“We have some additional questions about the investigation,” Jessie said. “Also, we need a list of the visitors who came to see my father, particularly those who were there the day he died. I was told you have that information.”
The major released a weary sigh. “I was hoping you’d be able to deal with what happened and move on with your life, Jessie. Obviously that hasn’t happened.”
“My father was innocent, Thomas. I intend to prove it.”
“You must believe I did my best to defend the charges against him. Espionage, larceny, and treason are extremely serious offenses. Everything pointed to your father’s guilt, particularly the hundred thousand dollars in his offshore bank account.”
“He explained that to you,” she said. “That’s what you told me. Someone set up the account in his name and put the money in to make it look like he was involved in the theft.”
“Yes, that’s what he said.”
“How did the CID find the account?” Bran asked.
“They had a warrant to search his home. MPs took his computer, among other evidence. The bank information was found on his laptop.”
Bran leaned forward. “Very convenient, wouldn’t you say? A secret bank account worth a cool hundred grand sitting right there on his computer—the payoff for deadly chemical weapons possibly worth a hundred times that much on the black market, maybe a whole lot more?”
Anson’s jaw subtly tightened. “Even if you’re right, there’s no way to prove it.”
“I guess we’ll see,” Bran said.
“The ME mentioned you had access to the security camera video,” Jessie said. “I assume you’ve looked at it.”
The major’s gaze swung back to her and the warmth returned. “Of course. There was only a limited amount of footage, but I didn’t see anything unusual.”
“What about the stolen munitions?” Bran asked. “Have they been recovered yet?”
“Unfortunately, the weapons are still missing. No sign of them has turned up so far.”
“Got any idea how much inventory was taken?” he asked.
“The information is classified so even if I knew—which I don’t—I couldn’t tell you.”
“Who’s leading the investigation?” Bran pressed.
“General Holloway, head of CMA. He’s working closely with the project manager at Weidner to locate them.”
“Weidner Engineering is the civilian operation in charge of weapons destruction,” Bran said just to clarify.
“That is correct.” Anson’s gaze returned to Jessie and softened. “I’m sorry this happened, Jessie. Your father chose me to represent him on the basis of my reputation. He could have hired civilian counsel, but he believed strongly in the military system of justice.”
“I know he did. I’m sure he had every confidence in you, Thomas.”
“Unfortunately, aside from what he told me, I have no way of knowing whether he was innocent or guilty. Either way, it was my job to defend him. I wish I’d had a chance to dig deeper into his case, perhaps find something that would corroborate his story. As it happened, time ran out.”
“I don’t believe time simply ran out, Major,” she said. “I believe someone murdered him. In order to prove it, we need that list of visitors. We may also need to exhume his body.”
Anson blinked, obviously surprised. “You would need some sort of grounds for that.”
“I understand. Once we have them, will you handle it for me?”
The major breathed out slowly and rose from his chair. “I’ll help if I can. It’s the least I can do.”
