Page 22 of Memory of Murder
“The conversation did take a bit of a turn in that direction. If that was her intent, she was definitely sly about it.”
“Sly like a fox,” Anne noted. “I’m getting this feeling that something is wrong where this BioTech business is concerned. Kevin Langston served as lead counsel for the start-up, but it sounded in the journal as if that was the position Neil was being considered for.”
“I’ll get someone looking into the possibility. Particularly now that we can make the connection between the friends.”
“Thanks.” Anne stared forward. “All right, so what’s next?”
“I checked with the senior living community, and we’ve been added to Mr. Reed’s visitor’s list.”
“How did you manage that?” The fact that her pulse rate suddenly shot into rapid-fire had her feeling uncertain again. The man was her grandfather…and yet he had abandoned her just like everyone else.
“I can’t give away all my secrets.”
Anne laughed, the sound a little strangled. As long as his secret skills got the job done, she could live without knowing.
Reed Residence
The Sparkling Springs
Crystal Lake, 1:00 p.m.
THIS WAS DEFINITELYnot your typical senior living community.
Anne surveyed the beautiful property as they walked from the parking area to the main office. The place was gated and, quite frankly, gorgeous. Nestled in a treed landscape, rows and rows of tiny cottages flanked the perimeter while taller apartment-style buildings filled the inner space. But everything between and around was like a park. Walking paths and ponds were bordered by lush shrubs and blooming plants. It was peaceful and elegant. It was amazing.
Not at all what Anne had expected.
They hadn’t been able to come directly here after the meeting with Eve. Although Jack had called and provided all the necessary details required, Mr. Reed wasn’t available for a visit until one. To kill time, they’d had lunch and discussed the senator’s wife. They both agreed that she was nervous. Anne found Jack easy to talk to, and she continued to be surprised at how comfortable she felt with him and this deep dive into the past. She still had her moments of anxiety and trepidation, but not enough to make her hesitate.
“Does he have health issues?” she asked as they approached the grand entrance.
“Not that I’ve been able to determine. He has a huge real estate portfolio. The home where he lived with his family thirty years ago is sitting vacant now—much like the one Mary and Neil lived in—only well cared for. Last year, he suddenly moved here. If there was a health reason, he’s kept it quiet.”
Maybe all the memories had become too much for him.
Once in the main office lobby, they were met by a representative who signed them in, provided name badges and escorted them to Mr. Reed’s door. He lived in one of the small cottages.
“Enjoy your visit,” the representative said before scurrying away.
“Wow,” Anne said quietly as they watched her go. “This place is amazing. It must cost a small fortune.”
Jack nodded. “Including all the fees, you’re talking in the neighborhood of a hundred K per year.”
Anne felt her eyes nearly pop out. Oh well, why not enjoy your later years being waited on hand and foot if you had the means?
Jack knocked on the door. “Hopefully the serene environment keeps him happy and cooperative.”
Anne would appreciate cooperative.
The door opened, and an elderly man stared out at them. Despite his age, eighty, he stood tall and appeared strong and clear eyed. His hair was completely gray, and his attire looked as if he had an afternoon on the golf course planned—pressed khakis and a polo shirt.
He stared at Anne for a long moment before he spoke. “So you’re the daughter.”
In that instant it hit Anne fully, deeply that this man was her grandfather. An actual relative. She had no others. A man, she realized, who opted not to come for her after she was born inthat prison infirmary. A man who allowed her to be thrust into foster care. A man who had abandoned her.
“And you’re the grandfather,” she said with perhaps more sarcasm than necessary.
He stared a moment more, then glanced at Jack. “Come in. Let’s get this over with.”
