Whatever answer Fraser was expecting, it wasn’t that. He widened his eyes to comical proportions as Eliot pressed his lips together to keep from laughing. Jake maintained a blasé expression … but just barely.
“I see.” Fraser licked his lips. “What about the part where Mr. Haugh believed you were asking questions on behalf of the state police?”
“I was carrying a reporter’s notebook and introduced myself as working for The Monitor, so I’m not sure why he would think otherwise.”
“Really?” Fraser didn’t look convinced.
“No, not really.” I’d had just about enough of this game. “In truth, I know exactly why he said that. He wants you to force me off the story because he’s worried I’ll get too close to the truth. He’s uncomfortable with women in general, and he’s definitely uncomfortable with me sniffing around his place of business and private life.”
“And why do you think that is?”
“Because he has something to hide,” I answered without hesitation. “Whether that means he had something to do with Cara’s death or he’s hiding something else, I can’t say. You don’t have to worry about it, though, Inspector Fraser. I will be all over Mr. Haugh from here on out. I’ll get my answers.”
Fraser realized the conversation had slipped away and it was far too late to regain control. “I don’t think … .”
I ignored him and turned to Grandpa when he poked my arm. “What?”
“Edward Haugh? Out of that law office in Rochester Hills?” Grandpa asked.
I nodded. “Why? Do you know him?”
“No, but I know one of the senior partners in that firm,” Grandpa replied. “We’re old friends. He’s gotten me out of trouble a time or two.”
Now it was my turn to be dubious. “Only once or twice?”
Grandpa’s smile was sheepish. “Maybe nine or ten times. Who counts those things?”
Who indeed? Grandpa’s tidbit gave me an idea. “Do you want to go lawyer hunting with me this morning?” I asked the question as if I’d forgotten Fraser was sitting at the table. I wanted the man to feel insignificant in my life, so I was happy for the distraction.
“Sure.” Grandpa smiled. “We need to stop at the house so I can get real clothes.”
“Just out of curiosity, what did you wear here?”
“The same thing I wore in the pool.”
That couldn’t be right. “But you drove here,” I protested. “Are you saying you drove naked?”
“Hey, even motorists need morning thrills.” Grandpa hopped to his feet. “Are we leaving now?”
I flicked a questioning look to Fraser. “Is that all? We have a lot to do.”
“You’re not supposed to be bothering Edward Haugh,” Fraser argued. “That’s why I came here. That’s off limits.”
“You’ve told me and I’ll take it into consideration.” I flashed a wide smile that I knew would cause Fraser’s insides to churn. “I appreciate your consideration and worry. It means a great deal to me.”
“Why don’t I believe you?”
Maybe he was smarter than he looked. I remained doubtful. “Have a nice day. I know I will.”
26 Twenty-Six
Grandpa insisted on driving himself, so I waited in the law office’s parking lot for fifteen minutes for him to show up. While I did, I touched base with Fish. He didn’t sound happy to hear my voice.
“When was the last time you were in this office?”
“Hello to you, too,” I sang out, hopeful he didn’t see my eye roll. “You sound as if you’re having a smashing day.”
“Don’t roll your eyes at me.”
I stilled. “Did you install software to hack my phone camera so you can see my face or something?”
“No, I just know you.” I could practically picture Fish engaging in myriad calming techniques on the other end of the call. “I also know you haven’t been in this office for several days.”
“I think you’re exaggerating. It’s only been one day. Yesterday.”
“Are you in this office right now?”
“No, I’m in Oakland County right now,” I countered. “I’m going to see how many lawyers I can bowl over with my awesome personality.”
“Well, at least you’ll have representation should you get arrested.” Fish was unnaturally flippant, which made me suspect something was going on.
“Why are you so worked up?”
“Because I’m your boss and I’m sure you’re trying to give me a heart attack on a regular basis.”
“Why really?”
“Because Inspector Fraser is trying to set up a meeting with the publisher,” Fish replied. “He wants you booted from the story.”
“He’s already met with MacDonald,” I pointed out. “Why would he try to do it twice?”
“Maybe he’s a glutton for punishment. You seem to attract people who are both addicted to and nauseated by your attitude. Maybe Fraser simply wants to be another member of your harem.”
“Wow. You’re in a mood.”
“It’s been a long two days,” Fish muttered, sniffling. “I think I’m getting a cold, too. Do you plan to stop by the office today?”
“That’s the plan, but I need to handle things here first,” I answered. “As for yesterday, I filed a piece, so I don’t know why you’re complaining.”
“It was boring.”
It was definitely boring. I didn’t see how that was my fault, though. “I can’t manufacture breaking news. I’m doing my best. If all goes as planned, I should have a better story by the end of the day.”
Fish was intrigued. “What have you got?”
“I’m not sure yet, but I’m waiting for someone to arrive and we’re going inside together. I expect a very … interesting … meeting.”
“I have no idea what that means, but I can tell you’re about to kick the hornet’s nest. I’ll be waiting for your update.”
“I’ve never understood that saying,” I admitted. “Why would anyone kick a hornet’s nest? I can see wanting to kick someone in the balls, but a hornet’s nest? That sounds like a stupid way to spend an afternoon.”
