Waiting until exactly 11:00, Reid stepped out of his car and made his way to the service. After signing the guest book, he stood at the back of the room with a few other men. There weren’t many seats available. He surveyed the crowd. There were ladies crying and men sitting solemnly. No one stood out, and no one’s countenance screamed, “I did it. I killed him.”
Victoria cried throughout the service. As did the elderly woman he’d figured to be Joe’s mom. Others dabbed tears but not as many as those two ladies.
The service ended, and the mourners lined up to offer their condolences. Every person in attendance gave hugs or shook hands. No one left without speaking to one of the family members standing by the coffin.
Reid brought up the rear of the line. Victoria was pale, her eyes red-rimmed, but she no longer cried. She’d probably cried all the tears she could for the time being.
“Oh, Reid.” She gave him a hug. “I’m so glad you could make it. You were one of Joe’s closest friends.”
“I’m sorry for your loss.” He squeezed her before backing up and taking her hand.
The elderly couple turned and disappeared through the doors at the side of the large room. Funeral home workers closed the lid of the coffin and prepared to wheel it to the hearse.
“Please, forgive me, but I need to use the restroom before we head to the cemetery.” She squeezed his hand. “It means so much that you’re here.”
She turned, picked up her purse, and followed the route the elderly couple had taken.
“Andrew. Can I ask you a question?” Reid put his hands in his pockets.
He furrowed his brow. “I guess.”
“I’ve seen a photo of you at a bank four hours away from here. A bank that ended up getting robbed two days after you were there.”
His jaw tensed, and his eyes darted from side to side. “How’d you get that?”
“That’s not important. What’s important is why were you there, and does it have something to do with Joe’s death? There’s also a photo of your partner. The same man who just so happened to kidnap Quinn.”
“It absolutely does not,” he spat through gritted teeth.
“Andrew.” Victoria appeared at the doorway.
“Not here. Not now. After the funeral.” He turned and marched to where Victoria waited.
Reid followed them to the parking lot, climbed into his car, and waited. He wanted to be the last person in the procession.
Half an hour later, Reid stood at the edge of the cemetery. Watching for any newcomers or for anyone to veer off from the group. Neither of which happened.
Victoria sat in a chair by the grave opening. Andrew tried to comfort her, but she gently pushed him away. He stood to the side, waiting. He glanced around and spotted Reid. Several long strides later, they were face to face.
Andrew crossed his arms over his chest. “I can only assume Joe kept the photos and surveillance he collected.”
Reid shrugged.
He looked at Victoria, then turned his back to her. “Joe had been hired to find out who had robbed a specific bank,” he said, his voice low. “He was able to find a pattern and track us down.”
So, Andrew was a bank robber. “Go on.”
“Victoria and I are close. After our parents died, we only had each other. Joe didn’t want to turn me in. He knew it would destroy her. He told me he’d destroy everything he had but I had to promise to stop.”
“Did you?” Reid wasn’t completely buying the story.
“I did. I gave the crew my portion and cut ties. As far as kidnapping, I don’t have an answer to that. I haven’t seen those people since I quit.”
Victoria stood and tossed a rose into the open grave.
“If you’ll excuse me, my sister is devastated. I need to tend to her.” He turned and met her by the grave, then led her to the waiting limo.
Andrew was the only suspect they had. He still had a motive for wanting Joe dead, but there was nothing to connect him to Quinn. Maybe, they were missing something. He wanted to look at Joe’s surveillance again.
