Double Cross Read Online Free PDF

this sounds. But human dignity is involved here. A companyscammed old folks whose minds are like light switches, and now a friend has died. Supposed to have been a heart attack. My Abby is the only mentally healthy client there.”
    “I’m surprised the facility allows her to join you.” Laurel studied her for signs of dementia.
    Abby Hilton smiled. “That’s because our money is building a new wing. Get my own way a lot.”
    More of a reason for bad guys to get their fingers into the Hiltons’ pie. Laurel mentally compared the other elderly scam cases, realizing the Hiltons’ claims were nearly identical, except no one else had reported a death. The latter needed to be looked into.
    “Technology can accomplish anything, and that scares me.” Earl’s shoulders rose and fell. Beaten and humiliated. “When we’re logical, no one wants to admit they’ve been preyed on.” He straightened. “The man came twice to talk to folks.” He looked at his wife. “Right?”
    “That’s what you told me, dear. I saw the man talking to Earl, Tom, and Emma. I thought he was a visitor. Then I listened to the conversation and realized he was urging Emma to give him money. The rules state clients are supposed to keep personal belongings locked up in the safe, but there’s always ways to get around the rules. I went after the director, but she was busy. By the time I convinced the security guard there was a problem, Jergon had left.”
    “Is the deceased’s family aware of your claims?” Thatcher said.
    “I have no idea,” Abby said. “Tom’s death is more my concern than losing money. He was a healthy man. Alzheimer’s people usually die of pneumonia.”
    Laurel made notes on her iPad. “Did the salesman have anything unusual about his appearance?”
    Abby nodded at Earl. “He was older than my grandson,” he said. “Had streaks of gray in his hair. Dark brown. Possibly a little Hispanic blood, but no accent. He was under six foot. Muscular, like he worked out.”
    “Thank you, sir,” Laurel said. “When did he visit?”
    “A month ago. Like I said earlier, he came in the afternoons when some take naps.”
    “It’s a perfect time,” Abby said. “Half the staff is on break then. I often talk to the receptionist or director. Daniel, have I missed anything?”
    “I don’t think so.”
    What a gentle tone he used for his grandparents. “Mrs. Hilton, did you or any of the staff talk to the salesman?” Laurel said.
    “Yes. I asked him what he was doing there. Later I checked but couldn’t find where he’d signed in at the front desk.”
    Daniel nodded. “The facility has security cameras in place and no one is allowed past the receptionist area unless their name is on the client’s list, they’ve produced identity, and they’re electronically allowed inside the clients’ area. I checked again before we came, and there’s nothing indicating a man with his description.” Daniel’s voice was not the least condemning. Laurel’s respect for the younger man rose several notches.
    “The cameras could have been turned off. They’re computer controlled,” Earl said. “And you’ve been there in the afternoon, walked in without a question.”
    “In my uniform. They recognize me.”
    Earl clenched his fist. “Anything can happen if properly planned.”
    “My husband owned an accounting firm.” Abby linked her arm with his. “He can spot a crime before it happens.”
    “That takes an intelligent man.” Laurel smiled into the older man’s face. “The FBI’s work is useless without community support. Our job here is to sort through the facts and make an informed decision.”
    “Are you placating me, young lady?” Earl raised a brow. “How long have you been an agent?”
    “Eleven years, sir.”
    “Because if you think a sweet smile will make me feel better, you’re wrong. Dead wrong. I don’t intend to give up until the truth surfaces.”
    Laurel liked Earl’s spunky attitude, although