“You have no idea how tired you make me. Who are you waiting for? Why do you need help interviewing lawyers?”
Whoops. I opened my big mouth and let too much slip. That’s the story of my life. The really long, entertaining saga of Avery Shaw inserting her foot in her mouth. They should make a movie someday. I wonder who would play me. Wait … crap. Fish is still talking.
“Seriously, are you saying you can’t handle lawyers?” Fish continued. “I’ve seen you eviscerate every lawyer you’ve come in contact with.”
“This is a slightly different situation,” I hedged. “As for handling lawyers, I know exactly what I’m doing. I’ll be in the office as soon as I finish here.”
“You’d better be.”
GRANDPA WAS in good spirits as we made our way to the correct suite. He’d always been a big fan of adventures – especially adventures in which someone other than him would end up ticked off – so he couldn’t stop yammering as we wound our way through the building.
“How much are you going to tell Max?”
“Who is Max?”
“Max Denton,” Grandpa replied. “He’s the lawyer I know. He’s very good. And he’ll be willing to help as long as you play your cards right. Are you going to tell him Haugh was pilfering from the company?”
I hadn’t really considered what I was going to talk to Denton about. I was simply so gung-ho about getting out of the house that I couldn’t stop myself from agreeing to Grandpa’s suggestion. It seemed a decent way to get background on Haugh. Now that we were here, I was baffled about what I expected to happen.
“How do you know about Haugh taking money?” I asked, shifting gears so I could think. “Did you look through the files before hiding them in our nightstands? That was smart, by the way. You let us know where you stashed them while making it so Fraser wouldn’t want to look in the nightstands bec
ause there might be freaky stuff in there.”
“There is freaky stuff in there.”
“What?”
“I saw that thing that you plug into the wall. I know what it does.”
I racked my brain for what he was talking about. “The heating pad?”
“Oh, is that what that was?” Grandpa brightened. “I thought it was some chick thing to ward off PMS.”
“Please, if there was a chick thing to ward off PMS every man in the world would’ve bought it,” I said, shaking my head. “You haven’t answered my question. How did you know what Haugh was up to?”
“I looked in the files.” Grandpa wasn’t remotely embarrassed as we walked into the office lobby. “I think you should tell Max. He’ll want to know, and that will help you put the screws to this other lawyer, who you clearly hate.”
I shifted my attention to the front desk, smiling when I caught sight of Jenny Finch. She looked as bubbly and dimwitted as ever. “Hello again!”
“Hello.” Jenny’s expression registered surprise. “You came back. I … didn’t think you would come back.”
Well, that answered that question. Haugh clearly didn’t like my previous visit. He probably barred me from the premises, which meant Jenny would have to show me the door. Hmm.
“Oh, I had to come back.” I forced a smile. “I really like this place. I’d be sad if I couldn’t visit.”
Grandpa cast me a sidelong look, which I promptly ignored.
“We’re here for a meeting,” I said.
Jenny glanced over her shoulder, her eyes briefly resting on Haugh’s closed office door. I could practically see the dilemma raging behind her eyes. “Mr. Haugh is busy. He’s not seeing walk-ins today.”
“What makes you think I’m a walk-in?”
“Because I have Mr. Haugh’s appointment book and you’re not in it,” Jenny replied, her voice cracking a bit. “If you’d like to make an appointment … .”
“I definitely would.” I strode closer so I could lean over the top of the desk. “What does he have open this afternoon?” I was messing with her. I knew there was no way Haugh would see me. Fraser’s visit proved that. I wanted to see how far Jenny would take it, though.
“As I said, Mr. Haugh isn’t seeing walk-ins today.”
“Okay.” I tilted my head to the side, considering. “How about tomorrow morning?”
“Well … .” Jenny looked caught. “He’s busy tomorrow morning.”
“Tomorrow afternoon?”
Jenny shook her head.
“How about you tell me when he has an opening in his schedule and I’ll make it work?” I suggested, grinning as Jenny’s frozen smile slipped.
“He’s not going to meet with you.” Jenny sounded miserable. “He doesn’t like you.”
“I’m shocked,” Grandpa intoned, smirking. “You ticked someone off? I can’t believe it. Not my little angel.”
I ignored the sarcasm. “Don’t worry about it, Jenny. I know he won’t see me.”
“Then why are you here?”
“They’re here to see me.” A friendly-looking man with silver hair and an expensive suit appeared on the other side of the desk, beaming as he locked gazes with Grandpa. “You old goat, I see you’re still causing trouble.”
Grandpa returned the smile. “Life wouldn’t be fun if I wasn’t raising a ruckus, Max.”
“Isn’t that the truth?” Denton clapped Grandpa on the shoulder before turning to me. “And you must be the famous Avery Shaw. Your grandfather and I have lunch once a month. You’re almost always a topic of conversation.”
I glanced at Grandpa, surprised. “Really?”
“He didn’t say it was good conversation,” Grandpa shot back, smiling. “Stop looking at me.”
My lips curved as I shook my head and focused on Denton. “Thank you for making time in your schedule.”
“Your grandfather said it was important. I always have time for friends who have important information.”
