Page 114 of Concrete Evidence
FRIDAY EVENING,Marc viewed a press conference online conducted by District Commander Colonel Knowles of the Army Corps of Engineers in Fort Worth. Senator Elliott, Roden, and Avery viewed the colonel on a big screen in the senator’s library. Colonel Knowles shared the emergency measures to help those affected by the flooding and offered a website with a list of FAQs. He announced the arrest of Jake Drendle in a series of murders tied to the construction of the Lago de Cobre Dam.
“Senator Elliott is the contractor for the dam,” a female reporter said. “Why hasn’t he been charged?”
“The situation is under investigation.”
“What about the inspections?” another reporter said. “Aren’t those supposed to catch and prevent construction issues? Elliott constructed a faulty dam, and innocent people are impacted.”
“Their safety is foremost in mind, and many have been evacuatedas a precaution. Those responsible for the dam’s foundation problems will face charges once we have concluded our investigation.”
Questions mounted, but Colonel Knowles ended the press conference.
“I spoke to Knowles yesterday,” the senator said. “I updated him on the investigation.”
“Does he know about the threats?” Marc said.
“Yes, which is why I’m not in jail.”
“What about Shipley?”
“He’s done his best to help end the crimes. But he doesn’t have any more answers than we do.”
“With the sophistication of these crimes, someone laid the groundwork for Drendle to take the fall.” Marc glanced at the time. “The ranch hands are ending the day, and Roden and I need a word with them.”
He sensed Avery’s gaze. “I want to talk to Craig again tonight.”
The senator stood. “Ask him why the dam’s foundation doesn’t meet specs.”
“Roden, are you feeling up to a hospital trip?” Marc said.
The big man joined the senator. “I’m not missing out on any of this. Senator, we’ll pose your questions, but we insist you remain here. It’s for your own protection.”
“What about my granddaughter? Her—”
“She stays here too.” Marc picked up his phone. “I’ll call security at the gate to arrange a deputy is with you once we’re ready to leave.”
“That’s not fair.” Avery’s voice rose over Marc’s.
“Too dangerous,” Marc said, “and we’re not taking any unnecessary risks. Isn’t Shipley driving here tonight?”
The senator nodded. “With all the rain, he wanted to monitor the low-lying areas.”
“Why here?” Avery said. “Can’t he find a hotel?”
The senator eyed her curiously. “What happened to my complacent granddaughter?”
Avery crossed her arms over her chest. “She’s an Elliott.”
Marc and Roden gathered the ranch hands at the stable before many of them drove home. They’d spent a long day driving cattle and horses to higher ground. Tired, mud-covered men faced them.
“This won’t take five minutes,” Marc said. “Many of you know Craig was found early this morning on the northwest corner of the ranch near the Old River Gate. He’d been shot and is now hospitalized. He doesn’t know who pulled the trigger. JC and Will followed their guts and rode out to help us. Without them, not sure Craig would be alive.”
“Agent Wilkins,” JC said. “We searched the area where you found Craig. He wasn’t there.”
Marc scanned the crowd of exhausted men. “How many of you rode the fence line near that gate?”
Four men raised their fingers. “Twice,” Will said. “Maybe he stumbled through the fence from the other side and doesn’t remember it.”
“We searched there too,” JC said.
