Page 37 of State of Suspense

“Let me check.” Gonzo went to his computer. “He couldn’t make bail, so he’s due to be moved to Laurel later today to await trial.”

“Bring him up.”

“I’ll go,” Freddie said.

“What’re you thinking?” Gonzo asked Sam.

“That someone charged in a murder plot might be willing to deal on what he knows about the congressman, the U.S. Attorney and possibly the AG.”

“True. Should we include Faith as the USA assigned to Aaron’s case?”

“Yes, let’s get her over here.”

“On it. What else can I do today?”

“Get the three detectives they assigned to us up to speed and give them assignments?”

“Will do. We’ve got tons of data from the phones and computers to review. I’ll put them on that.”

When Faith arrived twenty minutes later, they briefed her on their plan to speak to Aaron.

“He may want something in return for info,” Sam said. “How do you feel about dealing with him?”

“If the information he gives us leads to an arrest in Tom’s case, I’d be inclined to give him something in exchange. But only if the info is good.”

“Let’s see what he has to say.”

“He’s in interview one,” Freddie said.

“You want to come in with me?” Sam asked Faith.

“I think I should observe for now. I’m walking a fine line between personal and professional with this case.”

“I get it.” Tom had been a friend as well as her boss, and his case presented a variety of complicated concerns for her and others on their team. Sam left her at the door to observation and went with Freddie into the room where Aaron awaited them.

He had the muscular build of an ex-linebacker, or some other football position that required a lot of bulk. His blond hair was cut short, and he registered no reaction when they entered the room.

“I’m Lieutenant Holland. I believe you’ve met my partner, Detective Cruz.”

“I have.” He looked from her to Freddie and then back to her. “I thought I was getting transferred today.”

“You are, but we wanted to talk to you first.”

“What about?”

“Tom Forrester.”

“I already told Cruz and the other cop, Gonzales, that I didn’t know him. I babysat the family at the hotel, but I didn’t have anything to do with him.”

“Did you ever hear Congressman Bryant talk about him?”

“I heard Bryant railing about the campaign finance investigation a few times. Why do you care about him anyway? He got his family back, right?”

“Yes, but he was murdered.”

That seemed to surprise Aaron, who sat up straighter. “What? When?”

“Early yesterday morning.”

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