Page 53 of Hunting Justice

She and Decia kept pace with the congressman’s aide.

He gestured for them to enter Sanford’s office, but remained at the doorway.

The congressman rose, his large oak desk a barrier between himself and anyone who visited. A young man with the congressman’s same genetic features stood near a beverage station in the corner of the room. “Good morning, ladies. You’ve met my aide. I’d like to introduce you to the company’s attorney and my son, Lincoln. Please, have a seat.” He swept his hand out, indicating the two chairs facing his desk.

Noelle lowered herself onto the edge of the seat. “Thank you for seeing us.”

“I wish I had more time, but unfortunately, I don’t. So, let’s get down to business. How can I help Savannah’s finest?”

Decia took the lead. “As you wish. Your name came up during a homicide investigation. We’d like to know what you can tell us about a couple of young ladies that you spent time with.”

“Are you implying that my father had something to do with murder?” Lincoln moved to his father’s side. “Because if you are, that’s the most preposterous thing I’ve ever heard.”

“Now, son. Let them talk.” Sanford rested his elbows on his desk and steepled his fingers. “Go ahead.”

Decia eyed the son, then focused her attention on the congressman. “We have three young women in their twenties that were murdered. According to witnesses, their bodies were found a week after being seen in your company.”

“As your legal counsel, I advise you not to say another word, Dad.” Lincoln glared at Decia. “I don’t trust them.”

“Calm down, son. They’re only doing their job. Please continue, Detective.”

“Thank you.” Decia pulled her phone from her pocket. “What can you tell me about Kami Zimmer?”

“The name doesn’t sound familiar. Royce?” the congressman asked his aide.

“Do you have a picture?”

“Yes.” Noelle had saved the photos of all the women for reference. She opened the image of Kami on her phone and shared it with the aide.

Royce stared at the floor and tapped his chin. “I think I remember her. She had dinner with the congressman at Twilight Serenade. If I remember correctly, it was a thank-you for helping with his campaign.”

Noelle shifted the phone to Sanford. “Congressman, does the woman look familiar?”

The man flinched so imperceptibly that most people would miss it. But Noelle wasn’t most people. And neither was Decia.

“Sorry. I don’t recall her. But if Royce said we had dinner, then we must have.”

“That’s quite a thank-you.” She flipped to the next photo. “How about Sophia Mendez? She was also seen having dinner with you.”

Sanford glanced at the picture and shook his head. “I’m sorry, Detective. I don’t know anything about either woman. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a meeting to join.”

She and Decia thanked the men and strode from the office. Neither said a word until they exited the building. Noelle blew out a breath. “Did you see Congressman Sanford’s reaction to Kami?”

Decia nodded. “He recognized her. The question now is, why didn’t he admit it?”

“An affair, maybe?” Noelle replayed the conversation over in her mind. “The aide seemed helpful, albeit a bit shy.”

“Yeah, but the son was a piece of work. Like he had a chip on his shoulder or something. You saw the way he towered over his father, watching our every move.”

“I did.” Noelle rolled her eyes. Way to make yourself look guilty, dude. “I’ll have Raven do a deep dive into Lincoln Sanford and see what she digs up.”

“Good. I’ll head to the station and see if Matt made it back from the morgue yet.”

“I’d like to check on Jonah.” Noelle retrieved her car keys from her pocket. “I’ll keep you posted on anything we find.”

“Sounds good. See you later.” Decia waved and headed for her department-issued vehicle.

Noelle slipped into the driver’s seat of her car. The visit with Sanford hadn’t gone as expected, but it had been interesting nonetheless.

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