The Escape (US Marshals #1) - Lisa Harris Page 0,70
a mutual friend. She never made any public statements after his arrest but did talk exclusively to the police.”
“And?”
“She’s convinced he’s innocent, for starters, but told us that she broke things off with him shortly before he was arrested. At least that’s her story.”
“But you don’t believe her?”
“There’s really no way to know if she was telling the truth. I was told that he sent her letters from prison, but that he never received any from her. I always felt, though, that she was still in love with him.”
“So if Barrick was to come to town, what are the odds that he approaches her? Or maybe the more important question, would she actually help him if he did?”
“I believe she would,” the detective said. “There’s a good chance that he’s already contacted her for money, and trust me, he’ll say whatever he needs to in order to get what he wants.”
“Have you ever heard of the Zookeeper in connection with Barrick?”
“The Zookeeper?” Randall seemed to search his memory. “No. Where did you hear that?”
“Barrick’s mother.”
“Sorry, but I don’t know.”
Jonas wiped his hands on his napkin, his dinner still mostly untouched, then caught Madison’s gaze. “We can go through these files tonight, then we need to pay Bianca Carleton a visit in the morning.”
Twenty-Six
Bianca Carleton owned a condo in downtown Denver between Larimer Square and Coors Field. With twenty-four-hour concierge staff, a valet, and a fitness center, it was a place for the wealthy to enjoy living in the city without having to deal with any of its inconveniences.
Bianca was the perfect mark for Barrick.
Madison had gone over the extensive file Detective Randall had given them with Jonas until well after midnight. But before they’d finally called it a night, she’d come to a conclusion. Randall was right. There might not have been enough concrete evidence to bring charges against Barrick for the murders, but she was now—like Randall—convinced he was guilty. From what they’d uncovered in the files, there was a definite pattern to Barrick’s behavior, and Bianca Carleton was the key to executing his escape.
Jonas pulled into a parking spot beneath the building, then turned off the engine. “You didn’t talk much on the way here.”
“Sorry. I’ve just been thinking. And honestly, that hotel coffee didn’t quite give me the jolt of energy I was hoping for.”
“Four nights of interrupted sleep. Why am I not surprised? I’m already thinking about taking a couple days off when this is over. I’m going to find myself a little place to rent overlooking Puget Sound, where all I have to do is fish and read.”
“A couple days?” She let out a low laugh as she slid out of the car. “I’m putting in for at least a week.”
But until they found Barrick, she was going to have to put aside any thoughts of time off.
Jonas held the door for her and they walked across the large lobby before flashing their badges at the concierge, who was busy with something on her computer.
“Jamie,” she said, reading the woman’s badge. “We’re US Marshals.”
Jamie’s eyes lit up. “Like Matt Dillon?”
Jonas cleared his throat. “Yes, but he was . . . um . . . he was a fictional character.”
“My father used to love Gunsmoke. I watched it with him sometimes before he died. We’ve had FBI officials stop by, but I’ve never met a marshal.”
“We’re actually here to see Bianca Carleton. She’s expecting us.”
“Bianca. Of course. She called down a few minutes ago. Said to feel free to take the elevator up to the fifth floor and that she’s waiting for you.”
“Thanks. We do have one other question before we go up.” Madison held up a photo of Barrick. “Have you seen this man here before? Possibly visiting her as well?”
“I’m not sure.” Jamie leaned forward. “We’re really not supposed to discuss the comings and goings with anyone.”
“She’s not in any trouble. We’re here to make sure she’s safe, actually.”
“What is he?” Jamie asked. “Some kind of stalker?”
“Not exactly, but it is very important.”
She bit the edge of her lip. “He was a guest of Mrs. Carleton, but it’s been a while. And he was always the perfect gentleman. At least from what I saw. She seemed genuinely happy with him, but if he’s dangerous . . .”
Madison handed her a business card. “He is wanted by law enforcement, so if he happens to show up, please call me.”
“Of course. He just seemed so . . . so nice.” Jamie’s gaze flicked toward the elevators.