“Apparently, there’s a discrepancy on some of the documents relating to the job in Kunar. Derek has connections far beyond even my father. Plus, the guy’s a literal genius. It’s only a matter of time before he figures out what really happened. Once he does, the person or people behind it all will most likely be charged in the deaths of those poor soldiers.”
Martin nodded but remained silent as he reached out and pressed the button with the big ‘G’ on it.
“It doesn’t matter how long it takes,” Brynnon continued. “Grant and I are going to see those responsible are brought to justice.”
Martin cleared his throat. “You know, Bryn. I get that you and Grant are a thing and you have a lot of faith in his team’s abilities, but you shouldn’t get your hopes up too high.”
“What do you mean?”
“Just that, with Charles Wright dead and the private investigator he hired missing, it seems to me the case has reached a dead end.”
“I have to do thisbecauseWright is gone.”
The elevator stopped and the doors opened. Stepping out, Brynnon followed Martin down the hall, trying her best to make him understand.
“Don’t you see? Martin, there is a very good chance someone who worked at Dad’s company, probably someone you and I both know, tampered with those documents. Why would they do that, unless it was to cover something up?”
Agitated, Martin shot back with, “Like what?”
“A direct link to the bridge collapse. I don’t know for sure yet, but I’m telling you, there’s something there. We just have to find it.”
As he continued down the long corridor, Martin thought a moment before speaking again. “Fine. We can keep looking, but let me handle it.”
“You?” Brynnon frowned.
“Sure. I worked for Cantrell Construction, remember? And as you know, I’m very familiar with the way things were done. Why don’t you give me the documents? I can look them over and see if I notice anything unusual. Maybe I can figure out what it is you think you’re missing.”
Brynnon shook her head. “I can’t.”
“Why not?”
She stopped to look at him. “Because I think whoever’s responsible is the same person who put that bomb in my cabin. I also think they shot Billy. If I involve you, then you could end up being the next target.”
He ran a hand over his jaw. “I’m sure whoever did those things is long gone by now. Besides, I can take care of myself.”
They turned down another hallway. Seeing a doctor and two nurses walking toward them, Brynnon waited until they’d passed and were out of earshot before continuing.
“I think you’re wrong,” she said bluntly. “I think the person is closer than we realize. And I think that same person shot Billy.”
“Why would they go after him?”
Brynnon shook her head, sick to her stomach from what she was about to say. “I think my brother knew about the cover-up. I also think he may have even been involved.”
This time, it was Martin who stopped. Going pale, he asked, “Why would you say that?”
“He sounded off when we spoke last night. There was something in his voice.” She swallowed down the knot of guilt she felt for even thinking these things about her own brother.
“So why shoot him?”
“That, I don’t know. Maybe the shooter was trying to tie up loose ends. Or, maybe Billy threatened to tell the truth. All I know is I can’t stop now. If I do, that means the cabin and Billy...it was all for nothing. I have to see this through to the end.”
“Even if it kills you?” he challenged.
Brynnon looked back at him with conviction. “Even if it kills me.”
Martin studied her for a moment before he began walking again. “What about your father? A scandal like that could ruin his career as a United States Senator.”
And there it was. The real reason Martin wanted her to walk away from the investigation. He didn’t give a shit about her safety. All he was concerned about was her father’s career. Or, more accurately, his career.
