Page 59 of Backwater Justice

“Hardly,” Fergus said.

“You know what I mean. I phoned him earlier and said I was looking into buying a new sports car for my birthday, and would he accompany me.”

“Didn’t he think it odd that you would go car shopping in Oregon?” Maggie, the inquisitive reporter asked.

“No. Because I told him I wanted to drive it back home. Take to the open road.” She shook her head and grimaced. “Give me a little credit for coming up with a good story.”

Myra laughed. “You always have a good story.” She looked at Maggie. “What time are you meeting with the George family?”

“Eleven. They both took time off work to try to unravel this mystery.”

“I think Benjamin should accompany you there. Show them the huge effort the family and the media are taking, regardless of local law enforcement.” Myra made a note to contact Benjamin as soon as they were finished.

“Speaking of which, I know the deputy sheriff told the George family and the employees at Spangler that the family had to wait twenty-four hours.”

“We know that’s rubbish,” Charles huffed.

“Yes, I disabused Jessica of that notion.”

“So why do you suppose the local officials are holding back?” Kat asked.

“Good question,” Annie answered. “There are too many intersecting situations here, and we know that powerful families can have far-reaching influence on anyone, including the law. Maybe not everyone, but it only takes one or two for a cover-up.”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Annie continued. “Kathryn and Izzie will be sharing the apartment at the main office.”

“Did anyone think that odd?” Fergus asked.

Kat chuckled. “I said we could braid each other’s hair.”

Fergus and Charles rolled their eyes. “Whatever it takes.”

Everyone echoed in unison: “Whatever it takes!”

“Let’s run this down again.” Annie went through the list:

1.Maggie interviews George family. Benjamin goes with her.

2.Izzie goes to Eugene.

3.Kat sniffs around office.

4.I go to Portland lab and then meet up with Oliver.

5.Sasha and Eileen scope out Bart and Dickie.

6.Fergus and Charles keep digging for more financials, also whatever certificates or permits may not be compliant.

Everyone was vigorously jotting notes and typing. “Milton is going to be released from the hospital tomorrow,” Annie added. “They are hiring a nurse who will come twice a day to take his vitals. He’ll be on a heart monitor, as well.”

“Glad to hear he’s going home. Seems like such a nice man,” Isabelle said.

Annie glanced over at Myra. Myra gave her a dagger stare in return. Annie giggled. Charles did not look pleased.

“Right. We shall reconvene tomorrow evening. Say, seven?” Charles asked.

“You got it!”