“We also believe the same person who killed the agent returned yesterday for Dominique.”
“Dear heavens, this is preposterous. But she’s okay…?”
“She’s fine, but her friend was caught in the crossfire. He’s in the hospital, fighting for his life.”
“Tragic. I had no idea about any of this.” He was doe-eyed, and his mouth kept opening and shutting, like a fish gulpingwater.
“Though, why would you?” she countered. “Now we understand that Ms. Sharp was here, in DC, to discuss business on Friday. Was that so?”
“Yes. I sure hope she’ll still want to go ahead.”
“I don’t think anything could stop her.” Considering that a threat on her life wasn’t slowing her down, Amanda imagined nothing could change her mind once it was made up. No matter what the cost.
“That’s reassuring to hear. I’m looking forward to all this being over and done with.”
Amanda would have expected more gumption from the head of a generational firm. Also the way he made it sound, he was washing his hands of the entire business. “I’m surprised to hear you say that.”
“Because my great-great-granddaddy founded the place? Well, I’ve done my part for his legacy. Now, I’m looking forward to some peace and quiet. And lots of golf.”
Howard seemed to say all the right things, but there was a false note in his voice. But if she was going to validate that suspicion, she’d need to finesse it from him. “Golf seems to be a favorite pastime among lawyers.” Of course, she based this ononepartner from Dominique’s firm.
“It helps focus the mind.”
That wasn’t Amanda’s experience the one time she tried it.Slow,tedious, andmind-numbingwere all apt adjectives. She preferred something with a little more speed or levity. Though mini golf was fun. Speaking of, she needed to get Zoe out for that this summer.
“I enjoy it sometimes,” Trent put in. “But it’s not my sport. I prefer baseball.”
Amanda glanced at him, learning something new. He nodded at her, so she took it to mean he wasn’t just trying to relate to Howard. But she didn’t want them to get too offtopic here and steered the conversation back to the sale. “Mr. Gabay?—”
“Just call me Howard, please.”
“Howard, considering your great-great-grandfather’s legacy, don’t you have any children who might want to take over, step up in your place?”
“My son works here. He’s an exceptional lawyer and a junior partner at the firm.”
“What is your son’s name?” Trent asked, now with his notepad and pen out.
“Sullivan Gabay. But you don’t need to be writing that down.” He wriggled a pointed finger toward Trent’s hand as it was busy making the note.
“What will happen to Sullivan once the sale goes through? Will he stay on to represent the family name?” Amanda was reaching because she could see Dominique stripping the Gabay name off the letterhead in a blink.
“Sully’s fine with whatever happens.” Howard waved a dismissive hand. “Dominique has spoken of keeping him on, but if she doesn’t, he’ll be fine.”
Amanda was unsettled by how easily Howard dismissed his son’s feelings. In Sullivan’s place, she couldn’t imagine being too thrilled at the prospect of being kicked out the door. “I don’t know a lot about these types of contracts, but I’m sure you could have worked it into a clause that your son would keep his job.”
“I could have, but I assure you I’m no monster. Honestly, I’m doing him a favor. He pushed through law school for me. He’s always had more of a shine toward the arts.” Howard rubbed the arm of the couch. “I’ve been friendly and cooperative. Now, it’s your turn, Detective. What really brings you here?” Howard’s eyes narrowed, showcasing the analytical lawyer behind them.
“All right, I’ll be frank.” She settled farther into her chair. “Acquiring your firm is a recent event in Dominique’s life,and it’s a big deal. It involves a lot of people. Some of whom might not be too happy with the sale.”
“So you suspect someone within my firm wants to kill Dominique to stop the sale?”
Amanda offered a slight shrug. “It’s just one possibility.”
“We’ll I’m afraid you’re bound to be disappointed.”
“Then everyone here was pleased about the acquisition, including yourself? I know you mentioned golfing and a life of leisure, but are you happy with the terms of the sale?” She smiled at him, trying to set him at ease, trying to finessean honest response.
Howard’s eyes shot to Amanda’s, and the look in them shoved a spike into her gut. A slight flicker answered on his behalf. If she was right, Howard wasn’t pleased. But just what did that mean for the investigation?
