Page 74 of Storm Warning

“Yeah, you can, but you don’t have to this time. I want to protect you while you protect me.”

She watched him for a moment, then nodded. “Fair enough.” Riley nodded toward the computer screen. “What can we do about this?”

“Because of the wedding, we’ll have to talk to Thomas soon.”

“Today?”

“Yeah, today. I doubt we’ll receive a warm welcome. I can do this alone.” Andre hated to put Riley in a position where she had to talk to Miles Thomas.

Riley shook her head. “We’ll talk to him together.” She offered a shaky smile. “Two trained interrogators should be able to learn the truth from Thomas.”

Andre was skeptical about the odds of success. Thomas would be in a place with other people around, and that might encourage him to resist their coercion tactics. Besides, too much screaming from Thomas would draw attention, and that was the last thing they wanted. Jail time wasn’t in Andre’s plans becausehe refused to be separated from Riley. So, no coercion tactics this time. He and Riley would have to be creative to get what they needed.

“When should we leave?”

“As soon as we discuss Zane’s information with Elias and Iona and form a plan of attack.”

“What about Angie? Will we talk about her, too?”

“One thing at a time. Thomas first because he’s more likely to be behind the attacks on you.” Andre looked at Elias, who was watching the interaction between him and Riley. “Ready to talk?”

A slight nod from Elias. “You go first. An interview with Thomas is more pressing.”

He was right. They were on a short clock if they hoped to find out whether Thomas was their perp and perhaps stop the marriage to Kara Street.

Andre summarized the information Zane had amassed. “He went from living in prison to living in luxury. Ms. Street’s home is a $5 million mansion with three floors, including a ballroom on the third floor. If things go as scheduled, she’s planning to marry Thomas the day after tomorrow and live off her trust fund.”

“Oh, no.” Iona shook her head. “We can’t let Kara ruin her life.”

Elias wrapped his hand around hers. “If she’ll talk to us, all we can do is present the truth. What she does with it is up to her, and we’ll have to respect her choice.”

Riley shoved her hands through her hair. “She has to know why he served time in prison. Does she believe the justice system is that flawed?”

“If she believes he’s innocent, then yes, Ms. Street will assume that justice is perverted and her future husband has been a victim. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if she has acriminal defense attorney on speed dial who’s reputed to be a shark in the courtroom. That attorney will probably work at a feverish pace to mount a spirited campaign to find the real culprit, including hiring a private detective to run down leads.”

“And all of it funded by Kara’s trust fund.” Iona grimaced. “Do you think she’d listen to us if we told her the truth about her man?”

“Doubtful. They say love is blind. Based on what I’m seeing, Ms. Street is determined to purge her future husband’s record and restore his good name.”

“A hopeless plan.” Andre scowled. “Although not likely, it’s possible Thomas learned his lesson and changed in prison.”

Elias snorted. “Fat chance of that happening.”

“Probably not. But that doesn’t answer our key question. Is he the one funding the account to hire assassins and kidnappers?”

“Only one way to find out. Ask him and judge his truthfulness for ourselves.”

Riley shook her head. “We can’t depend on Kara to tell the truth.”

“We’ll think of something. Elias, what did you and Iona learn about Angie Dodd?”

“Truthfully, not a lot.”

Riley frowned. How could that be? Zane was the best hacker she knew. “What did Z give us?”

“Her name is Angie Dodd Whitmore. She’s married to Todd Whitmore. They have two children, Diana and Brett. She doesn’t work now. Doesn’t have to. Her husband is a full partner in a prestigious Nashville law firm, so her contribution to his career and to society is to head up charities or volunteer at their fundraisers. From all accounts, she’s an exceptional mother and wife and is content with her life.”

When Elias fell silent, Riley and Andre exchanged glances. “That’s it?” Andre scowled. “Where’s the rest of the report?”