Page 56 of Silent Menace
“Thank you.” She appreciated his discretion. She would tell her parents about the newest threat, but she wanted to do it herself. And maybe after her dad got back from the cardiologist appointment he had scheduled for this afternoon.
THE MORNING PASSEDQUICKLYand, unfortunately, without bringing any clarity to Hailey’s situation. Jesse had put up a fuss about having to keep his appointment. But at Hailey’s insistence, and only after eliciting a promise from Peter that he would stay with “their girls,” he’d finally agreed to go. Miguel had called just after lunch and said he would arrive around two, and that had helped to mollify him.
Now, while Hailey was putting Jenna down for a nap, Peter decided to do some research on Alessandro Luque.
Surprisingly, there wasn’t a lot of information about the man online. Peter was able to locate a short bio on the about page of a prestigious investment firm. Hailey hadn’t mentioned the name of the firm last night, but the description fit. According to the bio, Alessandro had graduated from an Ivy League school and had spent fifteen years working his way up to his current position at Eukaria Investments. It also cited notably increased profits since he’d taken over as CFO five years ago. Peter would bet that was the case. Money laundering wasn’t legal, but it was quite profitable for those who got away with it.
Peter stared at the man’s image. Alessandro fit the stereotypical tall, dark, and handsome to a T. Though it wasn’t possible to tell his height from this photo, that part had been obviousfrom last night’s security feed. But he hadn’t been able to get a good look at the man otherwise. Now he studied him. Alessandro had the olive-toned skin, five o’clock shadow, and piercing blue eyes that Peter’s sister would have practically drooled over in her teen years. Those weren’t even his most striking features. Even in a portrait, the man’s intensity and arrogance were unmistakable.
Hailey rejoined him, and he showed her the photo. She shuddered. “That’s him.”
He frowned, already not liking the guy. Of course, he hadn’t liked Alessandro Luque from the moment he discovered he was threatening Hailey. Now he had a clear image to go with the name.
He shared the little he’d found so far. “It’s not much to go on.”
She sighed. “No, but I’m not sure what kind of details would help us anyway.”
“Knowledge is power, as they say.” And Alessandro Luque hadn’t left much power lying around. Perhaps a study on Eukaria Investments or the wider Luque family would yield more fruit.
About ten minutes later, a knock sounded at the door. He and Hailey exchanged a look. Miguel hadn’t called to say he or one of the other guys was returning. Had her parents mentioned they were expecting anyone? She shook her head at his silent question.
Motioning her to stay where she was, he moved to the front door and took a look through the peephole. His shoulders relaxed when he recognized Detective Thornton on the porch. Peter opened the door. “Afternoon, Detective.”
Eric gave him a curt nod as he entered. “Hello, Peter. Is Hailey here?”
“I’m in the living room,” Hailey called before Peter could answer.
Eric headed in her direction. Peter closed the door andfollowed. Something about the detective’s manner screamed there’d been a new development. And it wasn’t good.
Hailey rose to join them at the door. Her expression said she was picking up on the same vibes he was. “What brings you all the way out here?”
The detective fixed his gaze on her. “One of your coworkers was found dead this morning.”
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Hailey gasped.Another coworker dead? “Who? What happened?”
“Stefania Novak. She was murdered.”
She clapped her hand over her mouth. Despite how Stefania treated her, she still felt bad for the woman. Frank’s death, though tragic, had been due to a heart attack. That was bad enough. Murder was so much worse, no matter who the victim was.
Peter put an arm around her shoulders. “Do you think this is connected with the attempts on Hailey’s life? A coworker’s death doesn’t usually warrant an in-person notification.”
Hailey had been too stunned by the news to wonder at Eric’s presence, but Peter was right. Even if she and Stefania had been good friends—which they weren’t—she wouldn’t have received an official notification. Nor would a detective have been tasked with making that visit. But how could this be connected with her? Stefania had nothing to do with Eukaria’s accounts, though she’d certainly wanted to. Was it possible there was some other reason they’d both been targeted?
Eric ran a hand through his short, dark hair. “There isn’t a good way to say this, so I’m just going to be blunt. Word is that you two didn’t get along—that she’s been harassing you. I have toask if you know anything about her death.” Despite his obvious discomfort, his tone was firm and his gaze steady.
Hailey’s eyes rounded. “Absolutely not. Yes, she’s been a pain in my side, but I’d never want her dead.”
He drew out a well-worn notebook. “Can you tell me where you were between two and four a.m.?”
“I was here all night.”
“And can your parents verify that?”
“Actually.” Peter cleared his throat. “I can.”
Eric turned his attention to him, a flicker of relief and curiosity in his eyes. “You can confirm her alibi?”
