Chapter 32
The first hint of dawn barely touched the horizon when Tyler turned his SUV off the gravel road, approaching the gates of the LSIMT compound.
Now, the cool Montana air clung to the earth at the compound. Rolling down his window, he punched in the security code. A red light blinked once, then turned green, and the heavy gate slid open silently.
As he parked, he saw Cory leaning against the building, phone pressed to his ear. Spotting Tyler, Cory offered a quick nod, wrapped up his call, and joined him. Together, they walked inside, greeted Mary at the front desk, and headed straight to the secure workroom.
Inside, Frazier sat focused in front of multiple screens, fingers flying across the keyboard. “Morning,” Tyler murmured, scanning the monitors.
“Check this out,” Frazier said, leaning back to allow Tyler a clear view. “We tapped into an email account of Anthony Milton that’s linked to the investor. Not very secure. He’s cocky and careless.”
Tyler squinted at the email chain, one particular subject line catching his eye:
We need this deal done. No excuses.
The latest message caught his eye. You told me you had someone handling the holdouts. You said you could get them out. I don’t care how—just make it happen. My patience is gone. You want my money, then finish it.
Anthony’s reply was swift and cryptic. Everything’s moving as promised. They won’t hold out for long. I have someone already working to shift their priorities. It’s being handled.
Tyler felt a cold knot tighten in his gut. He tapped the screen, eyes narrowed. “This someone he refers to. That’s our key. That’s who’s actively doing shit to us.”
Cory folded his arms, leaning thoughtfully against the desk. “Anthony never dirties his own hands. He’s paying someone local. Could be Jordy and Debbie. They have motive and they’re close enough to stir trouble.”
“One or both of them could be in league with Anthony? But what’s the motivation for them? If Jack sells to Anthony, then they aren’t entitled to any of that money. The property is Jack’s free and clear,” Tyler said.
“I don’t think they have all their oars in the water,” Todd answered as he walked over and sat next to Tyler.
“We need to look closer at their bank accounts, besides just what overtly might have come from Anthony. Maybe they’re getting a payout from this investor,” Frazier said.
Sadie quickly pulled up financial records. “Fucking hell… I missed an account that is in Debbie’s name only—Jordy and Debbie McClay got four substantial deposits from the same bank account over the past six months, just under amounts that trigger scrutiny.”
“Who’s sending the money?” Tyler asked.
“John Ormond,” Frazier replied, glancing at Tyler’s confused expression. “Know him? He doesn’t seem to be affiliated with the investor or Anthony.”
Tyler frowned deeply. “The name doesn’t ring a bell. Should it?”
Cory leaned forward, eyes narrowing. “Wait… Ormond. Wasn’t Debbie’s maiden name Ormond?”
Recognition hit Tyler as his body tensed. “John Ormond. It’s John McClay, their son. Damn. Why’s he using his mother’s maiden name?”
“Obfuscation.” Frazier nodded slowly. “Makes it harder for anyone checking financial trails.”
Tyler felt unease crawl up his spine. He knew John lived in Chicago, with a good job as far as what Justice knew.
“He called Justice yesterday. He’s got a solid job, and from what I remember, he got an inheritance from their grandfather, probably to keep him from suffering the fate of his parents’ money mismanagement.
Christ, they must be putting the touch on him for money. ”
Cory looked over. “You’d think he would cut them off. Eventually, what he got from his inheritance will run out if he keeps that up. That’s odd that he keeps giving them money. ”
Tyler growled softly. “Suspicious or he just can’t say no to them.” He stepped away, pulling out his phone, anxiety prickling his chest. Moving toward the window for privacy, he dialed Justice’s number.
“Hey,” she answered warmly. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah, fine. Just wondering… is your cousin still in Chicago?”
Her tone grew curious. “Yeah. Still in Chicago. He said he was working as a marketing consultant. Why?”
Tyler’s jaw tightened, but he forced casualness into his voice. “No real reason. Just checking.”
“Should I text him?”
“No,” Tyler said quickly. “Just curious. Thanks, sweetheart. Talk soon.” He hung up and stared out at the training field, feeling his thoughts race.
He didn’t feel any better knowing John was still in Chicago, wondering how involved he still was with his parents. While he normally wouldn’t question someone’s relationship, he was under the impression that John wanted to get as far away from Jordy and Debbie as he could.
By lunchtime, Tyler felt exhaustion tugging at his concentration. His eyes blurred from endless financial statements, money trails looping through his mind without conclusion. Frustration built, evident as he groaned aloud.
“I know shell companies are meant to hide money trails,” he said to Landon, who’d paused near his desk. “Could Anthony’s investor in New York use Anthony’s company as a shell?”
Landon nodded thoughtfully. “Almost certainly. And Anthony’s probably doing the same—paying people indirectly. It’s messy, but intentional.”
“So how the hell do we unravel this?” Tyler muttered, determined to find the missing link.
“Do what Sadie always recommends,” Landon suggested. “Trace the money backward from Jordy and Debbie. Where’s it coming from?”
Refocusing, Tyler scrolled through the McClays’ accounts. “Their checking barely covers monthly bills. Their savings are minimal. John deposits funds monthly, but Jordy always withdraws quickly and usually cash.”
He hesitated, a suspicion hardening. Jordy had a gambling habit, and it was likely Debbie had her own spending habits.
Nail salons. Online shopping for knockoff designer bags and clothes.
Tyler scrutinized further, noticing increased deposits aligning suspiciously with Anthony’s initial approach seven months earlier.
Cole walked by, noticing Tyler’s tense expression. “Finding anything?”
“Just a lot of uncomfortable coincidences,” Tyler admitted.
“That’s investigation,” Landon said. “You follow hunches until something sticks. Don’t dismiss coincidences—they often lead straight to answers.”
With Landon’s advice echoing in his ears, Tyler continued his meticulous search, determined.
Throughout the afternoon, the workroom hummed quietly as team members came and went.
Tyler admired the flexibility and dedication.
Mary, ever perceptive, had quietly placed sandwiches on the tables.
Tyler gratefully accepted one, nodding appreciatively.
Another reminder of Logan’s thoughtful leadership.
Hours slipped by in meticulous analysis, the pieces slowly converging. Tyler felt sure that Jordy, Debbie, or John McClay had become central to Anthony’s operation. Which one? He didn’t know. And what pissed him off was that it wasn’t just about money, but family being manipulated into betrayal.
He leaned back, massaging his temples. It was personal now, tangled in deceit and danger.
Tyler was determined to unravel every knot, not only for Justice's sake but also for their shared future. His resolve hardened as he dove back into the records, vowing silently that Anthony Milton wouldn’t get away with the strong-arm tactics he was using.