[Avery Shaw 11.0] Unwritten & Underwater

by Amanda M. Lee

  “It’s your job to take messages. Go back to your desk and do that now,” Denton’s voice grew firmer and a bit louder. “I have to focus on this. I will give you an update when I have the time.” Denton essentially dismissed Jenny – something that clearly hurt the young woman, because her eyes filled with bewildered tears – and darted a look toward the security guard. “Are you ready?”

  The guard nodded. “Just give me the word.”

  Denton raised his hand, paused for a moment, and then rapped his knuckles against the door three times in quick succession. I waited for the answering voice from inside, but everything was silent. Denton waited a few beats and then repeated the knock. When no one answered, he shoved open the door.

  Haugh’s office looked nothing like it had when I’d visited a few days ago. Papers were strewn about as if a whirlwind had slipped inside. His laptop was also gone.

  “He’s in the wind,” I said, turning back to Jenny. She seemed fixated on a spot on the wall only she could see. “I think she already knew that.”

  Denton shook his head, disgusted. “I think you’re right. Could this day get any worse?”

  “You probably just jinxed yourself.”

  27 Twenty-Seven

  Jenny’s face was so red by the time I made it to her desk I worried that she might pass out. She refused to even glance in my direction, which only made matters worse.

  “When did he leave, Jenny?”

  She didn’t answer, instead gripping her hands together and staring at something only she could see. I didn’t have the authority to boss her around. That usually didn’t stop me, but I believed there was a chance she might melt down if I pushed her too far.

  Denton apparently didn’t care if that was the case.

  “When did he leave, Jenny?” Denton barked, taking up residence in front of her desk and cutting off whatever she stared at.

  “I don’t know what you mean.” Jenny nervously licked her lips. “I thought he was in there. That’s why I asked what was going on.”

  I didn’t believe that for a second. Jenny was a terrible liar. “He was in there when I first came into the building, but he’s gone now,” I noted. “He must’ve realized I was feeding you important information, Max. That’s why he ran.”

  Denton shifted his eyes to the security guard. “It’s probably too late, but you should lock down the building and conduct a floor-by-floor search. I’m sure he headed right out the front door, but you should be able to confirm that on the parking lot cameras.”

  The security guard nodded. “I’m on it.”

  I waited until he was out of the lobby to speak again. “Jenny, you’re not doing anyone any good by lying. That includes Haugh.”

  “Mr. Haugh is a good man.” Jenny’s lower lip trembled. “You’re trying to ruin him. He told me.”

  “When?”

  “The first day you came,” Jenny replied, her eyes locking with mine. I saw hatred reflected there. She blamed me for all of this. I guess, from her perspective, I couldn’t blame her. “He called me into his office after you left and wanted to know what we talked about.”

  “And what did you tell him?”

  “I told him that I thought you were funny and nice, but then he told me the truth about you,” Jenny spat. “He told me that you killed Cara Carpenter. He said that you did it with your friends and were trying to frame him. I think that’s just despicable.”

  “Uh-huh.” I looked to Denton. “He had to know why I was meeting with you.”

  “Either that or he realized he couldn’t log into his computer and was shut out of the system,” Denton said. “We should’ve already been in the hallway before doing that. I didn’t think he’d react that quickly.”

  “None of us did. He moved faster than we thought. You need to call the police.”

  “The state police?”

  That was a good question. “I guess that makes the most sense,” I replied after a beat. “Ask for Inspector Fraser and tell him what’s going on.”

  Denton’s eyebrows flew up his forehead. “Aren’t you going to stay and talk to him?”

  “I’ve already talked to him once today and have no intention of doing it a second time.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  “Head back to the office,” I replied. “I need to touch base with a few people and tell my boss what’s going on. I have a feeling things are going to shift – for better or worse – by the end of the day.”

  “Well … thank you for bringing me this information.” Denton looked grave. “I don’t know what it means for any of us, but knowledge is always more important than ignorance.”

