The Theory of Death by Faye Kellerman Page A

shut down his account. Truth was McAdams had always been more comfortable with people his parents’ ages.
    Iris said, “According to the records, Mallon Euler was here for two years. It appears she left after her sophomore year.”
    “Any reason why she left the school?”
    “I have no idea, Tyler. I shouldn’t even be divulging this information to you.”
    “I’m an official detective now.”
    “And official detectives have search warrants.”
    “Only in the movies.”
    “Anything else I can help you with, darling?”
    “Is Dr. Kent still head of the math department?”
    “It would take an ambulance and a gurney to relieve him of his duties.”
    “Do you have a number for him?”
    “It’s one thing for me to look in the computer files. It’s another to give you his phone number. But I will tell him that you called.”
    “You’re a doll. Thank you.”
    “So you’re still with the police? I heard you were in law school.”
    “From whom? My dad?”
    “Your sister.”
    His
half
sister. “Ah, Danielle. She’s fourteen already?”
    “Sixteen.”
    McAdams let out a laugh. “How’s she doing?”
    “Give her a call and find out.”
    “Yes, Mother.”
    “
Are
you in law school? I’m in charge of updating our alumni list.”
    “Yes, I’m in law school.”
    “Where, darling?”
    “Harvard. And I’m sure that’s way more impressive to your parents than my police work.”
    Under her breath, she muttered, “Not to me.”
    McAdams smiled although Iris couldn’t see it. “Law school is a promise I made to my father and my late grandfather. Actually, I don’t hate it. Obviously I’m not entirely divorced from investigatory work. Hence the phone call.”
    “Why are you interested in Mallon?”
    “Can’t tell you.” McAdams paused. “Is she related to the famous Euler?”
    “Great-great-great-grandniece. It says on her application. And that’s all I’m going to tell you since you’re being stingy with your information.”
    “So she left the school at fifteen … and you have no idea where she went?”
    “Did you just hear what I said?”
    “How did she get on in school? I know she was bullied.”
    “How did you know that?”
    “She told me.”
    A long pause. “If you know the girl, why are you asking me these questions?”
    “I know the girl, but I trust you.”
    “Flattery will get you everywhere. Yes, she was bullied in her first year. She was in the nurse’s office all the time, although her injuries weren’t physical. Her second year, I didn’t see her as much. Perhaps she learned how to deal with the idiots. Perhaps the girls found someone else. You know we do the best we can, but we can’t control the minutiae of behavior. And girls are always getting their feelings hurt even if they’re not bullied. It’s always best for kids to figure out how to handle themselves. Of course, if there is anything physical, we have to step in.”
    “And with Mallon, there was nothing physical?”
    “Nothing is noted in her records. As far as I can remember, there was nothing that required intervention.”
    “She’s brilliant. Could she have gotten into college early?”
    “I don’t know. She never answered any of our questionnaires after she left.”
    “Could you ask around for me?”
    “I’ll do what I can, which won’t be much. I’ve got to go, darling. I’ll tell Dr. Kent to call you.”
    “Thank you, Iris.”
    “You can thank me by dropping by on Career Day.”
    “Oh please. The place must be overrun with parents and alumni who are lawyers.”
    “Lawyers, yes. Cops are another story. Surely you can tell us something interesting that will keep us awake for once.”
    “If you can fill in the blanks about Mallon, I will be happy to talk to you about investigation work—or what little I know about it.”
    “I’m sure you know plenty.”
    “Enough to keep you entertained. I’ll even bring a pipe and a deerstalker hat for ambience.”
    “We have a uniform no-smoking