Cut and Run (Lucy Kincaid #16) - Allison Brennan Page 0,36
easily discovered, such as a relative or close friend.”
“Why does Stanley Grant think his sister is in danger?” Max wondered out loud.
“Grant could be guilty. Of murder, embezzlement, any number of things. But what if he has a partner, or he knows about a major crime, other than Victoria’s murder. I know I’m speculating but from our research we know that Grant cares about his sister and her family. My guess is that yes, he’d try to make sure they’re safe before he makes a deal with the prosecution. If he knows something juicy, he might get wit sec. I have no idea what he’s thinking. Something strange is going on, and Stanley Grant is at the center of it.”
“I don’t see where you’re going with this. He confessed to killing Victoria. Guilty or innocent, he knew enough about the murder that the police were confident they had the right person.”
“It’s the embezzlement after the murder that is the red flag. If he’s guilty, why would he lie to the police about his motive? Maybe he asked her for the money and she refused and he killed her … why not just say so? But he lied about his motive, because the money wasn’t taken from their accounts until four days after she was killed. What this means for his sister I have no idea. But the only reason he would be scared about his sister’s safety is if he knows of a bigger threat.”
It was plausible, but Max needed more facts. Theories were fine to play around with, but they needed concrete details to fill in the blanks. “I’ll ask him. I can help Grant—and he knows it. It’s why he’s willing to talk to me. He’ll tell the truth or I’ll walk. I have better things to do with my life than be jerked around by a possible killer.”
Sean smiled. “I expect nothing less from you.” He drained his orange juice and glanced at his watch. “After you talk to Grant, could you do me a favor? I ordered up records from the county archive. They’re under my name, at the archive building across the street from the courthouse. If I’m sitting on Marie Richards this morning, I can’t pick them up.”
“That I can do. What records?”
“Property and corporation papers on Victoria’s real estate company—the one she co-owned with Grant and Corta. Plus their individual property records and LLCs. We know that Victoria’s family has her shares of the company in a trust, but what about Grant? Who gets his portion of the company? Many LLCs have provisions if one of the principals is incarcerated, including giving up the shares to the remaining partners. But mostly, I want to track their land deals. Land is a terrific way to cover up a criminal enterprise or to launder money. Not to mention running scams. My brother worked a case once where some bastard killed an old lady to buy her property in probate because she refused to sell.”
“I’ll admit, while I understand finance better than the average person, I have very little interest in white collar crime. I’ll leave that to you.”
Yet Sean was right. When dealing with a multi-million-dollar company that handled major land transactions for important people, maybe there was something hidden in those records—something worth lying for, something worth killing for.
Max couldn’t wait to talk to Stanley Grant.
* * *
Sean called Lucy as he drove to Marie Richards’s house. “Thanks for taking Jesse to school this morning.”
“I’m happy to do it, though I didn’t expect Max’s investigation to be twenty-four/seven.”
“I don’t think she sleeps. I might be on bodyguard duty temporarily, I’ll let you know for certain.”
“Is there a threat to Max?”
Now Lucy sounded worried, which was the last thing Sean wanted.
“No. At least, nothing that I’m aware of.” With the reporter, he could never be certain who might want to do her harm. “It’s complicated, I’ll explain tonight. Jess has soccer practice and a ride home, so don’t be worried if you don’t hear from me today. I’ll check in when I can. Are you at work?”
“Just got here. Nate and I are meeting with a PI that Denise Albright’s family hired, then we have a full day of interviews and follow-up.”
“Don’t forget to eat.”
“I’m with Nate. He likes regular meals.”
“He doesn’t care if it’s an energy bar or steak dinner. Who’s the PI?”
He heard the shuffling of paper. “King Investigations.”
“They’re good. It’s a family operation—Miranda King, her son, and daughter-in-law. I’ve consulted with them