I got out of the car and shielded my eyes with my hand as I turned in place.
“What are we looking for?” Max asked, stepping out of the passenger side.
“Looking for any clues that will lead me back to Larry’s identity,” I answered. “Most parks have security cameras. Whether they work is the question, but it looks like this park is no different.” I pointed to two poles in the parking lot. “This one has two pointed at the parking lot.”
“That’s not helpful if there isn’t one aimed at the play area.”
I sighed. Max was right. The best this could give us was the license plates of everyone in the park on the days Petunia might have seen this Larry character. It wouldn’t give us a face for the creep, but the cameras could provide us with a list of people coming and going. I’d have to email Ms. Delany to pull the digital footage. “Without using Petunia as bait, this is a bust. Maybe we’ll have better luck at her school.”
“Uh… I’m sure the school has security. It’s just a matter of whether they’ll let you access it without a flashy badge or a warrant to shove in their faces.”
I grinned. “I should probably drop you back off at Carter’s house. What I’m about to do might be considered an invasion of privacy.”
Max rested his hand on my arm. “Petunia’s school is the best in the country. They’ll know they’re being hacked. The students and faculty are screened because of potential security threats. We’re talking about the children of senators, diplomats, a judge, an FBI agent and the mayor. Every high-profile profession you can think of. I’d advise you against any illegal activity.”
“You’re no fun. Now how about I take you home so you won’t be involved.”
We both got back in the car.
“Who were you talking to on the phone when you got upset earlier?”
The lawyer was observant.
“My distant cousin.”
“Did she have bad news?”
“You could say that.”
“Care to share, or are you going to make me guess?”
“She’s a forensic specialist. I’d sent her Fillpot’s invitation, and it didn’t garner any useful information.”
“I’m not surprised. Look at the way they baited you and set you up just to get you to the island. That took planning and patience,” Max said.
“Not only was the invitation a bust, but someone has erased Fillpot’s federal file. All traces of him are gone.”
I slowed the car to a stop and glanced at Max, who was scratching the stubble on his chin.
“How is that possible?”
“I’ll let you know when I find out,” I answered.
“You don’t have to break the law to get into her school. I can take you,” Max said.
I didn’t need his help. Not like I had needed it to get on the island. Hacking school computers were a piece of cake. Yet, if what he said was correct about the students at that school, I might need more information than what I could find on the computer. Social interaction, in this case, would probably be a must. “All right, Counselor, if you can get me in, and in front of the teacher, that would help.”
I could find things online. A single hacked social media account and email could garner most of the juicy details I’d ever needed.
Max was right about this case. The last thing I needed to do was draw attention to anyone who might view me as a threat. They might be more inclined to talk if I showed up with the doting Uncle Max since a warrant was out of the question. All he had was the ramblings of a five-year-old about a man she see’s around school.
Max gave me directions to Petunia school. I’d been a little surprised when we arrived to find a twelve-foot stone fence around the perimeter. Whether they used it for keeping criminals out or children in, it made me grin.
“Why isn’t Petunia in school today?” I asked after an administrative assistant ushered us into a conference room across from the principal’s office. I’d been in places like this before. I hadn’t been much of a problem child unless someone was picking on one of my younger sisters. Then I didn’t care what happened as long as my sisters were out of the line of fire.
“With everything going on, we thought it best to keep her out for the week until the wedding is over, which was probably smart now that Johnny isn’t around to escort her,” Max answered.
“Amelia doesn’t take her to school?” I asked.
“No, and before you think it, that doesn’t mean she’s a bad mother. She’s not. She loves Pet, we all do, it’s just more convenient for Johnny or Robin to take her, depending on the day. Amelia gets her up and ready, and Robin feeds her, and then Johnny takes her to school. Believe it or not, her schedule runs like a well-oiled machine.”
I stopped and crossed my arms over my chest. “Whose responsibility is it to take her to the park?”
“Amelia does sometimes, but not all the time. She uses the time to gossip with the other mothers. Pet loves playing, and it’s healthy for her to have plenty of social and physical interaction.”
The door opened and a woman walked into the room. Max rose and held out his hand. “Principal Potts, thank you for taking time to see us.”
The woman’s brown hair was in a bun, her gaze sharp. “Mr. Pierce.”
She nodded and gestured to a brunette woman who followed her into the room. “I believe you’ve already met Petunia’s teacher, Edna Sinclair.”
“Yes, and I’d like to introduce you both to Gwen Bennett. She’ll be handling the family’s security detail for the foreseeable future.”
A look of relief crossed Ms. Sinclair’s face, one that might have been missed by Max, but not by me.
“Of course, it’s nice to meet you,” Edna said, holding out her hand for me to shake.
Edna Sinclair wasn’t like the other teachers at the school that we’d passed. Where the other teachers adhered to a strict dress code of grays and browns and blues, Edna Sinclair didn’t, although I believe she tried. The other teachers were older, and more refined. Edna’s name didn’t match her age or her clothes. She looked about twenty-three and fresh out of college. Her buttoned up jacket almost hid the bright pink polka-dot shirt beneath. Was she a rule breaker in other aspects of her life?
