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“For your kids. For your ex-wife. And, yes, for the right price. But before I name that price or go any further, I want your word that nothing we say leaves this room. Because this whole nightmare runs even deeper than you think—and with more potential for tragedy.”
Monty’s brows rose a fraction. “Sounds ominous.”
“It is.”
“I’m not cheap. Then again, I’m sure you already know that. Just like you know I don’t discuss my cases. That’s part of what you’re paying for. So let’s skip the confidentiality speech.”
Edward opened his drawer and pulled out an envelope, sliding it across the desk. “There’s fifty thousand dollars in there. Cash. Consider it a retainer. Plus I’ll double your usual rates for as long as it takes to solve this case. But I want all your time and resources. Is that acceptable?”
“That depends on what you’re asking me to do,” Monty replied without touching the money. “Also, I won’t blow off my current clients. I’ll need a chunk of time to work on their cases.”
“You can have late nights and weekends.”
“Fair enough. I have associates who can do the additional fieldwork. Now, how about some details.”
A tight nod. “You asked what I want you to do. I want you to act as Pierson & Company’s head of security. I want you to go to the office every single day, figure out what’s going on, and protect my company and my family.”
Monty’s gaze narrowed. “Does that mean you think whoever killed Frederick is after more of your family members?”
“Maybe. I don’t believe in coincidences.” Edward broke off, visibly agitated. “Look, Montgomery,” he continued before Monty could probe into what coincidences Edward was referring to. “You don’t get as rich and successful as I am without making enemies. And you don’t always know who those enemies are.”
“But you think they’re company insiders?”
“It’s possible. Either way, I’ll make sure all business is conducted inside company walls. That’ll keep this assignment manageable for you. You’ll get a chance to check out visitors and employees alike.”
“You’re hedging. Who at Pierson & Company is on your suspect list?”
Edward took a gulp of water. He clearly did not like what he was about to say. “There’s no list. It’s just that Frederick and I had a different take on Philip Rhodes.”
“Philip Rhodes. Your senior VP of sales.”
A flicker of surprise registered on Edward’s face. “You did your homework. Yes. Phili
p’s been with us for years and years. He’s a real rainmaker. And, yeah, he’s bent some rules. So have James and I. That’s how successful companies are built.” Edward leveled a probing stare at Monty. “I’m sure I don’t need to fill you in on who James is. If you’ve figured out Philip’s role from our org chart, I’m sure you’ve done the same for other key players at Pierson, especially my family.”
“Sure have.” Monty didn’t even glance at his notes. “James is your oldest grandchild; Niles’s son. He’s also VP of sales, reporting directly to Philip.”
“And he’s a champion show jumper,” Edward added proudly. “He and my stallion Stolen Thunder are a one-of-a-kind team. Real Olympic material.”
“So I hear. The reports from Wellington are impressive.” A corner of Monty’s mouth lifted at Edward’s startled expression. “I don’t just do homework; I do lots of homework.”
“Obviously.”
“You said you bent some rules. Elaborate.”
“The usual.” Edward gave a dismissive wave. “A few political contributions to local politicians who wield power in communities where we wanted contracts for our food-service business. Some gifts to their family members. A few golf trips, here and there. Just some perks.”
“I think they call that white-collar crime.”
“No, they call that networking. The point is, Frederick thought Philip was going one step further—bribing officials, paying them off in cash to get what we wanted. He was pretty upset about it.”
“I can understand why. Did he have proof?”
“Nothing I saw. And my gut tells me that Philip’s too smart to channel company funds into something illegal.”
“But if your gut is wrong, and if some proof actually existed, then Philip Rhodes would have a motive for murdering Frederick.”
Edward’s jaw began working. “I won’t believe that.”
