Page 120 of Concrete Evidence
“I’d like to ask a few questions when you’re finished.”
“Give me about thirty minutes. We’re wrapping this up, and Tessa needs to brush down Cozy.”
“How about in the library?”
A flicker of hesitation crossed her face. “Okay. See you then. A deputy will walk us back. If we aren’t all carried off by the rain.”
He gave Mom a kiss on the cheek and headed out of the stables. He whirled Avery’s way. “Craig’s on his way, and Leanne will be joining us.”
“Good. She and Craig are part of our family.” She paused. “I hope their innocent status remains the same.”
Marc wasn’t so sure Avery wanted to call either of them family, not with the lies Craig had told.
Inside the library, Marc and Avery seated themselves in leather chairs. She smelled of horse and hay. How could one woman look like a runway model and fit into ranch life?
“What did you want to ask me?” she said.
“Tell me about Leanne.”
“We’ve been friends for years.” She told him about the bullying incident in junior high and how the two had been best friends ever since. “She’s funny. Brilliant. Nothing gets by her.”
“College degree?”
“Yes. In accounting. Granddad wanted to hire Leanne and finance her master’s degree, but her dad threatened to disown her if she accepted.”
“Her dad’s at odds with the senator?”
“Politics. They ran against each other for the Texas senate, and Mr. Archer lost—twice. He also belongs to a different church denomination.”
“Ouch.”
“Right. Granddad tried to talk to him about leaving the past behind so Leanne could work for him and take advantage of continuing her education.”
“Must not have gone well.”
Avery huffed. “That’s putting it mildly. Until about six months ago, Leanne still lived at home. Then her dad learned about her many visits to the ranch and exploded. She moved out and bought her own place. Wants to have a couple of horses and run a few cows.”
“Where is she employed?”
“An accounting firm in Brenham.”
Marc put together a few facts. The threatening calls to the senator and his friends started about six months ago... the same time Leanne moved out of her parents’ home. Would her father have put together a plan to destroy the senator? Political rivalry? “What’s your relationship with Leanne’s father?”
Avery held up a palm. “I stay as far away from Ross Archer as possible. He has an extreme dislike for anything Elliott. But to others, he’s solid and an asset to his party.”
“Has he ever threatened the senator or you?”
“Yes.”
“Why wasn’t he on the enemies’ list?”
“He’s more bark than bite.” She drew in a quick breath. “Are you thinking about talking to him?”
He nodded. “I have time before Craig and Leanne arrive.”
“Take Roden with you. Might need backup with your questions.”
He grinned. “Yes, ma’am. If Mr. Archer is behind the crimes, he’ll get a kick out of seeing the shape Roden and I are in.”