I shook the woman’s hand. “Ms. Sinclair, it’s nice to meet you. I’m sure you’re wondering why we’re here.”
“To be honest, I wasn’t expecting anyone from your family to show up. Considering the wedding is right around the corner and Petunia is signed out for the week.”
“Yes, well, we wanted to tell you that her old security guard, Johnny McIntire, is no longer employed with us.”
“That’s good news. I was never convinced Mr. McIntire was the right man for the job. He was prone to flirt with the other mothers, the teachers, and anyone who wears a skirt. His interest was never where it should be, on Petunia.”
Interesting. The teacher was much more observant than I would have guessed. “If you saw that as a problem, why didn’t you inform any of the Pierce family?”
Heat crept up into Edna’s cheeks. “I’ve only been at this facility for three months. I didn’t want to start any trouble before I even have my first review.”
I shared a look with Max; it was almost as if he could read my mind.
“Feel free to speak honestly, Ms. Sinclair. Is there anything else that you’ve noticed?”
“I’ve noticed a lot of things. Can you be more specific, Mr. Pierce?”
“Have you noticed anyone showing more interest in Petunia? Or possibly anyone that doesn’t belong at the school watching her? Has she mentioned anything about her friends on the playground?”
“Petunia is a very friendly little girl. She’ll talk to anybody who will listen. As far as anything being out of the ordinary, I don’t feel that I’ve been in the situation long enough to recognize something like that.”
“Have you seen her talking to any other adults besides her teachers?” I asked.
“Not that I’ve noticed.
”
That was vague and unhelpful. My gaze darted to Edna’s fidgeting fingers. The soft tapping of her foot could be heard on the linoleum underneath the table. This was a woman that didn’t want to be here. “Ms. Sinclair, have you been teaching long?”
“No.” Her cheeks tinted pink. “I just moved to town three months ago. I’m still getting the lay of the land.”
“Where did you call home before here?”
“I’m from California,” she answered.
“I can assure you that all of our staff is well vetted with background checks,” the principal interjected. She took a school brochure and handed it to me. Inside was one of her business cards. “The safety of every student, including Petunia’s, is paramount when she is within the school grounds. Our security is airtight, thanks to the parents who entrust us with their children.”
I slowly nodded and rose from my seat with the brochure in hand. “Thank you for your time.”
I shook her hand and followed her out of the room. When we were in the hallway, I dropped the principal’s card.
“Oh, Ms. Bennett, you dropped the card,” Edna said, bending down to pick it up.
“I’m such a klutz,” I said as Max walked with the principal.
“If there’s anything I can do to help with Petunia, please let me know. She’s a great kid.”
A sadness momentarily crossed through her eyes, as if she wanted to say more but held back.
“Thank you, I will.”
It wasn’t until we were back in the car that I took the principal’s card and slipped it into an evidence bag.
“What are you doing?” Max asked.
“My job.”
Chapter 17
“Edna Sinclair was vague about her background. She twiddled her fingers and tapped her foot. She was hiding something.”
“You can’t possibly think she’s behind this threat. I mean, what would she have to gain?”
I shrugged. “Everyone is guilty until proven innocent in my book. I’m telling you there was something off about her, and until I figure out her secret, she stays on my suspect list.”
I put the car into gear and sighed. “Didn’t Petunia say she sees this Larry character at school?”
“Yep.”
“Looks like hacking the school website might tell us if there are any Larry’s working there,” I said.
Max shook his head. “Why must you make things so difficult, not to mention illegal? Amelia’s school enrollment package lists all the workers. They give it out to all potential parents at enrollment. In this case, Carter has that information. He’s the one who got her into the school with a hefty donation. I can get it for you.”
“Thank you.” Mixed feelings surged through me. Having help on assignments was a foreign concept. Extra guns and cops, sure, that was one thing, but having a partner on a fact gathering mission was unheard of. I’m sure it had nothing to do with me not playing well with others. Facts meant life or death in some scenarios, and contrary to what some people thought about me, I thrived on facts.
We arrived back at the house to find Amelia in the kitchen talking to a man I’d yet to meet. Judging by their tones, I wasn’t sure if it was the fiancé or someone else from Amelia’s life. Max stepped into the kitchen, and I hung back with Rose, who was quietly waiting in the doorway.
“Who’s the suit?” I asked.
“That’s the fiancé, Dexter Cline, the district attorney,” Rose whispered. “He was MIA at the party, out of town on some trip. He just advised her he has to leave again and won’t be back until the day before the wedding and that he’s decided not to run for senator with the threats hanging over their heads.”
“How’d that go over?” I whispered back.
“She’s angry. Apparently, Amelia wanted the status of senator’s wife as much as he wanted the job. She’s trying to convince him he’s making a mistake. She’s on her third glass of wine,” Rose replied.
I gave a slow nod and headed into the room. I held out my hand. “Mr. Cline, I’m—”
“I know who you are, Ms. Bennett.” He interrupted my introduction. “Amelia and Max have already told me about you.”
