“I’m sorry, I don’t recognize him either.” Lauren looked frustrated. “I wish I knew where Nelson met both of these people.”
“Talk to Agent Braun,” Griff said. “Once he interviews them, he may be able to shed some light on that for you.”
“Thanks, Griff. And please don’t forget to send that fraternity list.”
“Will do. Dom’s working on that now. He should have an email sent to you within the hour.” Griff disconnected from the line.
Lauren reached over to enlarge Karla’s picture. It was a rather unflattering driver’s license photo. “I don’t know what to think about her. It’s hard for me to understand why any woman would choose to get involved with someone who was serving time for manslaughter.”
“I’m sure they were involved prior to his arrest.” Grady nodded at the screen. “Unless she’s one of those women who are fascinated by prisoners.”
Lauren wrinkled her nose. “I personally don’t get the appeal. Why not cut her losses and find someone else? Nelson is not worth waiting for.”
He wasn’t sure what to say to that. Lauren knew Nelson better than anyone, having been married to the guy. It was possible Nelson had changed since their divorce, but he doubted it. “We’ll call Agent Braun next. Maybe she’s hanging onto Nelson because she’s helping him with these attacks in exchange for a big payout.”
“Good idea.” Lauren minimized the photo and sat back. He reached over to pick up the phone to make the call. He put the call on speaker so Lauren could participate too. This time, Agent Braun answered the call, rather than sending it to voice mail.
“Braun.”
“Agent Braun, this is Grady McFarland. We spoke earlier. I’m here with Lauren Chandler. We have you on speaker. We recently learned two people have visited Lauren’s ex-husband in jail over the past few weeks.” He quickly gave the FBI agent the details Griff had given them. “Lauren doesn’t recognize either of these individuals. She hasn’t been close to her ex since their divorce.”
“How did you get this information?” Braun asked.
“Through a friend.” Grady knew the federal agent could probably figure out they’d gotten the intel through Griff. “We understand these individuals don’t have a criminal record, but we think it’s worth interviewing them.”
“Oh, you do, huh?” There was no mistaking the sarcasm in Braun’s tone. “What makes you think they haven’t already been interviewed?”
Grady arched a brow at Lauren. “I guess I’d have expected you to mention that when you updated us on the case.”
Braun sighed loudly. “Okay, look, I appreciate your efforts to help. But we’re handling the investigation. All you need to do is to stay low and out of harm’s way until we have this guy behind bars.”
“Excuse me, Agent Braun, but it’s my daughter’s life that’s on the line.” Despite the polite words, Lauren’s voice was sharp. “If you think I’m just going to sit back and do nothing, you’re sadly mistaken. If I need to escalate my concerns to the governor or our state senators, I will gladly make some calls.”
Grady smiled encouragingly, then added, “Lauren has put her life on hold because of this, and Lucy is missing school. This has already gone on for longer than it should. I expect you to update us with the results of the interviews.”
Braun was silent for a moment, as if he was remembering how wealthy Lauren was. “Okay, fine, I’ll update you as soon as I have more information to share.”
Braun’s vague response made it clear the interviews had not been done. Grady managed not to mention that and simply thanked the agent and disconnected from the call.
“Maybe I should make some calls to the politicians my father supported.” Lauren’s expression was troubled. “I knew they didn’t seem to be moving on this case with a sense of urgency, but Agent Braun’s attitude made me want to smack him.”
“I understand, and I think you made your position on this loud and clear.” He reached over to take her hand. “I’m sure they’ll follow through with the interviews. Don’t worry. Now, I think the pizzas are probably done.”
Her blue eyes widened in horror as she jumped to her feet. “I forgot all about them!”
“It’s okay.” He rose and quickly took the hot pads from her hands. The pizzas were golden brown, not burned. He grinned and pulled them out. “See? They’re perfect.”
She flushed and shook her head. “You must think I’m lame.”
“Not at all.” He knew she could do everyday things. It was more likely that she wasn’t accustomed to doing them.
Lauren smiled ruefully, then called to her daughter. “Lucy, time to eat.”
“Aw, Mom, my show is still on!”
“I thought Captain Jack’s was your favorite?” Lauren asked.
“It is!” Lucy tore her gaze from the television, then scrambled off the sofa. “Okay, I’m coming.”
