But Beau kept driving, heading for the address she had given him, an office in a high-rise building on Main Street in the downtown financial district.
They parked in a garage beneath the towering glass structure. Cassidy noticed there were security cameras everywhere and several uniformed guards. The elevator took them up to the twenty-second floor.
The office of Equity Advance was impressive, with dark wood furniture and deep cinnamon carpets. A busty blond receptionist seated behind the front desk rose to greet them.
“May I help you?” The woman eyed Beau up and down, taking in the fit of his dark blue jeans and navy tweed blazer, noticing the leather patches on the sleeves. The wind had ruffled his wavy black hair, giving him a rakish appearance that only made him better looking.
“We’re here to see Malcolm Vaughn,” he said. “My name is Beau Reese. This is Cassidy Jones.”
Beau got a smile that didn’t extend to her. “I’ll see if Mr. Vaughn is available. Please have a seat. Is there anything I can get you, Mr. Reese?”
“No, thanks, we’re fine.” They sat down on a dark gray leather sofa in front of a glass-topped coffee table. Beau picked up aNational Geographicand began to thumb through the pages.
The blonde returned a few minutes later. “Mr. Vaughn isbetween appointments. He can speak with you for a few minutes.”
She gave Beau another exuberant smile. “I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you, Mr. Reese. Everyone in Dallas knows who you are. We’ve all watched you on TV.” Cassidy thought she might start drooling any minute.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been on the track,” Beau said, his return smile not encouraging.
“All right, then.” The blonde barely hid her disappointment. “If you will please follow me.”
She led them into a plush office done in the same dark wood tones. A tall, slender man in his late forties, attractive, with light brown hair and dark eyes, rose as they walked into the room. He came around to greet them.
“I’m Malcolm Vaughn. We’ve never met, Beau, but I knew your father. I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you,” Beau said, accepting the hand Vaughn offered.
“Ms. Jones.” He shook Cassidy’s hand, as well. “Please sit down. I’m afraid I don’t have much time. What can I do for you?”
They sat in stylish gray leather chairs in front of the desk and Vaughn returned to his ergonomic chair on the opposite side.
“I’m trying to clear up any of my father’s unresolved business. I understand he may have had dealings with you.”
Vaughn steepled his fingers. He seemed to be sizing them up. “If you’re asking if Equity Advance loaned him money, the answer is yes. On more than one occasion. The senator always paid it back.”
“So your company financed him on the apartment project in Iron Springs?”
“I didn’t say that. But as it happens, yes, some of the money he borrowed went into that project. It didn’t workout the way he planned, but I understand he survived the unfortunate fire without much of a loss.”
“And you got repaid?”
“That’s right.”
“Just to be clear,” Cassidy pressed, “the senator no longer owes you any money.”
He shot her a look, clearly not liking her interference. “No.”
“Is there anyone else you can think of the senator might have borrowed money from?” she asked. “Another company or individual, someone who might not have gotten repaid?”
Vaughn leaned back in his chair. “I understand the senator’s murder remains unsolved. I assume your questions have something to do with his death?”
“That’s right,” Beau answered. “I intend to find out who killed him. To do that, I need to know what was happening in his life at the time he was killed.”
Vaughn rose from behind his desk, a graceful man, almost effeminate. “The senator and I were business associates, nothing more. I wouldn’t know anything about his finances, aside from those that pertain to Equity Advance, nor would I have any idea who might be responsible for his death.”
His gaze remained on Beau. “After what I’ve read in the newspapers, I should think you would be wise to let the police handle the investigation.”
A muscle tightened in Beau’s cheek. He rose and Cassidy stood up, as well. “Thanks for your time,” Beau said. “I appreciate your seeing us on such short notice.”
