Page 16 of Justified Fear
“Nikki, anything from your Coastie buds?”
“Nope.They did know the Kellys, but only because they held some kind of fundraiser for military families.”
“This is irritating as fuck,” Rami said.When the former SEAL was agitated, he could definitely resort to what Rami called the language of his people…meaning sailors.
“I know there is something there, but I can’t put my finger on it.This baby is killing my brain cells.That and the lack of caffeine in my system is going to be the death of me,” Charity said.“Also, all four of their dinner guests were single men, no wives, girlfriends, husbands, or boyfriends.They seemed to live very solitary lives.”
They had no connections.It seemed like just a dinner party among friends.But Keely had talked about the windows being closed and the lack of security.It was as if they were trying to conceal what was happening there.
“Hey, Charity, did those guys help with the charities they had set up?”he asked.
“I don’t know.Let me look.”
“What are you thinking?”his captain asked.
“It’s almost like these guys shouldn’t have anything to do with the Kellys, right?The Kellys were mostly retired and living the good life.Here are these four dudes with no connection to them.What if the lack of connection is the connection?”
Seth blinked.“What?”
“Think about things that bring people together.Most people at a marathon don’t know each other.But you could meet anyone there.What if they met there?What if this has something to do with the charities they were involved with?”
Seth nodded.“That’s a good point.”
“And he’s right,” Charity announced.“They were all involved with fundraisers for an education fund here in Hawai’i.”
“What kind of education fund?”Kap asked.
“Hmm, let me do some digging.”A few humming seconds later, she had her answer.“The Ho’ona’auao Fund, which was actually founded by the Kellys.”
“Dig into it,” Seth ordered.“It’s weird that they founded the charity.What is its mission statement?”
“This fund is dedicated to education activities such as after-school programs, Hawaiian language classes, scholarships, and school upgrade projects.It was founded in memory of Anela Kelly.Oh, that’s his mother.She was a schoolteacher.”
“Still.You know that some of them hide their most nefarious deeds behind family connections.See if you can find anything at all,” Seth said.“Hammer, can you see if there are any FBI investigations into it?”
“Already working it.”
“We have another issue,” Seth said, turning to look at Ryan.His stomach tightened because he had a bad feeling about what was coming next.“There is little to nothing about Keely Templeton online.”
“I thought your fiancé said she was a YouTuber?”
“She is.But until about nine months ago, there was nothing.”
“Not true, Seth.She was connected to a restaurant,” Charity said.“That is before she walked away from it.I’ve seen some references online about her partner—former boyfriend—having an affair.She ditched him and moved to Hawai’i.”
“I know, but that seems like a hasty move.Also, her house is owned by the KT company.”
“Her company?”
He shook his head.“Hammer and Charity have yet to find out who owns it and how it’s funded.I’m gonna need you to interview her.”
Ryan frowned.“She’s not a suspect.”
He would bet his life on it.
“I know.But there might be something about her that caused this.Maybe there’s a person who is stalking her?Hell, from what we are learning about her move here, there’s a good chance that her ex realized he wants her back, and that’s what this is about.You never know.”
He rolled his shoulders once again.“I need a shower.”
