“Let me see what I can do,” Spencer said. “Laura and Natalia were going shopping. I’d love to have the whole family there to see how they react. I’ll text Natalia and see when they’ll be back.”
“I would love to have each of them in an interrogation room by themselves,” Lucas said.
“I don’t think I can make that happen,” Spencer said. “Not unless we can find something that truly points to the senator. That would be different. Right now, if you think about it, there’s really not anything. The only evidence we have points to the fact that Diego Perez is innocent of Sydney’s murder and Josh was framed for both Amber and the gang member’s murders. But nothing more. We need something solid.”
“I think if we start by talking to them together, we might be able to get someone to mess up and say something they shouldn’t,” Maya said. “Maybe we need to go there with our own crazy idea.”
“I’m afraid to ask,” Lucas said.
Maya elbowed him. “Wuss. No, what if we said that we believe Josh killed not only Amber, but also Sydney? That we think Elena was onto something with Perez’s innocence? If we play it right, then maybe we can gain their trust and get someone to say something they shouldn’t.”
“It’s worth a try,” Spencer agreed. “I will warn you, though, as a defense attorney, if I were representing the senator, I would make sure this interview never made it in front of a jury.”
“But as an officer, maybe it will give us what we need to get evidence that can be presented to a jury,” Maya countered.
“True. I like the way you think,” Spencer said. “It’s not too late for you to go to law school.”
Juniper let out a little whine, which made Maya laugh. “No offense, but no thanks.”
“Josh always told me that same thing,” Spencer said. He glanced at his phone. “Natalia and Laura are about done shopping. She said they’ll be back at the Airbnb in about an hour and a half.”
“Perfect,” Maya said. “Let’s finish going through this evidence and then plan our questions.”
Juniper lay back down and gave a big sigh.
CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT
After making a list of notes and comparing pictures, Maya’s head was throbbing. Even coffee and ibuprofen didn’t seem to be helping. She stood and stretched. Juniper joined her, doing a downward dog and yawning. Maya knew, though, that she wasn’t that tired. Juniper had rested enough that if needed she’d be ready.
“I think you’re going to have your chance to work, girly,” Maya said, scratching her behind the ear. Juniper gave a good groan in response.
“Do I want to get in on this conversation and ask what that means?” Lucas said. “Or do I not want to know?”
“Never interrupt a handler and their dog,” Maya said with a laugh. “No, I had an idea. Josh, Elena, and Eric can’t be that far from my property. I mean, Eric leaves notes on a pretty regular basis. I can’t believe he’d hike all day to get to me. There are several options of places he could stay, including the recreation cabins where we found the body of the gang member. There’s a research center that’s pretty much only active in the summertime and there’s also some yurts. The thing is, by the time we drive to all of those, we could waste an entire day. So why not use Juniper to tell us which direction to go?”
Lucas nodded. “Good idea. That could narrow it down. You want to do that after we talk to the Bradfords or do that track with Rory while Spencer, Wayne and I talk to the Bradfords?”
“I want to go with to chat with the senator and his family. I want to see him squirm when we ask him questions.”
“Remind me to never make you mad, Tree Cop,” Lucas said.
“Don’t ever make me mad,” Maya said. “Let’s go to the senator’s Airbnb. Plus, I want to see this place. There’s all these new megamansions being built around here and I haven’t seen any of them yet.”
They all filed out of the conference room, Juniper by Maya’s side. They climbed in their vehicles, Juniper in her compartment, and Spencer led the way. As they left, Maya noticed all the reporters now camped out at the sheriff’s office—and a black SUV with Ian Bachar sitting in it. Was he watching them? Or just Maya? He and Tony had to know if they wanted to find Josh, she would be a good way to do it.
An idea started to form as she spied Payton in the middle of the pack.
Maya stopped and rolled down her window, motioning Payton over. Normally she’d never talk to a reporter, but in this case, she was going to break her rule. Hopefully Payton would go along with it. Giving her a surprised look, Payton came over to her vehicle.
“Hi,” Payton said, sounding unsure.
“Hey there,” Maya said. She rummaged through her glove box and found an old envelope. She wrote a note, put it in the envelope, and handed it to Payton. “I know this is going to sound weird, but I want someone to see me giving this to you. I’ll explain later. If you will just go along with it, I’d appreciate it. I’ll make sure you get information on what’s really happening when I can talk about it. I will still only be able to give you certain details, but I’ll make sure you get them first. Deal?”
“Deal,” Payton said. “I appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome,” Maya said. She put her vehicle in Drive and left. Hopefully Ian would wonder what she had given Payton and even wonder if it was some of Josh’s evidence. She didn’t want Payton to get hurt, but she didn’t think they would go after her yet.
Hopefully she was right on that.
