Don’t Keep Silent

by Don't Keep Silent (epub)

  He glanced at Enzo. “Jack Anders.”

  Rae dropped her hand and turned to Astor. “I appreciate you giving me even a few moments of your time.”

  “I had hoped to have a more extended visit with you, but something’s come up.”

  “We could postpone and meet later this week. Will you be back?”

  Without answering, he gestured for her to take a seat. “I don’t have much time, so let’s get right to it. You had questions about my brother’s death.”

  Rae set her cell phone on the table. “Yes. May I record our conversation?”

  “I’d prefer that you didn’t.” He adjusted his round glasses. “I’m upset about some news I recently received. I can’t be sure that I won’t misspeak. You understand?”

  “Oh, of course.” She cleared her throat, feeling ill-prepared for this interview and certainly not presenting herself like the experienced professional she was. So much was at stake. She pulled a paper and pen from her bag. “Then I’ll just take notes.”

  He clasped his hands. “When you first approached me, you asked me . . . five years after my brother went missing, if the discovery of his remains would bring closure for me. No. I learned that my brother was murdered. So there can be no closure until his murderer is brought to justice.”

  Rae scribbled notes and mentally prepared her next question, hoping the conversation would flow naturally. She put aside her questions about the timeline. “Do you have any idea who committed this murder?”

  “Yes.”

  At the resort, he claimed he didn’t know. She sat back. “Who do you suspect?”

  Enzo leaned closer, his jaw working, the vibes coming from him suddenly terrifying.

  “Ms. Burke.”

  “Rae, please.”

  “Do you think I’m so lacking in intelligence that I don’t know that you’re not currently working for any reputable journalistic newsgroup?”

  “I’m freelancing.” Projecting confidence, she held his gaze.

  His smile almost disarmed her as he leaned back. “You’re a journalist with a purpose. You wouldn’t be questioning me if you didn’t see me as a means to an end. So, what’s the endgame here?”

  Her mouth dried up. She swallowed. Here it goes. “I’m looking for Zoey Dumont, also known as Tawny Davidson.”

  She left off Zoey’s married name to sidestep Rae’s connection to her.

  He smiled but failed to hide the sudden widening of his pupils. “I have no idea why you would think I know where she is. I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I can’t help you find her. I don’t know her.”

  Her pulse inched even higher. He knows something.

  She couldn’t let him leave. She had to go for the jugular, or at least any exposed place she could find. “Your brother did. He stalked her. Followed her all the way from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to Denver, Colorado.”

  He clasped his hands and leaned closer. “So, your purpose in meeting with me was to speak ill of the dead. This interview is over. I have a flight to catch.”

  Astor stood and exited the conference room, Jack Anders following him out.

  “You knew your brother had been murdered before the anthropologist made that discovery,” she shouted after him.

  Feeling both bolstered and desperate, Rae followed them out of the room. She caught up to Anders and walked next to him. “You work for Mr. Astor as a personal assistant?”

  “Bodyguard.” He gave her a cold, intimidating look and moved beyond her to walk next to his boss.

  Rae slowed her pace and watched them go.

  Astor had definitely reacted to her question, but not in the way she’d expected. But just what had she expected? She hadn’t really believed that he would tell her that he had something to do with Zoey’s disappearance, but she’d had to try. Any journalist worth their weight would have tried.

  Still, he’d reacted to Zoey’s name—the emotional response was evident in his eyes.

  Rae headed down the corridor and found a seat near a window, where she wrote furiously on her notepad—her impressions, what she thought she’d learned from the interview. Enzo Astor believed he needed a bodyguard. He also believed he knew who had killed his brother, but he stated he’d learned the news of the murder recently. How recently? He wasn’t specific.

  Frustration boiled through her, and she fought back angry tears. She wanted to scream or rail at someone.

  Where are you, Zoey? Are you even still alive?

  “Rae!” Liam rushed forward. “Rae. Don’t ever do that again. What were you thinking?”

  “Doesn’t matter. I failed, and he’s gone. He’s getting on a plane.”

  Liam whipped out his cell and moved far enough away that she couldn’t hear him.

  Something had happened. What had happened?

  Rae found the strength to get up, and she made her way to Liam, who spoke in hushed tones. He ended the call and whirled around, almost stumbling into her. He hadn’t known she’d followed him.

  His eyes widened as he dropped his cell into his pocket. “How long were you standing there?”

  “What’s going on?”

  He gripped her arms gently and guided her to the seats next to the window. “Why don’t you sit down?”

  “No. Tell me what’s going on. Is it Zoey? Or my brother? What?”

  “They found a woman’s body.”

  Rae gasped and held her breath.

  “We don’t know if it’s Zoey, Rae. We don’t know.”

  CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

  As Liam watched her, he felt like his gut would turn inside out.

  Rae dropped into the seat and kept her eyes focused straight ahead. No tears. She appeared stunned by the news, though after what they had both been through, it shouldn’t come as a surprise. Still, this was her friend, her sister-in-law, she feared for.

  He crouched to eye level. “We can’t know if it’s her. In the meantime, we have work to do.”

