing it by logging the time.
”I spoke to your insurance adjuster this morning,” he told her.
”And your security guard. I have interviews set up with the foremen at the warehouse.” When she didn't respond, he crushed out his cigarette. ”Want some water?”
”No.” She let out a breath. ”Thank you. Do you think I'm responsible?”