AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Les Snyder had also been at the same bar as Tanya and Steve on that fateful night. All signs were pointing toward the middle son of General Jim Snyder.
Had she overlooked something in the profile?
Nothing was adding up, and she didn't like to be played for a fool.
Had Graham inadvertently said something to someone about the Snyders? He was always so cautious that she immediately dismissed the notion.
"I appreciate you getting out in front of this, Nathan." Brook stood, not wanting to push the interview any farther than necessary. His barriers had been lowered, and she didn't want any resentment flowing over into the higher echelons of the military community. She was already treading on thin ice, and it didn't help that her name and face were being plastered over every newspaper, crime blog, and television news piece. It was best to pull up from the gas pedal while she reevaluated her profile. "I'm sorry that we had to meet under these circumstances. My firm and I are just trying to get justice for these victims, as well as help those who were unjustly incarcerated. It could have easily been you, and I'm sure your father would have done anything and everything to clear your name."
Brook had added on the last statement to hit home the reasoning behind her tactics. It seemed to do the job she'd intended.
"Nathan, I'll handle things from here," Mason said as they all stood. "I'll meet you at the elevator."
Nathan nodded his understanding and began to make his way to the door. He paused before walking into the foyer, though.
"I hope you get the bastard."
Brook tilted her head in agreement and monitored Nathan's departure.
He wasn't their unsub, but he was scared, nonetheless.
Granted, they were most likely dealing with someone who was bold enough to do what Nathan had done today, but his emotional reaction had been very telling. He almost ran into Sylvie as she materialized from the hallway, but she simply muttered something about not knowing Brook had visitors before heading back to her own office. She understood that she was no longer required to interrupt the meeting now that the men were leaving.
"What is it that you'd like me to know, Mr. Cooper?" Brook asked, not fooled in the slightest by his so-called intention to finish up their conversation. Whatever it was that he had to say, he didn't want Nathan to overhear. "Is your client guilty?"
"Nathan might have a few anger issues, but he has trouble killing a spider," Mason responded with a shrug. "I grew up with him, so I should know what he's capable of and what he's not. Nathan didn't murder those women, but neither did Daniel Snyder."
Mason Cooper definitely had her interest now. She didn't believe that Les was the unsub, either. Unfortunately, all signs were pointing to him, and she was beginning to think that was what their unsub wanted, which meant that he was somehow close to these cases. That would be relatively impossible given that the investigations were so close-knit.
Unless NCIS Agent Derek Tonkel had revealed quite a lot to the other agents involved with the other cases without her knowledge.
"I take it you know Daniel Snyder?"
"I do," Mason replied as he handed over his business card. "I helped his younger brother out on a small charge back in the day before he entered the service. The Snyders are a good family, and Daniel was there for his brother at every step of the way. I don't believe for a second that he could have murdered anyone, let alone his own sister."
"You're strictly a civilian lawyer?" Brook asked, glancing down at the card.
She memorized the information, knowing how important it was to have contacts of her own. While Graham had nothing but good things to say about Vivian Lourdes and the team behind her, there was something to be said for not keeping all of one's eggs in a single basket.
"I am, although I do consult on military cases if the defendant requires outside counsel to advise on civil law." Mason shifted his briefcase in his other hand in order to offer her a handshake. "If you'll get me those dates, I'll make sure to email you my client's whereabouts on the dates in question."
"I appreciate your help, Mr. Cooper."
Brook waited until both men had entered the elevator before calling Theo. She wanted to speak with Derek again before he flew out tomorrow, but she also wanted the two men to see if Austin Ridley's family had any past dealings with Daniel Snyder. She wasn't a conspiracy theorist, but all paths were conveniently leading them in one direction.
Maybe it was best to take another road less traveled.
Chapter Seventeen
Brooklyn Sloane
January 2022
Tuesday — 8:54pm
Thehotellobbywasquite busy with guests coming and going, with some still checking in upon their late arrival. The Christmas décor had already been taken down shortly after the New Year, and it was evident that the staff was ready to focus on the year ahead. Several employees were lined up at the long, elegant counter. A few were helping guests load their luggage onto carts, while those assigned to the concierge's desk were giving guests directions to the popular restaurants or nightclubs.
"Excuse me," Brook murmured as she brushed past two men in business suits.
