Page 25 of Concrete Evidence
“You only eat those when you can’t figure out a case.”
Marc startled. “I like them.”
Roden sat across from him. “I call ’em as I see ’em. What’s happening?”
“This all goes back to the night of my father’s funeral and what Mom asked me to look into...”
“If you went to the ASAC with this, he’d think your head took a massive hit. But with Liam Zachary’s death and the additional info you’ve uncovered, I’m inclined to take the suspicious route.”
Marc cracked a smile despite the absurdity of what he’d learned. The assistant special agent in charge might send him for a psych eval. “We’ve had weird cases, but this one came out of left field and into our catcher’s mitt.”
“Correction. It’s not our case. It’s CID’s.”
“And now the women have pulled me into it.”
“Who is the pistol registered to that killed Zachary?”
“CID either isn’t releasing the name, or they don’t know.” Marc held up a finger. “Zachary’s body was moved after time of death. The ME found soil on his clothing inconsistent with where the sheriff’s department found him.”
“Which means he could have been killed on the Brazos River Ranch. What have you found out about the three men’s relationship?”
“I confirmed they attended fundraisers together. Mom’s and Tessa’s claims were accurate. When we’re finished, I might contact Lieutenant Shipley at the corps with a rundown of what I’ve learned.”
“But you’d rather not. You’d rather be a rogue agent like on TVwho takes the case for the love of his mother and sister, knowing the FBI isn’t involved. The one thing I haven’t asked is if the senator’s granddaughter is drop-dead gorgeous.”
“Runway material.”
Roden groaned. “Who do I know in Hollywood?”
“I hope someone who can write a good ending.” Marc took a sip of coffee and crunched a peanut M&M. “I’ve been thinking. I gave my word to Mom and Tessa, but I can’t jeopardize my career by jumping into an unauthorized investigation. I’ve scheduled a phone meeting with the ASAC and SAC. See if Senator Elliott’s implication in a crime allows the FBI to offer assistance to the corps in an unofficial partnership.”
The special agent in charge could shut him down the moment Marc relayed the situation.
“Using you and me in a one-off relationship? Houston’s top guns might not go along with the idea.”
“Right.”
“Marc, you’ve hitched the cart before the horse. Okay, a memorandum of understanding might be necessary but a pain.” Roden slowly nodded. “By offering to investigate Zachary’s murder as a favor to your family is a stretch, but the SAC and ASAC might go for it. When’s the phone meeting with them?”
Marc glanced at his watch. “Seven thirty tonight.”
Roden glanced at his watch. “Hmm, seven fifteen. You played me. You knew I’d go along with your wild, stupid idea.”
“I gambled a little. Remember the Turner case? You neglected to tell me the woman couldn’t confirm her alibi, and she ended up being the killer.”
“Okay, when this is over, we’re even. If we still have a job.” Roden laughed. “I’d better text my wife and tell her I’ll be late.” He grabbed his phone. “So, Agent Wilkins, before this meeting, what does your gut tell you?”
“Several things. One, the only way to know for sure if my father died of a heart attack is to have the body exhumed. I know that’s rare, but I believe it’s necessary. Two, Avery Elliott showed no signs of deceit, and the idea that her grandfather pulled the trigger is eating her up. Three, the two victims had worked on projects in the past on dams and bridges, and I’ve seen nothing that documents the business relationship had changed.”
“Are you thinking the victims learned the senator was dabbling in something illegal?”
“Hard to believe with his impeccable reputation. I’d rather think the three uncovered something incriminating and the wrong people found out, which means the senator is in danger. Maybe wishful thinking. But I believe it’s worth an investigation, unless CID has it all handled.” Marc recalled his original impression of Avery Elliott. “I discounted Miss Elliott’s testimony and insulted her. Even if the FBI and the corps nix our idea for an MOU, I still want to talk to her again, if nothing more than to apologize.”
“Let’s get a feel for securing a memorandum of understanding first. Tackle your foot-in-mouth fumble later with the Elliott woman. Are you sure it’s your professional image you want to protect?”
“I have my mother and my sister. Both are grieving, and I want to be there for them. Miss Elliott deserves an apology for my lousy attitude.” But she did have amazing blue eyes, although the fire in them was directed his way.
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