Brutality by Ingrid Thoft

heard you’re the NEU sports guy, but I had no idea.”
    “I’m also the Barnes Kaufcan guy,” he said, gesturing to a different shelf featuring professional accolades and recognition of Barnes Kaufcan’s charity work.
    “Of course.”
    Fina settled into her chair and studied Kevin as he sat down across from her. He was handsome in an easy, familiar way, like your brother’s best friend growing up, the one you secretly hoped would be staying for dinner if only so you could stare at him across the table and name your future babies in your head. Kevin’s sandy-blond hair and blue eyes radiated good health, as did his wide smile. He was trim, but not skinny, and although Fina knew he was close to fifty, he could easily pass for a decade younger.
    “So what can I do for you, Ms. Ludlow? You’re here on NEU business?” He folded his hands together and gazed at her.
    “Well, first, you can call me Fina.”
    “Fina, then, and I’m Kevin.”
    “I don’t know if you’re aware of recent events involving Liz Barone, who was attacked in her kitchen. She was a soccer player at NEU, and I think you were involved with her team.”
    Kevin frowned. “I heard about Liz; it’s all over the papers. I’m not sure what it has to do with me, or NEU for that matter.”
    “I’m a private investigator, and I’ve been hired by Liz’s family to look into the situation. I’m trying to get a clearer picture of Liz.”
    Kevin leaned back and ran his hands through his hair. “Sure, but I still don’t know how I can be helpful.”
    “Just by answering some questions. It won’t take long.”
    He nodded his assent.
    “When was the last time you spoke with Liz?” Fina asked. “My understanding is that you were a regular presence at her NEU soccer games.”
    “Sure, but that was twenty years ago. I’m still a presence at the games, but Liz isn’t.”
    “So you haven’t had contact with her recently?”
    Kevin shook his head slowly. “Not for at least a year or so.”
    “And where was that?” Fina asked.
    “I think it was at an NEU fund-raiser. Aren’t the police looking into the attack?”
    “They are, but sometimes people feel better knowing there are extra boots on the ground, as it were. Bobbi Barone wants to do something for her daughter, and her options are limited right now.”
    “Liz’s condition hasn’t improved?” Kevin asked. “I never know if I should believe what I read in the papers.”
    Fina smiled. “You shouldn’t believe what you read in the papers, but no, she hasn’t improved.”
    “It’s a hell of a thing.” He gazed out the window. “It just doesn’t make any sense.”
    “So you haven’t seen Liz for about a year?”
    “That’s right.”
    “Would you consider her a friend?”
    “Not really. An acquaintance, at best.”
    “What was she like in college?”
    “She was great.” Kevin picked up a globe-shaped crystal paperweight and rotated it between his hands. “She was an amazing soccer player and a good student.”
    “Were you aware that she wanted to sue NEU?”
    He glanced out the window again before returning his gaze to her. “I’d heard rumors about it.”
    “From whom?”
    Kevin shrugged. “From the rumor mill. I don’t remember who told me, but those sorts of things tend to get around.”
    Fina wasn’t getting any traction, so she changed directions. “So I heard you’re the president of the booster club. What does that involve?” she asked.
    He smiled. “Anything that supports the athletic department and the student athletes.”
    “Like what? I’ve never talked with a booster before.”
    “I get the word out about games, help with fund-raising, and attend events to show team spirit. I sit on some committees. That sort of thing. Boosters supplement the support provided by the university.”
    “So being the president is kind of a big deal.”
    “I love NEU, and I love sports.”
    Fina grinned slyly. “Do you think you’ll ever have a building named after