Death of a Bankster Read Online Free PDF Page B

time we wrap up here. We should be at your husband’s bank in about ten hours or so. Give us until Sunday. In fact, I’ll stop back on Sunday around noon. At that time, I’ll tell you what else we have learned. I’ll likely have a few more questions then. Is Sunday okay for you? Do you work?”
    “Not outside the home, Agent Powell. Sunday will be fine. I’ll be sure and be home Sunday or maybe at Carla’s. I think she’s off until Monday.” Carla nodded her head while mouthing yes without speaking.
    “I think we’ve covered it then, ladies. There was no real commotion on the property and we’ve operated out of discreet surveillance vehicles. We asked the M.E. to come in an unmarked van to maintain our low profile. None of us used any sirens. He should be able to take your husband out without arousing your neighbors. Given the hour, the way your property is landscaped, and the driveway turns toward the house, I doubt anyone has paid any particular attention. You likely won’t be questioned by anyone before I see you again. In the unlikely event you are, excuse it away as animal control removing a javelina that had strayed into your backyard and wouldn’t leave. You could, in the alternative, have Ms. Roth tell anyone who calls or comes by that you’re in bed with a terrible cold, that you’ll likely be up and around by Monday. That should do it.
    “When I come back Sunday afternoon I’ll have a name, a local homicide officer for you to contact. The M.E. will report to that person. Ms. Roth, please take Mrs. Crawford over to your home now so we can get on with our search. And thank you, Mrs. Crawford, for your permission to look around. We need to get to the bottom of this, and your cooperation tonight will speed that process. Please do not take anything with you now. At this moment, we don’t know what might be evidence. You understand. After I bring the key back, you can return whenever you’d like. We won’t need to button up your house as a crime scene. We have it all on film. The M.E. has the body. The role of your home in the crime was minimal.”
    Carla led Paige toward the front door with Paige clutching her robe above her bustline, her legs peeking out with each step forward. Then Carla turned back toward Agent Powell. “May we have your card?”
    “My apologies, Ms. Roth. I should have provided that first thing. It was a bit hectic, having just observed the killing and all. Here you are. I’m on special assignment out of the national office in D.C. The number on there is my cell. Good night, ladies. Oh, one more thing. How many computers do you have in the house?”
    “There are two, I think,” Carla said, looking at Paige.
    “Yes. Two,” Paige confirmed. “Mine is in the kitchen. I use it to pay bills and personal stuff. Sam has a laptop. At home he uses it in a docking station. He works from home a lot. If you want, take his with you. It may help. I’m sure it’s in the portfolio he had in his hand when—” Her words trailed off. Paige pointed. The leather case was on the entryway floor. “Take it. It belongs to the bank anyway. He got fired earlier today so he would have returned it tomorrow anyway.”
    “He was just fired? Today?”
    “Yes,” Paige said. “He spoke of it when he called from the airport before heading home.”
    “Thank you, Mrs. Crawford. I’ll let the bank know we’ve got it. We’ll return it there when we’re done with it.” Then Agent Powell turned to Carla. “You said you’re a nurse, maybe you have something that could help Mrs. Crawford sleep tonight?”
    Carla nodded, and put her arm around Paige, who froze a bit as they started toward the door. “Let’s go this way,” Carla said, “out through your back door and across the patio. We can use the side gate to my place. Agent Powell, would you lock the patio door behind us? There’s a thumb turn on the deadbolt.”
    “Don’t worry. We’ll lock up before we leave, and I’ll personally bring