Page 135 of Concrete Evidence
“Let’s do it.” The senator moved to the outside door.
Avery set her dishes in the sink. “I’ll saddle up.”
Marc needed to stay until Shipley arrived. Still he wanted to help. “I’ll head your way as soon as we deal with Shipley.”
“Appreciate it, but no need,” the senator said from the doorway. “You’d be in the way. When Shipley arrives, keep him here until I get back. Hog-tie him if you have to.” He walked back into the kitchen. “Didn’t mean to order you around. I’m just angry.”
Doors slammed, leaving Marc with Roden, Mia, Mom, and Tessa. Outside, the sun perched in the sky with the promise of a gorgeous day. Maybe.
“They already moved the cows and horses once.” Tessa carried her empty plate to the sink of what once held pecan pancakes and thick maple syrup. When Marc agreed, she continued. “If I were a better rider, I’d help.”
“We’d be in the way, like the senator said. Sis, Lieutenant Shipley will be here soon. When he arrives, I’d like for you, Mom, and Mia to stay in your rooms. Locked. Make sure you have your phones, and they’re charged up. Don’t hesitate to contact the deputies at the security gate or call 911 if you suspect danger.”
Tessa dropped her silverware. “Really?”
“The situation’s serious.”
She studied Mom and turned to Roden. “Is Marc overreacting?”
Roden shook his head. “Do exactly as he and I ask. We will let you know when it’s safe.”
Mia paused from wiping the table and touched Tessa’s shoulder. “Better idea. We have a safe room with loaded weapons inside.”
Marc captured his mother’s attention. She stood immovable, fear apparent in her brown eyes. “It will be okay, Mom. Mia knows what she’s doing. This should be over today.”
Nearing 11a.m., Shipley pulled through the security gate onto the Brazos River Ranch. Marc and Roden met Shipley at the door and explained the whereabouts of the senator, Craig, and Avery.
Shipley snorted. “Why isn’t Craig in jail? Once they’re back, I’ll make sure he’s arrested. Makes me wonder if you’ve gone soft.” A bulge in his navy sports coat indicated a firearm.
“Craig’s a person of interest, and he could face arrest before the day’s over. Right now, the ranch hands need him.” Marc pointed to the jacket. “Hot day for a coat.”
“Early morning appointment and never took it off.”
Marc gestured to the library off the foyer to talk. “I think you can help us make a solid arrest today.”
Roden entered the room last and shut the door. He took a chair on the opposite side of Marc forming a triangle with the three men. “We’d all like for this to be over so we can rejoin our families. My wife and girls think I still need to live in my recliner.”
“You bet.” Shipley took a seat. “Mine is tired of my coming and going. I kissed my wife goodbye this morning and told her I hoped to see her this evening. Receding water will speed up the dam repairs. Doesn’t help the loss of life or downstream flooding.”
“Last toll indicated eight people dead,” Roden said.
“Sad situation. How’s the senator handling the bad press?”
“As best as can be expected. Sir, we have a few questions.”
“Certainly. Has Drendle confessed to more crimes?”
“Not yet. The matter of who poisoned Colonel Wilkins is a concern.”
Shipley twisted his head as though he hadn’t heard correctly. “He died of a heart attack. Marc, you went ahead with exhumation?”
Marc took over. “Yes. Cyanide. Looks like he ingested it during lunch.”
“Technology always surprises me,” Shipley said. “Makes sense the ME actually could pinpoint the time.”
“I never asked about the last time you saw my father.”
“A few days before his death.”
