Page 45 of Lost Truth
“Wade Collins is his brother-in-law,” Abby said. “Was Ernie trying to protect him?”
“Maybe from getting killed by the traffickers,” Cady said. “At least that’s what my dad said in the video.”
“Most everyone knows about the mayor only tolerating his brother-in-law because of his wife,” Mina said. “After she died there was no love lost between them, but he continued to support Collins with the boat long after that.”
“Maybe the mayor was in on the trafficking,” Hayden said.
“No!” Mina lifted her chin. “No way. There has to be a legitimate explanation for why he didn’t report this, and it’s our job to find out what it is while we bring in the traffickers.”
Hayden moved over to the whiteboard. “Then let’s review our assignments to see if we’ve gotten any closer to resolving this mystery.”
He tapped the first item for the algorithms that he was assigned to run for gathering background information about Cady and Kai. “I got alerts that the reports are done running. When the meeting breaks up, I’ll review the results and email reports.”
“I’d be glad to analyze the results for Cady.” Abby gave Hayden a pointed look.
Ah, she didn’t trust him to be impartial, but he would probably do the same thing in her shoes.
“Thanks. Two of us will make quicker work than one.” He gave her a look loaded with meaning, a silent plea to keep his involvement to herself. “I’ll also add Percy to my algorithms. Seems like he’s involved in some capacity, and we don’t want to miss anything.”
“Just ask if you need his financial or phone records. Or mine, for that matter,” Cady said. “I can give you access to our accounts too.”
He gave a simple nod, tempted to praise her for being so cooperative—but with Abby already sensing his feelings for Cady, he held back. If anyone else hadn’t noticed yet, he wasn’t about to give them a reason to.
He moved on to the second item. “Abby, were you able to check with Kai’s doctor for any mental or physical issues that could’ve explained him simply wandering off?”
“Yeah, nothing out of the ordinary,” she replied.
Hayden crossed the item off the board and looked back at the group. “You all know we searched Kai’s house and business today. He doesn’t use computers, and we didn’t locate any personal financial or phone records. I’ll need someone to contact his bank and phone company for that information.”
El shifted uncomfortably and leaned at an awkward angle to make eye contact with him. Her unnatural position was probably to keep Gabe out of her sightline. The pair had been fighting the same emotions Hayden and Cady were losing the battle against. Everyone on the team knew it, and they were all rooting for them to get together.
Big problem was El was a by-the-book, stickler kind of woman, while Gabe was an easy-going, whatever will be will be kind of guy. Opposites attract, or so they say, but the big question was, could the pair get beyond the initial attraction?
Maybe a bigger question was, could Hayden and Cady get beyond it too? He stole a glance at her, andthe strength behind his resolve began to fade.
El cleared her throat. Hayden snapped his attention back to her.
“I already have warrant requests in the works,” she said. “I should be able to serve them tomorrow morning.”
Nolan aimed a challenging look at the detective. “But are you planning to share the information with us?”
El glanced at Mina for direction.
Mina sighed. “I wish we could, but that’s not information we can share.”
El beamed a smile at her boss. Yeah, she was a stickler for protocol, too, and would likely have argued if Mina had agreed.
“Then I’ll take care of it,” Abby stated plainly, sounding not in the least bit put out. “Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve tried to get those kinds of records without a warrant.”
“Speaking of getting records.” Hayden looked at Mina. “Any chance you were able to get copies of the police investigation into Percy Vaughn’s death?”
She shook her head. “I’ve put in a request with the lieutenant in charge, but even if I’m able to get the file, I can’t share it with you.”
Nolan looked at his girlfriend. “But you can review it, and reaffirm Cady’s take on things.”
“What?” Cady asked, her eyes wide. “You doubt me?”
Hayden held up a placating hand. “He’s merely trying to confirm every aspect of the investigation so nothing gets missed.”
