Shadow Of Suspicion

Mark’s phone buzzed. He kept his eyes on Laney as he pulled it from his belt. The woman wasn’t telling him everything, and he wasn’t ready to let this drop. But the phone call was from his partner, and he hoped Jim might have something new to move this case along.

“We have new information,” Jim said.

“What’s that?” Mark didn’t dare pull his gaze off the woman in front of him.

“Ms. Ryan’s in-laws never got that money she said she sent to them. Said they didn’t know anything about it.”

Mark watched as Laney stood against the wall, looking as rigid as a statue. Had his gut instinct been wrong? Was she guilty and trying to play him for a fool?

“Interesting. Any record of where it went?”

“Into a secret account,” Jim said. “The amount was just deposited yesterday. It would be the perfect amount of money to get away from everything. Ten thousand dollars would last a long time.”

His stomach twisted with disgust. Laney was obviously a great liar. The best criminals had looks that were deceiving. They hid in plain sight under the guise of being a good citizen. They won awards. They had no police record. Their pasts seemed to provide alibis within themselves.

Wolves in sheep’s clothing, he reminded himself.

They were out there, just waiting to strike.

He rubbed his jaw, more annoyed than ever. “How does the captain want us to handle this?”

“Same protocol. Keep an eye on her. He’s hoping she’ll lead us right to Sarah. If she really cares about the girl like she claims, she’ll have to get back to her eventually to check on her and give her food.”

“Not if she has a partner,” Mark said.

“I thought of that. But the woman’s a loner. Who would she be working with?”

“I’m not sure.”

“We’re looking into her records and trying to get in touch with her boss,” Jim said. “The number she gave us keeps on coming up as disconnected.”

“I’ll keep all of that in mind,” Mark muttered. That was another strike against her. They continued to add up. “Thanks.”

Mark hung up and turned to Laney. Her eyes were wide with anticipation, as if she knew something was wrong. He wasn’t letting her off the hook this time.

“You want to rethink your story?”

She stared a moment before shaking her head. She rolled back her shoulders, as if finding some kind of internal courage. “No, I don’t. I told you the truth.”

“Then explain why your in-laws know nothing about that money you supposedly sent to them.”

Her eyes became even wider. “I did send it to them. Just two days ago. Ten thousand dollars. My father-in-law has been out of work and dealing with multiple health issues. It seemed the least I could do. Nate would have wanted me to do it. I used part of his life insurance policy that I’d been saving for a rainy day.”

“The money never got to them.”

Her forehead wrinkled with confusion. “I was going to surprise them. I had a cashier’s check cut and sent out. I have no idea why they haven’t received it.”

“Can you explain why another bank account was opened in your name and the money was deposited there?”

Her lips parted. “You can’t be telling the truth. I didn’t do that. It doesn’t make any sense.”

“Computer records say you did.”

“Computer records are wrong.” She crossed her arms. “They can be manipulated.”

“How do you know that?”

“I have my PhD in computer science. I’m a software engineer, in simple terms. That’s why.”

Mark shifted, determined not to let this go. “Why isn’t your boss answering his phone?”

She tilted her head. “He hasn’t answered for me, either. Maybe something came up. It’s the only thing I can think of.”

“Maybe that’s because the company doesn’t exist.”

Her eyes widened with something close to panic. “Of course it exists. I’ve worked there for three years. Can’t you see that I’m being set up? I know you probably don’t believe me, but I’m telling you the truth.”

“Who would have had access to your information to do something like this?”

She shook her head. “I feel like a broken record, but I truly have no idea. Someone who’s better at computers than I am...” Her voice trailed and her eyes got a faraway look.

“What are you thinking?”

She fidgeted. “I work with computers and programming. If I could access my computer—”

“Then you could potentially delete more evidence against you.”

“I didn’t.”

“Maybe you’re working with someone?”

She shook her head more adamantly now. “No! I’m not. At least give me the chance to prove myself.”

“As soon as my partner is able to go before a judge, we’ll have a warrant for your arrest.”

Panic quelled in her gaze, and she gripped the wall again, as if she needed it to hold her steady. “No! Please. I just need time. I want to find Sarah just as much as you. Maybe even more.”

“There’s something you’re not telling me, Laney, and I intend to figure out what that is.”

She raised her chin. “If I’m not under arrest, then I need to ask you to leave.”

He stared back. “I’m not letting you out of my sight.”

“You’re violating my rights. Unless you’re arresting me, then leave.”

He considered his words carefully. His hands were tied there. The woman was right: he couldn’t force her to let him stay. But his boss had ordered him to keep an eye on her. “You’re making a mistake if you send me away.”

She stared back, a fire igniting in her gaze. “No, you’re the one making a mistake here. And I’m going to prove it.”