Double Cross Read Online Free PDF Page B

irritability was an indication of Alzheimer’s. She admired Abby’s support of a man who was reverting to memories from the past to communicate in the present. “Not at all. You aren’t the first person to complain about being cheated out of money. This could be a small operation or a large one working city to city. We have other reported cases similar to yours.”
    The older man turned to his grandson. “You’ll follow up on this, right? We don’t need any more suspicious deaths.”
    Normally Laurel would have smiled at Earl’s attempt at manipulation, but not when the man had experienced a fraud.
    “I’ll keep in contact with the FBI,” Daniel said. “Inform you of any new developments.”
    “I don’t have any more questions,” Thatcher said. “But we’ll look into the matter. Special Agent Evertson may have a few questions.”
    Other than involving an artist for a sketch of Russell Jergon, she didn’t have much to go on. The whole concept of coercing older people out of their hard-earned money frustrated her. What she needed to check was the mental and physical status of all the victims.
    “What can I do to help? And who’d believe me?” Earl said. “I could pick out the man in a lineup, and that makes me a candidate to get hurt.”
    “I understand,” Laurel said.
    “Do you? Have you ever been afraid for your life?”
    Laurel masked her fear. When Jesse died, she’d taken a six-week leave of absence to deal with the aftermath of her undercover work. “Since your caretaker is an HPD officer, I doubt anyone will bother you.”
    “Thanks, young lady. Jimmy, I’m ready to go. Your mom will have lunch on the table.”
    There went her idea to have Earl help compile a sketch of the salesman.
    Daniel sighed. “We do need to leave. Gramps, I’m Daniel, not Jimmy.”
    Earl eyed him. “You aren’t Jimmy?”
    “He’s my dad. I’m your grandson.”
    Earl stood. “Guess I’m confused.” He peered at Gran. “Who are you?”
    Abby took his hand. “I’m your favorite redhead.”
    Daniel nodded at the agents, obvious embarrassment creeping into his face. “Thank you very much for your time. You have my contact information. I apologize for any inconvenience.”
    “That’s why we’re here.” Thatcher’s words sounded professional with a twinge of sympathy.
    “Wait a minute.” Laurel wanted to soothe what the Hiltons might interpret as noncaring. “Here’s my card, Officer Hilton. I promise I’ll look further into this. Illegal activities involving the elderly are one of my personal projects.” She moved around the table and took Earl’s hand, pressing another card into his palm. His eyes no longer sparkled. “Sir, I do know what it’s like to be afraid for your life. I’m here for whatever you need.”

CHAPTER 5
    10:15 A.M. THURSDAY
    Exiting the FBI building, Daniel glanced at the bureau’s emblem etched in stone outside the glass doors. Many a press conference took place here, and he hoped the fool he’d made of himself today wouldn’t be the subject of one of them.
    He mulled over this conversation with Agent Evertson. He didn’t need to act like she was the enemy. The whole matter could have been handled better. He tended to be hard on himself, demanding perfection in all aspects of his work. It was frustrating to feel shut out of an investigation, and he’d let his personal feelings for the big FBI and his grandparents’ welfare get in the way of professionalism. The two law enforcement agencies needed to work together for the good of the people. Neither was superior to the other. His conclusions inched from irritated to logically thinking through what alienation from the FBI meant. If his grandparents had stumbled onto a viable crime   —and he believed they had   —then it must be stopped.
    Gran was so loyal, but by her own admission, she hadn’t witnessed all of Gramps’s claims. But the money had disappeared from their account, and the problem originated at Silver