  I glanced back at Jenny. “Lying for Haugh won’t get you very far. Once the police get here they won’t be nearly as nice as I am.” I so rarely get to say things like that it felt good. Jenny was like a skittish deer. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. “You should tell the truth.”

  Jenny refused to look at me. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I don’t know anything.”

  She was lying, but it was no longer my problem.

  I TEXTED FISH to let him know I was incoming, so I was surprised to find him waiting for me in the lobby. He looked agitated, which wasn’t a good sign.

  “Did you miss me that much?”

  Fish’s stare was hostile. “Ha, ha, ha. Has anyone ever told you that you should be a comedian?”

  “No.”

  “There’s a reason for that.”

  “I have my shark mittens in the car,” I offered. “I can do a puppet show to change your mind if you’re up for it.”

  “Don’t even think about it.”

  “Oh, well. You can’t say I didn’t try.” I moved to slide around Fish and head for the main hallway, but he grabbed my arm to stop me. “What’s your damage?”

  “I have no idea what that means, but I’m not in the mood for some movie quotations,” Fish said. “You’re in trouble.”

  That didn’t sound good. It certainly wasn’t time for a quip. That didn’t stop me. “I take my birth control regularly. I don’t care what anyone says about my fat thighs, but … I am not pregnant. I will start kicking people in the knees if that rumor makes the rounds.”

  Fish slowly blinked, reminding me of a thoughtful owl. Of course, the owl in question probably wanted to rip out my throat, but that was beyond my control. “You’re fired.”

  I raised my eyebrows. “I am not.”

  “No, you’re definitely fired.”

  “You’re such a kidder.” I lightly punched his arm. “What’s really going on? I’m listening now.”

  Fish scowled. “One of these days you’ll need to listen from the start so I don’t have to fire you to get your attention.”

  “I knew you weren’t really firing me. I’m too important to you.”

  Fish balked. “I don’t know. You might be a good reporter, but there are times I wonder if you’re not the worst human being I’ve ever met.”

  “Well, now you’re just being dramatic,” I complained. “I’m not worse than Duncan.”

  Fish opened his mouth to argue and then snapped it shut. “You have a point.” He heaved out a sigh as he tamped down his irritation. “I’m not hanging around in this lobby for my health. I was waiting for you … for a reason.”

  “You missed me?”

  “Geez. I don’t even know why I make you come into the office at all. It’s like banging my head against a wall and getting absolutely nowhere.”

  “Surprisingly enough, you’re not the first person to tell me that,” I said. “It must be my special gift.”

  “Do you want me to really fire you?”

  “I don’t know. Tell me why I’m in trouble and then I’ll decide.”

  “Ugh.” Fish slapped his hand to his forehead. “You are the world’s most annoying woman. Seriously, if they handed out awards for it, you’d win.”

  “I’ll take my trophy now.”

  “That did it.” Fish let loose wit
h a disgusted sound in the back of his throat. “I don’t even know why I try to talk to you.”

  I decided he had enough and sobered. “Okay. What’s going on? Why are you so worked up?”

  “MacDonald got a visit from Fraser. It didn’t go well.”

  That was hardly surprising. “What did he say?”

  “That you’re a witch with a b.”

  I swallowed the urge to laugh at his puritanical streak. “That’s not exactly news.”

  “No, but he also told MacDonald that you’re going to unethical extremes to get information and he wants you to stop.”

  “Hmm.” I scratched my cheek, debating. “Okay. I assume that MacDonald is waiting for me in his office. That’s why you’re here, right?”

  “He is,” Fish confirmed. “He seemed … cold … when he stopped by my desk and asked about you. I don’t think that bodes well.”

  “Well, there’s nothing I can do to avoid it, so I might as well see what he wants.” I patted Fish’s arm. “Everything will be fine. Trust me. I have a trump card and I’m not afraid to use it.”

