Page 63 of State of Suspense

“I’m so sorry to bother you again at this difficult time,” Sam said.

“It’s okay. I want to help if I can.”

“I have a question about Tom’s relationship with Reginald Cox.”

“Reggie is one of Tom’s closest friends. They went to college and law school together.”

“It’s interesting to me that when I met with Cox yesterday, he didn’t mention that. He talked about Tom in his role as a U.S. Attorney but said nothing about the outsized role Tom played in Cox’s personal life. Do you know why that would be?”

“No, I can’t imagine why he would’ve kept that part out of it. The two of them are like brothers. Or I guess I should say they were. I still can’t believe Tom is gone.”

“I’m so sorry to have to add to your grief with my questions.”

“I understand you’re just doing your job.”

“Did you notice any strain between Tom and Reggie in recent weeks?”

“Not that I can recall, but like Aurora mentioned yesterday, Tom was unusually stressed in the last few months. I tried to get him to talk about it, but as was often the case with his work, he couldn’t say much.”

“Did he ever indicate undue pressure on him from Cox or anything like that?”

“Not to me. Conlon might know more about that. Would you like to speak to him? He’s here.”

Sam was intrigued to realize that Young was still at the Forresters’ home and must be the man who’d answered the phone. “I’m due to see him tomorrow.” She wanted to be able to see the man’s face when she asked her questions. “If you wouldn’t mind keeping our conversation between us, I’d appreciate that.”

“I won’t say anything.”

“If you think of anything else that might be relevant, even if it seems like something insignificant, will you please give me a call?”

“Of course. Whatever I can do to help.”

“Thank you, Leslie. And again, my heartfelt sympathies to you and your family.”

“We appreciate your kindness. Conlon will have the details about the service when you see him.”

“Good to know. I’ll be there.”

“Thank you again for being willing to speak about Tom.”

“It’s an honor to be asked. I’ll see you there, if not before.”

Sam ended the call with more questions than she’d had before. What was the deal with Conlon Young?

She used her cell to call Faith.

“Hey, Sam. How’s it going?”

“Slow and frustrating.”

“I heard Bryant got a lawyer.”

“He’s with the guy now. Not sure what the deal is with him. Do you know Tyson Conway?”

“Never heard of him.”

“Me either, but whatever gets Bryant into a room for an interview works for me.”

“Agreed.”

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