Page 77 of Hidden Hero

34

“Can’t find a damn thing in the church’s deposits or bank statements. While we don’t have a record of what Buford and Roy actually counted as their weekly intake, there’s consistency with the church deposits,” Jeremy said. “Well, except for?—”

“I’m checking his personal bank accounts,” Pete said. “It looks like he and his wife share a checking and savings account.” After a moment, Pete grunted.

“What?” Jeremy asked, rolling his chair over to see what Pete was looking at on his monitor.

“There’s another account. It’s in Donna’s name only.”

“What’s in it?”

“Holy shit… there are deposits of a few thousand every month. Let’s see… four months ago, there was a deposit of four thousand dollars. Three months ago—two thousand. And between last month and the one before that—six thousand dollars.”

Jeremy’s brow furrowed as he grabbed his laptop and placed it in his lap. “Hang on…” He scanned through the bank statements again. “Here was this one strange deposit and withdrawal. The very last one. There are two deposits into the church bank account after Sunday the fourteenth. One is about the same amount as usual. But there was another one for two thousand dollars. Then it was immediately withdrawn and look.” He pointed at the same date on Pete’s monitor. “That same amount was deposited into Donna’s account.”

“She’s the one behind stealing and selling the drugs?” Jeremy shook his head in amazement. “Damn, I didn’t peg her for knowing shit, much less doing anything?—”

“Wait! Look at this!” Pete said, his eyes widening. Jeremy dropped his gaze back to the monitor. “Look at the deposit slips… all signed by her, but they were made at the ATM drop during evening hours.”

“We don’t know if it was her or not. Can we get the bank’s security video?”

“Yeah, but it would take?—”

Jeremy jerked. “There’s a security camera on the parking lot. Mr. Jeffries set it up on his store’s parking lot when he had that kid stalking his granddaughter when she got off work. It’s just across from the bank. We can check with him to see what it covers.”

“Give him a call,” Pete agreed.

Jeremy got on the phone, but Mr. Jeffries wasn’t in. Identifying himself, he was told that he was speaking with his granddaughter, Cheryl.

“I’m sorry. Grandad isn’t in right now. He’s gone to the bank to make a deposit.”

“Cheryl, this might sound like a strange question, but do you know if your grandfather’s surveillance camera angle might include the bank? Especially the ATM?”

“Oh, I know it does. When he first set it up, Billy thought we wouldn’t see him if he waited for me in the bank’s parking lot. So Granddad make sure to get that angle, too.”

“Perfect. My partner and I will be there soon. We’d like to look at some previous days.”

“Sure. Granddad won’t care, so come on whenever you want. I’ll be here if he’s not back from lunch.”

With thanks and goodbyes, he disconnected. “Let’s go.” Once more, they grabbed their jackets off the chairs and headed outside. As crazy as his day was turning out to be, he wanted to connect with Cora. Even though she was connected to the case, he didn’t want to burden her with details until he was certain that what he was telling her was truth and not just suspicion. Firing off a text, he saidHow’s your day? Mine is nuts. Can’t wait to see you tonight.

It didn’t take long for her to respond.Not too bad of a day. I’ll have an afternoon autopsy but should be home for dinner. Whose house tonight?

He loved that she didn’t beat around the bush… she knew they were together and would spend their night together. So far, they had alternated between her house and his for the past week. He was leaving things at her house, and she had some of her toiletries and a couple of sets of scrubs at his. Thinking that he wanted to move forward despite not having dated too long, he typed out a response.

Doesn’t matter which house as long as we’re together. Since the cats get along, we might think about combining houses.

His heart pounded when there was no response. Had he overestimated the speed at which he wanted to take their relationship? Was she not on board with their commitment? Or did she need more time and more space?

Finally, just when he felt the trickle of sweat drip down his back, she replied.

You may have jumped into warp speed, but the idea of combining our cats is cute. Our houses? Hmm, let’s keep things the way they are and cross that bridge when I don’t have a lease to pay.

He let out a long breath. She didn’t deny that she wanted to be with him, and admitted she liked the ideas of combining… well, the cats, at least. But what if?—

The three bubbles popped up, and another text came in.In case you’re wondering, I’m all in with you.

Now, the air rushed from his lungs, but a smile was on his face. He caught Pete’s stare and chuckled. “Just good news, that’s all.”

---