Page 134 of Concrete Evidence
“And now Ingles is dead.” Roden appeared to ponder the findings. “He was the one man who knew the truth. According to the specs filed in Senator Elliott’s office, Shipley didn’t alter them. He had to duplicate them with changes prior to the crew laying the foundation. We need to question those men. They’d have recognized shortcuts, and yet they didn’t do a thing about it.” He held up a finger. “Shipley said one of the crew members contacted the corps about the faulty construction.”
“Sorta falling into place. In the meantime, let’s keep the info to ourselves.”
The French doors opened, and Tessa appeared, light-brown hair ruffled and dressed in boxers and a Beatles T-shirt. “Got a minute, Marc?”
“Always.” He reached for her, and she stepped into a side hug.
“Am I interrupting?”
“Nope.” Roden grinned. “I’m heading for coffee and then a shower.” He left them alone in the morning light, a wonderful diversion from the gray and rain.
“What’s up?” Marc said.
“School starts on Thursday. Not sure what I should do. So much to think about. I mean with Gram and when this will be over.”
“I called your grandmother’s yesterday and spoke to a hospice nurse. She’s weakening, but she’s also a fighter.” He pulled her closer. “Can’t imagine how much you miss her or the grief you’re experiencing. Talk to me, Tessa.”
“You’ve got tons on your mind already.”
“Not too much for you. We were supposed to look for a house in Houston yesterday. Didn’t happen but it will. There are two school districts not far from the FBI office, and I also wondered about a private Christian school. Do you have a preference?”
“I have no idea. Does a Christian school have sports and after-school stuff?”
“The one I researched does. We wouldn’t know how large the program is until we visited.” He rested his head atop hers, and they stared out at the front manicured yet waterlogged lawn. “I have no guarantees when this will be over.”
“I’ve heard a few things when y’all thought I was on my phone or not paying attention. I don’t like Lieutenant Shipley. He’s one sketchy guy. No need to say anything ’cause you can’t.”
“Right. Since he’s not your favorite, stay clear of him.” Best they avoid the topic of Shipley.
“Yes, Brother. When will you and Avery have your stitches removed?”
“A doctor is coming by tomorrow.”
“Good. Every time you or Avery hug me, I’m afraid I’ll hurt you.”
He squeezed her. “With the school dilemma, my mom has offered to temporarily homeschool or set you up in a virtual classroom.”
“We talked about it, and I’d like the virtual classroom. Done it before.” She peered up at him, her green eyes trusting and innocent. If only he could keep her safe from the world’s battering ram.
“The idea of getting behind in your education bothers me.”
“Me too.”
“You and I will find counseling once we’re back in Houston. I want you mentally healthy after all you’ve been through, and I want us to have a solid plan on how to move forward.”
“Like when we argue? I mean, we haven’t really yet, except when I had to leave Gram. But we will.”
He laughed. “Yes, conflict management is good.”
Marc’s gut told him the worst conflict crept forward, and he feared those he loved would be in the thick of it.
75
MARC HAD POURED HIS SECOND CUPof coffee after breakfast when Craig burst into the side kitchen entrance and called for the senator.
Senator Elliott met him across the room. The older man hadn’t shaved, and his shoulders sagged. “What’s wrong?”
“Water’s rising in the east pasture. We’re doing our best to round up the livestock and move them to even higher ground.”
