Into the Unknown

Prologue

[Interview with Diane Whitman, recording commenced at 11:24 am. on Sunday, March 17, 2019 at the Princelan Police Department]

Interviewer: Good morning, Mrs. Whitman. I'd just like to ask you a few questions about your whereabouts over the last couple days.

Mrs. Whitman: Yes, sir. I understand. Sorry, if I come off a bit nervous. I've never done this kind of thing, even in my older years. Never thought I'd have to do this, an old peach like me. Always thought it was something that only happened in the movies.

Interviewer: Totally understandable ma'am. We hear that all the time here. Not as uncommon as you'd think. (Clears his throat)

Interviewer: So you're telling me that you didn't see anything happen while you were at the park yesterday morning on Saturday, the 16th before you reported your granddaughter's body to the authorities?

Mrs. Whitman: No, sir. I mean, yes sir. I never saw anything. By the time I was walking through Ferry Park . . . there she was. (Now sobbing)

Interviewer: I'm sorry, Mrs. Whitman. Would you like a tissue?

Mrs. Whitman: (Between sniffles) That would be great, thank you.

Interviewer: Mrs. Whitman, I have to ask: Where were you between the hours of 19:15 and 23:30 on Friday, the 15th?

Mrs. Whitman: Well, let's see here . . . I went out to dinner with Phillip that night. He took me to this restaurant on 4th Street – The Abbey. They've got brilliantly flavored shepherd's pie. It's the best I've ever eaten. You can ask Phil all about it. We shared the dish, the two of us. Too big for a little lady like myself.

Interviewer: Have you got any evidence or proof that you were at the restaurant between those times?

Mrs. Whitman: Yes, um, in fact I have our dinner receipt right here in the pocket of my purse. (Digs through her purse. Hands him the receipt. He examines it for a minute, taking notes on a notepad)

Interviewer: Thank you, missus. But I should bring out that according to this receipt, you left the restaurant at 19:56. That means there is still over a three-and-a-half-hour gap.

Interviewer: I know you weren't expecting me to ask this, but where did you and your husband go to after The Abbey?

Mrs. Whitman: Well we went home, of course. Phil drove me, bless his heart. His vision isn't so good anymore, so he tells me, so I have to sit there in the passenger seat and tell him where to turn. You know, give him directions. It's quite sad, really. But he's too stubborn to give up that driver's license of his. I keep telling him "the coppers are gonna get you one of these days, and you'll never sit behind the wheel again." But there he goes yabbering about how he can still see totally fine without any help. Again, I tell ya. He's a stubborn one, that husband of mine. Claims he's too good for the police.

Interviewer: Is there anyone that can back you up on what you said? That you went straight home, I mean.

Mrs. Whitman: Sorry, poor lad. Just my husband and I. (Brief pause) Unless one of the neighbors saw. But everybody in our neighborhood is well deep in sleep by the time it's nine in the evening. It's just work, sleep, repeat in this world, I'm tellin' you. Nobody ever does anything exciting in this world anymore.

Interviewer: Thank you, Mrs. Whitman. That's all the information I needed. You're free to leave the station. Have a wonderful rest of your day.

Mrs. Whitman: I give you my best wishes as well. Say hi to Liz for me, too, please.

[Recording terminated at 11:29 am.]