Page 109 of Deception

“We did find a dark hair in the office closet, but it’s from a cheap wig you can buy at Walmart or Amazon. We’ve requested a list of orders for this area, but that could take weeks,” he said.

“That tracks with what Bri said.”

“Who’s Bri?”

“The girl with my sister when she was shot. She drove by the house and saw someone with dark hair entering the house.”

“Can she make an ID or give a description?”

“No. She only noticed the hair and that the woman wore exercise clothes.”

Hugh was briefly quiet. “I know you have your grandfather’s funeral, but what does the rest of your day look like?”

“I’m hoping to access my case files today. There was a glitch in the website this weekend, and I couldn’t get into my files.”

“Have you had a chance to look at the files for the kickback and theft ring?”

“I finished going through what I had yesterday. Several of the invoices from one particular company have inflated prices, and the amount delivered to the National Park Service was less than what was listed on the invoice while the payment was the same. Same thing with the county. I’ve pulled the files for you to look at. And I have two employees that I need warrants for their bank accounts—brothers. One works for the county, the other for the park service.”

“You’ve been busy. Get me their names and I’ll get those warrants.”

“It was work or go crazy. I’ll call you back in a minute.”

Madison turned around and went back inside to get the names. She’d worked on the case Saturday afternoon and Sunday. She hadn’t even returned to visit Dani after the Saturday morning visit, talking to her on the phone instead. It’d been worth it, though. The evidence she’d found should be enough to wrap up the case, and as soon as they found the person after Dani, she could return to Hot Springs.

In her bedroom, she found the file and called Hugh and read off the names.

“Good. Oh, and I received a call from Paul Davidson a few minutes ago, and he has a few more files for you to go through.”

“I think I have enough evidence now.”

“He seemed to think they were important. His secretary is supposed to bring them by your house.”

“Vivian Hawkins?”

“Yes. Evidently, she went to church with your grandfather. She indicated she was bringing a dish by and would drop the files off then.”

Madison groaned. More food. Even though they’d given the mission a lot of the food that had been brought, more kept coming and she didn’t know what they were going to do with it all. The back doorbell rang. “Someone’s here—probably her. I’ll call you back if I need to.”

“I’ll see you at the funeral.”

“Okay. With so many people expected, I’ll be at the church by noon. Thanks.”

She pocketed her phone and hurried to the back. “Ms. Hawkins, Agent Cortland said you were coming by. Won’t you come in?” Perhaps if she was nice to her, Madison might find out why Vivian disliked her.

“If you’ll take the files, I’ll go back after the brownies I brought.”

“You shouldn’t have gone to the trouble to make brownies.” Madison took the box of files and set them on the floor beside the entryway. “I’m sure you’re quite busy.”

“The judge was a special person. Making a few brownies is the least I can do.”

“Are you feeling better?”

Vivian’s brow wrinkled. “Feeling better?”

“Paul said Friday you were out sick.”

“Oh yes. I feel much better. Let me get those brownies.”

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