Page 39 of Concrete Evidence
“Yes, sir. He’s a fine man.”
Marc questioned if the dark-haired, saintly Craig might know more than he was willing to share.
Marc drove to the home of Avery Quinn ElliottII, a modest ranch of about three hundred acres. Buddy and his wife, Saundra, lived fifteen miles from the Brazos River Ranch on property deeded to them by the senator.
“I’m open for analytics about Craig,” Marc said. “For the record, you’re an ace in mining information.”
“Strategy, which I learned viewing game recordings during my football days,” Roden said. “Look for a person’s vulnerability, feed on his good side, and draw out what he’s really feeling.”
“It works. Craig is definitely loyal to Senator Elliott and Avery. I didn’t detect any cover-ups.”
Roden drew in a deep breath.
“What’s the hesitation?”
“He’s smart. I listened to his praises for the Elliotts and candid responses about their character. But he’s aware of his value to the ranch and construction business, and if he’d pull out, both would be handicapped for a season. Doesn’t stop his frustration at the workload. I’m curious about how much money he makes.”
“I’ll talk to Avery about him. She’s already shared that the relationship between her parents and the senator is rocky. Odd, I hadn’t picked up on her being a yes-sir girl, but Holcombe alluded to it. Quite the opposite from my dealings with her.”
“He’s either underestimated her or he’s allowed a green streak to rule his mouth.”
“I debated telling Craig about the gun that had killed Zachary,” Marc said. “I’d rather he finds out through another source.”
“Me too. Let’s hope he’s an ally and we can count on him while we keep our eyes open.” Roden held up his phone. “Want me to call the Archer woman?”
Marc swung him a chin lift.
Roden pressed in the number and placed his phone on speaker. After an introduction to Leanne Archer and the reason for his call, he eased into information mode. “We’re investigating Senator Elliott’s and Avery’s disappearances. Can you help us?”
“No, sir. Avery and I normally talk or text every day, but I haven’t heard from her since last Sunday after church. Phone calls, texts, and emails go unanswered.”
“I see. Is she close to another friend, male or female?”
“Avery is a private person as far as friendships go. I mean, she has lots of acquaintances but no one to my knowledge that she confides in except me. Currently she’s not dating anyone.”
More confirmed information.
“Any past relationships we should know about?”
“No. Avery’s picky about the guys she dates, and the last one moved to Nashville to marry another woman.”
“What about her parents?” Roden said.
“They’ve been out of the picture for a long time. Not exactly role models for good parenting.”
“Why?”
“I’d rather not say.”
“When you hear from her or Senator Elliott, would you contact me? We’re concerned about their safety.”
She gasped. “Yes, without a doubt.”
Roden gave his number and thanked her before he pocketed his phone. He pointed to a road turnoff for Marc. “Women have this thing about girlfriends, and they tell them everything. At least my wife and daughters do. Avery might not tell us where the senator is hiding out, but she might tell Leanne Archer.”
Marc turned onto Buddy’s property surrounded by metal fencing. He’d expected a solid home but not the sprawling stone ranch. “Not shabby.”
“It’s called having plenty of money.”
