Page 19 of A Little Discovery

We both know how that ridge at the north end of the bowl comes out of nowhere if you don’t know it’s already there.

Not to mention the cliff above the DC

Me:

Enough E! Please don’t make me run out on Avery before I finish this. Remember, I’m doing this so that Lucky doesn’t have to.

Eli:

I know and I’m sorry. His phone is off andhis family is getting worried.

Me:

His family took the side of his bitch of an ex-wife. Let them.

Eli:

Not this member. Not this side. They actually REALLY care about him

Avery starts signaling me to wrap it up. The break is ending and this interview has to as well. I shoot off one last text before I shove the phone back in my pocket.

Me:

Find him. I’ll be home as soon as I can to join the search. Keep Jay and Eric at the house. Lucky is more likely to respond if one of the other subs is calling for him.

CHAPTER 13

SPENCER

“And we’re back with Private Investigator, Spencer Wright, as he reveals all of the misinformation that Ms. Sabrina Carlisle used in her attempt to deceive all of us, dragging not onlyhisreputation through the mud, but more importantly, the reputation of her recently divorced ex-husband Lucas Holloway.

“Before the break, Mr. Wright revealed the dubious circumstances surrounding the nuptials and what it would mean for Ms. Carlisle. Mr. Wright, have you ever met Mr. Holloway?”

I cock my head wondering where she is going with this but answer truthfully.

“I met the man in question yesterday, after arriving home from Australia. His car had broken down outside of the place where one of my housemates works, and they offered him our couch to sleep on for the night while we got his car towed somewhere it could be fixed.”

“Did you know him prior to yesterday?”

“I saw him at a fraternity party once, the one where Ms. Carlisle claimed to be impregnated. But we didn’t even have a conversation,” I tell her. “Speaking of the pregnancy again, though. Don’t you think it’s funny how there was never any medical record, except for the appointment for a paternity testthat was cancelled?”

“Why was it cancelled?” Avery asks. She is loving this. In high school she used to go around seeking out the latest gossip just to sate her never-ending curiosity. She is one of those rare people that believes in truth above all.

“My source told me that Ms. Carlisle claimed a miscarriage two days before the paternity test appointment. And before you ask, no. I will not reveal my source outside of a court order.”

Avery’s pout is cute, but I know it is only for the camera. She is fully aware that the medical records I accessed were not given to me legally.

“Unfortunately due to time restraints, we need to wrap this up, but are there any other details about this case you want to reveal?”

My smile is so predatory that it sends a visible shiver through my friend. “I have a lot, but I will say two more things. Number one, Lucas Holloway has never cheated on his wife, butshespent thirteen months of their sixteen-month marriage sharing a bed with James Buchanan and Dustin Coventry on a regular basis, alternating between the two men.

“Number two, Carlisle Construction hasn’t turned a profit in over fifteen years. The books actually improved in the time that Mr. Holloway was employed by his father-in-law. My research indicates that Mr. Holloway was using his own funds to pay off the settlements and cover the differences in cost of materials to ensure customers were getting the best possible service. In fourteen months, the Carlisle family and business managed to burn through over nineteen million dollars of Mr. Holloway’s personal funds, most of which is still unaccounted for at this time. I am waiting to hear back with quotes from forensicaccountants for assistance in tracking down all of the money.

“Whatever is left has been frozen by the judge who granted the divorce, pending the result of Ms. Carlisle challenging the pre-nuptial agreement. Mr. Holloway currently has less than two hundred dollars to his name, and only what belongings he could fit inside a 2009 Nissan Versa. Ms. Carlise has all seven cars, the house, and the staff; however, she still decided to launch this slanderous attack against her ex-husband.

“I leave you with this, Avery. Who is the real liar here? Who is the real thief? I think the evidence speaks for itself, and I would love to do a follow-up with you on this after those responsible receive the necessary punishment for their actions.”

“Thank you, Mr. Wright for sharing with us this evening. It has been truly enlightening, and you have once again proven why Mr. Wright Investigations is one of the best in the city.”

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