And Then There Was One Read Online Free PDF Page A

bankrupted him, demanding her share of the business. Then that bullshit about the boys — way over the edge even for that vindictive bitch. Oh yes, Olivia deserved what she got.
    But Olivia’s revenge was in the past. Maxwell’s most hurtful betrayal still stung. Adam Kaninsky, his young lover, had been penniless, loaded with student loans after he’d graduated with a degree in architecture. And Maxwell had taken him in. Taken him as an intern into his firm, taken him into his home, taken him into his heart. Only to be betrayed, to have Adam tell that Monroe shrink hideous lies about him and his own sons. How could such a beautiful creature be so unappreciative?
    Maxwell tossed off the light blanket. Then suddenly chilled, he pulled it back over his naked body. Adam, that self-righteous ingrate,was far out of reach by now. So why not just try and get some sleep? Adam would not show up at the hearing. That doctor-bitch would not get away with her fucking lies and innuendoes. Hell, more than innuendoes. That bitch was trying to put him on a public pervert list. Even worse, she wanted him behind bars. No way that was going to happen. He knew what inmates did to child molesters. He’d made fucking sure she would not testify in tomorrow’s trial.
    Having finally drifted off to sleep, Maxwell awoke to the intrusive ring of the phone. Groggily, he searched the inky blackness for the luminescent dial of his clock. 1:33 a.m. He picked up the receiver and mumbled a hello. Nothing. Must be a wrong number. With a jerk, he disconnected the phone, planning to bury his head back under the blanket, when he stopped. Was that the doorbell?
    Maxwell kept a pair of velour shorts at the foot of the bed. Hesitating long enough to make sure he was not hearing things, he slipped out of bed, donned the shorts, grabbed a robe, and headed for the front door. By then the pleasant ring of the bell was accompanied by insistent pounding. What the heck? Should he answer it or call the police? Subsequent shouts of “FBI!” settled his dilemma. What the fuck was going on? This was a prestigious neighborhood. What would the neighbors think?
    Again, Maxwell hesitated. This time to take a deep breath. Did this have to do with Adam? Another deep breath and a gulp. Did this have to do with Olivia? No, impossible, he determined, flipping on the array of porch lights.
    With an expression of sleepy bewilderment, he inched open the front door. Badges flashed. Several of them.
    “What the fuck?” flew out of his mouth.
    “FBI. Are you Maxwell Cutty?”
    “Yes,” Maxwell shrunk back far enough to allow them to enter. “What do you want?”
    The agents introduced themselves. Rather politely, making Maxwell relax just for an instant before they told him they needed him downtown to answer some questions. They wouldn’t tell him why. Shouldn’t he call his lawyer? Or should he appear innocent and just go with the pricks? Shit, he had a court appearance that day, andhe needed his lawyer well rested. He decided to comply, see what the feds wanted, and go from there. One of the agents waited by the door and the others followed Maxwell into his bedroom and stood there, watching him change into khakis and a golf shirt. That must be a violation of his rights, Maxwell thought, but he said nothing, just gave the impression that he was willing to go along with all their crap even when they patted him down for weapons.
    On the way to FBI Headquarters, few words were exchanged. Once there, the agents led Maxwell into a brightly lit rectangular room. Inside was a conference table around which were placed four chairs. They motioned for him to sit in one, the one closest to shackles bolted to the floor. Then the agents left. When Maxwell heard the bolt slide shut behind them, he felt a sick panic. He couldn’t help suppress a scream, “I want my lawyer.”
    But the agents did not return for a very long time.

CHAPTER 5
    Search for Missing Monroe Children Intensifies in