  Her blue-green eyes had shifted to a dark, stormy blue. “What work? If the woman is Zoey, our work is over.”

  “Let’s keep at this, believing that Zoey is still out there, okay? Are you with me?”

  She hesitated, then finally nodded. “Yes. Okay . . . so Astor has left. The sheriff didn’t stop him. He was right, we’ve got nothing on the guy. So what if he has a bodyguard?”

  “A bodyguard?”

  “The guy we always see with him is a bodyguard.”

  Liam scratched his jaw. “Interesting to know. Give me his name, and I can let Taggart know. Why does a real estate mogul need a bodyguard? Could be something. Could be nothing.”

  Considering the image he’d received from Kelvin—Enzo Astor and Malcom Fox in the same picture—Liam leaned toward his having a bodyguard meaning something. Astor was involved in illegal activities. Somewhere. Somehow.

  “His name is Jack Anders.”

  Liam texted the information to Sheriff Taggart, who already had his plate full, but at least he would have the information and could forward it to one of his detectives.

  “I can get Reggie on it too. But right now I want to go to where they found the body. We’re looking for a missing woman, Liam. We need to be there to see if it’s her.” She rubbed her arms and looked away, tears welling in her eyes but not spilling over. “What am I going to tell Alan?”

  “Nothing. Not yet. Let me talk to Taggart first. He’s going to call me as soon as he learns more.” Liam had to keep her away from the recovery scene. He moved to sit by her. He wanted to take her hand, but tension rolled off her. He knew when to keep his distance. “It all takes time. Investigations take time.”

  “Time Zoey doesn’t have.” She exhaled slowly as if all the fight had gone out of her. “So, what do you want to do next?”

  “I want you to pull yourself together and be the truth finder I know you to be. You and I are going back to the resort.” He
thought about the image Kelvin had sent. “I learned something earlier today. Enzo Astor and Malcom Fox could be connected.”

  She sat up taller. “What?” She asked the question as if confirming she’d heard him right.

  He slowly nodded. “This gets more complex by the day.”

  She rubbed her forehead. “I hope you’re wrong about that connection.”

  “Me too. But unfortunately I don’t think I am.” Liam showed her the image Kelvin had texted him.

  “Why do you want to go back to the resort?”

  “We’re chipping away at this, hoping it will lead to Zoey. Astor had his clandestine meeting with the masked man at the resort. He’s invested in it. Maybe we’ll spot some other kind of activity there. Maybe we’ll run into the masked man or find him following us again.” And this time, Liam would face the man and get answers.

  “Activity. You mean trafficking?”

  “Yes. That’s one possibility. Let’s stake out the resort while Astor’s gone. In the meantime, we can hope Detective Moffett finds something. We can work all angles while at the resort too. You can contact Reggie, and I’ll work things on my end while watching the goings-on.” Liam remembered Brad’s text. He needed to give him an answer. “I didn’t tell you this before, but a longtime friend is running the place, and he offered me a job as head of security.”

  Her eyes widened. “What are you going to do?”

  “If it’s not too late, I think I’m going to take the job.”

  She frowned. “You’re quitting on me?”

  “Whoa. I never said that. Let’s call it working undercover. I could freely get into suspicious areas and look around. It’s an idea. Unless you have a better one.”

  Rae hesitated, appearing to measure her next words. “Liam, I hate to bring this up, but you don’t suspect your friend is part of a trafficking ring, do you? I mean, why would he hire you, an ex-cop, if he was?”

  “Believe me, I’ve considered that possibility, but I don’t think so. I’ve known Brad for a long time. Sure, people change. But he approached me, knowing my background. I’m sure he wants to make sure it never happens. I can do that for him while we look for Zoey and at the same time clear the possible link between Enzo Astor and the resort involving money laundering or trafficking.”

  “Or confirm it.”

  “Yes.”

  “Don’t you think you should talk to him about what’s going on?” Rae held his gaze.

  Right. His first thought had been to use the job opportunity to work undercover. Brad couldn’t be involved, and Liam should be up front with him. “Thanks for that.”

  “For what?”

  “For suggesting that I should try trusting for a change.” He and Brad had been best friends, and the guy had found a way to fulfill his dream. Brad wasn’t the type to get involved in illegal matters, and that was one reason why he wanted someone like Liam on board. Liam would hold on to that thought.

  “You’re welcome.” A small smile lifted her lips. “If you’re going to work for him, then get me a job there too.”

  “Wait, so you can work undercover? What about your ethics as a journalist?” Liam arched a brow. “That aside, I have no intention of leaving you unprotected.”

  “As for my ethics, as Astor pointed out to me this morning, I’m not actually employed by a news organization.”

  “Let me talk to Brad and maybe we can work something out, so we can accomplish all our tasks.”

  “Are you going to call him?” she asked.

  “We’ll go there in person.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “Are you going to tell him the truth?”

  “Yes. I think I want this job, Rae. After this is over and you’ve gone home, I still have to figure out what I want to be when I grow up.” He grinned, hoping to lighten things up.

  “You can’t get it out of your blood, can you?”

