Page 98 of Feared

Mary got an idea. “You know, John’s brother is in town, and so are his next of kin, his aunt and uncle. They’re going throughhell right now, so I would like very much not to bring them in. But if I got a letter from them, or some kind of phone authorization, would you talk to us then?”

Bennie nodded, eagerly. “Yes, we could get a letter from them authorizing us as their attorneys. We could speak with you as counsel.”

Detective Krakoff hesitated. “Is William in town?”

“Yes, why?”

“Where is he?” A concerned frown crossed Detective Krakoff’s face.

“He’s at the hotel with the Hodges, his aunt and uncle. They’re elderly, she has a broken ankle, and William’s in a wheelchair. Obviously, it would be so difficult and upsetting to bring them in. Couldn’t you just play ball with us?”

“When is William going back to Glenn Meade?”

“I don’t know, I haven’t had a chance to check. Probably later today.” Mary hadn’t discussed it with Judy and she still didn’t want to admit to Detective Krakoff that Judy had been John’s girlfriend.

Detective Krakoff paused, pursing his lips.

Mary asked, “What is it? Why do you ask?”

“I will share limited information with you. But it must remain confidential.”

“Yes, totally,” Mary said quickly.

“Of course, please do.” Bennie nodded.

Detective Krakoff said, “Shanahan has disappeared.”

“What?” Mary asked, shocked.

Bennie blinked. “How do you know?”

“We followed up on your lead, Mary. We went to Glenn Meade this morning to talk to Shanahan. He didn’t come to work. They called his cell, and there was no answer. We went to his apartment. His car’s gone, so are his clothes. He said nothing to the landlord or neighbors about where he was going.”

“But why would he go?” Mary’s thoughts raced. “I swear toyou, it was Machiavelli that killed John, not Shanahan. I’m sure of it.”

Bennie forward. “We still think it’s Machiavelli, and the fact that Shanahan has gone missing doesn’t change that. Even if he didn’t do it, he could have been worried he’d be accused, given the Complaint. Or he simply could have felt the situation was too hot to stick around, given his past.”

Mary nodded, glad of the support. “So Detective, what happens now? Will you follow up with Machiavelli?”

“We’re looking for Shanahan. The timing of his disappearance isn’t coincidental, to us.” Detective Krakoff frowned. “I divulged the information for a reason. It would be best for William if he didn’t return to Glenn Meade until we locate Shanahan, out of an abundance of caution. I have concern for William’s safety there, should Shanahan seek to contact him. Glenn Meade has no security measures to speak of.”

“I agree, I don’t want to take any chances with William’s safety.”

“So you see, I’m a nice guy after all.” Detective Krakoff smiled, but Mary felt so frustrated that her case against Machiavelli was slipping away, when they’d come so far.

“Detective, I do appreciate your concern for William, but I truly don’t think Shanahan did it. Machiavelli did. We’re talking about millions and millions of dollars in one company, if not the two companies.” Mary gestured at the corporate papers on the typing table. “And they’re sure producers in the future because he monopolized the market. Machiavelli would kill to keep those businesses and hurt our firm in the bargain. It’s more than enough for motive.”

Detective Krakoff cocked his head skeptically. “You’re telling me that this Machiavelli is a successful lawyer in town?”

“Yes.”

“With his own law firm and major investments? Major businesses? Data integration and what not?”

“Yes, but that doesn’t tell you anything. He doesn’t have to look like a murderer to be one. He can look like an upstanding citizen.”

“But you admit you have a history with him.”

“Yes, but it certainly doesn’t affect my motives in coming to you with this.”

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