Page 60 of Concrete Evidence
A professional woman accustomed to power and control. “Is this being recorded?”
“What do you think?”
“Just confirming. I’m listening.”
“Our purpose is to protect the senator from those who want him dead and to make sure justice is served.”
“Who are you?”
“You already asked me, and I gave you our reasons for remaining behind the scenes. I represent the committee.”
“I need names, or we’re done.”
“I’m authorized to give you specific facts and nothing more.”
Senator Elliott had told Marc he’d receive a call from one of his friends from the circle, not the committee. And the woman had already lied about the stolen gun. “Why me out of all the federal agents and law enforcement in the state?”
“Your father recommended you.”
“He’s dead, and we hadn’t spoken in years.”
“Your stakes are higher than most people involved.”
She was speaking in riddles, and he despised them. “List them. My patience is wearing thin.”
“Your partner is in surgery because a shooter missed your mother.”
Heat flamed Marc’s face and temper. Who were these people? If they knew what had happened to Mom and Roden, then they monitored Tessa and Avery. “Is this a threat?”
“Think about it, Marc. You had no affection for your father, but a heart attack prior to Liam Zachary’s murder? Are you stupid not to see a hit list? We doubt the sniper walked away from the shooting today with a satisfied grin. When will he try again? Whose name will be etched on the next bullet? Your mother’s? Tessa’s? Avery’s? Your career isn’t going anywhere with those deaths on your résumé.”
“Are you resorting to blackmail?”
“We support Senator Elliott and whatever it takes to get the job done.”
“Not surprised when you moved Zachary’s body from the crime scene.”
“We conduct our investigation according to our guidelines,” she said.
“Right. If you are so plugged in to what’s going on, why didn’t you take the sniper out yourself? What exactly do you want from me?” Marc said.
“Buddy and Saundra Elliott stand to gain tremendous wealth if the senator is out of the picture. They believe Avery’s weak, easily manipulated, and they won’t have any problem gaining control of the Elliott wealth.”
He’d play for a while. “Maybe they aren’t guilty.”
“Mia, the housekeeper, is another suspect.”
“Motive?”
“She’s worked for the senator over fourteen years, about the sametime he took legal guardianship of Avery. Prior to her position, she supported the opposition. Politically.”
He’d met Mia and her record squeaked clean. “Craig Holcombe? With the senator behind bars, he’d gain more control.”
“So would Avery, and she isn’t above suspicion.”
“The senator named her?” Marc said.
“No. A committee member.”
