CHAPTER 16

16

LOG 10/16/2023 20:31 GMT-4

TRANSCRIPT: AUDIO/VIDEO RECORDING Analysis Note: While I know little about the subject, I know even less about Beatrice Sordello. I was told she holds a PhD in psychology from [REDACTED] and completed her undergraduate training at [REDACTED] with a double minor heavily focused on religious studies. No ring, so either unmarried or she removed it. Mid- to late thirties. Had I been asked, I would have suggested monitoring her vitals along with the subject's. Although she hid it well, she was clearly nervous.

Sordello: Before you continue, I'd like to clarify one point. [ Silence ] Sordello: Matt? Maro: Yeah? Sorry. It's still a little raw. Sordello: You said you encountered gunshot victims during your time in law enforcement. This wasn't in Hollows Bend, correct? Maro: No. During training, I did a month in Conway, New Hampshire. It happened there. Drug deal gone bad. Customer tried to rob his dealer; the dealer shot him in the gut. Customer managed to get a round off from this rusty old .38 before going down. It was a mess, both of them on the ground trying to hold their insides in. One of the nastiest things I've ever seen. Sordello: You left Hollows Bend … for training? Do you remember the exact dates of that? Maro: I'm sure it's in my file. Sordello: It isn't. Maro: Well, it should be. Sordello: The car accidents. Those happened where? Maro: Out on 112. Tourists in a hurry to get home, in a hurry to get to the Bend. It's a relatively straight and quiet stretch of road. They tend to go faster than they should. Something darts out in front of them … a curve sneaks up … it can get messy. Sordello: Accidents, though, not crimes. Correct? Maro: Correct. Sordello: Same with the dead baby? SIDS implies death by natural causes. No crime there, either, correct? Maro: No. No crime. The Bend is usually very quiet. Sordello: Before you go on, there's one other thing. After the birds, you mentioned the tourists were gone. You only saw locals. Where do you think they all went? Maro: Home, I guess? I'm not sure what you mean. Sordello: Did you see them leave? Maro: I wasn't really watching, but that's what typically happens on Sundays. All the weekenders head home. We're a tourist town. [ Silence ]