Tony grunted. “You mean how long until he finally gives up and decides it’s too risky to keep her alive?”
CHAPTER
THIRTY-ONE
Tony and River were still discussing how to proceed with Jeffrey Bailey when Tony’s phone rang. While he took the call, River gave Watson one last fry. He seemed to understand that his special feast had come to an end and went back to his bed.
River began writing in a new section of her notebook. She started by making notes about Jeffrey, but she couldn’t figure out a way to continue. She would love to get a warrant for Jeffrey’s bank accounts, but there wasn’t any way for her and Tony to do that. When they worked for the FBI, they never had to think about things like that. At this point, she realized that all she and Tony could do was to turn their suspicions over to Detective Armbruster. She had to wonder if they were already investigating Jeffrey. She looked up Armbruster’s number and called him. He picked up right away. First, she asked about Nathan.
“He’s doing pretty well,” the detective said. “We’re talking about letting him go home but keeping an officer with him. Security has been beefed up even more at the apartment complex, and we feel it would not only be safe for him, but that he would be more relaxed.”
April’s first reaction was negative. Keeping Nathan in another location seemed the most secure decision. But she knew if she were in his shoes, she’d want to go home too. She felt certain the detective wouldn’t let him leave unless he was convinced Nathan wouldn’t be in danger.
“I need to talk to you about something else,” River said. “I feel a little silly even bringing this up. I know you’re investigating Kevin’s murder, and that you’re also looking into April Bailey’s podcasts in case there’s a connection. We gave you everything we have, and Tony has been emailing updates about her cases, some of which I’m sure you’ve already found on your own.”
“That’s true, and your updates have been helpful, but right now, we have to concentrate on Kevin’s murder. We’re trying to come up with possible suspects. People Kevin knew. April Bailey’s cold cases haven’t been our main focus.”
“So, you don’t think her podcasts might be connected to Kevin’s death?” River asked. “His connection to Nathan Hearn is obvious. Kevin was killed because he saw the man who threatened Nathan.”
“We realize that, but that could be for a myriad of other reasons.”
River was confused. How could he not see that Kevin was killed because Nathan came to see them about April? She said as much to Detective Armbruster.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “We’re just not sure Kevin Bittner’s death is connected to the podcasts of a young woman who fancied herself an amateur detective.”
Now River understood. “Have you looked at her site? Read her notes?”
“No. Of course, we can’t do that now. But my partner is going through everything you sent us. So far, she hasn’t seen anything that has overly concerned her. She did mention that some of the cases have already been solved by real law enforcement officers.”
River was trying not to lose her temper. Was this guy more concerned about his ego or solving the case?”
“Okay, look. Tony and I were just wondering if you were looking into Jeffrey Bailey.”
“Yes.”
He didn’t seem to want to expand on his one-word response. She looked over at Tony, who was off the phone and was watching her. She rolled her eyes.
“We just wanted to point out that Jeffrey Bailey isn’t April’s biological father, and that her mother was murdered when she was young. There’s a trust fund that Jeffrey oversees. April hasn’t taken any of the money yet. If she doesn’t show up for five years and is declared dead, most likely the money will go to him. We think you should check that out.”
“You think we should check it out?” The detective sighed. “Look, Miss Ryland, we do know how to investigate a crime. As I told you, we are looking into everything that might be connected to Mr. Bittner’s murder. And yes, we are also looking into Mr. Bailey. However, he has a solid alibi for the time of Kevin’s murder. And he wasn’t anywhere near the guard house the night the letter was dropped off to Mr. Hearne. Also, he was cleared of his wife’s murder years ago.”
“Thank you for sharing that, but . . .”
“Yes?”
River fought back a sudden rush of anger. This guy was treating her like some kind of naïve idiot who had no idea what she was talking about.
“For your information, my partner and I were trained by the FBI and worked for the BAU. We both served with distinction for several years. We do know what we’re doing. I’m telling you that Jeffrey Bailey may be involved in this.”
Armbruster snorted. “I’m trying to make it clear to you that we have things well in hand. If we need your help, we’ll let you know. I’m sure Nathan will contact you if we move him back to his own apartment.”
Before River had a chance to respond, the line went dead. She was boiling when she slapped her phone down on her desk.
“Whoa. What’s got you so upset?” Tony asked.
River told him about her conversation with the detective.
“I can see his point of view,” Tony said. “I mean, he doesn’t really know us. I don’t get the feeling that he’s stupid. I’m pretty sure he’ll look into Jeffrey with an open mind. He has no reason to cover for him.”
“He says he did,” River said, unable to keep the irritation out of her voice. “But he needs to dig deeper . . .” She took a deep breath. “Couldn’t you tell Arnie . . .”
“No.” Tony looked at her through narrowed eyes. “You can’t ask me to tattle on Detective Armbruster like he’s some kind of kid and I’m his babysitter. We just started wondering about Jeffrey Bailey, and it sounds like they already looked into him. That means they’ve been one step ahead of us. I know your ego may have been injured by this guy, but no one can take away your years of service and your incredible ability to see things most people never do. Just chill out and let’s keep working the case.”
“Did you just tell me to chill out?”
Tony grinned at her. “Yeah, but now I’m regretting it a bit. You’re still armed, right?”
River’s anger dissipated and she laughed. “Always.”
“Look, I know you’re probably concerned about Nathan going home, but if the complex has beefed up security and he won’t be alone, I’m sure it will be fine.”
“If you say so. I just want him to be safe,” River said.
“Well, maybe you’ll feel better when I tell you what that call was about.”
“Go for it.”
“I just heard back from the police in Walker, Michigan,” Tony said. “You know, about the missing mother, Emily Smallwood?”
