Page 83 of Concrete Evidence
“Not sure how you feel about me, us. And I could jeopardize the case by getting emotionally involved. Can’t happen on any level.”
She saw how innocent people could get hurt or a bad decision made if his heart ruled his head. “I’m interested in us, but I agree this needs to be over before we... go any further. Marc, I must defend my grandfather. Granddad told me years ago that truth is first believed in the heart. Now I have to prove it.”
“I expect no less, and I hope you’re right.”
At that moment, she felt closer to Marc than any man she’d ever known, other than Granddad. Even then, not in the same way. But they were headed down the same path with a huge fork in the road. One led to life as she’d known it, and the other led to uncertainty.
47
MARC LISTENED TO THE DEPUTYrepeat the same information he’d just been given over the phone. No one knew where Craig might be, and the search spread over the ranch and community.
Seated inside Craig’s office with two deputies and Avery, Marc’s phone rang. He stared at thePossible Spamon the screen and stepped out to answer the call.
“Marc. This is Quinn Elliott. Are you at the ranch?”
He recognized the senator’s deep voice. “Yes, sir.”
“Your sister is with her grandmother?”
“She’s with me.”
“That would have pleased Abbott.” The senator’s voice lacked his hearty rumble. “Your mother and partner?”
“Mom’s with me and Tessa. Roden is recovering in Houston. He went home from the hospital earlier today.”
The senator coughed. “I sent Avery to you for her protection. Abbott said you were the best, and then I learn she’s in the thick of—”
“Avery has a mind of her own, and I can’t force her to think your way or mine.” Over the next ten minutes, Marc brought him up to date on what had transpired, including the office break-in and the sheriff’s department watching the house and property. If the senator had a hand in the crimes, he might let something slip. “Today we’ve uncovered two more issues.”
“I heard about the condition of the Lago de Cobre Dam.”
Marc clicked his pen. “I need details.”
“Check the dates when the foundation was poured against my calendar. I happened to be in Canada. Normally I’m on the site. But rain had delayed pouring it, and I had a hunting trip scheduled with Liam.”
“Who did you leave in charge?”
“Craig. Who else? Avery and Leanne were in Orlando. The weather...”
Marc had learned an identical story from Avery. “I need all the specifics about your trip, including witnesses, flight numbers, times, phone numbers, and what you brought down in the hunt. Avery told me you sent an email to the material supplier during the time you were hunting in an area with no connectivity.”
“I gave Craig permission to act in my authority while I was gone. He had access to my email account. I’ll put together the trip’s itinerary and text you.”
“The sooner, the better.”
“The idea of accusing Craig Holcombe... I don’t see how or why.”
“Then who?”
The senator let several seconds of dead space ensue before he responded. “Craig is like a son to me, more so than my own flesh and blood. If this leads back to him, he’s proved I’m an old fool. And if he’s guilty, he’s made a handful of cash. But murder doesn’t fit him.”
“What about Buddy?” Marc said. “Is he capable of murder and working with Craig for control of the ranch and the construction business?”
“I’d like to think neither of them would let greed rule their actions.”
“Buddy has accused you of murder. Craig suspects Buddy.”
“I’m not surprised. You’re investigating both men while aiming both barrels at me?”
