“Like the Domain?” Reese asked.
“Exactly like it,” Baz said from behind them. “One of those fancy shoppin’ venues that has both residential and office space built above the retail stores. They’ve got the details on their website.”
“Problem is,” Mathis continued, “the area’s made up of multimillion-dollar homes and a private country club.”
“Same club they belong to?” Reese asked.
“Correct.”
“I take it those members weren’t too happy about office and retail space encroachin’ on their fancy digs?” Brantley glanced at Reese. “Can’t say I blame ’em.”
“Not only the country club members,” the detective replied. “Also the residents, as well as the former owners of the land. They feel like they were duped.”
“When did the deal close?” Reese asked while JJ’s fingers flew over the keys on her laptop, clearly taking notes.
“June fourth. They’re set to break ground early next year.”
“Three and a half months ago?” Brantley wasn’t sure that tied well enough. Quite a lag. If someone wanted the partners dead because they were upset by the deal, probably would’ve made a move sooner. Back when tensions were highest. “Why do you think their deaths are related to the sale?”
“It’s only one of the things that tie them together,” Mathis said. “We’re pursuing other leads, but nothing’s popped yet.”
“It makes sense in a way,” Reese mused. “What better way to stop the project than kill off the men who now own the property?”
“That’s definitely motive,” Detective Mathis said, agreeing with Reese.
Brantley shot a look at Baz. “I want more about this company. Who’ll take control if all partners are eliminated?”
Baz nodded, turned toward his computer.
“Did you speak to Cedric Hawkins after his partners turned up dead?” Reese asked.
Mathis nodded. “Based on the notes, we did, yes.”
We, notI.Brantley wasn’t sure what help Mathis would be since he didn’t seem to be up to speed on the case.
“Did he think it was related to the sale?”
“No, he didn’t. He said they’d had some communications with the country club and some of the other local businesses. They were smoothing things out.”
“Doesn’t mean someone wasn’t still pissed,” Brantley told him.
“True. We haven’t ruled anyone out completely.”
“Any suspects? I mean, specific ones? Not the general public,” Reese inquired.
“Have you looked into those closest to them?” Brantley asked. “Spouses?”
“As usual, we look at the spouse first. The wives have solid alibis, as do Seth Jacobs’s grown children. Now we’re looking into those who’ve made threats, but that’s taking time.”
“There were a lot?”
“Dozens. Emails, letters, phone calls. Like I said, there were quite a few people upset by the reveal.”
“And Hawkins?” Brantley asked. “Were you lookin’ into him for the deaths of his partners?”
“Again, based on the notes, yes. Seemed logical since he was the last man standing. Couldn’t find anything to tie him. Not on the surface, anyway.”
“Was he worried he’d be next?”
