“Oh, I believe it’s part of why you’re here. The other part is to figure out if someone here killed Frederick—or has any idea who did.” Beads of perspiration dotted Rhodes’s brow, but he pressed on, determined to expose Monty’s hand. “I’m not an idiot, Montgomery. Edward didn’t hire any old security guard. He hired a PI, a retired police detective who’s worked every kind of violent crime, including homicide, in one of Brooklyn’s worst crime districts. He didn’t do that just so you could patrol the halls and make sure no bad guys with machine guns storm the place.”
Monty didn’t so much as blink. “That’s a pretty dramatic assessment.”
“Are you saying I’m wrong?”
“Nope. You’re dead-on, although I think you’re underestimating how worried Edward Pierson is about his family. As for the rest, my credentials aren’t a secret. Neither is what I’ve been hired to do. I’m just keeping a low profile so no one here freaks out. But, yeah, I’m not only patrolling the place, I’m investigating the murder. So’s the Warren County Sheriff’s Office. I’m just doing it a little more up close and personal. That’s the way Mr. Pierson wants it. Is it a problem?”
Rhodes’s jaw worked. “No. No problem. In fact, knowing Edward, I should have expected it. I’ll help in any way I can.”
“Good. And I’ll keep an eye out for your safety.” Monty paused. “Any thoughts as to who’d want Frederick Pierson dead?”
“Not a one. He was a tough businessman. A real ball-breaker when he had to be. That causes friction, jealousy, and resentment. But murder? No way.”
“What about in-house?”
“That’s even more far-fetched. We haven’t had so much as a resignation in the past several years. So it’s a leap to think an employee killed the company CEO.”
“Speaking of employees, what was the scoop with Louise Chambers and Frederick Pierson?”
A shrug. “They dated. Steadily, over the past six months. But they weren’t—what’s the word?—exclusive. They each saw other people. Obviously you knew that, since one of those people was your ex-wife.”
“True.” Monty nodded. “So, to your knowledge, there was no animosity, no lovers’ quarrel, going on?”
“Frederick was a private person. He kept his feelings to himself. As for Louise, she’s the consummate professional. So I wouldn’t know if they were on the outs. But, even if they were, Louise is no cold-blooded killer. You’re barking up the wrong tree.”
“I hear you.” Monty shut his notebook and rose. “That’s it for now. You’ve got a funeral to get to. I’ll find you later, and we can get down to brass tacks.”
“Brass tacks?”
“You know, the things that produce leads. Details of your current business ventures. Specific events and phone calls. Recent discord among family members. Special favors that went sour. Nothing the cops won’t ask.”
Rhodes didn’t reply. But his silence spoke volumes.
CHAPTER 11
Devon put on a touch of mascara, then stepped back to assess her reflection in the bedroom mirror.
Not too done up. Not too casual. Classic black silk slacks and a pale pink cashmere sweater.
Perfect for a date with the oh-so-smooth James Pierson.
A quick glance at the clock. Six forty-seven. Almost showtime.
Turning back to the dresser, Devon picked up her brush and ran it through her hair until it tumbled down her back like a silky curtain.
The telephone rang. Someone else in the house picked it up.
A minute later, there was a knock on Devon’s door and Meredith poked her head in. “For you. It’s Dad.”
“Of course it is.” Devon grimaced. “I’ll be with him in a minute.”
Meredith walked in and plopped down on the bed, reaching for Devon’s phone. “Dad? Hang on.” She was about to push the hold button, then paused, the receiver still pressed to her ear. “What? I’m fine. Yes, I got your message. I have a ton of work to do. We’ll see. Maybe. Yes, I’ll get back to you tomorrow. Here’s Devon.” She handed her sister the phone. “You look beautiful,” she told her.
“Thanks.” Devon studied Meredith pensively. “Can you wait here a sec? I’ll be off as soon as I’m prepped for battle.”
“Sure.” Meredith settled herself more comfortably and propped a pillow behind her head.
“Hey, Monty.” Devon tucked the phone under her chin and applied her lip gloss as she spoke.