Page 55 of Concrete Evidence
“A man or a woman?”
“Distorted.”
“Sir, you have enemies in your political, professional, and personal worlds. You have a list in mind. I need it for the investigation. In fact, I asked Avery to make one for us.”
“I assume she agreed?”
“Of course. She’d make any sacrifice to keep you alive. What about the land acquisition to initially build the dam?”
“No problem there. The owner never complained about the eminent domain or the price.”
“You and I could get a lot more done with a face-to-face. Where are you?”
“I’m in the best place I can be.” The senator sighed.
“Cowards hide and put others in danger.”
“Takes guts to call a man a coward.”
“What would you call your actions? A wealthy, powerful manstays in seclusion while his granddaughter and friends face multiple threats and death. Sounds like a selfish man and a coward.”
“I’m protecting them!”
“Prove it. She’s received at least two threats and was nearly killed in a car explosion.”
“I sent her to you. Can’t you rein in her stubborn streak? She seldom refuses anything I ask of her without a solid argument. But I see no logic in her holding out for a possible bullet.”
“I’m not Superman, sir.”
“Avery means more to me than anything in this world,” he whispered, emotion evident in every word.
“Then cooperate with those who are working to end these crimes.” Marc drew in a breath, sending agony throughout his body. “Who drives a blue Yamaha motorcycle?”
“No idea. I saw it from a distance when it left the cemetery. Nothing to identify the driver or bike.”
“One of Avery’s threats came from a rider matching the same color and model. I need someone from your circle to contact me ASAP. We’re running out of time.”
“I’ll make known your request, but I can’t guarantee a thing.”
“Tell them the longer they wait, the greater the chance of another murder.”
32
AVERY SANK DEEP INTO THE HOTEL BEDwith pain meds in her system and relief that Marc had survived the horrid blast. She’d fought filling the prescription because she didn’t want to rely on meds unnecessarily, but her body constantly reminded her of hitting the pavement on her right side at the restaurant.
The uncertainty of the results of Marc’s and Roden’s probing the car explosion left her unsettled. Even worse, her bewildered and fearful mind failed to perform as she’d like. Her stomach churned but didn’t revolt. Good. At least a minuscule of progress had occurred tonight.
Tomorrow she’d think about the reason for the bombing. To get back at Granddad, or did some jerk think she had incriminating information?
Tomorrow she’d focus on Mr. Nike’s voice.
Tomorrow she’d try to remember more about the cyclist.
Tomorrow she’d check a few areas where Granddad might be hiding out.
Tomorrow she’d ask Roden about the restaurant’s security cam footage.
Tomorrow she’d ask Marc how he’d handled his mother’s and sister’s safety.
