The Case of Joseph Howard: Case File 02

An interview with Eliza Howard.

Interviewer: How long have you been married to Joseph?

Eliza: 10 years, and a happy marriage it's been too.

I: When was the last time you had contact with Joseph?

E: The 27th. He was working a late night, and called me to let me know that he'd pick something up on the way home. Thought he sounded...strange.

I: Strange?

E: Yeah. It's hard to describe, but it sounded like he was...preoccupied with something. Like he was already busy when he called.

I: Did he enjoy his job? Was he well liked?

E: Yeah, he loved his job. Got him free seats to plays whenever he was off work. There was this one guy, Kane. He was always at odds with Joe, but I never thought something might happen.

I: What is Kane's full name?

E: I think it's...Kane Powers. Dunno his last name. But he was always a creepy looking guy. Had a scar on his left hand, like it had been shot. And it never healed.

I: What do you mean?

E: It never healed. Joe always told me that it always looked like the wound was made less than a week ago. It's odd, ain't it?

I: (after a pause) Yes. Odd. What was Joseph like at home?

E: Oh, he was a sweet guy. Always thinking about me. Though he'd get into these blue periods sometimes...never was quite the same after that accident in '09.

I: The accident in '09? What was that? (Eliza looked visibly nervous.)

E: Well...in any case, he was always a little depressed after that. He had some anti-depression medications. Duloxetine, I think.

I: And how long ago was this?

E: A year ago. He just got prescribed for a greater dose two weeks ago.

I: One last question. Has Joseph ever been known to have suicidal tendencies?

E: What?!

I: We can't rule out any possibilities.

E: No, of course he didn't!

I: (after shuffling papers) Thank you for your time, Mrs. Howard. We'll do everything we can to find your husband.