Chapter 48
Paris called bright and early. I reached a sleepy hand for the phone on the nightstand, swiped the screen, and held it to my ear. In a scratchy voice, I said, "This better be good.”
"Wake up, sleepyhead. I've got good news."
"I'm listening," I said, my eyes still closed, my head fused to the pillow.
"I've been doing some digging. I was talking to Edward Miller, an analyst over at Thorne Wentworth. He mentioned you talked to him before. Well, I got him to admit a few things.”
“I’m still listening.”
“Apparently, Elias is a crook. Edward uncovered a slew of illegal activity, collected the data, and brought it to Lance. According to Edward, Lance said he would look into it. I don’t know if Lance ever bothered, but nothing ever came of it.”
“Maybe Lance was complicit,” I suggested.
“Possible. Who knows? But it sure sounds like a motive for murder. Edward says he’s willing to talk, but he’s freaked out. Thinks someone is following him. He’s a little paranoid.”
“Rightfully so. Where is he?”
“He sent his wife and kids out of town to her sister’s. He checked into the Seven Seas under a fake name and has gone off-grid. He’s willing to go on camera if we conceal his identity. I’m about to head over there. You should talk to him before he changes his mind.”
“I’m on my way.”
I ended the call, dragged myself out of bed, and pulled on some clothes. I hadn’t slept more than a few hours, and it showed.
In the galley, I grabbed a breakfast burrito from the freezer and nuked it. I didn’t bother to wake Jack. From the counter, I snatched the keys to the Porsche, said goodbye to Buddy on my way out, and hustled to the parking lot.
A gentle breeze drifted through the marina, and the amber rays of morning cast long shadows. It looked like it was going to be a nice day.
I hopped into the Porsche, fired up the engine, and sped across the island to the luxury resort.
The valet hustled to the car as I pulled to the main entrance.
The kid grabbed the door, and I slipped a few bills into his hand and told him to keep it up front.
I hurried inside, made my way across the lobby, and took the elevator up to the fourth floor.
According to Paris, Edward was in Suite #413.
I knocked on the door and scanned the hallway for threats, out of an abundance of caution. I was pretty sure no one had followed me over to the hotel.
Noise from a TV in the room filtered down the hallway. Footsteps followed. The peephole flickered as Edward peered through. He unlatched the deadbolt and the chain, then pulled the door open.
His face filled with confusion for a moment, then he figured it out. "You talked to Paris, didn't you?"
I didn't admit anything. "Seems like we have some things to talk about."
His face tightened, and he shook his head in frustration. "She told me our conversation was private."
"You're going to do an interview on camera, and you expect what you say to be private?” I asked, incredulous.
His mouth scrunched, and he shifted his weight. "I'm not entirely sure I want to go on camera now."
"You’re doing the right thing,” I assured. “Can I come inside?"
Edward opened the door wider and stepped aside. I walked into the foyer, and Edward glanced in both directions down the hall before closing the door. He flipped the deadbolt and hooked the chain.
I stepped into the room, and Edward followed.
"I'm putting myself and my family at risk. What kind of protection can you offer?"
"I think what you're about to tell me falls squarely under the purview of the SEC.
We can talk about witness protection if that's something you're interested in.
But I have to caution you, it's a difficult life.
It means severing all ties. It's not something most people want.
But depending on the risk, it beats the alternative. "
Edward frowned. He didn't like the sound of that.
"Tell me about Elias’s criminal activities," I said.
Edward's mouth tightened, and he hesitated for a moment.