Chapter 17
“Edna Sinclair was vague about her background. She twiddled her fingers and tapped her foot. She was hiding something.”
“You can’t possibly think she’s behind this threat. I mean, what would she have to gain?”
I shrugged. “Everyone is guilty until proven innocent in my book. I’m telling you there was something off about her, and until I figure out her secret, she stays on my suspect list.”
I put the car into gear and sighed. “Didn’t Petunia say she sees this Larry character at school?”
“Yep.”
“Looks like hacking the schoolwebsite might tell us if there are any Larry’s working there,” I said.
Max shook his head. “Why must you make things so difficult, not to mention illegal? Amelia’s school enrollment package lists all the workers. They give it out to all potential parents at enrollment. In this case, Carter has that information. He’s the one who got her into the school with a hefty donation. I can get it for you.”
“Thank you.” Mixed feelings surged through me. Having help on assignments was a foreign concept. Extra guns and cops, sure, that was one thing, but having a partner on a fact gathering mission was unheard of. I’m sure it had nothing to do with me not playing well with others. Facts meant life or death in some scenarios, and contrary to what some people thought about me, I thrived on facts.
We arrived back at the house to find Amelia in the kitchen talking to a man I’d yet to meet. Judging by their tones, I wasn’t sure if it was the fiancéor someone else from Amelia’s life. Max stepped into the kitchen, and I hung back with Rose, who was quietly waiting in the doorway.
“Who’s the suit?” I asked.
“That’s the fiancé, Dexter Cline, the district attorney,” Rose whispered. “He was MIA at the party, out of town on some trip. He justadvised her he has to leave again and won’t be back until the day before the wedding and that he’s decided not to run for senator with the threats hanging over their heads.”
“How’d that go over?” I whispered back.
“She’s angry.Apparently, Amelia wanted the status of senator’s wife as much as he wanted the job. She’s trying to convince him he’s making a mistake. She’s on her third glass of wine,” Rose replied.
I gave a slow nod and headed into the room. I held out my hand. “Mr. Cline, I’m—”
“I know who you are, Ms. Bennett.” He interrupted my introduction. “Amelia and Max have already told me about you.”
“All good I hope.” I smiled and clasped my fingers together.
Amelia rolled her eyes and sighed.
Dexter glanced at Max before meeting my gaze. “Yes, well, Max and Carter believe you’re qualified to handle the job, but I, on the other hand, wanted to get the FBI involved.”
“I understand. Nothing but the best for the ones we love.” I said it with a straight face, thinking of the time my sister wanted to borrow my most expensive shoes the day before I needed them to go undercover. She’d ruined them, and I’d gotten a blister from the replacement pair. Nothing but the best unless it’s before a mission. I kept that comment to myself. “Did Max, Carter, or Amelia tell you thatI’ll need a list of your enemies?”
Dexter slid his hands into his pockets. “My office is working you up a list of any past perps I put in jail who have made death threats. They’re focusing on the recent prison releases. Last check, there were thirteen names, but none more prevalent than Paul Kilnery. He was a member of the Hell’s Bat motorcycle club. He did a twenty-year stretch for robbery and attempted murder. Let’s justsay his threat has stuck with me over all that time, and the parole board released him early.”
“What kind ofthreats?” I asked.
“He threatened to kill me, my wife, and my children.”
Well, that was convenient. We should have started with that joker. “Any idea where he is now?”
“No, but I can find out from his parole officer and text Max the address.”
“That would be helpful. Thank you. Where is Petunia?” I asked.
“She’s with Cassandra in the backyard,” Rose answered from the doorway. Was she the only person in the house who even knew where the kid was, even with mom and soon to be stepdad in the kitchen? No wonder Carter and Max had to step in to make sure they all stayed safe.
“If you could get us that address, it would be great.” I nodded and left the room with Max following. “Where are we going now?”
“I’m going to the office and to run an errand. I don’t know what you’re going to do, Counselor,” I said, yanking open the front door.
“Meet me for dinner.” He rested his hand on my arm, stopping me in my tracks. His gaze lingered on my lips before rising to my eyes.