  He knew exactly what she meant. Though Kelvin had reminded him that the door was open for him to return to the DEA, Liam couldn’t see going back. But he obviously hadn’t given up the idea, and now he finally understood why not. He couldn’t let law enforcement go completely. He couldn’t wrap his mind around being the guy at the ranch to drive the horse-drawn sleigh or take guests out for a hike in the woods. He would feel like he was failing someone somewhere else in the world who was suffering. This security position could fill the void for a while.

  Where do I belong, God?

  For now, his priority was helping Rae. He’d wanted to escape the shadowy world he’d left behind. But he found himself drawn back to it all over again, if only to shine a light.

  CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

  10:35 a.m.

  Saddleback Mountain Resort

  Liam was moving through the revolving doors at the resort, Rae too, when his cell rang. He stood off to the side of the entrance to take the call. Rae stood with him and watched, fear still clinging to her features.

  Sheriff Taggart. “We’ve identified the woman. I’m not releasing her identification until I’ve notified the family, but at least I can let you know she isn’t Zoey Burke.”

  Liam released a breath. Though relief swelled inside, at the same time, his gut twisted. “I appreciate you letting me know. Do you have any idea what happened?”

  “It’s too soon to say. I need to go.”

  “Thanks again.” Liam ended the call.

  Rae’s wide eyes pinned him. “What did he say?”

  He tugged her over into a corner away from others.

  “It isn’t Zoey,” he whispered.

  She steepled her hands over her nose as she closed her eyes. He knew what she was thinking. As grateful as she was to hear the news, they couldn’t rejoice over that kind of loss. Someone had lost a daughter, a sister, maybe even a mother. He thought about embracing her, but then he spotted Brad.

  “I see my friend. I need to catch him.” He waited until she opened her eyes and blew out a breath.

  She nodded. “Okay. Let’s go.”

  Liam grabbed her hand and led her as he weaved his way through resort patrons and furniture until he was right behind his friend. “Brad.”

  Brad turned around and his face brightened. “Liam, it’s great to see you. Since you didn’t reply to my text, I wasn’t expecting you.” He tucked his chin. “I hope you showing up here means what I think it means.”

  Liam nodded with a half-smile. “Let’s talk first.”

  His brows furrowed slightly as he angled his head. “Of course.” Brad’s gaze shifted to Rae. “And who’s this?”

  “This is Rae Burke. She’s an old friend. I’d like her to join us, if that’s okay.”

  Brad’s gaze lingered on Rae as he smiled. “Let’s find a booth and get coffee.”

  Liam hoped he was doing the right thing in sharing about their investigation with Brad. This being the grand opening season of Saddleback, Brad might cut all ties with Liam because he didn’t want bad press. However, that might be the precise reason he would work with Liam—to prevent the possibility of illegal activities. Still, Brad wouldn’t be happy to hear the news, so Liam would leave out their investigation into Astor specifically.

  After coffee arrived, Brad clasped his hands and waited.

  Liam blew out a breath. “Where do I begin?”

  “Liam, it’s me. We’re friends. Just say what’s on your mind.”

  “First, I’m very interested in the position. I want you to know that. But Rae has hired me to work with her on a time-sensitive investigation.”

  Brad’s gaze remained intense. “I see. To tell you the truth, I really need someone in place within the next couple of days. I was hoping I could impress the investors by having you in place as head of security.”

  “And you still can, Brad. But let me tell you everything. Understand this information involves an active police investigation, so please don’t repeat this to anyone, ev
en someone you believe you can trust.”

  Brad nodded and managed to slip in a wink at Rae.

  Really?

  “Rae’s sister-in-law is missing, and we’ve been doing everything we can to find her. In the meantime, someone has targeted Rae, stolen her laptop, and run her off a ski slope.” Liam believed the same man had also pushed his truck off a cliff.

  “Wait—you mean here at Saddleback?”

  Liam realized they’d never reported that incident to security here. “The ski slope incident, yes.”

  Anger flashed in Brad’s eyes. “And the sheriff’s department knows?”

  “They know, and we’re working together.”

  He hung his head and shook it.

  “I know you don’t need this happening during your grand opening,” Liam said. “But I have an idea.”

  When Brad lifted his face, he appeared distraught. “Let’s hear it.”

  “Working as head of security would give me access so I could find the culprit. I could start working for you—but it would be a soft start, if you will. I’ll learn the system and the people, but my priority will be Rae. I’m helping her investigate, and I need to keep her safe.”

  “When do you expect to complete your commitment to her?”

  Liam shared a look with Rae. The question held nuances of meaning for him, and he suspected for her as well.

  “I believe the investigation into Zoey’s disappearance is coming to a head,” she said. “We should know something soon.”

  Liam had mixed feelings about that. From experience, he’d learned that pieces of the puzzle could make you feel like you were closing in but then lead you nowhere. He hoped for both their sakes that they found Zoey soon.

  “Well, what do you say, Brad? I know it’s a lot to think about,” Liam said. “I wanted to find a way that we could make this work.”

  A spark ignited in his eyes. “I think this is a brilliant idea. I want this man taken down. Who better to do that than you? If working security here helps you do it, all the better.” He leaned forward with a conspiratorial grin. “It would be almost like working undercover, wouldn’t it?”