by DiAnn Mills
“Oh, the TTT had my attention until I realized the FBI would be back again this afternoon.” She shook her head. “I want to make sure everything is in order.”
“I don’t blame you. Those federal guys would scare me.”
“Amen. Hey, did you see the flowers for you at the front?”
“No. Are you sure they’re for me? I’m not the flower type. Rather have something more lasting like a book.”
“Your name is on them.”
Abby left the office to check on the mystery flowers. On the desk was a basket of orange and white roses with a green vine woven around the handle. How very sweet, but what was the occasion? A card held her name. She opened it. What kind of sick joke was this?
Abby, life insurance policies are no good to the beneficiary until Earl is dead. Either stop cooperating with the FBI, or the next funeral arrangement will be for Earl. Your choice.
10:00 A.M. MONDAY
Laurel scrolled through her e-mails at work, responding to the most critical issues. Her cell phone buzzed, and she glanced at the caller—Supervisory Special Agent Alan Preston.
“Yes, sir.”
“Good morning, Agent Evertson. I’d like to discuss the elderly fraud case in my office. Are you available?”
“I’m on my way.” Had another scam been uncovered? A death? Evidence? She grabbed her iPad, wishing the fraud against dementia sufferers were over.
Laurel sat across from the SSA’s desk. Even the walls oozed with wisdom and experience, and she stared into his dark-blue eyes. “Is Agent Phang coming?”
“No. This is between us. She is not to know about our conversation.”
A jolt of apprehension had her senses on alert. “Yes, sir.”
“For eight years we’ve investigated various elderly-related frauds, believing there is a connection but not finding substantial evidence.”
She nodded. “I’ve examined the files and read the theories.”
He steepled his fingers. “Your past experience with Morton Wilmington left a scar on all of us who care about you and Jesse’s family. None of us will ever forget the sacrifice. We owe you for Wilmington’s takedown and the end of his nefarious activities.”
She blinked and held her breath, knowing the question that was coming.
“Why did you see him alone?”
“I had to talk to him personally, to pose questions which needed to stay between us.”
“There’s a reason why the FBI has policies and procedures.”
“Yes, sir.”
He captured her gaze long enough to show his displeasure. “Morton Wilmington’s lawyer contacted us early this morning indicating his client’s willingness to cooperate in ending the elderly fraud. Later we spoke with Wilmington. He decoded the message on the e-mail you showed him last week. His decryption has been verified.”
“What did he claim it said?” She understood most of it: Same instructions. Contact me after. New leads.
“In addition to what you’d discovered, he gave us the next memory care facility to be victimized. The director there stated a wealthy woman had been visited by a man already this morning. We have no idea at this point if the woman gave him money, but the man gave a fictitious name and avoided security cameras. Granted, Wilmington could have set this up, or he could be sincere.”
“Why are you telling me this?”
“He claims to know who’s behind the elderly frauds. He’s agreed to help us with the investigation, contingent on his immediate release.”
“But this is all staged, right?”
“If he’s sincere, we’ll make permanent arrangements.” He cleared his throat. “We have a few terms we need you to consider before moving forward.”
Acid slammed against her stomach. “Terms, sir?”
“If you agree, you’ll be working closely with him. The two of you will be a couple in appearances only.”
Laurel held up her hand. “Who packaged this deal?”
SSA Preston stared her down. “We did.”
The acid crawled up her throat. “I’m sure Wilmington is real excited to be working with me.”
“Trust me, he’s not, but the flip side of the deal makes our proposal attractive.”
A killer set free because he snitches on one of his buds. What a lowlife. “What are the rest of the terms?”
“We know you and your partner are also friends, but communication with Special Agent Phang regarding this case must cease. She’s not to be told anything. It would be better if there’s no communication, period.”
Su-Min? They’d had their disagreements, but no contact? “How do you know he’s telling the truth and not covering up his own crimes? Especially since his info about the new scam came after the fact.”
“We’re working the case from all angles, and this is just one of them. You proved your ability to secure evidence from him five years ago, and we’re confident you can again.”
Bitterness and dread settled on her shoulders. “Sir, I’m not convinced this is a good idea. Why would anyone believe we were together since I put him in jail?”
“He’s tossing the faith card—”
“I was with him constantly for six months. I learned how his mind works, his choice of friends, his manipulative nature, things you don’t want to hear, and what matters most to him. And believe me, it’s not a Bible study or God.”
“We’ll be providing history to make the relationship look legitimate.”
She dug her fingers into her palms. “Forgive and forget in the name of love?”
“Exactly. He needs to gain the confidence of the person he claims is responsible and make contact. Get what we need. Work the game. And we need to keep him under close watch.”
Like she’d done to him. “Can you expand?”
He nodded. “Tomorrow he’ll be released. The press will play up his rehabilitation.”
“As in his faith.”
“Right. For this assignment, you’ll be relieved of your FBI position for undisclosed reasons, but the rumor will be a conflict of interests. You chose Wilmington over your career, and you’re furious about the dismissal. No one is to know about our arrangement.”
“Sir, he threatened to kill me. And now you want me to work with him?”
