Page 80 of Double Take

“Deep thoughts?”

“Very.” If he pushed, she’d tell him, but it was better to wait for a different time when they wouldn’t be interrupted. He didn’t pushbut eyed her with curiosity as she got out of the car. She’d probably be answering questions about those thoughts later.

Cole had driven separately and parked next to them. He climbed out and checked his phone. “You get it yet?”

James looked. “Yep. There it is.”

“That didn’t take as long as he—or I—thought it would.”

“That’s why he’s the boss.”

Cole chuckled. They made their way inside, Lainie lagging behind, and James turned back toward her. “Coming?”

Still battling her thoughts, Lainie let her gaze hold James’. He was looking at her with ... something in his eyes. Not pity, exactly. But definitely some concern mixed in with ... what? Curiosity? “Sorry. Let’s go.”

Once they were all seated with the bank manager, James presented the warrant and the bank statements. “We’d like all of the records related to this account. But can you tell us when these payments started and ended?”

“All right, let’s see what we have here.” He tapped a few keys and nodded. “Adam Williams. Here we are. And his father is on the account as well.”

Cole raised a brow. “His name isn’t on the statements.”

“No, Adam is the primary account holder, so his name is on the statement, but his father, Myles, has full access to the account.”

“You’re talking in the present tense,” Lainie said. “Wasn’t the account closed when Adam died?”

He shook his head. “No, no one closed it. We don’t have a record of his death.” He leaned in, narrowing his eyes at the screen. “And it’s still in use. A withdrawal was made just yesterday.”

Lainie leaned forward. “Seriously?”

“Yes. A check was cashed.”

“And it was made out to ...?”

“Victoria Irwin.”

“Well, who’s she?”

The man chuckled. “She’s been coming in for quite a while. Lovelywoman, if a bit reserved. But once a month, like clockwork, she cashes her check.”

James rubbed his chin. “All right. So you know her fairly well?”

“Sure. I mean, we’re not best friends or anything, but when I see her, we exchange pleasantries.”

Cole blew out a low breath. “I’m so confused.”

Lainie nodded. “So, let me get this straight. Adam Williams and Myles Williams are the joint owners of this account. Is anyone else on it?”

“No, just the two of them. Adam Williams and Myles.”

“But Victoria Irwin cashes a check each month.”

He nodded. “She used to just make cash withdrawals. Or rather Adam did. He’d take out the cash, then walk outside and give it to Ms. Irwin. But she cashes the checks now.”

“Who’s putting money in the account?”

“Myles Williams is still making the deposits as far as I know.” He frowned at the computer screen. “Those are the only transactions for the month. And have been for...” His voice trailed off as he scrolled. “...for about eighteen months now. She started cashing checks instead of Adam coming in to get the cash.”

Lainie clasped her hands between her knees. “Because he couldn’t since he’s dead.”

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