Caroline felt like she was going to be sick as she rode to the police station. She spoke to no one, and no one spoke to her. Even though Detective Donaldson mainly wanted to inquire about Grant, she had a sickening feeling that more might come out in this questioning.
The police station was a sad, desolate place, rotting at the seams. There was nothing to do but sit and wait. One officer asked if she wanted coffee, which she agreed to. Caroline hoped that it would make her feel a little bit more alert.
Sophie was called first into Donaldson's office. Then, Aloysius. Then, Julian. Finally, the detective ushered to her.
"You, m'am."
"Me?" Caroline managed.
"Yes."
Caroline was shaking as she stood up. She hesitated at picking up her coffee, which she'd only taken a few sips of.
"You can take that in with you," Detective Donaldson assured her.
She picked up the coffee, followed Donaldson in, and took a seat. All Caroline knew is that she didn't like this place, and wanted to be back in the safety and comfort of the boarding house.
"Why so nervous, honey?" Donaldson asked her as she sat down.
"I'm not."
"If you have nothing to hide, then you shouldn't be," Donaldson reassured her half-heartedly. "Anyway, I'm hoping you can help my case."
Caroline nodded.
"Please state your full name," Donaldson instructed.
"Caroline Ruth Craig."
"Date of birth?"
"April 18th, 1909."
"Were you born here?" He asked.
Caroline shook her head, knowing she had to be truthful. "No. I was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin."
"How long have you been in Chicago?"
"Less than a year," Caroline said.
"What brought you here?" Donaldson asked. He was standing over her in an almost threatening way, or at least in a way that made it clear who had the power in this situation.
"Excuse me," Caroline said, taking a sip of her coffee. "What does this have to do with Grant?"
"I'm just trying to find out more information, Miss Craig."
"I ran away from home," Caroline explained, hoping Donaldson wouldn't press her further. "I didn't feel as though there was a life for me in Green Bay."
He nodded, and then he changed the subject. First, he asked her what he did for work, and she told him. Then, he asked how she knew Grant.
"I only met him a few days before he died." Caroline decided to leave out the part about how she'd been propositioned, figuring it would leave to more uncomfortable questioning. "I do know he was engaged to a worker in the pharmacy. Her name is Madeleine. I don't know her last name. She might know more."
Donaldson nodded. Caroline thought about how late it was and how tired she was and how she wasn't sure how she'd ended up here. Then, she was free to go.
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