SSA Preston stared at her for several seconds. “We have confidence this will work. We think we can trust Wilmington. If not, he’ll take permanent residence in the penal system.”
“Think? So you’ll know who to prosecute for my murder?”
“Agent Evertson, this is your choice.”
More like a snapshot from a nightmare. “Sir, can I keep my badge and weapon?”
“Yes. Send all correspondence directly to me. Call or text me with any updates or problems. You’ll be seen with Wilmington while he’s working to gain the confidence of the one he claims is behind the scams.”
Her head swam with the danger and the unlikelihood of success. “Won’t I discourage the operation? I’m not convinced of his newfound faith. For all I know he’s playing us and is orchestrating the whole scam from the inside.” She paused. “How would my partnering with him aid the case?”
“With your career ruined, your desire for revenge against the FBI will be a solid cover.” He drew in a breath. “Your contribution will be an asset to your career. You may need to prove you’re on his side. Whether Wilmington is once again involved with a crime, or he can lead us to the criminal, remains to be seen.”
“How long would I play the role?”
“For as long as it takes. Dress the part.”
Did she have a choice when he’d killed Jesse? Images of Earl and Abby were fixed in her mind, as well as the other elderly who’d been victimized. “All right. I’ll do it. When do I get started?”
“After our meeting, you’ll return to your desk. Call Special Agent Phang to your office to discuss the scam. There I’ll confront you in front of her about your unauthorized visit to Morton Wilmington and call you into my office. Afterward you�
�ll clear out your desk and be escorted from the building.”
She nodded. There went the only friend she had.
“Wilmington will contact you later this week. We’re calling the scammer Leopard. He knows how to pick and approach the victims, change his habits, and when to go dark.”
A whirl of apprehension mixed with determination filled her. She’d never trust Wilmington, and when this was over, he’d be behind bars for good. He’d never hurt good people again.
CHAPTER 15
11:45 A.M. MONDAY
Laurel drove home from the FBI office with a boxful of belongings. The looks she received from other agents when she was escorted off the property were that of disgust, especially from Su-Min. Laurel expected it, needed it for credibility with her assignment. Her personal mission was twofold—stop the elderly fraud and prove Wilmington should stay behind bars.
She was honored to go undercover again, but working with Wilmington would take all of her acting skills.
Her cell phone rang, and she recognized the caller as Abby Hilton.
“Laurel, I have critical information for you.” Her voice quivered.
“What’s going on?”
“I received a basket of funeral flowers. . . .”
When Abby finished, Laurel wanted to turn her car around and drive to Silver Hospitality, but she couldn’t. Not with most of the FBI office believing she had been dismissed. “Did you see the deliveryman?”
“No. The flower shop is local and confirmed the order. They said a woman walked in and paid cash. Wore a baseball cap. Nothing on their security cameras.”
“No one’s that slick. We’ll end this. Did you call the police?”
“Not yet. Wanted to tell you first since we have an arrangement.”
“I’m no longer with the FBI.”
Abby gasped. “What happened?”
“I’ve been dismissed. Driving home now.” Wish she could have told her in a more gracious manner. “Anyway, call HPD and your grandson. The FBI are scheduled to be there again this afternoon, and you’ll want to give them the note and tell them what you learned about the origin of the flowers.”
“Got it. Call HPD and Daniel, and then make sure the FBI has all the info too. I’m really sorry about what happened.”
“I should have been more careful.” Laurel hated lying to a sweet lady. Part of the job description. Abby had enough on her plate. Too frail to be taking care of a husband whose mind worked like a light switch. Her thoughts sounded condescending, and she didn’t feel those emotions at all. The situation made her angry. Bad guys victimizing the defenseless needed to be locked away permanently.
“I have confidence in you. My grandson pretends he doesn’t like you,” the older woman whispered. “But I know better.”
“Abby, we don’t have a thing in common, and I’m not interested, nor do I have the time.”
“He’s a man and you’re a woman. Both independent. Neither looking for a relationship. Works for me,” Abby said. “I wasn’t sure how I felt about Earl, afraid of a relationship. Then one day he smiled just the right way, and it’s been heaven ever since. We’ve weathered bad times and rejoiced in the good ones. Even here with all of us inching toward our coffins, I see the boy, the man, who stole my heart.”
Laurel searched for the right words, but there weren’t any. If only she could meet a man who treasured her as much as Abby treasured her husband.
“No need to answer,” Abby said. “One day soon we need to have a nice chat. I learned something today that I’m not sure the FBI is aware of.”
“Which is?”
“Liz Austin’s personnel file is missing.”
“Can you find a discreet way to tell the FBI?”
“I’ll think on it. I could tell them I didn’t trust her and hope they look for her file.”
“Sounds good.”
“I also talked to Chef Steven. He told me Liz has a boyfriend and spent a lot of time texting him and playing games on her iPad. He also avoided a question about whether he’d ever seen her boyfriend. I believe she could have used her iPad to disarm the security camera at the rear of the kitchen.”
Great observation. “You should call SSA Preston with what you’ve learned.” Laurel gave Abby the phone number.
Liz Austin’s name had come up on more than one occasion.
