Page 87 of Rules

"Great."

"There's something else on a different subject." Holly stood and went out to her office.

Just what I fucking need, something else. I'm up to my damn eyeballs in something else.

Returning with a large manila envelope she retook her seat. "The bank sent this over." She handed me the envelope. "It's paperwork for the money Michael put up for the reward for the missing ladies."

"What do I want with it?"

"According to the president of the bank, it needs to roll over into a different kind of account and since Michael put it intoa short term account. And since Michael isn't available, as you know. That means the decision falls on you as the representative of the sheriff's office, your name is the other one on the account."

"Does that have to be done now?" I asked in a more perturbed voice than I meant to.

"Well, no, other than," Holly blinked a few times. "Well, something the bank president said got me thinking."

Feeling like I should be doing anything else other than having a conversation about the millionaire Michael's money. I remained silent, just raising an eyebrow.

"He said that since they weren't notified of someone who qualified as the recipient that it would need to be rolled over." Holly sat up straight, "But we have someone who is qualified."

"Who?" I asked, racking my brain. "To the best of my recollection no one came forward with any helpful information."

"Not in the typical way, no. But, Evelyn Whitacker found Melanie. And their actions resulted in the other women being found. The money should go to Evelyn."

I sat back, that made perfect sense. "You're right, of course, what was the exact wording to qualify for the money?"

Holly opened the envelope, pulled out the paperwork and read. "Payable to any person or persons who present viable information leading to the finding, rescuing or retrieval of," She listed the woman's names with Melanie being one of them. "The sheriff's office of Whispering Springs shall be the sole officiant in the awarding of the funds to the person or persons they deem best meet the qualifications."

"Wow," I thought for a moment. "Michael's own money going to the mother of the family he targeted."

"If you ask me, it's not enough compensation for what that bastard put them through."

"I agree. I think I'll pay the bank a visit." I stood then turned towards Holly. "You know, you never cease to amaze me. You sure you don't want to go to detective school?"

Smiling Holly laughed, "If I did, who would keep all your asses in line?"

An hour later, I stood on the Whitakers' porch, a manila envelope under my arm. The forecast called for rain, and heavy clouds hung low over the hills surrounding their property.

Evelyn answered my knock with a welcoming smile that faltered slightly when she saw my official expression. "Tobias? This is a surprise, is everything alright?"

"Everything's fine, Evelyn. May I come in?"

She led me to the living room, where I declined her offer of coffee. "I won't stay long," I explained. "I just have some business to discuss. Is Charlie home?"

Evelyn went to the staircase and called to Charlie who came down when he heard I was there.

"Tobias, nice to see you." He stuck out his hand for me to shake.

They sat across from me, "Is this about Michael?" Evelyn asked, looking scared.

"In a way. I'm here for two reasons. First," I placed the envelope on the coffee table between us. "Remember when Michael offered the reward for information leading to the rescue of the three missing ladies?"

They both said, "yes."

I nodded. "That money is still sitting in an escrow account. And according to the terms, as Sheriff, I get to designate who receives it. To tell you the truth I'd forgotten about it till the bank president contacted Holly today."

"Okay," Charlie said. He and Evelyn had confused looks.

"Well, I'm designating you to receive it Evelyn. You're the one who deserves it. You found Melanie and the two of you broughtLaw in which led my team to the warehouse where the women were."

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