Lynch looked from the DDA to her once more. His instincts were no doubt humming. “Be aware, ma’am,” he warned, “that we may need to question you again once we’ve confirmed the information you’ve given us.”
Annette nodded. “I’m happy to cooperate. But now, I really must go.” She wondered if half this effort was being expended to solve Jazel Ramirez’s death. Of course not. She was no one. Insignificant.
“Thank you for your time.” Lynch closed his notepad and led the way to the door.
Tanner followed but not without pausing to look back once. Those dark eyes targeted hers, and she froze. In the five or so seconds that he held her gaze she understood indisputably that he wasn’t finished yet.
“In the event charges are filed, Ms. Baxter,” he said with a knowing look, “is there anyone we should call? A relative perhaps?”
Alarm flared.
Impossible.
He was guessing. Fishing for a reaction.
Whatever he thought he knew, he would not win this battle.
They were both good at censoring outward displays and manipulating others, but she had far more years of hardcore experience under her belt. He should admit defeat now.
“If the need arises,” she responded, “I’ll call my attorney.”
The corners of Tanner’s mouth lifted ever so slightly, and then he walked away.
Uncertainty congealed in her stomach.
He knew something. But how? That was impossible.
If he had discovered her sister ... he would have used that knowledge already.
Annette could not let that happen.
12:45 p.m.
Birmingham
Jefferson County Courthouse
Mayor Gordon Duke represented Birmingham’s old school. He served as mayor for the power and prestige, but he lived lavishly on the money he had inherited from his daddy. Educated at Auburn, he was an Alabama boy through and through. He’d made his share of enemies, but most of Birmingham’s citizens looked up to him as if he were the second coming of Christ.
Even at quarter of one on a Saturday his office was bustling with activity. The hallowed halls of the courthouse provided the perfectsetting for his ego. Always plenty of attention and no end to the ways to get into other people’s business.
“Ms. Baxter.”
Annette looked up from her phone as the mayor’s secretary approached. Annette had been waiting in the mayor’s private lobby for around fifteen minutes. He’d done that on purpose. Made her wait the same as she had been forced to make him.
“Yes.” Annette produced the requisite smile.
“The mayor will see you now.”
Annette uncrossed her ankles and rose from her chair. She followed the secretary, who matched the decor perfectly: antiquated yet classic.
They approached the mayor’s office. His door was open, and he was shaking hands with two gentlemen. His guests wore elegant business suits befitting a visit to this esteemed office. Both looked to be in their late forties to mid-fifties. Their mission was anyone’s guess.
“Ms. Baxter,” Gordon Duke proclaimed, drawing the attention of his guests to her arrival. “Come on in.” He met her in the middle of his vast office and gave her a welcoming but brisk hug. “It’s always a pleasure.” He drew back but didn’t release her shoulders. “Let me introduce you to two movers and shakers who are determined to invest in our fine city.”
Introductions were made leaving her less than impressed, and final handshakes were exchanged. Each man nodded politely to Annette as he passed on his way out. The secretary checked to see if Annette needed anything then closed the door.
The bright smile on the mayor’s face vanished before the thud of the door stopped echoing in the room. “What the hell do you want?”
