Page 32 of Memory of Murder
No tracking devices. No other unexpected additions. He got to his feet and dusted himself off.
“You think they would try to tamper with the car?” Fear made its way into her eyes.
“At this point, we can’t pretend it isn’t a possibility.”
She dusted off the back of his shirt, stopping at his waist. “The idea is a little unsettling, but I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised.”
“It is unsettling.” He rested his gaze on hers then. “Being extra careful is the guide now. We don’t do anything without being abundantly cautious.”
“Got it.” She made a face. “You see this kind of thing in the movies. On the news. You just don’t expect to have it happen in your real life.”
“I can talk to Victoria.” Worry nudged him. “Maybe I should finish this on my own.”
“No way.” She shook her head firmly from side to side. “I’m all in—especially now. I’m not going anywhere until this is done. I’m your partner, you said,” she reminded him.
“All right, then. But if you change your mind at any point, say the word.”
He had a feeling that would never happen. This lady was tougher than she looked.
Just another thing he liked about her. Truth was he liked everything about her.
Chapter Twelve
Barrington
Langston Residence
Plum Tree Road, 3:00 p.m.
Anne could barely remain seated. They had arrived and were shown to the senator’s home office. The room was exactly what she had expected. Lots of dark wood, a massive desk and a wall filled with shelves in the same dark walnut. Each shelf was lined with law books. If he arrived wearing a tweed jacket and smoking a pipe her visual image would be complete.
Though the design was quite traditional, it felt heavy and outdated. The space needed a serious update, in Anne’s opinion.
Jack glanced at her. She managed a smile. He would be wondering if she was anxious. The answer was yes. She was nervous for sure. But learning all possible from and about this man was essential. She would do whatever was necessary to make that happen.
Except she really didn’t want to die trying to find answers.
The memory of how the aftermath in her hotel room had looked and smelled haunted her. If she sniffed her blouse the odor still lingered. The fire marshal had mentioned that the fire had moved fast. They would be testing for an accelerant, which he suspected would be found. Whoever set that fire hadn’t been playing around. Sadly, the hotel had no security cameras, and no one they had questioned so far had seen a single thing out of the ordinary.
Deep inside, she shivered at the thought of how someone could have been injured or killed because she had kicked a hornet’s nest. It was impossible to ignore the fact that someone or several someones did not want the truth dug up and were willing to do anything to stop it.
Was finding a thirty-year-old truth really worth the risk to her safety and that of others?
Then again, if she didn’t finish this, it could happen again. If the senator was the one who murdered Neil, then he could still be hurting people. Case in point, the sexual-assault allegation. She could only imagine what he might be capable of in the future. He certainly had no place in a position of such significant power.
If he was the one, he had to be stopped.
The door opened and the man himself walked in. She and Jack stood. Part of her had wanted to stay seated. He wasn’t royalty, just another possibly crooked politician. Maybe a killer…certainly an abuser. She suddenly felt foolish for showing him any regard whatsoever.
“I apologize for keeping you waiting.” He paused and thrust out his hand, first to Anne.
She brushed her palm against his, barely touching his hand. “Anne Griffin.”
Jack took his hand next, gave it a firm pump. “Jack Brenner.”
The senator was a tall man. Even nearing sixty, the only gray in his hair was at his temples. He carried himself with an air of importance—as if anyone he encountered should recognize his worth. There were many things Anne instantly recognized about the man—arrogant, self-serving, to name a few. But then, she’d drawn that conclusion before he set foot in the room.
He skirted his desk and settled into the leather chair behind it. “I understand you’re conducting some sort of investigation into Neil Reed’s murder.” His attention moved between the twoof them coming to rest on Jack. “I’m familiar with the Colby Agency’s stellar reputation. I’m sure you’ll be thorough.”
