Page 41 of Coveted Justice

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“What do we know about this guy?” Reed Mitchell asked as they parked in front of the house. “Anything interesting?”

“Depends on how you define interesting?” his friend and business partner Jason Anderson replied. “His name is Gavin Durham. He’s a real estate developer and he and Marty have worked on several projects together. Currently, they have a commercial project that would create an office park for multiple businesses. When they do residential, they build high end homes for the one percent.”

“Just what we need. More McMansions,” Reed said, sarcasm in his tone. “How long had he worked with Marty?”

“About ten years. From what I can see, they’ve done several projects together and they were all successful. We’re still combing through finances, so I don’t have those details yet.”

“Always follow the money. It usually tells the tale.”

“We do know that Abby and Marty had a prenup. What are your thoughts about this case?”

Reed knew exactly what Jason was asking.

“I have thoughts, but I’m sure you do, too.”

“I didn’t know Abby when she was married to Tanner. In fact, I’ve only met her a few times. You would know her far better than I would.”

“I wouldn’t say that I knew her all that well,” Reed replied. “By the time I met her, Tanner was getting sober and they had a myriad of marital issues. She hated his job and she hated her life. She wasn’t happy in a small town. She wanted Tanner to make more money. And those were just the things she told me from her own lips. I can only imagine what else they had going.”

“Do you think she killed Marty?”

Reed had given that question a great deal of thought in the last twenty-four hours.

“She had motive and she had the means. She could have done it. Did she actually do it? I’m not so sure. I trust Tanner’s gut and it’s telling him that she’s not a killer. He’d know her better than anyone. What about you?”

“Like you, I trust our friend. He says that she’s not a murderer and that’s good enough for me. But because she has means and motive it might make it difficult to make a case against someone else. Whoever did kill Marty was probably hoping that Abby would take the fall for it. If they thought about it at all. It may not have been premeditated. Could be a crime of passion.”

“Another woman?”

“Maybe. Or perhaps it was simply someone who was angry as hell. It doesn’t have to be sex. It could be money.”

“Love, revenge, and money. The big three.”

“Let’s hope Gavin Durham has some insight as to which it might be.”

A young woman wearing hospital scrubs opened the door and ushered them into the living room where Gavin Durham was sitting and drinking coffee.

“Angela, thank you,” he said with a smile. “I was able to finish my call. Will Donna be coming downstairs today?”

Angela shook her head. “I don’t think so. She’s not having a good day.”

The young woman turned on her heel and left the room, leaving them alone with Durham.

“Angela is a godsend,” the older man said. He had a full head of gray hair and a tanned, lined face. “She takes care of Donna. My wife has some health issues that require in-home care.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Reed said. “I hope she gets better soon.”

Durham shook his head. “I don’t think she’s going to get much better, sadly. But she has some good days and for those I’m grateful. Now, please sit down. Can I get you anything? Which one of you is Reed Mitchell and which one is Jason Anderson?”

“I’m Reed.” Reed pointed to his own chest, and then to Jason. “And he’s Jason.”

The man’s blue eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled.

“I’ve met your daddy a time or two,” he said to Jason. “Good man. I hope he’s doing well. And the rest of your family, too.”

“He is, Mr. Durham, and I’ll let him know you asked about him.”

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