Page 72 of Trace of Doubt
“I think so. Since Shelby’s release, new information about the embezzlement case has surfaced.”
He froze. “Is she in trouble?”
“Someone wants her dead. She’s been threatened repeatedly, and right now the FBI has her in a safe house, the third attempt to keep her alive. The wrong people discovered the first two and attacked. Two agents have been shot.”
“She’s okay?”
“Yes.”
“The others will recover?”
“One of the agents on protective duty nearly lost his life.”
Clay dragged a hand over his face. “She was safer in prison.”
“Yes, sir.” I noted the distress around his eyes. “The FBI is on it, but progress is slow.”
“Where do I fit in this?”
“A shooter claimed Eli Chandler hired him.”
Clay stiffened. “Chandler?”
I nodded. “He worked for you six months after Shelby’s sentencing.”
“I fired him. Found him dipping his hands into the cash register.”
I leaned back. My leg hurt but taking a pain pill lessened my game.
“Do the names Nick Hanson, Arthur Shell, or Stan Watkins sound familiar?”
“No, sir.”
“Do you mind if I ask you something?” Mike said. When Clay motioned for Mike to go ahead, he continued. “Why didn’t you press charges against Chandler?”
“Rough times back then. Shelby had been convicted of manslaughter. My wife had a breakdown. Marissa grieved and was pregnant with Aria.”
“The FBI’s been investigating a money-laundering case for over three years now. The trail has led to Sharp’s Creek.”
“Sure your evidence’s accurate? This town isn’t exactly a hub of criminal or financial activity.”
“We’ve learned in this business not to be surprised by anything. The problem is the investigation provided a name.”
“Someone I know?”
“Clay Pearce.”
The shock on Clay’s face prompted Mike to hold up his hand. “Denton and I volunteered to talk to you because the situation seems like a setup.”
“My name’s connected with money laundering?” Clay snorted. “Why? Look around you.” He gestured at the room. “Am I a man of means? Do you see where I live, my old car, the updates needed everywhere you look? With that kind of money, I’d have paid for my wife to try an experimental cancer treatment.”
“I understand.” Mike kept his tone even. “When I read the report and talked to Denton, we questioned the validity.”
Clay stood. “The thought of the FBI using my tax money in a ridiculous accusation like money laundering makes me furious.”
“Would me too. Sit down, Clay. We’re friends here.” Clay obliged and Mike continued the conversation. “Is there anyone who’d want to destroy your reputation? Someone who holds a grudge against you?”
“No one I can think of. Never had a bad time with anybody but Eli Chandler.”
