Ian shut off the audio. “I’ll give you a copy.”
Luke scowled. “The bigger problem is whether it was an accidental or purposeful leak?”
“We need to interview our people and Sophie,” Ian said.
Yates frowned. “There’ve been some developments on our end. Between our people and Bailey on your end, we’ve been fortunate with the press. At least until last night.”
Samuels handed Ian and Luke a file. “Seems Cassie’s story is a tabloid dream, and Ian—I’m sure you’ve heard ‘Beltway Billionaire’ a few times. An exposé is supposed to run on Wednesday in the Washington District News. This is going to get ugly. A lot of unwanted attention. Think about it: sex, money, politics, and murder. The story suggests a sordid love triangle since Metro confirmed Ames was one of her attackers six years ago. Our legal folks think we can get some preventative traction using the rape shield laws.”
Ian shook his head. “I’ll notify my legal team. Let it run. If you stop it, you confirm the sexual assault. Perhaps some politician will be found cheating with her best friend’s husband and throw us off the front page.”
Samuels bit his lip. “I understand. With Ames dead, we won’t be able to get answers from him about why he attacked her. Did she give him any idea she recognized him?”
“To the contrary, she apologized for not remembering him. We think he intended to assault her. He only stabbed her when she fought,” Ian said.
“What does she say?” Samuels asked.
“She’s still in a precarious condition. I haven’t asked her yet,” Ian admitted.
“We may never know. It’s obvious, with the latest attempts, there are more interests involved,” Yates said.
“Detective Andy Blake will be by in an hour. I can see what he says. My team has spent a lot of time searching for anything Cassie and Ames had in common.”
* * *
Ian sat in his home office sorting through the pages of Cassie’s police file. The close-up photographs and physical examination report sickened him. The attack was more brutal than he imagined.Maybe it’s good she doesn’t remember much.His phone interrupted his thoughts. “Chase.”
“It’s Mia. We have two in custody. Hired help. Money was dropped in a trash can with directions to dig up and destroy the baby. Original contact was made with a note under a motel door. I’ve got tech pulling video from the area, but I’m not holding out for much.”
“Did they rob the grave?”
“Yeah, we found the casket in the trunk.”
“Sweet Jesus. Did they realize they had the wrong baby?”
“They were planning on going back tonight.”
“How were they supposed to provide proof?”
“The baby’s ankle bracelet.”
Ian gritted his teeth. “Convince them it would be in their best interest to cooperate. Get them a tag and let them make the drop.”
“I’ll keep you posted.”
* * *
After Cassie awoke from another nightmare, Lillian helped her change from her perspiration-soaked gown. “A little baby powder and sunlight will make you feel better. How about a delicious shake?”
Cassie tried to drink it. “I’m scared, Lil.”
“Doll, you are as safe as can be here with top-notch security. Hunter Montgomery and your boys are the best. Don’t tell the big galoots I said so.”
Cassie forced a smile as she sipped. “I’m not scared of that. I’m scared of me. My brain is playing tricks. I’m all over the place. Nothing makes sense. I can’t tell what memories or nightmares are. Look what I did to Eric.”
Lillian raised her brow. “Is that all?”
Cassie frowned. “Look around. All this care. All this attention from everyone. I don’t deserve this.”
