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“Millie Gwinn’s residence,” Brook filled in as she motioned for them to take a seat on the couch. She’d muted the television earlier, although the captions were on in case she wanted a summation of what was happening in the news. “And yes, I’m aware that Brett had picked up someone from the airport. Your sister, from my understanding. He stayed for a few hours, they talked, and then he made his way home.”
Before Brook had left the Kolsby residence, she’d received a very detailed description from Brett on why he’d been parked in front of the building across from Millie’s apartment complex. He’d claimed that he had no knowledge of Millie Gwinn residing across the street. Bit had confirmed that Celeste Averill was a resident of the building.
Considering that there was no evidence to the contrary, they would have to take Brett’s explanation at face value. Unless, of course, evidence found at a later date proved otherwise.
The most frustrating issue for Brook stemmed from the fact that they still did not have a victim, let alone more than one. She’d driven back to the office to begin drafting a profile, but that proved too difficult to do without certain aspects of the case being run to ground.
“I take the reason that you are here has something to do with Brett and your sister?”
“No,” Catherine responded as she set her purse on the glass coffee table. While Catherine and Stephen had claimed the couch, Brook had taken a seat in her favorite chair. It just so happened to face the foyer, allowing her to monitor the comings and goings from the elevator bank. “My father is dying.”
Brook had let her gaze drift to Kate, who just so happened to still be on the phone. Whoever had called didn’t seem pleased with an excuse as to why Brook couldn’t take his or her call.
Needless to say, Catherine’s statement had Brook’s full attention.
“I’m sorry?”
“My father was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer,” Catherine said after clearing her throat. Her affection and overly protective posture toward Dr. Kolsby this morning began to make more sense. She’d reached for his hand numerous times, as well as seen to his every need. Brook had merely assumed it was due to him recovering from surgery and his concussion. “He hasn’t told my brothers yet, so I couldn’t bring it up in front of them.”
While Catherine came across as a very confident woman, she also naturally relied on her fiancé for support. She kept ahold of his hand on her knee while she evened her breathing before going into more depth on her reasoning for their visit.
“I want this case dropped,” Catherine declared confidently, as if she had a say on whether or not Brook continued forward with the investigation. “Please ask Millie Gwinn how much it will take for her to drop this nonsense about my father subject to a nondisclosure agreement. I’ll have my accountant wire the money over to her bank, and we can put this all behind us.”
Brook remained silent while she mulled over Catherine’s offer.
“Catherine,” Stephen murmured as he tried to get her to see reason. “We need to bring the family lawyer into this so that he can draft a—“
“In case you have forgotten, Stephen, Iama lawyer,“ Catherine responded sharply, turning back into the woman who Brook had dealt with earlier. She refocused her attention back on Brook. It was almost as if the potential need for a negotiation put her emotions in check. “I’ll draft up an NDA on my own. I’d rather no one else be involved with the contract. Basically, Ms. Gwinn agrees to stop slandering my father’s name in exchange for a reasonable sum of money. Agreed?”
“I can’t agree to that, Miss Kolsby. I run a private investigations firm. I’m not a lawyer, and I couldn’t represent Ms. Gwinn in such a matter.” Brook quickly ran through her options, because there was no telling what amount of money Catherine might offer Millie. Something told Brook that there was some validity to the case, but should Millie take the offer, there would be no grounds to continue investigating without their client. “If it eases your concern, I’ll reiterate what I said earlier today. I do not believe that your father is a murderer.”
Brook made sure that her words matched her opinion. While she didn’t believe that Dr. Kolsby killed someone with his own hands, it was more than likely he knew of someone who had committed the brutal crime in question.
Was that someone a family member?
A friend?
A patient?
Brook had already come to the conclusion that she needed to speak with Dr. Kolsby again, but that would prove difficult if his daughter managed to keep him sheltered from calls or guests.
“I’m well aware of what you believe, Ms. Sloane.” Catherine’s tone was not just sharp, but her glare was meant to put the fear of God into Brook. Catherine would have to try a hell of a lot harder than that. “While I’m grateful that you believe in my father’s innocence, that alone should tell you that we are striving for the same eventuality. It’s time to end your involvement in this matter.”
Brook maintained her focus on Catherine, never once breaking eye contact.
“My involvement comes to an end when my client decides to no longer pursue this investigation. Until such time, my firm and I will continue to follow whatever evidence we uncover to determine the truth.”
Brook stood, signaling the end of their meeting.
Had Catherine and her fiancé chosen a different tactic to help close out the case, Brook might have been receptive to such a plea. Threats tended to do the exact opposite. It wasn’t that she didn’t feel for the Kolsbys having to deal with such a tragic diagnosis. Unfortunately, it didn’t negate the possibility of them uncovering the remains of dead bodies buried somewhere, leaving the families of the victims without closure.
That was something that Brook couldn’t…wouldn’t…tolerate.
“I’m truly sorry to hear about your father’s diagnosis, but you should know that any evidence this firm finds during the discovery process will be turned over to the police.”
“Excuse me?”
Catherine quickly stood, her frustration evident.
