Chapter Eight

Tess Angelhart

"You let her go to the hospital to talk to White?"

Tess didn't know why Jack would involve their sister in their investigation. Margo had made it clear she wanted nothing to do with the family business.

"First, she probably won't get in to see her before we get there," Jack said. "Second, we have an agreement—I share, she shares."

"I don't believe it."

"I trust her, Tess."

Tess wanted to trust Margo. Despite the mix of anger and sadness, she missed her sister—her best and closest friend. Although they had their fair share of arguments, they shared countless happy memories. Hundreds of family events. Their yearly spring camping trip to the Grand Canyon, the Fourth of July weekends at their grandparents' cabin in Pinetop. Weddings, funerals, births, celebrations. Double dates, soccer games, just hanging out at the coffee shop talking. When Tess went through a tough breakup with her first serious boyfriend, Margo was the one who picked her up, dusted her off, and convinced her he wasn't worth her tears. While Tess was in college and Margo in the Army stationed in Texas, Margo flew to Tucson after she heard that Tess's boyfriend had cheated on her, breaking her heart. They had always been there for each other, until three years ago when everything fell apart.

Margo left, not you.

Tess didn't miss Margo's stubbornness, or her tendency to rush headfirst into situations without a plan. Yet, she also admired her bravery and her willingness to stand up for the underdog. Margo could be the most self-righteous, unforgiving person on the planet, but she was also kind, compassionate, fun, and brave.

"Trust me," Jack said when Tess wouldn't give him the answer he wanted.

"I do," she said, and meant it. If Jack could look past Margo's behavior for the last three years, Tess could at least try to do the same.

Logan Monroe, the male victim, exited the house with one of the firefighters. A team was going through checking the gas and AC unit to make sure there were no leaks. Officer Cameron was waiting for the detective and crime scene investigators to arrive.

"Mr. Monroe." Jack approached and she let her brother take the lead.

Tess may not have recognized Logan Monroe on sight, but she knew the name. Monroe was a self-made multimillionaire and had created several computer gaming companies, grew them, then sold them. He had his fingers in many pies, including partial ownership of a golf resort in Scottsdale that catered to the rich and richer. But his background was software—and Jennifer White had a dual degree in computer science and math. There had been no hint that Monroe was unethical or stole company secrets, but he would be in a position to understand the value of what Jennifer had to offer.

And if it got out, it would damage his reputation. He was probably rich enough to withstand the hit, but it would still hurt.

Monroe eyed them with suspicion. Tess didn't blame him; he'd just been poisoned. But he hadn't called his lawyer or his wife, which Tess found suspect.

Jack held out his business card and said, "I'm Jack Angelhart. My agency was retained to track down a possible security breach at Desert West Financial. How do you know Jennifer White?"

A friendly, direct tone. Jack did a good job exuding authority without being overbearing, something Tess admired about her big brother.

Monroe looked from Jack to Tess. Suspicious, but with a good poker face. "The officer said I could go, but I need to lock up. You're not with law enforcement, so I'm asking you to leave."

"Of course," Jack said. "But if you could—"

"I'm not interested in talking to you, Mr. Angelhart. If you have any questions, please contact my attorney, but since you have no authority or jurisdiction, she won't have anything to say to you, either." Monroe handed Jack a card.

Carmen Delarosa, Attorney-at-Law.

Tess knew Carmen Delarosa. She knew most of the practicing lawyers in town after working for her mom and Aunt Rita for years before becoming a PI.

Jack didn't back down.

"I'll need to report to my client that you met with one of their employees."

Monroe frowned. "Mr. Angelhart, my reputation would be damaged without cause if you spread a rumor that I was doing anything unethical. I can assure you I wasn't."

"You can assure me, but I would still like to know how you are acquainted with Ms. White."

Monroe ran a hand through his dark blond hair. It was a bit on the long side and curled at his collar. It made him look young.

"Jennifer interned for me when she was in college. She asked me to meet her, said it was important and would explain when she saw me. I agreed."

"You make a habit of talking to interns in a short-term rental?"

"This is my house," he said. "She wanted to talk, and felt she was being followed. The house was available, so I reserved it for her through one of my companies for a few days. When Jennifer interned for me, she was hardworking, intelligent, and I gave her a recommendation for future employment. That's all I have to say."

"What did she want to talk about?"

"We didn't get that far. I need to contact my homeowners insurance and my lawyer. If you have further questions, call Carmen and she'll pass them on to me. I'll give her a heads-up so she doesn't put up roadblocks, fair enough?"

Jack nodded and watched Monroe walk away.

"He's lying."

Tess hadn't seen that. "He sounded genuine."

"Everything he said was the truth, except they were in the house long enough for Jennifer to tell him something—or offer to give or sell him information or software. Maybe he said no, doesn't want rumors to fly; maybe he was considering it. But he didn't tell us the entire truth."

"Was the poisoning an accident or on purpose?" Tess wondered out loud.

"Too coincidental to be an accident," Jack said. When he saw Officer Cameron, he called out, "Hey, Cam, let me know what the lab rats come up with?"

"I'll see what I can do," Cameron said.

Jack and Tess walked back to their car. "Now are we going to the hospital?" she asked.

"Should be just in time to talk to White."

Tess laughed. "Really? You think Margo can't talk, bribe, or sneak her way in?"

Jack hesitated. "Maybe. But nurses can be pit bulls when it comes to protecting their patients."

"Twenty bucks says she gets in."

"No way I'm taking that bet."