“All good I hope.” I smiled and clasped my fingers together.
Amelia rolled her eyes and sighed.
Dexter glanced at Max before meeting my gaze. “Yes, well, Max and Carter believe you’re qualified to handle the job, but I, on the other hand, wanted to get the FBI involved.”
“I understand. Nothing but the best for the ones we love.” I said it with a straight face, thinking of the time my sister wanted to borrow my most expensive shoes the day before I needed them to go undercover. She’d ruined them, and I’d gotten a blister from the replacement pair. Nothing but the best unless it’s before a mission. I kept that comment to myself. “Did Max, Carter, or Amelia tell you that I’ll need a list of your enemies?”
Dexter slid his hands into his pockets. “My office is working you up a list of any past perps I put in jail who have made death threats. They’re focusing on the recent prison releases. Last check, there were thirteen names, but none more prevalent than Paul Kilnery. He was a member of the Hell’s Bat motorcycle club. He did a twenty-year stretch for robbery and attempted murder. Let’s just say his threat has stuck with me over all that time, and the parole board released him early.”
“What kind of threats?” I asked.
“He threatened to kill me, my wife, and my children.”
Well, that was convenient. We should have started with that joker. “Any idea where he is now?”
“No, but I can find out from his parole officer and text Max the address.”
“That would be helpful. Thank you. Where is Petunia?” I asked.
“She’s with Cassandra in the backyard,” Rose answered from the doorway. Was she the only person in the house who even knew where the kid was, even with mom and soon to be stepdad in the kitchen? No wonder Carter and Max had to step in to make sure they all stayed safe.
“If you could get us that address, it would be great.” I nodded and left the room with Max following. “Where are we going now?”
“I’m going to the office and to run an errand. I don’t know what you’re going to do, Counselor,” I said, yanking open the front door.
“Meet me for dinner.” He rested his hand on my arm, stopping me in my tracks. His gaze lingered on my lips before rising to my eyes.
“You’re too much of temptation,” I answered honestly.
“What if I tell you that we’ll keep it PG13 and work-related? In a couple hours, I’ll have Paul Kilnery’s address, and I’ll get Petunia’s school information from Cater. We can regroup, and if it just happens to be over food, well, we need our strength to catch the bad guy.”
I chewed my bottom lip as I stared into his eyes. “That’s the lamest excuse I’ve heard yet.”
“But you want to. I can see it in your eyes. I’ll text you the address.”
Max turned and headed back into the house, as if not wanting to wait around long enough for me to change my mind.
I hurried down the drive to my car and waved at the security guard at the gate. Knowing Amelia and Petunia were tucked away relieved some of my stress. I had five days till the wedding, five days to figure out the stalker’s identity and take him out of play.
****
At the FDG compound, I headed straight for the forensic floor and dropped off the business card with instructions to run fingerprints and do a complete workup on Edna Sinclair’s background. Something told me there was more to her story, and I never ignored my gut.
I was heading for my office when Ms. Delany followed me inside. “Do you have any updates to report?”
“Not yet,” I said, sliding behind my desk. I turned my computer on. “The park cameras were a bust. They only covered the parking lot. The school is like this place; the security is top-notch. The teacher is hiding something, I can feel it, so I’m having her prints run but I still can’t find ou
t who this Larry character is that Petunia sees in the park and at school.”
“You think this Larry is your guy?”
I tsked. “Hard to tell, until I talk to him. For all I know, I’m chasing an imaginary friend. The threats the fiancé mentioned are probably credible. I’ll be talking to the biker tomorrow.”
Ms. Delany cupped her fingers together. “Well, I might have something for you.”
I raised a brow. “I could use a break.”
Ms. Delany smiled and nodded toward the door with her head. “Come into my office.”
I followed her and closed the door behind us. She stepped behind her computer and clicked a few buttons. The wall across the room opened, revealing her monitors. It was where I’d gotten the idea for my home edition.
“I had to call in few favors to get this done, but I’ve had satellite watching the property since your arrival. I think you’ll find some of this very interesting.”
A few clicks of the keyboard and images appeared, crystal clear and close enough to see the bouncy house in the backyard.
“Great visuals,” I said.
“You can thank the NSA, or maybe it was the CIA,” she answered.
She had pulled strings.
A few clicks later and it showed the house again. This time the time stamp read three a.m. Someone had parked a dark sedan on the road behind my car.
“Who's that?”
“The camera couldn’t get an angle of the license plate, but a man was reaching down below your car as if hiding something beneath it.”
“What the hell is he doing?” I gawked.
“Not sure, but you might want to check it out. Other than that one guy, there wasn’t much going on.” Ms. Delany clicked on a few more screens. “I’ve got you sneaking up into the home on the day of Petunia’s birthday. I’ve got security escorting Johnny out. I’ve got staff at the door watching before they disperse, and then everything is quiet after the party other than our teams there to revamp the system, until we get to the guy behind your car.”
“Thanks,” I said. “I’ll check my car. If it’s a tracker, I may have a little fun with whoever is watching me.”
Rotten Apple (Bennett Dynasty Book 1) Page 8
