Moffit had been hired a little over a year ago. The man who had held the job before had been targeted for investigation, but he died of a massive heart attack before any criminal filings. There was no indication that Moffit continued any illegal practices. Efren didn’t think Stan was that bright.
“He’s kind of like the high school nerd who really wants to fit in with the cool kids but just can’t. At times I think he’s completely harmless. But the love of money can change anyone’s personality.”
The task force’s overarching investigation had been in progress for over a year and involved countless man-hours. Everything had hit a snag when Efren disappeared.
Requesting the assignment had been Ben’s idea.
“It’s another trafficking case,”he told Efren.
“But we won’t get in on that part of it; they need a team on the money side.”
“The money side is just as important. Dry up the money, we dry up the crime.”
“Okay, I trust your judgment, partner. Let’s follow the money.”
The memory pierced Ben. “You trusted me, partner, and look what it got you.”
He shook away the pain because now was no time to sink into destructive, fatalistic thinking. The fact that Efren had dropped off the face of the earth made Ben do something unconventional and out of policy, something in retrospect maybe he should not have done.
The day before he took Bucshon from Lainie, he’d contacted Evangeline Moffit and explained as much as he dared about the investigation into Vine. They met at a local coffee shop in Long Beach: Grounds Bakery & Cafe. He tried hard not to alarm her and explained that Vine was under investigation, not her husband, but he could not guarantee that Stan might not be entangled. To her credit, she took the news stoically. Things had been off with her husband until recently.
“I don’t know what to do with what you’re telling me. For a few months now, I’ve feared that Stan is having an affair. But a couple of weeks ago, he came to me excited because he got a bonus at work and he was taking me to Hawaii for a honeymoon we never had.”
Ben didn’t know what to do with that information. Vine was not known as a generous boss. Before he could respond, Evangeline continued.
“Is my husband into something illegal? Are my children in jeopardy?”
“I don’t believe so as far as your children are concerned.”
“Okay, okay, then how can I help you?”
“Have you ever heard the name Efren Gomez?”
“Yes, I know Efren. He works for Stan, but he’s a good friend. I saw him at the car wash the other day.”
“What day?” Ben perked up. She might be the last person to have seen Efren—he hated to use the wordalivebecause it meant that the opposite was a real possibility.
“On Friday morning. I wanted to get my car washed before I got too busy getting ready for vacation. He is the best detailer Stan employs.” Distressed, she paused, and then asked, “Don’t tell me, is he a bad guy as well?”
“No. But right now, he’s missing. Has your husband mentioned him at all? Maybe wondering where he is?”
She shook her head. “Do you want me to ask?”
“No. Don’t mention my visit or Efren to your husband at all. All I’m asking is that if you hear anything about Efren, or see him, that you give me a call.” Ben slid a business card across the table. “If that makes you uncomfortable, then forget I asked. I don’t want you to feel any pressure.”
“I’ll need to think about this request. You’re asking me to go behind my husband’s back. And to keep secrets from him.” She twisted a napkin with both hands.
“Yes, I am. If this request bothers you, say no.”
“It’s not that.” She paused and sipped her coffee. Ben could see by her expression that she was fighting a battle within.
“We’ve been such strangers lately. The second honeymoon is an answer to prayer. It feels like I have my husband back after a long separation. He insists that we’re fine, we’re just comfortable marrieds, and that the trip to Hawaii will bring back the romance. I’m not likely to see or hear anything about Efren until we get back.”
“I understand. I pray that you have a great time and that Efren will show up and you can forget I ever contacted you.”
Thinking about that conversation, two big questions bounced around in his mind: Did Moffit kill his wife? If so, was it because Ben had spoken to Evangeline? Was he responsible for the woman’s death? Ben prayed the answer to both questions was no.
Mind swirling with curiosity about this shark attack, he changed into shorts and flip-flops and headed out of the hotel for the beach. It was time to view the scene and talk to people. Was it a crime scene or simply the scene of a tragic accident?
