Page 61 of Concrete Evidence
A huge stretch. Short of impossible. Later Marc would rethink the whole scenario. Right now, he’d maintain an unbiased facade.
Roden’s doctor entered the room, his features unreadable, and approached Victoria.
“I need to go,” Marc said. “How can I reach you?”
“We’ll be in touch.”
“I don’t work with those who conceal evidence.” Marc ended the call and hurried to the others surrounding the surgeon.
The tallest of Roden and Victoria’s daughters wrapped her arm around her mother’s shoulders. “Whatever the news, Mom, we’re here for you.” The other three young women cuddled in close.
Victoria bit into her lower lip and nodded. “I know.” She lifted her head to the doctor. “Is my husband going to be all right?”
“Mrs. Roden, your husband is in recovery. We removed the bullet and stopped the bleeding. Once he wakens, you can see him for five minutes.”
Victoria swiped at a tear on her bronzed cheek. “And the girls? They’d like to see their daddy.”
“Not yet. He’ll be in ICU for a while where we can carefully monitor his vitals. He needs lots of rest to heal. They will let you in for five minutes on the hour.”
“Thank you. Our prayers are answered, and we are incredibly grateful.”
Marc breathed his own prayer. He and Roden were closer than partners—family. Their strengths balanced each other. “Victoria,” hewhispered. The woman turned and fell into his arms. “I promise I’ll find who is responsible for this.”
“Uncle Marc, we don’t want you hurt too,” the youngest daughter said. “Please be careful.”
Victoria briefly met with her husband, and Marc checked the number of the woman who’d called him with the phone records they’d captured.
Nothing. He needed answers.
How many people were involved with these crimes?
35
AVERY POURED A CUP OF COFFEEthat was just like a political debate—hot enough to boil an egg and filled with artificial flavor. She glanced at the time: 4:30p.m. Roden should have arrived by now, but his delay had given her time to make notes on the Lago de Cobre Dam project. The auditors were due to arrive tomorrow. She sent an email to Craig and requested he contact them to reschedule.
Slow down, Avery. One thing at a time.
Unless she successfully organized her thoughts, she’d accomplish little and make herself crazy with worry. Step by step.
Talking to Marc and Roden today about all she’d learned made a ton of sense. She’d tell them everything she knew, no matter how insignificant. That way, she’d be contributing to the conversation instead of the problem. Marc needed to rest with his concussion... But perhaps he’d feel like talking later on. She texted him.
Hope you’re feeling better. Do you know when Roden might be here?
She checked email while she waited for Marc’s response and clicked on one from Craig.
Avery,
Can I call you? I had to fire one of the ranch hands, and I want to tell you what happened. This week’s direct deposit will be his last paycheck, and then you’ll need to remove him from the system.
Again, where are you and where is the senator? Leanne stopped by yesterday and today. Please contact her. She’s worried.
Craig
Craig,
Who did you fire and why? Tell Leanne I’ll explain when we meet up. What else needs to be done that requires my assistance?
Avery
