Page 5 of Pay Dirt

I gestured to the ring. “The person who gave that to you, or owned it before you, is deceased in a cemetery and surrounded by dimes. To be any more detailed, I’d need my map to pinpoint the location.”

“She’s right.” Nathan Murray’s gaze softened.

Sheriff Harrington opened the door and let Gwen and FBI Agent Fillpot into the room.

“I was sure you’d bring Max instead of him,” I said as I rose.

“Max is in court, or I would have.” Gwen’s gaze landed on my busted lip then lowered to my torn dress. “Who did that to you?”

“It’s nothing,” I said. “The other guy took it worse.”

Fillpot flashed his credentials. “She’s one of mine.”

“No, I’m not,” I protested.

“The entire Bennett family is being watched by my division. Whatever you think she did, she didn’t.”

Gwen took me by the arm and was about to lead me out when I paused and turned back toward Nathan. I handed him his ring. “Thanks for offering to save me. Not that I needed it, but I still appreciate it.”

“Not that you needed it,” Nathan said.

“Wait, we weren’t done here,” Campbell called out.

“Yes, you are,” Fillpot said. “The director is expecting your call.”

We’d made it out into the parking lot before Gwen started in. “Serving subpoenas again?”

“Don’t start,” I said, glancing around and realizing that my car was still at the restaurant. “I was killing two birds with one stone and handling both my client and the papers at the same time. Only my client was late.”

“Why did the FBI pick you up?” Gwen asked as she yanked open the passenger door to her car.

“I don’t know. You didn’t leave me in there long enough to find out.”

Fillpot strolled up before Gwen could shut the door. “One of your clients was murdered.”

“Which one?” I asked.

“I don’t know yet.”

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