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MARC HAD WAITED LONG ENOUGHto question Craig. The deaths, flooding from the dam, and the overwhelming evidence should have him behind bars. Volunteering to help victims didn’t erase murder charges or patch a leaky dam.
Marc glanced at the senator, Roden, and Avery seated in the ranch’s library. “Craig and Leanne will be here in a few minutes. They’re changing into dry clothes. We need answers. If they want to make a deal by naming someone as an accomplice, Roden and I will listen.”
Roden’s lined face indicated his wound bothered him. “Shipley hasn’t been located. Neither has he returned my calls or texts. He’s lied to us, but why? Where is he now? Hightailing it out of the country? Trying to figure out his next move before we get to the truth?”
“Let’s hope Craig has an idea of his location. I’ll see if Shipleyanswers a text from me.” Marc typed and read the message aloud. “‘Are you close by? We have new information and need your input.’” He pressed Send.
Marc read Shipley’s response to the group. “‘I’m home. Call or text.’”
Marc typed,This is too sensitive. We’d rather see you.
I’ll check back later.
“I’m requesting a BOLO,” Marc said. “Tired of playing games.”
“Back to Craig,” the senator said. “He denied the crimes earlier, but he’s also had time to reconsider. I’d like to give him the opportunity to confess and name who else is involved.”
“It would look better on his record.” Marc hid his distaste for anyone involved in murder. “Leanne too if she agrees.”
Avery frowned. “You don’t believe Jake stored the motorcycle there, and she had no idea it was used in crimes?”
Marc understood her friendship and loyalty to Leanne and the heartache of Craig’s vicious crimes. “It’s odd she wasn’t aware of why he’d been arrested, but I must follow the law. There’s a chance Jake might exonerate her.”
“What about their willingness to talk?” Avery said.
“It’s a plus.” Marc understood their emotions dictated their thoughts and behavior.
“No need to say the obvious,” she said. “His noble actions might be viewed as another means of covering up his crimes.”
The senator’s phone alerted him to a text. The older man sighed. “Craig and Leanne are on their way down.”
Avery longed for the suspicions about Craig and Leanne to be wrong. Families didn’t pin murders on each other.
Unless they were guilty.
Craig and Leanne entered the library. She’d changed into a pair of jeans and a T-shirt of Avery’s, but Craig still wore his wet clothes.
He shook Granddad’s hand. “Senator, I need to talk to all of you. I’ve asked Leanne to support me with what I’m calling a confession. She knows the whole story.”
Granddad gestured to chairs. “Sit down. You two are worn-out.”
“I’d rather stand. I’m soaked. Forming my words, the truth, to you seemed more important than dry clothes.” Craig focused on Granddad. “This may take a little while, so I’d appreciate patience. I’m embarrassed to admit I had an addiction to gambling. Started in my twenties, but I stopped nine months ago. Senator, I couldn’t tell you and face the shame of disappointing you.
“When Lieutenant Shipley visited, he often joined me in the stables. We talked about ranch life, the horses, the construction business, and our admiration for you. I felt like I could trust him, so I told him about trying to get rid of the gambling problem. He encouraged me to make sure my life wouldn’t ever get tangled up in an addiction again by getting counseling. I told him I should tell you, but he believed if you ever learned about my addiction, you’d lose respect for me. Fire me on the spot. He offered to help with my responsibilities regarding the dam construction so I could spend a little time off in counseling. When I asked him why, he said he believed every man deserved a second chance.” Craig dragged his tongue across dry lips.
“Last night, the accumulation of murders, the compromised dam, and the question of who shot me came together.” He swallowed hard. “Sir, I know you’re friends with Shipley. But I need to tell you a few things about him.”
“Why?” Granddad set his jaw. “You said he helped you find the tools you needed to overcome your gambling issues.”
“Look at when the problems started. Six months ago, he came to me with dates for an addiction recovery facility. I paid cash to avoid filing with insurance and you and Avery learning the truth. Later Isaw it coincided with your hunting trip, and we needed to pour the dam’s foundation. We were already behind. I thanked Shipley but told him I needed to wait until the next time the extended counseling was offered. He persuaded me to let him take care of the dam project. He requested the specs, and he’d ensure the work met all guidelines.
“I turned them over to him, and he arranged the crew. When I asked the reason for not using our standard crew, he said the new team had a higher rating and worked on Sundays. We’d been looking for a break in the weather to pour the foundation, so I agreed and arranged for the crew’s hotel and food. Aside from deceiving you, the recovery program really helped me continue to fight my gambling addiction.”
The idea of Craig struggling with a gambling problem surprised her. “The last inspection showed the foundation materials weren’t used. But they were picked up at the warehouse. Where are they?”
“I have no idea.” Craig dug his fingers into his palms. “Why did I fall for such a stupid idea?”
