After being officially introduced and then settlingin at the table with the others, Simon had been informed that Travis and Gage were running behind.Since their presence wasn’t necessary to get his questions answered, he figured it was as good a time as any to kick things off.Manners had him waiting until after drinks were served, but he didn’t hesitate much past that.
“I’ll preface this by asking if I can record,” Simon watched Max, expecting a resounding no.
Max waved a hand.“Have at it.”
Simon thought he hid his surprise well, but he wasn’t entirely certain.
“ButI’llpreface,” Max added, “by stating that if I don’t like the direction, I’ll confiscate the recorder before you leave.”
Grinning, Simon nodded.“That’s fair.”
A few minutes passed while several servers came out to take orders and deliver another round of drinks and several appetizers.When the rush cleared, Simon turned to Max and tapped the button to record so that Max was aware.
“I’m not sure whether anyone has relayed our reason for being here, but I’ll give you some of the details so we have a starting point.”
Max nodded, then took a sip of what appeared to be scotch or whiskey.
“A friend of mine was doing research for one of his books, and he came across some information that referenced your family.There was an article quoting prior FBI statements claiming they had a witness who would testify to seeing you commit a crime.”
Max didn’t speak, but Simon had his full attention.
“This witness is Meredith Prescott.Does that name sound familiar?”
“No,” he replied easily.“Can’t say it does.”
Simon had expected that.“She happens to be Travis’s wife’s mother.”
“Estranged mother,” Brantley noted.
“Yes, estranged.We don’t have details yet”—at least Simon didn’t think they did—“but it appears she might’ve left town to avoid testifying.”
Simon knew that wasn’t enough information to get Max talking.If he’d been in the man’s shoes, he certainly wouldn’t just start spouting about the past, fact or fiction.
“The issue we’ve run into is with the man who seems to be at the forefront of the investigation.Martin Calloway.”
He could tell by the gleam in Max’s eyes that he recognized the name.
“Do you know him?”
Max smirked.“I’m acquainted with Martin Calloway.”
“We believe he’s targeting your family and your businesses.”
“That’s been the case for as long as I can remember.I also know he hasn’t come up with anything yet.”
“Did Calloway know your father?”
“They weren’t poker buddies,” Max acknowledged.
“Is it safe to assume that Calloway’s interest in you stemmed from an encounter he had with your father?”
“Why would you think that?”
“You mentioned he’s been targeting your family for as long as you can remember.I assume that means since you were young.”
Again, Max stared, not saying anything.
“From what we’ve found, he’s personally targeting you.”
