Page 28 of Concrete Evidence
“Yes.” Her tightened facial muscles relayed her determination. “I’m convinced Granddad didn’t kill anyone. But I don’t know who did. I only want the truth.”
“A BOLO, be on the lookout, has been issued for your grandfather, and law enforcement agencies are on alert. His private jet remains parked in his hangar at the ranch, and his truck’s license plates haven’t been spotted by any traffic cams.”
“If he can’t be found, then I’m facing my worst fears. I feel like I’m in a maze and can’t find my way out.” She stiffened. “My apologies. You work with facts, not feelings.”
“You’re fine. Would your parents know how to locate him?”
“Extremely doubtful. They separated themselves from us a long time ago. They probably aren’t aware of what’s happened.”
Rather harsh answer. Media had reported the senator and his son broke communication years ago, but Marc assumed Avery maintained some type of communication with her parents. Of course, who was he to question family relationships?
The young man returned with their Cokes.
Marc thanked him and waited until he walked away. “How long are you staying in Houston?”
“Until this is over and it’s safe for me to return home.” She stared at the wall behind him. “Granddad told me not to trust anyone.”
“Wise man.”
“Except he indicated you could be trusted, but I’m not there yet, Agent Wilkins. I’m sure you ran a background on me. Do you have questions? If need be, I can contact an attorney.”
“Consulting an attorney is always your right. If you’re asking if the FBI suspects criminal activity on your part, the answer is no. And please call me Marc.”
“Okay. I’m Avery. What can you tell me?”
“Whether I can give you info depends on what develops and if it’s something available for public knowledge.”
“I made a commitment to justice and promises to Granddad. I broke one promise by texting Liam’s wife and expressing my sympathy. Nothing more. Have you notified the Army’s criminal investigation command?”
“I have an appointment in Fort Worth with the corps tomorrow.”
She leaned forward. “I assume you ran a background on me?”
“Due diligence. You’d have done the same.”
“True. Is there a way to make me a temporary special agent so I could ride along?”
He smiled and shook his head.
“That made me sound like I was twelve.” She sighed. “As I explained, my emotions are scattered. I prayed and debated my statement at length before driving to the FBI. It sounds like I told you a far-fetched story, but it’s true. I believe Granddad wanted to keep me ignorant of whatever is going on. My apologies for sounding vague.”
“No problem.”
“I’ve never experienced any behavior from Granddad contraryto his convictions. He lives his stance. No gray issues or fence riding for him. All I know is what I witnessed and what he said. Or didn’t say.” She glanced at her hands folded on the table. “Don’t you find it unusual that your father and my granddad were friends and we hadn’t met? Colonel Wilkins never mentioned he had a son but obviously he did to Granddad.”
“We had our differences. He abandoned my mother and me when I was eight. The man who left us when I was a kid didn’t resemble the one in the casket or the man my sister calls Dad.”
She nodded as though she understood. “How sad not to see him for all those years. You and I have lived through family dysfunction. Still doesn’t mean I can trust you.”
“Trust has to be earned, which brings me to the second reason I’m here. I owe you an apology for this afternoon. I insulted you and discounted what you witnessed.”
She focused on Marc. “Apology accepted, and I’ve had my finer moments too.”
“Do you recall anything more from what you’d told me earlier?”
“I’m worried about Granddad. My story this afternoon has nothing to do with how much I love him or what I’d do to prove his innocence.”
“I understand. Have you contacted anyone else about your grandfather?”
