TILDA WILKES WITNESS STATEMENT: BRITTANY LYNN
A document from an interactive, solvable fictional cold case told through official records.
Case Name: Brittany Lynn
Case Number: RH–1993–731
Document Type: Interview Transcript
Date Recorded: 09/03/1993
Location: 123 Hollow Bend Road
Interviewed By: Deputy Earl Pritchard
Interviewee: Tilda Wilkes
Recording Medium: Cassette (Audio)
PRITCHARD: For the record, ma’am, can you state your name and address?
TILDA: Tilda Wilkes. One-twenty-three Hollow Bend. Been here near fifty years now. Caldwell and I moved here during the war. He’s gone now.
PRITCHARD: I’m sorry to hear that.
TILDA: Thank you. You don’t ever really stop missing someone. He liked sitting out here on the porch. Said you could see most everything from this spot if you paid attention. He was always noticing who came through. That’s why I still sit out here. Habit, I suppose.
PRITCHARD: Do you usually sit out in the afternoons?
TILDA: Most days, yes. If it’s not raining. I come out after lunch and stay until it’s time for my pills and my shows. I keep to a schedule. Makes the day simpler.
PRITCHARD: About what time did you come out today?
TILDA: Around twelve-fifteen. Maybe a little after. The noon news had just ended.
PRITCHARD: And you went back inside when?
TILDA: Just before three. I always do. Pills first, then my programs.
PRITCHARD: While you were outside, did you notice anyone on Hollow Bend?
TILDA: It was quiet. The meter man came through earlier. Caleb Rourke passed by — heading toward Crystal’s, I expect. And Harlan Lester stepped out about the same time as the bus pulled up.
PRITCHARD: Anyone else?
TILDA: No, sir. Not that I recall. If someone had come by, I likely would’ve seen them. I sit right here most of the time.
PRITCHARD: Did you see Brittany today?
TILDA: Oh yes. She always stops to say hello. Sweet child.
PRITCHARD: What happened when you saw her?
TILDA: She got off the bus and came over like she always does. Told me about school — I don’t remember exactly what. We talked a minute or two. Nothing out of the ordinary.
PRITCHARD: About how long did she stay?
TILDA: Just a few minutes. She knows better than to linger. She said goodbye and headed toward home.
PRITCHARD: Did you notice anything unusual about her?
TILDA: No. She seemed perfectly fine to me. Smiling. Same as always. If something had been wrong, I believe I’d have noticed.
PRITCHARD: Did you see her again after that?
TILDA: No. … No, I didn’t. I went back inside not long after.
PRITCHARD: Have you ever noticed anyone hanging around who doesn’t belong here?
TILDA: No. This road’s the same people it’s always been. I don’t care much for Trent Wilburn — he’s loud sometimes — but that’s just my opinion. Caldwell used to say it’s best not to say more than you’re certain of.
PRITCHARD: Did you see Mr. Wilburn today?
TILDA: No. If I had, I’d remember that.
PRITCHARD: Is there anything else you think we should know?
TILDA: Only that she’s walked that stretch so many times before without trouble. I can’t make sense of it.
END OF RECORDING
Interview concluded at approximately 1715 hours.
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