Page 84 of Concrete Evidence
“I’m investigating a violent crime. Who else has motive to alter the dam’s design?”
“No idea and then too many to name. Folks either side with me or hate me. I’m curious about Craig’s explanation after the dive team’s inspection.”
“I’m sure you and I are tracking the same way. Craig’s either taken off in the heat of things or lying somewhere with a bullet in him. I can’t help you unless you fill me in on the background. I don’t believe any of this took you by surprise.”
“Threats have always been a part of my life. But not murders and the intricate plan I see unfolding.”
“Who informed you of the faulty construction?” Marc said.
When the senator’s lack of response hit dead air, Marc repeated the question.
“Lieutenant Shipley, a good friend.”
“He’s in your circle?”
“Yes.”
“What else?”
“All right. About eight months ago, I received a call from a computer-altered voice that said I needed to part with some of my money. The caller threatened Avery and demanded ten million dollars. I refused, thinking it meant nothing, and hung up. I hired a private investigator to handle the threat, but nothing surfaced. Not the first time someone has tried to squeeze money out of me. I finished the dam and received another call. This time the voice said the dam wouldn’t hold. Impossible when we’d received a valid inspection. I talked to Abbott and Liam, and we hired the original diver toinspect the dam and take another video. He said the project had been completed according to spec. I have both videos of the inspections.”
“Where are they?”
“In my possession.”
“Was Craig aware?”
“Yes.”
“I need the diver’s name, and how I can get in touch with him.”
“He’s dead. Bruce Ingles.”
Marc clenched his jaw. “Three verified deaths, and you kept the information from the Army Corps or the Feds? Sounds suspicious to me.”
“Ingles died in a one-car accident. Fell asleep at the wheel.”
“Imagine that.” The possibility of his father being murdered rose several points. But in Marc’s opinion, his father had done his best to protect Mom and Tessa.
“I see your point,” the senator said. “I should have gone to the right people when Abbott and Liam died, but we had no names or groups to offer. No wonder I’m a suspect.”
“Like connecting dots.” Marc bit back sarcasm as thick as tar. “Ready to turn yourself in?”
“I’m not guilty.”
“Then why are you hiding?”
“You already said it, to connect the dots. I can’t find who is responsible when I’m in jail.”
“There are trained investigators who know more about solving crimes.”
“Where has your experience gotten you on this one?” The senator’s voice rose.
“You called me, so what’s your agenda?”
“Are you willing to help me find who is behind this?”
“My job has always been to investigate the truth and protect the innocent.”