  “I don’t know what that means.”

  “It means that things have changed a bit since we last talked.” My smile was a bit wicked, and I wasn’t even a little sorry about it. “Everything will be fine. Trust me.”

  “IT SEEMS you’ve been busy.”

  MacDonald’s expression was unreadable when I sat in the leather chair across from his desk, shifting several times to get comfortable.

  “I like to stay busy during working hours,” I explained. “It makes the day go by quicker.”

  “Yes, but even for you today has been extra busy.”

  “Meaning?”

  “Inspector Fraser stopped in … again. That makes the third time.”

  “He’s persistent,” I said. “It’s almost admirable.”

  “It’s also annoying,” MacDonald said. “Is there a reason you went right after Fraser first thing this morning?”

  “That’s not what happened. He showed up at my house to question us. Although, to be fair, I’m not sure that he really wanted to question us. It was more that he wanted a look around, to see if we were up to something nefarious.”

  “That’s not what he told me. Interesting. What did he find?”

  “Well, my grandfather was swimming naked in the pool, Jake Farrell was drinking coffee on the patio and I was being my usual adorable self.”

  MacDonald finally cracked a smile, although it was minimal. “Your grandfather was naked in the pool?”

  “Technically we’d forced him out and into a robe at that point, but he didn’t bother tying the sash. Fraser got a gander at the goods.”

  MacDonald snorted. “It seems that you come by your flair for drama naturally. That’s entertaining.”

  “It’s not entertaining when you walk out to your pool every morning and find a naked grandfather swimming laps,” I argued. “It crosses into traumatizing when that happens.”

  “Fair point. But we need to talk about Fraser. He’s becoming a nuisance.”

  “That’s because he doesn’t want me poking around the case. He thinks I’ll solve it and he’ll be left looking like an idiot.”

  “Are you close to solving it?”

  “Yes.”

  My answer clearly took MacDonald by surprise. He shifted in his seat and fixed me with a probing look. “Really? Who is the culprit?”

  “I can’t say for sure that it’s Edward Haugh, but he’s looking more and more likely.”

  “The defense attorney?”

  “One and the same.”

  MacDonald tapped his finger on the desk, expending a bit of nervous energy as he grappled with my announcement. “Tell me.”

  That’s what I did. When I was done, MacDonald was as worked up as Max Denton had been.

  “That is utterly unbelievable.” MacDonald made a clucking sound with his tongue, his chair making creaking noises as he shifted back and forth. He was obviously antsy. “How did you find out about Cara Carpenter blackmailing people?”

  That was an interesting question … and one that could get me in some very big trouble. “It’s not important.”

  MacDonald wasn’t convinced. “You’re a very good liar under normal circumstances, but that was a pathetic effort.”

  “Yeah, I knew as soon as it left my mouth that it wasn’t one of my better attempts. The thing is, I can’t tell you how we found out.”

  “Why?”

  “Because it makes me look … either really bad or incredibly good. I’m leaning toward bad in your book.”

  “And how do you look in your book?”

  “Like Aragorn.”

  MacDonald’s chuckle was harsh but heartfelt. “In other words, you did something unethical to get the information. You’re fine with it because Cara wasn’t a good person. You’re also convinced the information will lead you to a killer. Am I close?”

  A little closer than I was comfortable with. “I think you’ll be happier not knowing.”

  “Fair enough. I need to ask you something else, though. It might not be pleasant or comfortable for you to answer, but I’m going to ask you all the same.”

  “Knock yourself out.”

  “Did she have a file on you?”

  I saw no reason to lie. “She did. She managed to get some wacky stuff, like my high school yearbook and disciplinary records.”

  “I’m sure your high school disciplinary records are as bad as your human resources file here.” MacDonald pressed his palm to his forehead. “Did she ever approach and attempt to blackmail you?”

  “No, and it wouldn’t have worked,” I replied. “I don’t think I’m capable of being blackmailed.”

