A thousand pieces of her broken. Bits of bone scattered on the floor. Locks of blonde hair lie in the corner, removed from her head. Blue eyes stare at the ceiling.

The fire completely demolished the farmhouse they lived in. Officials said it was a gas leak, while others believed he had set it that night with a match struck after she had been killed. Either way, she was dead. Two bullet holes were found in her neck. 

Twenty-four hours after the fire, he was found in a hotel room in Richmond. Cops knocked on the door. He responded right away. 

Yep. Give me a minute, a hoarse voice said. The officers continued knocking. I said, give me a minute, I’ll be right there. 

An older man with his tie half -way tied looked through the hole in the door. Saw the police adjusting their hats; placing hands on weapons. He opened the door.

Help you boys, the suspect said. Something I could do for you?

Where were you two nights ago? the officer asked.

I been down here on business for a week.

I see.

Yeah. Came down here to play some golf with clients. Not much good at the game, he told them. But I play OK. What’s this about?

Were you aware of the fire at your house in Warrenton?

No. I was not.

A body was found inside. A woman. Burned badly. Pieces of her on the floor. Two bullet holes in the back of the neck.

Who was she? Please don’t say it was Jenn.

Jenn?

My girlfriend. Jenny Black.

We’re afraid so. Need someone to identify the body. What’s left of it. She have any next of kin?

No. Her parents passed away years ago. No brothers or sisters.

Would you mind coming with us?

I guess not.

Turn around and face the wall.

What is this?

You have the right to remain silent…..

And silent, he remained.