Page 90 of Concrete Evidence
Granddad relayed threats to him and his deceased friends. He continued with the threats made against Avery if money wasn’t paid that also included a public release of information about the faulty dam. “We met with Lieutenant Shipley at the corps office and told him everything. We knew about his previous work with CID and asked him to help find the blackmailer. The four of us wanted the dam inspected again to ensure the report and video matched the originals. Ingles seemed like the perfect choice given he’d already completed the dive the first time.”
“Did Craig object to the additional inspection?” Marc said.
“He wanted to know why, and I told him to appease an old man’s heart. We both are over-the-top diligent with safety. Ingles took the video and gave us a thorough inspection report that raised no red flags. I have both. Two days later Ingles died in a car accident. The police report stated he fell asleep at the wheel.”
Marc sat back in his chair. “My father died three weeks after Ingles died. Liam the day of his funeral. Since then, a shooter has gone after my mother, Avery’s been threatened more than once, my partner’s in the hospital, and Craig’s missing. I’ve also received distorted calls. One occurred last night.”
He hadn’t told Avery about the latest threat, but she’d been preoccupied with the office break-in. Like Granddad, Marc wanted to protect her, no matter how frustrating.
Avery’s phone alerted her to a news update. “The media has their ammunition.” She managed to remain calm when she’d like to scream at the unfairness. “Quinn ElliottSr., past Texas senator and CEO of Elliott Construction, was responsible for constructing the Lago deCobre Dam on the Brazos River. Elliott Senior is reportedly under investigation for the dam’s faulty construction, which has resulted in evacuating thousands of people in the surrounding area. The Army Corps of Engineers earlier today publicly released results of a dive team’s inspection that confirmed issues with the dam’s foundation that could result in a failure. Elliott hasn’t been located for comment.”
“We expected this,” Granddad said. “I’m surprised it hasn’t hit the news front sooner, and some of it has. We will handle this mess. The one or ones responsible can’t hide forever.”
“In the meantime, we look guilty,” Avery said.
Lieutenant Shipley spoke up. “Why are we wasting time talking when it’s obvious Craig Holcombe is behind the crimes? I suspect he’s working with Buddy and Saundra. I—”
“Who rides a blue Yamaha motorcycle?” Avery said. “Who placed a tracer on my car? Wears blue, gold, and red Nikes?” She paused and punched the truth. “I saw the cyclist in Houston and heard his voice. He bore no resemblance to Craig.”
Granddad stared at her like she’d grown horns. Her assertiveness surprised her too.
Shipley huffed. “You—”
“I’m not finished,” she said. “The man you want to take the blame stayed with me at the hospital last winter when Granddad had pneumonia.” Avery stood from the sofa and faced Shipley. “The man you want to blame is researching vet school. The man you want to blame talks to high school kids about staying away from crime. I’m not buying your know-it-all stance.”
“You’re protecting Craig just like your grandfather. He’s a killer!”
Avery tamped down her fury. “Prove it. But not by accusing an innocent man because you don’t know who’s guilty.”
Granddad added, “I think this is about more than money. Craig, Buddy, and Saundra have plenty of it. None of them are hurtin’. This is about hate and vengeance.”
“As if your son and daughter-in-law don’t hate you for cutting them off?” Shipley said. “Or Craig resent your interference in his life? He thinks this place couldn’t run without him. That’s motive for all three of them to frame you. Right along with Avery.”
“Enough.” Granddad reddened from the neck up. “You are a lousy judge of character. When I called you about Liam’s murder, you dumped his body on a back road. Said he didn’t know the difference—he was dead. His cell phone’s missing, and what happened to his BMW?”
“I have both,” Shipley said.
“And you call yourself a man who respects the law?” Granddad said. “Taking the easy way out? Wrap this up so your résumé sparkles? You don’t deserve the uniform.”
Avery stole a glance at Marc. Why didn’t he intervene?
Granddad joined Avery, who stood facing Shipley. “We’re here to make a plan. Not toss convictions or make inappropriate accusations. We have the same goal but different opinions. Only by calming down will we figure out who’s responsible.”
“Let’s review the facts,” Marc said. “Buddy and Saundra have been informed of their person-of-interest status. Can’t question Craig until he’s found. Who are the members of the circle?”
Shipley glanced at Granddad.
“We need those names.” Marc’s voice sounded calm, but she heard the firmness.
Granddad cleared his throat and aimed his words at Shipley. “By not providing Marc with names, he’s handicapped working the case.”
“Not a good idea.” Shipley’s face flushed. “Remember two of the members are dead. Our trusted friends need to be informed before we hand over their names and contact numbers to the FBI.”
“Then I’ll call them and make sure Marc has all he needs to work this case.”
“Thank you,” Marc said. “Lieutenant, are you still maintaining a behind-the-scenes approach on this investigation?”
“I am.”
