Page 127 of Concrete Evidence
The call ended, and the senator shook his head as though denying Hope Shipley’s words. “I despise what’s happened. Shipley’s and Craig’s involvement seemed incredulous, but unfortunately the theory makes sense.”
Marc forged ahead. “We’re speculating here, but we need to examine all possibilities. Shipley’s motivation could be a personal issue related to passing Huntington’s disease to his children and the lack of funds to pay for medical expenses. Craig, I’m not sure. We have questions for him in the morning.” He nodded at Roden. “What do you think?”
“Shipley’s carrying a huge load. His daughter may have at the most ten to fifteen years. I know because a friend from college was diagnosed with Huntington’s. The downhill side of the disease is the complete helplessness prior to death.”
Marc raised a finger. “I noticed his involuntary jerking and thought nothing of it.”
“Those symptoms started in the last few weeks,” the senator said. “If he’s guilty, nothing justifies what he’s done. No one deserved to die or face the dam failure, but his actions show his desperation.”
Another thought begged for an explanation. “Shipley wouldn’t have the money to finance such an operation, but Craig might have had access to the funds.”
The senator’s face paled. “Anything is possible. Have you researched their financials?”
Roden leaned forward, his massive frame like a bulldozer, but his countenance was one of compassion. “Shipley’s finances are in lousy shape. But Craig has saved money for years, and no high-dollar withdrawals have been reported. Ever. He and Buddy spent time at the gambling casinos in Oklahoma. Even then, Craig’s bank account stayed the same, which tells me he gambled with money from another source.”
The senator spoke up. “Bonuses and earned profits have amounted to quite a fistful of cash. What else?”
“Up until nine months ago, Craig frequented a few gambling spots in Louisiana. He did well at the blackjack table. No record of gambling since then.”
“Buddy told me Craig gambled, but my son has lied about so much that I blew it off.” The senator scrubbed his hand over his face. “If you’re right, I’ve been played. Two people I trusted might have turned against me. Jake goes down for the murders, and I end up in prison for changing the specs on the dam.” His attention darted to Roden and then Marc. “Avery has been a target all along. Jake had her on his list, not just to frighten me but to follow through on his contracts. I might kill whoever is responsible myself.”
“Slow down, sir,” Marc said. “Letting anger take over doesn’t solve a thing. If we are to tackle this head-on, we need to talk it through with logic.”
“True. We men have a protective instinct when it comes to those we love.”
“I’ve felt the same way with Mom and Tessa.” He’d not mention Avery. “We still need level heads.”
“I’m trying to force my anger aside. What else have you speculated?”
“Avery assumes control of everything in your absence. But if prosecution can prove she covered up the faulty foundation, she’d face a ruined reputation and possibly jail time. Her signature is on all legal documentation. The assets from the ranch and construction business would be frozen and tied up in court for years. But Craig wouldn’t have a job. Shipley collects on his vengeance but still doesn’t have money for medical expenses. With you and Avery out of the picture, Buddy has an opportunity to hire legal help to possibly gain control of the ranch and company. We ran a background on Ross Archer, but nothing surfaced.”
The senator kept a stoic expression. “All four men have intelligence in their wheelhouse.”
“Have you ever suspected Craig might be padding the books?” Marc said.
“He would have been caught. Meticulousness is one trait Avery and I share.”
“Sir,” Roden said. “Marc has experienced a woman caller who used the same burner number as the threatening calls. Who would you suspect?”
“You lost me there. More than one woman opposes me, especially those who object to my political stands. Have you discovered a potential problem in the list I provided? There are women on it.”
“Nothing at present.”
The senator sighed. “Why would Craig conceive such a plan? I’ve paid him well, offered every conceivable compensation.”
“Except a stake in the ranch and company,” Roden said. “Unlike Marc, I haven’t checked Archer off the list. He and Craig might seem like an unlikely pair, but Archer is Leanne’s father.” He rose and stretched his tree-trunk legs. “The reason Craig wouldn’t betray you may be the reason he has.”
Marc’s and Roden’s phones buzzed with an alert.
Marc scrolled down the message and clenched his fist.
The dam had broken.
71
SHORTLY AFTER MIDNIGHT,Avery authorized water, blankets, and food to be sent to a centralized emergency shelter. She’d slept fitfully with the news of the dam’s breach, dozing and then startling awake. Repeatedly. The people and property in the path of the massive flooding filled her mind. First responders and volunteers worked furiously to find those who had refused to evacuate earlier, and she longed to help. Once daylight hit, perhaps she’d drive to one of the shelters and offer aid. Marc and Granddad would object—actually they’d pitch a fit—but she’d deal with them.
At 6a.m., Leanne texted her.
