Page 19 of Max's Mission

“Do you know what he bought? Was there a mistress?” Sorenson asked.

“Not that we know of,” Max replied. “The running theory is he possibly had a gambling problem. He made large purchases at electronics and big box stores. We think he was pawning the items for cash to pay off debts.”

“But you have no proof of that?” Gallagher asked.

“No.”

“I asked them to stop looking,” Margot said. “I just wanted to move on. He left us, and I didn’t want to expose my daughters to his problems. If he wanted to come back into their lives, he needed to do it whole and problem-free.”

“You said he gave up custody, correct?” Sorenson asked.

“Yes.”

“Completely?” Sorenson raised a hand and made a quick cutting motion. “Not just visitation, but everything?”

“Yes. The divorce decree was very clear. He gave up any rights to them at all.”

“Did you find that unusual for a man who you said loved his children and was a good father?” Gallagher asked.

“Of course I did. But what was I supposed to do? It didn’t take long to figure out he didn’t want to be found. And honestly, I didn’t have the energy to track him down. I had two active toddlers to look after and a career to salvage.”

“What’s the name of his divorce attorney?” Sorenson asked.

“Ron Peters. He’s out of Dallas.”

The detective jotted that down. “What about the supervisor you mentioned? And the friends?”

She named them all.

“Is there anyone who would want to hurt your ex-husband?” Gallagher asked.

Margot didn’t even need to think. “No. Everyone loved him. I know now there were things about him I didn’t know, but he was a good man and well-liked.”

The two men shared another look, then Sorenson spoke. “Okay. I think those are all the questions we have for now. Will you be available if we have more?”

“Yes,” Max said. “We weren’t sure how much time you’d need, so we booked our return flight for Monday. And we can stay longer if necessary, but not too long. Margot’s never beenaway from the twins for more than a work shift. They’re in good hands with friends, but?—”

Gallagher waved a hand. “Say no more. I have three kids of my own, so I get it. It’s hard being away from them. I’m sure Monday will be fine. I think any follow-up questions beyond that can be asked over the phone or through Zoom. Do you have any questions for us?”

“I have one.” Max raised a finger. “Do you know how long he’s been dead?”

“Best guess from the M.E. is early fall. The cold water really slowed down decomp, but there’s some,” Sorenson said.

“And his car.” Max sat forward, a curious frown pulling down his eyebrows. “You said it was found on federal land.” He fixed his gaze on Gallagher. “Where?”

Margot wanted to know that too.

“Out near Medora. A ranger in Theodore Roosevelt National Park found it well off the beaten path.”

“Would it be possible for us to look at it? Margot might recognize something. Was he living out of it?” Max leaned forward, folding his hands together on the table.

Gallagher tipped his head, studying Max. “Who are you? I know you said you’re her friend, but you talk like an investigator. Not just the questions, but your tone and bearing.”

Margot pressed her lips together and eyed Max, wondering what he would say. Probably some semblance of the truth.

She imagined the agent would do a search on him once they left. It wasn’t just the nature of Tad’s death that caused them to ask her to come here. They’d wanted to assess her as a suspect in his murder. Max had unknowingly put himself on their radar.

A wolfish smile graced Max’s face. “Officially? I’m just her friend. But my friends and I, we get… involved in things sometimes that turn us into investigators.”

---