Looking Through Darkness by Aimée Thurlo Page A

said, but even for Kurt, this seemed to be a lot of work for a joke. “What did they say about Frank Jones, the vendor that my husband clearly made up? Total Supply company checks were sent to my husband, payable in Jones’s name.”
    â€œHurley and Boone both said they had no record of a client or supplier by that name and that no checks had been made out to Jones. They also denied asking you about any files, other than those needed for the partnership settlement after your husband’s death. Were there any witnesses to either man asking you about Frank Jones?”
    She shook her head. “No, but they’re lying. They repeatedly asked me about Frank Jones.”
    It was becoming clear to her that Wayne and Pierre were covering something up. Had they all been underreporting to avoid taxes, or was something else going on?
    â€œUnless I come across evidence that an actual crime has taken place, there’s not much more I can do. If something changes, I’ll get a forensic bookkeeper to go over Total Supply’s business accounts and records. Until then, I’ve got no case.”
    â€œWhat if I find more evidence? Can I turn it over to you?”
    â€œOf course, but here’s a piece of advice, Mrs. Vance. Be careful not to do or say anything that might be considered slander in regards to Total Supply or your late husband’s associates. They weren’t happy to hear about your discovery, and they might decide to get in touch with their lawyer if you keep pursuing this issue.”
    â€œI appreciate your advice, and I’ll keep your card, Sergeant.”
    â€œThanks for your cooperation, Mrs. Vance,” Sergeant Knight said, standing to shake her hand. “I’ll be in touch if the situation changes.” He headed for the door. “I’ll find my own way out. Take care now.”
    *   *   *
    The day went by quickly after that for Leigh Ann. She and Jo, whose mood had improved immensely after talking to Ben, kept a lookout for strange cars, but there were no further signs of trouble.
    â€œMaybe the driver who hit us has already done his worst. He wanted to scare us or get even, and now he’s ready to move on,” Leigh Ann said. “That vandalism with the paint could be nothing more than kids acting up right before graduation.”
    Jo didn’t reply right away.
    â€œYou don’t think so, do you?”
    Jo shook her head. “I have nothing more than a gut feeling, but I trust it. Keep watching your back.”
    Knowing it was almost quitting time, Leigh Ann brought up the possibility of displaying Melvin’s maquettes. “What do you think?”
    â€œThat’s a great idea,” Jo said. “It’ll give everyone who comes in something new and interesting to look at and consider.”
    Leigh Ann said good-bye and, promising to visit Melvin that evening to give him the news, headed out.
    Alone on the highway, Leigh Ann’s thoughts drifted back to Jo and Ben. It had to be a special kind of hell to have a loved one fighting a war eight thousand miles away. She had a feeling that Jo never really stopped worrying. Yet, despite that, she still envied her.
    Jo loved Ben and he loved her. Their relationship was one based on mutual respect and seemed virtually unassailable.
    Leigh Ann sighed. Maybe someday she’d find that same kind of deep, steadfast love herself. Unfortunately, she was a rotten judge of men. From day one, she’d seen only what she’d wanted to in Kurt. Then by the time she’d realized her mistake, it had been too late. Reality had torn her apart like a Texas tornado, leaving her broken, and afraid to try again.
    Now, when she looked at Melvin, she wondered if she was really seeing him for who he was, or whether her fantasies were getting in the way. After all, she knew about Melvin’s dark side, but not the reasons for it. Her conversation with John had suggested where it