Page 22 of Concrete Evidence
She nodded, and they entered a room with a small conference table and four black chairs. Bland walls, indistinct wall hangings, and a sterile smell met her senses. “Will this be recorded?”
“Is that a problem?” His tone held the cordiality she expected.
“No. I’d prefer every word documented so I don’t have to repeat any of my story.”
Agent Wilkins, an attractive man with light-olive skin and a wide smile, asked for her name. He had Colonel Wilkins’s wide-set eyes and square jawline but not his broad shoulders and height.
“Avery Quinn ElliottIII.”
He eyed her strangely. “As in past Texas senator?”
“My grandfather.”
“I see.” He asked for her address and confirmed she lived with her grandfather on the Brazos River Ranch. He also jotted down her temporary hotel location. “Employed?”
“Vice president of Elliott Commercial Construction and I help my granddad run the Brazos River Ranch.”
“Do you hold an engineering degree like your grandfather?”
“No, sir. My degree is in business management.”
“That question was for my own interest and has nothing to do with your statement. I understand you witnessed a crime?”
“An indication one occurred.”
“Were you the only witness at the time?”
“I’m not sure, but it’s entirely possible.”
Agent Wilkins leaned back. “Start at the beginning.”
Avery repeated what she’d seen but omitted a few details she found of no value. She’d do nothing to jeopardize Granddad’s life. “I learned a man by the name of Liam Zachary was found dead. Could the man I saw on the ranch be the same?”
“Did you see the victim’s face?”
“No. Too far away.”
He shook his head. “Seems like a stretch.”
“Maybe so.” Avery rubbed her arms. “Trust me, I know my story sounds bizarre. But I’m not wrong about seeing a body with blood pouring from his chest.”
He studied her oddly. “Could this be a misunderstanding between you and Senator Elliott? You said he requested you talk to me.”
“Excuse me?” Anger simmered near Avery’s boiling point. “I’m not in the habit of implicating a person in a horrendous crime because he ticked me off. Definitely not a man I love and respect.”
“Miss Elliott, I’m not discounting what you saw or the turmoil of consulting with the FBI. Your grandfather is highly respected, but it’s my responsibility to confirm any accusations.”
She shook off her militant emotions. Agent Wilkins had a job to do. “I’m sorry, and I understand your position. Has an arrest been made in Liam’s death?”
“Not to my knowledge. The crime is the Army’s jurisdiction. They have their own investigative division.”
Why had Granddad sent her here? “My apologies. When my grandfather requested I talk to you, I assumed you had connections due to Colonel Wilkins’s position.”
“Not at all. Miss Elliott, were you acquainted with my father?”
“Yes. He, Granddad, and Liam spent lots of time together, have been friends for years. Granddad told me your father passed. My condolences.”
“Thank you. Had your grandfather and Mr. Zachary quarreled?”
