Page 85 of Concrete Evidence
“You’re so much like your father. Makes me question who I’m talking to.”
Not exactly a compliment from Marc’s point of view. “Look, I need proof, and you refuse to see me face-to-face. Your granddaughter deserves more than threats and attempts on her life.”
“We’ve both failed.”
Marc wanted to hang up, but those thoughts were his pride speaking. “I’m tired of empty words. A question here—who is the committee?”
“What?”
“A woman called me representing you as part of the committee.” When the senator didn’t respond, Marc moved ahead. “Give me something I can use, or leave me alone.”
“Committee? There is no committee. If you remember, I used the wordcircle, and I asked one of them to contact you, but he dragged his feet. Concerned he didn’t have enough evidence. That call wasn’t from anyone authorized by me. Shipley has a few answers. I’ll give him permission to talk to you about what’s been discovered. Keep it to yourself. You’ll understand when he’s finished.”
Marc would determine the confidentiality of the information after he reviewed it.
“I’m contacting Shipley now. Just keep the information from him private. He’s risked his career in this.”
“I’ll give you thirty minutes, then I phone him. What’s the name of the crew who poured the foundation?”
“Avery has the name, address, and number in her records.”
“And you doubt Craig’s guilt?” Marc sensed someone had joined him. He turned to Avery.
“You’re talking to my grandfather?” Not even a hint of emotion on her face.
He nodded.
“Marc,” the senator said. “I hear Avery.”
“She’s here.”
Avery reached out her hand. “I want to talk to him.”
Marc pressed Speaker and handed her his phone. The senator had avoided her long enough.
“Where are you?” She gripped her fingers around the phone.
“Can’t tell you.”
“And why not? Shutting me out while I face threats?”
“I’m protecting you,” the senator said.
“Really? Where were you when the doctor stitched up my arm? Nearly killed Marc, his partner, and Mrs. Wilkins?”
“I’m doing my best, Avery. I’m innocent of the killings, constructing a faulty dam, and the crimes surrounding it all.”
She closed her eyes, and a tear slipped down her cheek. “I know you’re innocent, but I don’t know why you wouldn’t tell me the truth in the beginning. Are you in danger?”
“Yes.”
“Are my parents or Craig responsible?”
“Maybe. I haven’t heard or seen Craig. I told Marc I’d cooperate with what we’ve uncovered. He needs information from the files. If you’d get it for him, I’d appreciate it. Listen to him. He and I differ about how to proceed, but you and I need his logic and contacts. I’m ending the call now. I love you.”
Avery blinked and returned Marc’s phone. She trembled, and he interpreted her reaction as anger and helplessness. “Are you okay?”
She nodded. “Whatever you need, I’ll get it for you.”
