Page 74 of Home for Justice
“John Ormond,” Frazier replied, glancing at Tyler’s confused expression. “Know him? He doesn’t seem to be affiliated with the investor or Anthony.”
Tyler frowned deeply. “The name doesn’t ring a bell. Should it?”
Cory leaned forward, eyes narrowing. “Wait… Ormond. Wasn’t Debbie’s maiden name Ormond?”
Recognition hit Tyler as his body tensed. “John Ormond. It’s John McClay, their son. Damn. Why’s he using his mother’s maiden name?”
“Obfuscation.” Frazier nodded slowly. “Makes it harder for anyone checking financial trails.”
Tyler felt unease crawl up his spine. He knew John lived in Chicago, with a good job as far as what Justice knew. “He called Justice yesterday. He’s got a solid job, and from what I remember, he got an inheritance from their grandfather, probably to keep him from suffering the fate of his parents’ money mismanagement. Christ, they must be putting the touch on him for money.”
Cory looked over. “You’d think he would cut them off. Eventually, what he got from his inheritance will run out if he keeps that up. That’s odd that he keeps giving them money. ”
Tyler growled softly. “Suspicious or he just can’t say no to them.” He stepped away, pulling out his phone, anxiety prickling his chest. Moving toward the window for privacy, he dialed Justice’s number.
“Hey,” she answered warmly. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah, fine. Just wondering… is your cousin still in Chicago?”
Her tone grew curious. “Yeah. Still in Chicago. He said he was working as a marketing consultant. Why?”
Tyler’s jaw tightened, but he forced casualness into his voice. “No real reason. Just checking.”
“Should I text him?”
“No,” Tyler said quickly. “Just curious. Thanks, sweetheart. Talk soon.” He hung up and stared out at the training field, feeling his thoughts race.
He didn’t feel any better knowing John was still in Chicago, wondering how involved he still was with his parents. While he normally wouldn’t question someone’s relationship, he was under the impression that John wanted to get as far away from Jordy and Debbie as he could.
By lunchtime, Tyler felt exhaustion tugging at his concentration. His eyes blurred from endless financial statements, money trails looping through his mind without conclusion. Frustration built, evident as he groaned aloud.
“I know shell companies are meant to hide money trails,” he said to Landon, who’d paused near his desk. “Could Anthony’s investor in New York use Anthony’s company as a shell?”
Landon nodded thoughtfully. “Almost certainly. And Anthony’s probably doing the same—paying people indirectly. It’s messy, but intentional.”
“So how the hell do we unravel this?” Tyler muttered, determined to find the missing link.
“Do what Sadie always recommends,” Landon suggested. “Trace the money backward from Jordy and Debbie. Where’s it coming from?”
Refocusing, Tyler scrolled through the McClays’ accounts. “Their checking barely covers monthly bills. Their savings are minimal. John deposits funds monthly, but Jordy always withdraws quickly and usually cash.”
He hesitated, a suspicion hardening. Jordy had a gambling habit, and it was likely Debbie had her own spending habits. Nail salons. Online shopping for knockoff designer bags and clothes. Tyler scrutinized further, noticing increased deposits aligning suspiciously with Anthony’s initial approach seven months earlier.
Cole walked by, noticing Tyler’s tense expression. “Finding anything?”
“Just a lot of uncomfortable coincidences,” Tyler admitted.
“That’s investigation,” Landon said. “You follow hunches until something sticks. Don’t dismiss coincidences—they often lead straight to answers.”
With Landon’s advice echoing in his ears, Tyler continued his meticulous search, determined. Throughout the afternoon, the workroom hummed quietly as team members came and went. Tyler admired the flexibility and dedication. Mary, ever perceptive, had quietly placed sandwiches on the tables. Tyler gratefully accepted one, nodding appreciatively. Another reminder of Logan’s thoughtful leadership.
Hours slipped by in meticulous analysis, the pieces slowly converging. Tyler felt sure that Jordy, Debbie, or John McClay had become central to Anthony’s operation. Which one? He didn’t know. And what pissed him off was that it wasn’t just about money, but family being manipulated into betrayal.
He leaned back, massaging his temples. It was personal now, tangled in deceit and danger. Tyler was determined to unravel every knot, not only for Justice's sake but also for their shared future. His resolve hardened as he dove back into the records, vowing silently that Anthony Milton wouldn’t get away with the strong-arm tactics he was using.
33
Justice leaned back in her chair, her gaze drifting toward the office doorway as Tyler’s earlier question echoed in her mind.Why had he asked about my cousin?
