“She said he’s a businessman.” Brit turned from the white board to Rebel. “Let me schedule that dinner party.”
After texting Addison and getting a thumb’s up, she texted Honor.
“Hey, Honor, it’s Brit. Can you, Liliana, and Jordan join us tomorrow for a family dinner party? Addison and Hawk are in.”
No dots appeared.
“I’ll request background and criminal checks on Jordan and Liliana.” Rebel said.
“Do you think one of them is the killer?”
“I don’t know, babe. All we can do is follow the evidence and see where it leads.”
Later that afternoon,Rebel re-read Jordan Krause’s background check. Krause’s history started with Sanders Ranch in western Virginia. Next, he and Liliana lived in North Carolina before moving to Virginia. His occupation? Business consultant.
I’m not buyin’ that.
Brit’s phone binged with an incoming text. After reading it, she said, “Honor’s coming tomorrow night.”
“What about Liliana and Jordan?”
“She didn’t say.” Brit called Honor.
After a few rings, Honor answered, “Hello.”
“Hey, Honor, it’s Brit. It sounds like you’re coming by yourself. Do you need a ride?”
“Oh, sorry. Mom will be in New York at a speaking event. Jordan’s coming with me.”
“Great! See you tomorrow.” She hung up, regarded Rebel. “Jordan’s in, but Liliana will be out of town.”
No response.
“What’s wrong?”
He flicked his gaze her way. “You mean, besides our non-existent suspects, weak evidence, and a guy with no past?” Frustration tinged his tone.
“You mean, Jordan?” Brit asked.
“He’s got no career or credit history, and he didn’t exist before showing up at the cult.”
“Maybe he uses cash, or one of Liliana’s cards, or he doesn’t buy anything.”
Rebel raised his eyebrows. “Yeah, that doesn’t add up for me.”
Brit’s burner, sitting on the desk, rang. “Agent Marshall,” she answered.
“This is Evelyn Shance. I’m returning your call.”
“Thanks for calling me back. My partner, Agent Jones, is with me. I’ll put you on speaker.” Brit tapped the button. “I’m investigating the murders of your former classmates at Acorn Boarding School.”
“Yeah, I heard about that,” Evelyn said. “I’m surprised, but kinda not. Those five girls were the worst. I think one was a sadist, and I’m not joking.”
Brit and Rebel exchanged glances.
“What can you tell me about the bullying there?”
“Pranks and silly stuff most of the time, but several of us got shoved into closets. They’d jam a chair under the doorknob and we’d be trapped until someone found us.”
