Bill nodded an acknowledgment of that.
“Anyway, when we didn’t invite Brenda to join the pack, she went to the McCarthys and basically told them they needed to whip Cindy into shape or she wanted her money back.”
“Holy shit,” Thomas said. “That’s nuts. Do we have any clue why she wants to be here so badly?”
“No clue,” Adam said.
“I have some information to add,” Jen spoke up.
Myra waved for her to go ahead.
“Before I left tonight, I was going to ask you and Adam if you had time to meet with Olivia and I. She came to me the other day and said she thought there might be something off at the truck stop.” She paused until it was quiet again. “She didn’t have any proof, and didn’t want to accuse anyone without that, but she wanted me to be aware, and to ask my advice on how she might proceed safely. I told her I was going to check at the Sheriff’s Office, to find out if there were any old or active investigations, or even rumors about the business, and then we could meet with you guys and fill you in.” She nodded to Myra and Adam.
“I found out yesterday that there is actually an investigation. The guy in charge of it wasn’t in, but he was today. I spoke to him this morning and let him know that I have a friend who just started working there, and he showed me his files. They’ve suspected a money-laundering operation for some time, but haven’t been able to nail anything down.”
“Wow,” Joe said. “This is like living in a movie.” He seemed to think about how that might sound and grimaced at Olivia. “Sorry.”
She just shook her head.
“But why would Brenda send one of the pack to apply for a job there if she knew they were corrupt, and she wanted to be in our pack?” Cindy asked. “Maybe she doesn’t know?”
“Maybe,” Adam said. “Although the insurance thing is pretty shady, so…”
Jen shook her head. “No, she had to know, if she’s the one who tipped off the feds to try and get Olivia in trouble.”
“Oh, right.” Adam frowned. “Do we think what she did with Cindy’s parents is illegal? Can we get the feds to investigate that?”
“I don’t know insurance fraud,” Jen said. “But it can’t hurt to describe the situation to John and see what he thinks.”
Olivia cleared her throat slightly, then spoke, quietly. “I’ve had some time to think on the things I’ve found at work. I think I can help the police. I’d like to talk to Jen’s colleague.”
Myra nodded. “I think that’s a good idea. And Jen can tell her coworker that there’s a possible federal investigation he might want to check into.”
“I’d like to talk to John,” Jen said. “Find out if Brenda actually had enough clout to get an investigation started, or if they’re really just saying they’ll get someone to look into it. Either way, with Olivia being so new, unless she specifically told them that the truck stop hired Olivia to take over the criminal activity, I’m sure they’ll consider her at the bottom of their list of suspects. And with my office able to show that Olivia talked to me before Brenda contacted them, I don’t think you need to be too worried.” She reached over and patted Olivia’s hand. “We’ll get this sorted.”
“Cindy, do you think Brenda has, how did Jen put it? Enough clout to get an actual investigation started?” Candace asked. “It’s hard to imagine the FBI would be very interested in a small town truck stop.”
Cindy considered. “I think she’s pretty good at networking. I can imagine her keeping up certain relationships in case she might be able to use them to her advantage later. I think it’s possible she knows someone well enough to push for an investigation, but I also think Jen’s right, that Olivia’s newness in the position and the fact that she already went to the local police will keep this from getting out of hand.”
Adam looked at his watch. “Okay, it’s getting late, and Tasha and Joe have school tomorrow.”
Joe chuckled.
“We all know what the situation is. Jen and Olivia will meet with the guy investigating from the Sheriff’s Office. Myra and I will fill John in. We won’t go to Brenda’s alpha until we have a little more info. Olivia, if you’d like any one of us to go with you when you meet with…well, anyone, we’re here for you.”
Everyone around the table nodded.
“Seriously, Olivia,” Cindy said. “We want to be there for you. This is a pack issue, you’re just the one getting stuck with the shit detail. Please let us be there with you.”
She could actually see Olivia’s shoulders drop as the woman let go of some of the strain she’d been holding. “I would really like it if you, Adam or Jonas could be with me when Jen and I meet with the deputy.”
Cindy smiled. “You got it.”
“All right, let’s head home for now. Everyone, please try and be a little more aware of your surroundings for a while, just to be on the super-safe side, okay?” Myra asked.
More nods around the table and they all dispersed.
Chapter Thirteen
