Chanello decided to let Donny rot in jail for awhile.
Mangino and Chanello got into their car to drive to the apartment complex where Melanie and Marco lived. As they were driving, Chanello spoke up, “So I know you have a kid. Are you in a relationship?” He probably should have asked these questions before he kissed her the first time
Mangino spoke bluntly. “No,” unsure of how much to reveal.
“Yeah, I noticed you don’t have a wedding ring. Is there anyone you are dating?”
“No. Since Wesley’s father passed, there has been no one.”
“But you said you divorced before he passed?”
“Yes.”
“I’m sorry. I know it’s tough being married to a cop.”
“That’s one way to look at it. In my defense, it’s also tough being married to a lawyer.”
“I bet,” said Chanello. “My father was an attorney. Biggest pain in the butt I ever knew.”
“Really,” Mangino answered, intrigued? “My father was an attorney, too. I thought all lawyers were nice. He doted on me. My mom and him though…..that was a different story.”
“They divorced?” asked Chanello.
“Yeah, they fought like cats and dogs. He was always good to me, though.”
“Yeah, being an attorney guarantees three things in life – lots of debt after college, a hundred thousand a year, and at least one divorce. You’re a sharp lady. I’m surprised you’re not an attorney.”
“I could have been. I only like to read two hours a day, however. I was always a tomboy. I like to get out and about. I’ve always wanted to solve murders.”
“Yeah, it’s more rewarding.”
They arrived at the Cloisters apartment complex where Melanie had been murdered. They parked in front of the rental office and got out of the car. As Chanello opened the door, a lady and her two children walked out.
“Thank you!” she said.
A lady walked up to the detectives. “Hi, can I help you?”
“I’m detective Chanello, and this is my partner detective Mangino,” they flashed their badges.
“Can we ask you a couple of questions?”
“Sure,” the agent said. “Have a seat.” As they sat down, she continued, “Do you know who killed Melanie? I’ve been terrified to even come to work. At least six families have taken their names off our waiting list, and the lady you just saw walk out of here is the only potential renter since the murder occurred. She’s from out of town and I don’t think she’s heard about it yet. I just hope I can get her to sign a lease before she finds out.”
After she finished ranting, the detectives gathered their thoughts.
“Do you know who killed Melanie,” she again asked?
“No. That’s why we are here. We would like to know the name of the guy who rented an apartment directly across from Melanie.”
“Sure,” she said. As she said it, she got up and walked toward the desk. The detectives followed her.
“Now, which one specifically,” she asked.
Chanello pointed, “The one with the Honda Accord parked directly in front of it.”
“And the red door,” added Mangino.
“The one directly across from Melanie,” said Chanello.
“Ok. That is unit 3. That’s where Marco lives. He just moved in.”
“Do you know his last name,” asked Mangino?
“Oh, let me think about it……You know, I don’t remember it.”
“Can we look at his rental application?”
“Sure. Let me get it,” the agent replied.
She walked over to a filing cabinet. On the top of the cabinet, it read units 1-20. She opened the second drawer and pulled out a file.
“What does it say,” asked Mangino?
“Marco Hernandez. Yes, I remember now.”
“Did he ever say anything about Melanie?”
“No. Looking back, I thought it was strange that he wanted to rent that particular apartment. We have a special going on right now. You get a two bedroom for the price of a one bedroom. Most people would jump at such an offer. He didn’t – he wanted the one bedroom.”
“But he never said anything specific about Melanie?”
“No. Here is his credit report. He hasn’t been here very long. Maybe if you go to some previous addresses, they might know more about him.” She handed the sheets to Mangino. “Thank you,” Mangino said.
Chanello handed her his card, “If you think of anything else, call us.”
“Alright. I will. I’m sorry I couldn’t be of more help.”
“You’ve helped a lot.”
“Bye.”
“Bye.”
The detectives left, got in their car, and drove away.