Page 95 of Desperate Creed

“But how do you know that?”

“Because I’m looking at what Gates sent to Russo’s email account right now. He must have had it sent with a time delay. His email with the attached files only showed up in her email account early this morning.”

“Do you think Gates sent the emails to the Times with a time delay, too?”

“It’s possible. But from what I’m hearing, they have actual copies of the tests results and other reports that I’m not seeing in Russo’s attachment. They say they have evidence that Carson Foods changed the lab results. And they have emails saying they had to change results or risk losing billions of dollars, because the company already had products waiting to ship as part of this global initiative. I think it must be someone from the inside who had access.”

Maggie immediately thought of Gus. Alonzo hadn’t been able to find out who he was. The only link they had was the black sedan’s license plate number, and Alonzo claimed it didn’t exist.

Just then, she noticed A NEWS ALERT flashed across the bottom of the television screen. A national recall was being issued for products made by Carson Foods, and the specific cereals and breakfast bars were listed, one by one. There had to be over a dozen of them. The alert claimed that it would be the largest food product recall in history.

“Word is the CEO will be announcing his resignation by the end of today,” Alonzo said. “Through the grapevine, I’ve heard that Senator Quincy is being pressured to do the same.”

Maggie realized this was the political fallout that evidently had been worth killing for. With the secret exposed, hopefully Frankie would be safe.

“There’s something else, Maggie,” Alonzo said. “This hasn’t hit the news yet, and no one except you and me might make the connection.”

“What is it?”

“Assistant Director Kunze resigned this morning.”

76

Florida Panhandle

Creed hated leaving Maggie, but there was no question that he would go home and take care of things for Hannah, so she could be with her friend. Creed and Hannah had been each other’s family for over seven years. He’d mow down mountains before he’d let Hannah down. And now, he felt the same way about Brodie.

By the time Jason and Creed left Montgomery, Frankie’s doctor sounded more optimistic. She was starting to feel her legs. Her kidney levels were holding steady. Creed didn’t fully understand all the complications of her condition, but he knew Frankie’s recovery would benefit from having her friend by her side.

What Creed didn’t expect was to find Hannah already gone when he got home. Jason took Grace and Scout to the fenced yard behind Hannah’s house. Creed was pleased to see Grace prancing along, tail wagging. She was glad to be home and already back to telling Scout that she was the boss of him.

He was smiling to himself when he walked in the back door and found his mother in the kitchen. She had an apron on and was chopping vegetables at the center island. Lady and Hunter came to greet him then quickly returned to their spot at his mom’s feet, waiting and hoping for something to drop.

“Mom?”

“Don’t be mad,” she glanced at him then focused on her chopping. “I’m the one who talked Hannah into leaving earlier. I wanted to be sure she’d make it to Montgomery before dark.”

His mind got snagged on the fact that she thought he might get mad. At the same time, he realized why Hannah hadn’t told him about his mother staying. She wouldn’t want him to worry about Brodie.

“Whatever you’re fixing smells good,” he told her.

“It’s a stew for tomorrow. We’ve already had dinner. Did you boys eat, yet?”

“We did.”

Then she looked up, really looked at him. “Ryder, are you okay?” She put the knife down and started around the counter, stopping short of touching him but clearly concerned about the bruises and cuts on his face.

“I’m okay. Really, it looks worse than it is.” He wanted to change the subject. “Where are the boys and Brodie?”

“They’re watching a movie. Something animated that Hannah’s already approved.”

She stared at him for a bit longer then went back to her chopping board, as if all this was perfectly normal for her to be preparing meals in his kitchen. Correction, Hannah’s kitchen. The two women had easily and quickly become friends, though they’d only just met last fall.

“Brodie, too?” he asked. Something felt wrong.

“Oh, I’m sorry. She was watching the movie with the boys, but she took the cat for a walk.” She glanced up, again, as if she may have missed something. “Hannah said she takes the cat everywhere. But do you walk a cat?”

“Yep, she does.” Still, something kicked in his gut. “I’m just anxious to see her. Maybe I’ll go see if I can find her.”