  “Why? Are you proud of everything you’ve done?”

  “Absolutely not, but I’m not the type of person to run from my past,” I explained. “A lot of the things other people would find embarrassing … well, I just find them amusing. I’d also rather own up to things I’ve done than let someone else win by blackmailing me.”

  “I honestly believe that.” MacDonald ran his tongue over his teeth, debating. “What do you suggest we do about Fraser? He won’t let up until he gets his way. I can push him off for a bit longer, but I’m not sure for how long.”

  “I actually have an idea on that if you’re interested.”

  “I’m almost afraid to ask.”

  “No, it’s a great idea. Don’t worry about that.”

  “I’m still afraid to ask.”

  “Duncan.” Even saying his name was painful. Still, I would be the one to ultimately win in this scenario. Sure, he would think he won for a bit of time. That couldn’t be helped. “We’ll tell Duncan he’s taking over the story and send him in Fraser’s direction.”

  “To what end?”

  “Fraser will believe he’s got some breathing room until Duncan ultimately turns into the world’s biggest tool,” I replied. “I will actually get some breathing room, because Fraser will be distracted. It’s a win-win.”

  “It will only last for a day or so,” MacDonald cautioned. “Fraser will hear whispers that you’re still involved. He’ll start calling again. He’ll show up.”

  “I’m hopeful this will be over before he realizes that. If the cops track down Haugh tonight this could be over by tomorrow.”

  “And if they don’t?”

  I shrugged. “We can only take it one day at a time.”

  “I guess you have a point. Okay. Let’s make Duncan a happy man.”

  “Ugh. Did you have to phrase it like that?”

  MacDonald’s smile was devilish. “We all get our jollies in odd places.”

  He had a point.

  28 Twenty-Eight

  Duncan’s reaction to finding out he was officially on the Cara Carpenter story was nothing short of fabulous. He puffed out his chest, raised his volume and told anyone passing by that he’d stolen a story from me. He was so proud.

  I did my part, of course, and prete
nded to be upset. I called him names – some more colorful than others – and got his standard “I’m reporting you to Human Resources” response. Fish was informed of the plan, so he knew I was faking my outrage. That didn’t stop him from scalding me with “you’re in big trouble” looks whenever I let loose with a zinger in Duncan’s direction.

  Finally, because he couldn’t take the sound of either of our voices any longer, Fish demanded I leave the building. He told me to dig up a story and not call until I filed it. I reminded him that was my initial suggestion – before he got all crazy with insisting reporters put in regular appearances at the office – but he wasn’t in the mood to listen, and I was too tired to gather my shark mittens to really pound the message home.

  With nothing better to do, I headed to Eliot’s shop. I needed to talk over a few things (and hopefully get some fresh leads) before planning the rest of my day. I was in a relatively good mood when I walked inside. That lasted only until I saw Fawn was on duty.

  “Oh, geez.” I wrinkled my nose as Fawn rolled her eyes. “Don’t you have an air bubble to push out of your head?”

  “I don’t know what that means, but I have a feeling it’s not very nice.” Fawn crossed her arms over her chest as Eliot strolled out of his office. “She’s being mean to me.”

  “Who?” Eliot shifted his eyes to the door and grinned when he saw me. “I should’ve known.”

  “You definitely should’ve known,” I agreed, mimicking Fawn’s outraged expression. “I’m always the villain in her story.”

  “Okay, let’s not get off on the wrong foot here,” Eliot suggested. “What’s going on?”

  “Can’t I just want to see you?”

  “Not in the middle of the day when you have a story about to break.”

  He knows me too well. “Oh, well, there have been some updates on that. I wanted to call you earlier, but I had to meet with MacDonald first.”

  “Uh-oh. How much trouble are you in?”

  “Why does everyone always assume I’m in trouble?”

  “It’s probably only the people who have met you,” Eliot teased, causing Fawn to giggle and playfully slap at his arm.