that you still have time to work with us. You take too long, that door’s going to shut.”
“I don’t know anyone higher up other than the person I take orders from,” Roger said suddenly.
“That’s how we climb this ladder, man. One step at a time. Got no problem with that.”
Roger rested his arms on the table, his fists clenched together. “Let me talk to my lawyer first.”
Several hours later, Kyle and Alex were on their way to Kilton Pharmaceuticals.
28
Once again, Kyle walked through the door into Thomas’ office. This time, instead of finding the affable Vice President of Finance, he and Alex were greeted with a scowl.
“Detectives, I understand your need to investigate and no one wants the criminals found more than me, but this is a most inconvenient time for an interruption.”
“We understand, Mr. Kilton, but our investigations don’t always follow convenient timelines.” They had not been invited to sit, but Kyle moved toward the chairs in front of Thomas’ large desk and sat, Alex following suit.
Heaving an exaggerated, audible sigh, Thomas lay his pen on his desk and leaned back in his seat. “Then, by all means, let’s get this over with.”
“We’ve—”
The door opened, interrupting Kyle, and the three men turned to see who was entering the room. An older, distinguished gentleman stepped in briskly, and Kyle recognized the president, Robert Kilton.
“I’d like to know what’s going on. Thomas?”
“Dad, these two men are detectives with the Hope City Police who’ve been investigating our stolen drugs.”
Dropping his gaze toward Alex and Kyle, the older man introduced himself. “Detectives. I’m Robert Kilton. Pardon me for the intrusion, but I’ve just been informed that this is now the second time you’ve been in to speak to Thomas. I can’t imagine what information he would have for you, but I’d like to know what’s going on with any investigation affecting my company.”
“Dad, this is nothing for you to be concerned about. You’ve just gotten back from your trip and should be resting.”
Robert waved his hand dismissively. “Nonsense. Everything about this company is my business. Everything. Don’t forget that.”
Kyle glanced toward Thomas, seeing his jaw working, but he did not stand and offer his father a seat. While Kyle felt no professional duty to do so, his upbringing stepped in. Standing, he waved his hand toward his chair. “Sir.”
Acknowledging his offer, Robert replied, “Thank you, but I’ll stand.”
At that, Thomas jumped up from his seat and said, “No, Dad, please. Sit here.”
Hiding his eye roll at the change of seating, he watched as Robert sat behind the desk, Alex moved to lean against the credenza, and Thomas sat in the chair closest to Kyle.
Glancing toward Robert, Kyle began. “Mr. Kilton, I don’t know if you’ve been apprised of what’s been going on since you’ve been out of the country for a few weeks.”
“I was told about the van robbery which, of course, concerned me. But I was also told that the Hope City Police were working diligently to find out what happened to the drugs. I made sure the mayor stayed in contact with the police commissioner to keep me apprised of any developments.”
Kyle said nothing, knowing Chauncey wouldn’t know the particulars of the case, nor would he discuss them with the mayor.
“And I don’t see what any of this has to do with me,” Thomas reiterated.
Forgoing a conversation with Robert at the moment, Kyle returned to his original purpose. Looking at Thomas, he said, “Concerning your relationship with Congressman Dell, we know that this company and each of the vice presidents and department supervisors have made significant campaign contributions—”
“There’s nothing illegal about a business or individuals making campaign contributions. If this line of questioning continues, I’m going to consider it to be police harassment.”
“In talking with your vice presidents and department supervisors, all of them except one were surprised that their name was listed as a campaign donor. That would indicate that Kilton Pharmaceuticals has been making donations beyond the legal limit using employees as a cover.”
“This is pure speculation and has nothing to do with what your investigation is supposed to be about! You obviously can’t do your jobs and are now trying to besmirch this company,” Thomas bit out, a bead of sweat forming on his brow.
Robert ignored his son and leaned forward, his gaze pinned on Kyle. “I’m concerned about what you’ve just brought up, but I’m curious how it ties into your investigation of the stolen drugs. Or is it a diversion as my son implies?”