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“Yes, that is a distinct possibility, but for now I think it’s safe to proceed under the assumption that these two cases are somehow connected.”
“Can you tell me anything about your case?”
“Only if I hire you.”
She shook her head. “I’m content in my current line of work.”
“Confidentiality agreements prohibit me from sharing data with outsiders. He whipped out another page. But… if you sign this contract, you’ll be a temporary employee contracted to work on this case.”
“That’s ridiculous. I can sign a contract as a client.”
“Won’t work. I can’t share this case with you if you do that.” He grinned. “Besides, you can’t afford us.”
“So what, I’m supposed to share all the details about Uncle Richard with you, and you don’t have to give me any information?”
“Just sign the piece of paper, Samantha.”
“No.”
“What’s the hesitation? You’ll get paid for your time, and you’ll get access to my case files. There is no downside for you.”
“I’m not comfortable owing you. If you I take you up on your offer. I’ll be indebted to you, and that doesn’t work for me.”
“You will not owe me a thing.”
“Why should I take you at your word?”
“Call Wade and ask him. I’ll wait.”
“I already know what he’ll say.”
“Then ask Emily.”
“Ditto.”
He let a slow smile build. “Then maybe you can give me a chance here to prove myself before you assume I have some nefarious purpose.”
Her laugh filled the space. “How about we start with what we can share without my signing my life away?”
“Suit yourself.” He shrugged. Her reluctance to sign made no sense to him. Most people appreciated having a few extra dollars to help them out. But until she decided to trust him, he could tell her about Cate’s sorority’s connection without revealing anything about Judge Swisher and his missing daughter, Emmaline. Even though his conversation with George hadn’t gone as expected, he felt responsible for making sure his progeny was safe. His client had it in his head that his daughter was rebelling. Cate had suggested the same. Gavin didn’t buy it. She might have a wild streak, but Emmaline had a good head on her shoulders. He squared his shoulders and shared what he felt he could without breaching confidentiality. “My sister is going to school at the University of Pennsylvania. Recently she pledged—”
“Wait. Your sister is your client?”
“No. I’m not going to share about that case. Ican, however, tell you what’s going on with Cate.”
“How is a sorority going to help us?”
He sighed deeply and tried to keep his composure. “The page I showed you earlier is connected to her sorority and a fraternity on campus. I’m not sure how the pieces connect yet, but I believe they do.”
“My uncle was a middle-aged business man, what would he have to do with fraternities and sororities?”
“That’s what we need to figure out. Unlikely connections can lead to revealing truths.”
Samanthafishedaroundinthe box until she located the binder where she’d kept all the papers related to the police investigation. The papers inside it were protected by plastic, allowing them to escape the moisture damage the newspapers and printouts had sustained. Her statement to the police was included. If he read it, Gavin would learn that she wasn’t the doting niece he assumed she was. Blowing out a puff of air, she passed it to Gavin. “Let’s get you up to speed on Uncle Richard’s case.”
“Nice organizational skills.” He thumbed through the tabs separating the sections.
“Wade got me the file, but I needed to find a way to make sense of it.”
