Page 70 of Evidence of Secrets

“Hank, how’s it going?”

Crap. Here he was, daydreaming at his desk, and Danny snuck up on him. At least he hadn’t jumped. Danny would never let that go.

“It’s going.” He didn’t feel like talking. The vision of a devastated Laura coming into her office while he and Sam were looking at the tapes bothered him. Watching her twist her grandmother’s ring round and round bothered him. What bothered him even more was how unprotected she was.

“Heard about the break-in. Is Laura okay?” Danny asked.

Hank shook his head. “What a mess. She’s distraught. Levi will be out for a week, at least. Laura plans on helping the lunch shift as well as making the desserts.”

His phone rang. Marcia told him Sam was in.

“Hey, gotta go. We’ll catch up soon,” said Hank.

“Sure thing. Anything Hailey and I can do to help, just yell.”

“Will do.”

Sam was sitting at the dark, walnut antique conference table sorting paper. The sun was filtered through the large glass windows, giving her reddish hair a halo effect. Sam was no angel though.

Hank pulled out a chair.

“What’s up?

Hank leaned forward and steepled his hands. “I want to pass a couple of things by you.”

“Okay?”

Great. His hands were sweating, and a knot was forming in his gut. Only a few people knew what he was about to tell Sam, but he was hoping it would help Laura.

“Here’s the thing…”

Sam tapped her fingers on the table. “What? Spit it out, Hank.”

He rubbed his sweaty hands on his thighs. “I want to discuss something very personal with you. I don’t want anyone else to know. Okay?”

“Hank, you insult me. I never betray confidences.”

“I have a lot of money.”

“Okay.”

“I mean, I have a lot of money. Millions.”

“Okay.” Sam cocked her head. Did she think he was what? Acting strange?

He leaned back in his chair. “My father and mother left me substantial trusts. Enough money that I never have to work.” He shrugged. “Ever.”

“Hmmm.” Sam sat back in her chair and stared at him. “What does that have to do with why you’re here?”

“I want to help Laura somehow.” He put his hands up and nodded. “I know she won’t take money. I was wondering if we could put in a more sophisticated security system without her knowing how much it costs.”

Sam’s eyes twinkled. “Hank, you’re a good man. As for your money, I know you’re rich. Not how much you have, but I know you have more than enough. I know you were the one who gave us the large donation at the fundraiser.”

“How?” Hank thought he’d covered his tracks well.

“My business. But your information is safe. No one else knows, and I’m not saying anything.” She tapped the table, bit her lip, and sighed. “I don’t want my friend getting hurt.”

“Hurt? Never. I care a great deal about Laura.”

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