Mads shook his head. “No. Nor was Mads’ watch, which was sitting on the other bedside table. Only the letter was missing, which suggests an interest in that item in particular.”
I huffed and eyeballed Austin. “Can’t think who might be interested in that, can you?”
Wright ignored the comment. “Why didn’t you mention this when we were there this morning?”
I looked to Mads and then away. “Because we can’t prove anything, and because I knew you’d look at me just like you’re doing now.”
Wright barely blinked. “And how would that be?”
“Like I’ve lost my fucking mind.” I dropped my head forward with a sigh. “And maybe I have.”
The corner of Wright’s lip twitched but he kept his thoughts to himself. Instead, he questioned what Mads knew about theletter before asking if there was anyone else who could verify its existence.
Mads’ warm hand landed on my forearm. “Did you show Samuel?”
I grimaced. “No. I read it to him over the phone and we talked about it, but he didn’t actually see it.”
Wright interrupted, “Your brother-in-law, the cop, right?”
I nodded.
“Then get him on the phone.” Wright exchanged a weary look with the constable standing in the doorway, taking notes. “Hopefully we’ll get more sense out of him than these two.”
Ignoring the barb, I got Samuel on the line and handed Wright my phone. He kept his eyes on me as they talked, but the one-sided conversation offered little indication as to whether Wright was buying our story or not.
“Yes, he is.” Wright looked me up and down. “A background check, huh?”
Shit.If running a background on Austin got Samuel in trouble with his boss, I’d never hear the fucking end of it. Not to mention, the man would likely never help me again. The worst of it, I’d deserve it.
Whatever Samuel was telling the man, the conversation went on way too long to be comfortable. Finally, Wright gave a bark of laughter, followed by another of those enigmatic looks and an amused, “I can see that. A pain in your arse? You don’t say.” Wright shot me a wide grin. “You have my sympathy.”
While Mads struggled to keep a straight face, the fucker, I rolled my eyes and wondered how much time I’d get for murdering my brother-in-law.
Eventually, Wright finally ended the call and handed my phone back. “Your brother-in-law backed up your story. He believes Chloe is your mother and added there is no way on this blue earth that you’d be involved in her disappearance, if for noother reason than he would personally string you up. He said that although it pained him to admit it, he could vouch for your honesty, if not your tact.”
I changed my mind. Murder was too good for the man.
“Always the comedian,” I growled under my breath. “So, you believe me then?”
Wright waggled his hand. “Let’s just say I’m willing to give you some leeway for the moment.”
Finally.“What about him?” I pointed at Austin. “You haven’t even asked him about the bank accounts.”
Austin’s gaze locked on mine. “What are you talking about?”
Belinda frowned and looked to her partner. “What’s he talking about, Austin?”
“Nothing,” Austin spat, keeping his gaze fixed on me. “He’s just stirring trouble.”
The constable deposited the statements in Wright’s hand, and the detective handed them to Austin.
Austin glowered at the wad of papers. “What are these?”
“Account statements going back six months,” I answered before Wright had a chance to. “Chloe took us to her bank yesterday. She asked me to consider having power of attorney over her finances. I said I’d need to check out her accounts first and see what was involved, what with your comments about her mental acuity and all. I wanted to make sure I had up-to-date information.”
Austin’s eyes blew wide, and this time, he looked genuinely shocked.
The sight appeased my bitchy little heart.
