her. She had to see what Val had left for her. But she wasn’t ready to share her sordid family history with Liam.
He drove them to the main building, and she led him to the director’s office. His receptionist announced them, and Director Jameson met them at the door.
“Peyton, I’m so sorry to hear about your mother. How is she doing?”
“Thanks,” Peyton said. “She’s stable now but unfortunately hasn’t regained consciousness.”
“I’m keeping her in my prayers.” He glanced over her shoulder at Liam. “You must be the federal agent I spoke with a couple of days ago.”
Liam offered his hand. “Yes, sir. Special Agent Liam Maverick.”
The men exchanged a handshake, then Richard Jameson gestured for them to sit. The director was a tall, dark-haired man, late forties, astute looking with a narrow face and eyes that pinned Liam with a stare.
“Mr. Jameson,” Liam began, “there have been several suspicious activities at your facility this past week. First, an attack on Nurse Weiss.”
“It is upsetting. I assure you I’ve done everything possible to beef up security. The safety of our residents and staff is of utmost importance.”
“I’m glad to hear you say that,” Liam said. “I reviewed security footage for the last few days and found something odd.”
The director steepled his hands together. “What’s that?”
“The footage during last night is intact, but there are a few minutes where it gets shaky, where I think some time is missing.”
A frown furrowed his brows. “I admit our security equipment is outdated. Some of the tapes have been taped over so many times the footage is not as clear as it should be.”
Liam murmured a low sound in his throat. “That’s an understatement. It also appears that specific tapes have been tampered with, and that makes me suspect someone at Golden Gardens is responsible. I need a list of your current employees as well as ones who’ve worked here in the past five years.”
The man’s brows shot up. “Five years?”
“Yes.” Liam lifted his chin. “You had one death this morning, another woman almost died yesterday, and Nurse Weiss has been threatened and attacked on your property. Her mother is also in the hospital fighting for her life because of a suspicious gas leak. If safety is as important as you claim, you’ll have no qualms about handing over a list. If for no other reason than for me to clear your people of suspicion.”
The director stood and buttoned his jacket. “You have my full cooperation. I’ll have my assistant start compiling that list and get it to you ASAP.”
Liam stood and gave a clipped nod. “Thank you.”
Peyton’s head swam as they left the office. She knew every person who worked at the Gardens. Was friendly with most of them. They’d done team-building exercises together, shared funny and sad stories about their patients and supported each other during personal crises. Devoted to making Golden Gardens a happy, homelike atmosphere, not a grim place where people went to die, the staff planned special activities for the residents, including holiday parties, craft fairs, a gardening club for those interested in maintaining the gardens, and they’d formed a cooking club. On special occasions they even brought in entertainment.
She couldn’t imagine any one of them trying to hurt her or her mother.
* * *
ALTHOUGH PEYTON INSISTED she trusted each and every staff member employed at Golden Gardens, Liam had to keep an open mind.
Something wasn’t right in this place. He could feel it. And Peyton was at the center.
How it all tied back to Gloria Inman’s death and the hospital fire, he didn’t know yet. But he wouldn’t give up until he did.
She directed him to Ms. Marley’s cottage and led him up the sidewalk. “Ms. Marley lives in the midcare section where assistance with daily living is needed, but not necessarily memory care. Some residents respond better to a more social environment and having a roommate. Ms. Marley is one of them. Her unit has two bedrooms with a common living area and a partial kitchen.”
Peyton knocked, and a twentyish young woman in scrubs answered the door.