pressure on Kilton. Don’t get sidetracked with what your case is all about.” With that, he offered a curt nod and headed back to his office.
Dropping his head and staring at his boots for a moment, Kyle then lifted his chin and stared at the board once again. “Captain’s right. Whatever we find on the other can be turned over to the FBI. But it can be used as leverage.” A slow grin spread across his face, and he said, “How about we take a little visit to Kilton?”
Walking into Thomas Kilton’s office, Kyle was impressed. Even though the building itself had a modern feel, Thomas’ office resembled a throwback to old money. The carpet underneath his feet gave credence to the glare from the assistant staring at his and Alex’s boots, probably wondering if they were tracking mud. He glanced down to assure that he was not.
One wall was lined with wooden bookcases filled with books, manuals, and photographs in silver frames. His desk was huge, made of solid wood. His corner office windows afforded him an expansive view.
Glancing toward the shelves, Kyle observed the pictures he had seen in the photographs Kimberly had taken. Various members of the Kilton family with a multitude of politicians, Congressman Dell being one of them.
Thomas walked through the connecting door, his smile wide as he approached, dressed to impress with his dark, expensive suit, pale shirt with its matching handkerchief tucked into the pocket, and silk tie. His hair was trimmed and slicked back away from his receding hairline, and he turned his bespectacled gaze upon the detectives.
“I’m Detective McBride, and this is my partner, Detective Freeman.”
“How may I be of service, detectives?”
“We’re investigating the stolen drugs from the Kilton Pharmaceuticals’ delivery van,” Kyle began.
“Of course, of course!” Thomas enthused, waving them toward the two wooden and leather chairs opposite his desk. He settled into his own seat, assuming the position of power. With his elbows on the arms of his chair and his fingers steepled in front of him, he asked, “Is it too much to hope for that they’ve been found?”
“No, we haven’t found them. We know, of course, that they would be unsellable if they are found.”
“We would have to destroy them. We’ve already taken the loss financially.”
“And I assume all your shipments, including foreign, national, and local are insured?” Alex asked.
“Absolutely,” Thomas said. “As Vice President of Finance and Administration, that arduous task falls to me.”
“While we haven’t found the drugs, we have discerned that the truck used in the theft had been reported stolen from a laundry in town.”
Thomas held his gaze steadily, his eyebrows rising slightly at that information.
“What’s more interesting,” Kyle continued, “is that the truck was not owned by that laundry, but by a larger linen service in Hope City. We continued to follow that trail and discovered that the true owner is Artog Shipping which, interestingly enough, is the company that Kilton Pharmaceuticals uses to ship overseas.”
Nodding slowly, Thomas said, “You’re right, Detective, that is interesting. I’m not quite sure where this leads us since you haven’t been able to recover the drugs.”
“We’ve been looking into the possibility that whoever held up the Kilton van had inside information on the routes used by the drivers. The truck was there waiting for them even though their schedule had changed. What we find interesting is that the truck used in the holdup can also be traced to Kilton.”
“So, you’re thinking of an inside job? I believe that’s the terminology,” Thomas chuckled. “Or perhaps I’m just showing my interest in detective shows on TV.”
“You’re right. We’re looking at the possibility that this was, indeed, an inside job.”
“I see. While this is very interesting, I’m not sure why you’re giving me this information. If you’re considering more of an inside job operation, then you should be talking to Niles Cook, the Vice President of Kilton Operations. The warehouse and all shipping go through his departments.”
“Actually, we’ll be seeing him next. But there was another interesting loose end we’re trying to tie up that could concern the Finance Division. The shipping line is also tied to Congressman Dell.” Inclining his head toward the wall, he added, “I see the members of your family are well acquainted with the congressman. So much so that each of you individually as well as your company have made donations to his campaigns.”
His voice now sharper, Thomas asked, “What are you implying?”
“As I said, we’re trying to tie up all the loose ends.