“I’m not letting you off the hook on this. Just tell me.”
“It’s just that whenever I talk to any of the team, that being Brandon’s team, it takes me back to when I helped them on that case. And how I messed up. Running in, nearly getting myself killed.”
“Though without your contributions, it’s possible the killer wouldn’t have been found and stopped.”
“I don’t know about that.”
“And sure, you got ahead of yourself, but I think it’s quite impressive that you were bold enough to insert yourself into an FBI investigation.”
“I saw a pattern of missing women in the area, and I couldn’t just ignore it.”
“Law enforcement needs more officers like you who aren’t afraid to take the initiative. Though don’t let it get back to Malone that I’m encouraging such behavior. He might view it as disregarding authority or going rogue.” She smiled.
“Well, I appreciate you saying that…”
“Hey, it’s the truth. But moving on… What do you suggest we do while we wait for Dominique’s firm to open?”
“I say we look up the principal players in her company and pull their backgrounds. I’m sure we could get their names off the firm’s website.”
“Works for me. At least we’ll be going in familiarized with the players.”
TWENTY-SEVEN
There were only two senior partners at Dominique Sharp’s firm, along with a handful of associates and paralegals. Nothing flagged in any of their backgrounds. Sharp & Associates was described on its website as a boutique firm, and it seemed like Dominique had built her business on representing the downtrodden before turning to clients with deeper pockets. Criminals.
When Trent pulled into the parking lot for the firm, Amanda took in the new building and immaculate landscaping. The grass was trimmed short like a golfing green, and the gardens that lined the walkway and butted along the front were all well-tended. There were several varieties of plants and a rainbow of blooms.
Trent pulled into one of the five spaces allocated for visitors. Four were empty, but one was taken by a PWCPD squad car. Amanda waved at Officer Cochran behind the wheel. She wondered if Traci had ticked off her sergeant to get stuck with this detail.
On the way to the front doors, the closest parking spot was assigned to Dominique Sharp, Attorney at Law. Hers was theonly space with a name and title. That and the prime location would remind Dominique’s employees of the pecking order every single day they came to work and walked past. Her Cadillac Vistiq occupied the spot.
The lobby inside was fresh and minimalist with sleek edges and lots of chrome. A woman was seated behind a long reception desk. She looked up when Amanda and Trent entered, but didn’t offer a smile or greeting until they got closer.
“Can I help you?” The woman was older than Amanda, mid-forties, and she took her job as the firm’s gatekeeper seriously, judging by the rigid set of her jaw.
Amanda drew attention to the badge on her waist. “We’d like to speak with Dominique Sharp.” She thought it was best they started there.
The woman stiffened and clasped her hands. “Do you have an appointment?”
Dominique must not have said a thing to this woman about the last several hours. “We appreciate that Ms. Sharp would have a booked schedule, but?—”
“Detective Steele?” A woman’s voice had Amanda turning around.
She faced a twenty-something with long, straight blond hair. “I am, and this is Detective Stenson.”
“And I’m Casey Branch. Ms. Sharp told me to expect you. Come with me.”
The woman at the desk narrowed her eyes as Amanda and Trent followed Casey, crossing behind reception to the hallways there. Casey took them to a spacious meeting room and gestured for them to enter ahead of her.
There was a credenza at the end of the room with a pod coffeemaker and everything necessary to make a coffee. A dozen white mugs with the firm’s name printed on them were set out. There was also a pitcher of water with several tall glasses. On the main table, surrounded by ten chairs, was a stack of folders.
Casey pointed at them and said, “Those are the threats on file against Ms. Sharp. They are cataloged with the most recent on the top. Now I know that Ms. Sharp promised you the paperwork and financials related to the purchase of Gabay, Finch & Earnest. I apologize I haven’t yet had the chance to gather all that together.”
“That’s fine, Casey. This is a great place for us to start.” Amanda offered her a gentle smile. She understood Casey was just starting her workday. It was impressive she already had the conference room set up with the threats on hand.
Casey dipped her head and went to leave the room, but Amanda called out, “Actually,” causing Casey to turn around.
“Is there something else I could get you?” Casey appeared flummoxed and overwhelmed. Her day’s schedule was likely full before these added responsibilities.