“I’m glad.” I flicked my eyes to Jenny. “We’re here to see Mr. Denton. You don’t have to worry about us bothering Mr. Haugh.”
“I’m not worried.” Jenny sounded a bit squeaky. “It’s just … why are you meeting with Mr. Denton?”
“We have things to discuss,” Grandpa answered, grabbing my arm. “Come on, Avery. I think you and Max are really going to like one another. I’m warning you now, Max, she’s a pistol and she shoots off her mouth quite often.”
Denton looked amused. “So she’s just like you?”
“Pretty much.”
“You must be so proud.”
“Most of the time.”
UP UNTIL THE point where I opened my mouth I wasn’t sure what I was going to say to Max Denton. When he asked why we were there and Grandpa gestured for me to take the floor I had no choice but to make a decision.
I told him. Everything.
Okay, I didn’t tell him about breaking into Cara’s house, but I told him everything else.
When I was done, Denton was understandably flummoxed. “Are you sure?”
“We’re sure,” I replied. “The records we saw were pretty detailed. He’s been funneling money out of the firm for a couple of years.”
“I don’t even know what to say to that.” Denton stroked his jaw as he leaned back in his chair. “I’ve known there’s a problem with Edward for quite some time, but I had no idea it was this bad.”
“You knew he was embezzling?”
“No, I knew that he was cutting ethical corners and engaged in shady actions when it came to court appearances,” Denton clarified. “We were considering internal censure, If he didn’t clean up his act and get it together, then we were going to file a report with the state bar association. We were still in the planning stages, though.”
“I think you’re going to have to move faster than that,” I said. “You need to cut off his access to your accounts and you need to get a forensic accountant to review your books.”
“We’ll need proof when we turn Edward over to law enforcement,” Denton confirmed. “I wish I could say this surprised me, but it doesn’t. Edward has always been … difficult.”
“There are different ways of being difficult. I’m difficult, too. He’s taken it above and beyond.”
“He certainly has.” Denton heaved out a sigh. “I guess that brings me to the next question. What do you plan to do with this information?”
“I don’t know yet.” I saw no reason to lie. “I can’t prove that Haugh embezzled from your firm. I can, however, prove that Cara either planned to blackmail him with that information or already started the process.
“You have to understand, from our point of view we’re much more interested in Cara’s murder,” I continued. “That doesn’t mean we won’t report the embezzlement. It goes to motive if Haugh is guilty.”
“Do you really think he’s a murderer?” That seemed to be a step too far for Denton to comprehend. “He’s smarmy, oily and unethical. I don’t know that I believe he’s capable of murder.”
“Just because he might not have done it himself doesn’t mean he didn’t pay someone else to do it,” I pointed out. “You’d be surprised at what people are capable of doing to save themselves. I see it a lot in my business.”
“I’m sure you do.” Denton rolled his neck, the accompanying crack echoing in the quiet office. “We’ll have to move on this right away. We can’t allow Edward further access to the computers and files.”
“I would get your tech person ready to lock him out of the system first,” I suggested. It really wasn’t any of my business how they handled internal issues, but that never once stopped me from offering unsolicited advice. “I’d wait until that’s done before getting security to help you escort him out of the building.”
“Do you really think that’s necessary?”
“I really think he’s going to melt down in spectacular fashion,” I replied. “At worst, he killed Cara himself. That means he’s desperate
and capable of anything if he wants to escape. I’m guessing he already has an escape plan.”
“So we should do it now.” Denton licked his lips as he nodded. “Okay. I need to make a few calls. Sit tight.”
TWENTY MINUTES later the tech person Denton called into his office had disabled Haugh’s computer access and the security guard housed by the front door upon entry to the building trailed behind Denton as we crossed over to Haugh’s office.
Denton should’ve asked us to leave. In his position, that’s the first thing I would’ve done. Either he was too grateful for the information or too scattered to think of that. I didn’t put up a fight about being included. I was almost giddy to see Haugh’s face when he realized his plans were about to crumble.
Jenny widened her eyes when she saw our group heading toward Haugh’s office, hopping to her feet and giving chase. “What’s going on? Is something wrong?”
“Nothing you need to concern yourself with, Jenny.” Denton’s tone was light and friendly, although the strain was evident in his eyes. “You should go back to your desk and let us handle this.”
“Handle what?” Jenny looked panicked. “Is something bad about to happen? What did you do?” She swiveled to face me, her tone accusatory. “Did you do something to get Mr. Haugh in trouble?”
“I believe Mr. Haugh handled that himself.” Even though I found her agitating, part of me took pity on Jenny. She had a bit of hero worship where Haugh was concerned and she was about to get a hard dose of reality. “You really should go back to your desk. You don’t want to be a part of this.”
“A part of what?” Jenny’s voice turned squeaky. “What’s about to happen?”
“Go back to your desk, Jenny,” Denton repeated. “You’re not a part of this. You have more than enough work to keep you busy.”
“But it’s my job to run the office.” Jenny’s voice was plaintive. “How am I supposed to do that if I don’t know what’s going on?”
[Avery Shaw 11.0] Unwritten & Underwater Page 24
