Walter coughed lightly. “I—uh—don’t usually get mentioned in legal strategy.”
Bertra tilted her head. “Maybe you should. You’re much easier to look at than your average federal agent.”
What was happening with the flirting? “One more question,” Laurel said smoothly. “What’s going to happen here that got Tyler Griggs killed?”
Bertra looked up. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Laurel studied her. Her tone hadn’t changed. Her posture hadn’t shifted. But her breathing and blink rate had accelerated. Barely—but enough.
“You have no plans for an event or a test that might be dangerous?”
Bertra drew back. “No.”
Movement sounded and then Henry Vexler strode inside, this time wearing a dark brown and silky-looking suit with a red power tie. “I’m attacking the warrant. This interview is over.”
Laurel lifted her head. “What a surprise.” She cocked her head. Vexler had discovered the investigation into Detective Robertson from Rachel and Sandra. How in the world had he learned about this? “How long have you represented Oakridge Solutions?”
He smiled perfectly pearly white teeth. “That’s none of your concern.”
Either the man had a source inside the FBI, or—Wait a minute. Laurel reached for her phone and texted Agent Norrs:Did you tell Abigail about the warrant for Oakridge Solutions Labs?It would behoove Abigail to have her attorney mess with Laurel’s head for the next couple of weeks.
Not sure. Might have mentioned it in passing. Why?
In passing? Right. For goodness’ sakes. That man was truly lost.Because her lawyer is here messing up my investigation.
Agent Norrs didn’t answer again.
Vexler leaned against the doorjamb. “How about we make a deal? I’ll let you continue questioning my client, so long as I get to ask questions of you as well.”
Laurel stood and smiled at Dr. Yannish. “You’re not his focus and should secure alternative representation.”
Bertra slowly turned her head to look at Vexler. “Is this true?”
His smile didn’t dim. “Not in the slightest. I’m very capable of multitasking.” He gave one slow wink. “Agent Snow, you and I are going to become very close. You might as well give in now.”
Chapter 30
TheSUVidled in the far corner of Red Rocket Burgers, where the parking lot gravel gave way to dry weeds and empty soda cups. The sun was low and orange behind the hills, casting long shadows and bathing the cracked pavement in gold.
Laurel Snow sat in the back of her own SUV, wedged between Huck Rivers and Officer Tso. Walter was at the wheel, his gaze scanning every car that passed on the two-lane road in front of them. The windows were cracked, as the rain had finally let up.
Laurel picked at a cooling container of fries, more out of habit than hunger.
“Tell us about the labs,” Huck said, finishing his burger.
“We found yew tree derivatives in the lab,” she said, her voice low. “Mostly alkaloids with neuroprotective potential—early stage compounds. They’re testing them for dementia. Legit research, by the looks of it.”
Huck glanced at her. “Nothing that would hurt anyone?”
She shook her head. “No sign of human trials. No pathogens, no toxins, and nothing biohazardous was found. We discovered no trace evidence that connects to the deaths. The place was spotless.”
Huck chewed a fry like it had personally offended him. “What about the Defense Department contracts?”
“There are random procurement records,” Laurel said. “We found nothing to do with the yew compounds, but the evidence response team might find more than we did. They’ll have mountains of paperwork to go through.” She checked the clock. “She should’ve passed by now.”
“She will,” Walter said without turning.
“I shouldn’t have left her,” Laurel muttered. “I hate this.”
