Page 93 of Hell Hath No Fury
“Convenient timing for Winslow.”
Matthias continued to stare into the night. “Man, I’d love to know who Jones intended to name as his successor.”
“So would I, but with Jones gone, we’ll never know.”
“He must’ve told someone.”
Fergusson shook his head. “If he did, it wasn’t his wife. Weasked her, but she had no clue. Says he never discussed business with her.”
“She told me the same thing.” Matthias brought his gaze back to the trooper. “Speaking of the widow, what do you think about her?”
“I think she’s as shattered as whatever killed her husband.”
“You don’t think she had anything to do with it?”
Fergusson gave the question some thought. “If Ashley Jones is guilty, she’s a damn fine actress. On the other hand, I am concerned about her well-being. She’s grieving, sure, but I’m pretty sure she’s got health issues.”
“Emma and I thought she might be using.”
“Drugs? It’s possible. For the sake of the little girl, I sure hope not.” Fergusson stretched, producing a series of pops and a groan. He gestured in the general direction of where Matthias had left his Jeep. “I saw your car parked down the road a ways. Do you want us to give you a lift?”
“No, thanks. I’m good.”
“Then get out of here and do us both a favor. Leave the investigation alone.”
Matthias touched his forehead in a mock salute before walking away. He noticed that Fergusson waited until he was well off theproperty before leaving. Back in the Jeep, Matthias checked his phone and realized he’d missed a call from Cassie. He tapped the call icon.
“It’s about time you got back to me. Where’ve you been?”
“Don’t ask,” he said. “What’s going on?”
“Denene and I are sitting in the motel parking lot while Emma’s in the room talking to her sister.”
“Nell’s there?”
“Yep. I don’t know her condition, although I take the fact that Emma hasn’t called for an ambulance as a good sign.”
“Agreed. Thanks for letting me know.”
“How’s the money trail going?”
“Considering I just got busted by the local cops for trespassing, it’s better I leave you out of it.”
“Too late.”
Her tone set him on edge. “Why?”
“You asked me to look into the criminal history of some of your suspects, especially where motor vehicle theft was concerned.”
“Yeah. And?”
“Roth called me with a hit. It’s a twenty-year-old case.”
“Who?” Matthias demanded.
“Patrick Winslow.”
ChapterTwenty-Eight
