Page 37 of Backwater Justice

“It’s a chemical used in the synthetic manufacturing of opioids. Fentanyl, to be exact.”

“The pills,” Myra and Annie said in unison.

“So, what’s next?” Izzie asked.

Annie began to tick off the next few steps:

“Myra is going to ask Milton to offer you a job as the regional facilities director for the Cascade Inns. That will give you the opportunity to scope them out. Download the blueprints and surreptitiously check them against the physical buildings.”

“What about Oliver? Isn’t he in charge of them?” Maggie asked.

“We’re going to use the same story we came up with for Kathryn,” Myra added. “Since Milton is recuperating, he wants his sons to have some backup. Enter Kathryn in transportation, and Izzie at the Cascade Inns.”

Annie continued. “Maggie, you’re going to re-interview everyone. You’re doing a follow-up story about runaways. That will fit in with the latest disappearance of Lori George.”

“Does Milton know about it?” Izzie asked.

“I’m not sure. The news broke the night he was taken to the hospital, and he didn’t mention it this morning. We left around noon, but that’s a good point,” Myra said. “We’ll take a quick ride over to the hospital and let him know about the news. Or maybe that’s not a good idea. It may upset him.”

“Yes, but he has to be part of the ruse. He has to tell his sons he wants additional staffing until he’s up and about. It’s the only way Izzie can be introduced into the scheme.”

“Do you think he’ll go for it?” Charles asked.

“He doesn’t have a choice. He knows something isn’t right, and I know he wants answers,” Myra said.

“He may not like what we find out,” Izzie added.

“It’s better that he knows the truth than have things blow up in his face,” Myra pointed out.

“And he knows about us?” Maggie pointed to everyone.

“More or less,” Myra replied. “Surely not everything, but he trusts me enough.”

“He specifically asked for Myra. He had his wife call her.” Charles had a mischievous look in his eyes.

Myra pushed her face closer to the camera on her laptop. “You put a lid on it, mister.”

“Lid on what?” Maggie asked.

“None of your business.” Myra and Annie, again, in unison.

“Oooh.” Maggie pursed her lips.

Annie shot her a look that emphasizeddrop it. She quickly changed the subject. “What about a lab? We have to find out if there was anything in his drink.”

“Right,” Charles said. “We’re waiting for a call-back from a place just north of Salem. Should be shortly.”

“Do you want Avery to send his people?” Fergus asked.

Everyone glanced around the room. Fergus continued. “Probably a good idea. We’re still digging into the financials. Oliver has been spending a lot of money on renovations for the Cascade Inns. We’re checking invoices for anything dodgy.”

“What about employees? Those two in the hallway this morning that got run off by Oliver—Dickie and Bart. Need to get a handle on them,” Annie added.

“Sasha and Eileen?”

“Probably a good bet,” Charles said. “Put one of them on that Dickie fellow, and the other on Bart. Any man who would hit a young girl needs some follow-up.”

“We’ll get there, Charles.” Myra raised her eyebrows. “But what about Oliver? Someone needs to track him.”