2:15 P.M. MONDAY
Daniel had made a decision. Once he picked up his grandparents from Silver Hospitality, they wouldn’t be returning. He’d arranged for off-duty policemen to work 24-7 and nurses to do the same. Gramps could kick all the fuss he wanted. Didn’t matter.
What he didn’t understand was why Laurel no longer worked for the FBI. Did he dare call her? That thought lasted ten seconds. Fifteen minutes were left on his lunch break, and he’d use them. She responded on the third ring.
“Officer Hilton, are you at Silver Hospitality?”
“Not yet. Gran told me you’re no longer with the FBI.”
“True.”
His gut told him something else was happening. “Is there anything I can do?”
She sighed. “If you uncover anything about your grandparents, don’t hesitate to contact the FBI. I’m taking a little time to look for a job.”
“Who’s taking over the elderly fraud case?”
“I don’t know who’s been assigned. SSA Preston is your go-to agent at this point.” She paused. “Don’t really care either after what they did to me.”
“All right. Once I have my grandparents safe at home with a police officer, I’m checking on Emma Dockson, the woman who gave money to Russell Jergon.”
“Call me later?”
“Sure.”
Daniel smiled. Laurel was still on the case.
CHAPTER 16
4:30 P.M. MONDAY
Daniel introduced his grandparents to the bodyguard at their home and promised to be back by six thirty. Gramps didn’t know why they’d left the facility early or why a stranger sat on their front porch, and the confusion upset him. Once he was calmed, Gran coaxed him with a favorite TV show. She was on board with Daniel’s plan. Although frail-looking, she had the inner strength of a bulldog.
Daniel had left directly from his precinct office, not taking time to change, and headed toward Houston Methodist to check on Emma Dockson. According to Gran, this was Mrs. Dockson’s second hospitalization due to a bleeding ulcer, but she’d progressed well. How wonderful if she had good recall. Her testimony likely wouldn’t hold up in court, but she could provide vital information.
Emma’s niece transported her to Silver Hospitality every weekday. The elderly woman’s deceased husband had owned a lucrative commercial construction business, plenty for predators to scam. But how were the thieves gaining access to victims? Any suspicions regarding Marsha Leonard had dissipated when he saw her twelve-year-old Honda, and he figured the board of directors had undergone an extensive background check. For certain the FBI was on it.
While traffic inched ahead, his mind wandered to his grandparents’ safety.
The idea of keeping up-to-date with the latest findings through the media agitated him. HPD and the FBI worked together on task forces, but unless something happened on his beat, he was clueless. And where did Laurel fit?
At the hospital, Daniel greeted the receptionist. “I’d like to see Emma Dockson. She’s a patient in geriatrics.”
The woman checked her computer. Lines etched across her forehead. “I’m so sorry, but Mrs. Dockson passed this afternoon.”
Doubts soared through him. “What happened? I called at noon, and she was fine.”
“Are you family, sir? Or is this police business?”
“Both. I’ve known this woman long enough to be considered family.” He stretched the truth a little, but he needed answers and access to those who had them.
The receptionist picked up the phone and explained Daniel’s visit. “The head nurse on Mrs. Dockson’s floor will speak to you.”
Daniel nodded his appre
ciation and took the phone. “Thank you for talking to me. What happened to Mrs. Dockson?”
“She went to sleep this afternoon and never woke up. Poor thing. From all indications, her heart simply gave out.”
His pulse sped at the unlikelihood of a heart attack when she’d been hospitalized for a bleeding ulcer. “Is her niece here?”
“She’s with me now.”
“I’m on my way.” Daniel took the elevator to the sixth floor. How would he recognize the woman? The one crying? A familiar face from Silver Hospitality?
A sixtysomething woman stood at the nurses’ station, red-eyed, tissue in hand.
“Are you Emma Dockson’s niece?” he said.
When she affirmed it, he reached out his hand. “I’m Officer Daniel Hilton. So sorry for your loss.”
She grasped his hand as though he were a lifeline, then released it. “Lila Dockson. Why are the police involved?” Uncertainty edged her words. “Are you a friend of my aunt’s?”
“My grandparents are clients at Silver Hospitality. I provide transportation for them. I just got off duty, ma’am.”
She relaxed. “You look familiar. I’m sorry if I sounded rude.”
He gave her a sincere smile. How would he handle the same moment when his grandparents passed? “I understand the challenges of loving an Alzheimer’s sufferer. My grandparents are concerned about your aunt, so I wanted to check on her.”
The woman’s shoulders slumped. “Emma is my husband’s aunt, and we’re her caretakers. She’s lived with us for over ten years. Her days were numbered, but today was still a shock. She had pneumonia twice last summer, and her body must have succumbed to it with a heart attack. Such a dear lady. Even when she didn’t recognize us, she was kind.”
“Gramps is the same way. Did your aunt have a history of heart problems?”
“No, but I gather it’s not uncommon for her age.” She took another tissue from the box on the nurses’ counter. “I really wish my husband were here. Unfortunately he’s out of town.”
“Can we talk for a few minutes?”
Her gaze darted. “I suppose. Nothing I can do while they take care of Aunt Emma. The funeral home has been contacted, and our pastor will be here soon.”