CHAPTER 29
Jerome was stepping off of the elevator just as Mike walked around the corner from the executive office suites. Elaine’s office was next to the elevator, then Preston’s office was next.
“What do you have?” Mike asked Jerome as they met in the hallway.
“A partial picture of a slim woman leaving Preston’s office right before the video feed was cut. When it comes back on, she is walking back into his office from this direction.”
Jerome and Mike looked up.
“She was either coming from the elevator or Elaine’s office,” Jerome stated.
“That name is coming up too many times to be a coincidence.”
“What name?” Jerome asked.
“Elaine Jacobson,” Mike replied. “I say we talk with both of them, Preston and Elaine.”
“What did you find in Mitchell’s office?”
“A foot in a female shoe about to step off the elevator right before the video feed was cut.”
Jerome looked at the picture. “You can’t see the shoe in this picture. I’ll take a closer look later. For now, let’s see what we can get from Preston Long.”
Mike walked over to the office door, tapped twice then walked in. “Preston, you have a minute to talk?”
“Sure.” Preston stood extending his hand. “How you doing, Mike?”
“I’m good, man.” Mike pointed to Jerome. “Have you met Jerome Morgan? He does some work for us.”
“I can’t say that I have,” Preston replied, extending his hand. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Morgan.”
“Mr. Long.” Jerome shook his hand.
“Have a seat,” Preston said. “What can I do for you, Mike?” He sat behind his desk as the men took the seats in front of the desk.
“This information is not for public consumption,” Mike began. “At some point in the near future, an official press conference will be held. Before that happens we hope to have more details to what I am about to tell you.”
“Okay.” Preston sat forward looking concerned.
“The medical examiner has changed my father’s cause of death to murder.”
“Murder?” Preston exclaimed. “How?”
“He was injected with a poison that made it appear he had a heart attack.”
“Holy shit, Mike. I can’t believe that. Mr. Dunning was good to people. Who would want to harm him?”
“That is what we are looking into. Which brings us to this. Preston, do you know who this woman is?” He passed the picture to Preston.
Preston picked it up. “Yes, that’s my mother.”
“Your mother?” Mike questioned.
“Yes, she came to visit me that morning,” Preston explained. “Why are you asking about her?”
Mike exhaled. “We couldn’t identify her as we scrolled through the video feed.”
“We were able to track her to your office,” Jerome stated. “Then we lost her for a while.”
Preston thought for a moment. “She was here in my office until nine or so.”
“Did she leave out at any time?”
“Gentlemen,” Preston chuckled. “Mike, you can’t be thinking my mother had anything to do with your father’s death. Hell, I don’t even think she knew Mr. Dunning.”
“No.” Mike stood. “We are checking on everyone who was in the building that day.”
“Well, I think you can take my mother off the list.”
“We had to ask the question.” Jerome stood. “There is no reason to suspect her.”
“Thanks for your time, Preston.” Mike walked to the door. “We’ll let you get back to work.”
“Anytime, Mike,” Preston replied as they closed the office door.
Preston sat back in his chair. There was something in the way they questioned him that caused him to become uneasy. He made a mental note to ride out to his mother’s house after work. Just to check on her to make sure she was doing okay. The twenty minute drive was a normal weekend trip for him, but today, maybe he would surprise her.
The telephone on his desk rang.
“Dunning Bank and Trust, Preston Long speaking.” He sat forward. “Hello, Mr. Whitfield.” He smiled as he listened. “Friday, yes, sir, we will be ready.” He hung up the phone then pumped his fist in the air. “Yes!”
He had just landed the biggest account of his career. Well, almost landed. Two days from now, he would be riding high. He picked up the phone.
“Chrystina, it’s Preston. Do you think you can clear Mr. Dunning’s calendar for Friday morning, nine am. BIT’s executive team will be coming for the official presentation.”
“Congratulations, Preston.” Chrystina smiled. “I am certain Mr. Dunning will be in attendance. In fact, I will give him the news now.”
Chrystina hung up the phone, then knocked on the office door before walking in. “Would you like to hear some great news?”
Myles looked up. “They finished moving you into the house?”
“No.” She waved him off as she walked over to kiss him. “Better than that,” she said as he pulled her onto his lap. “The BIT presentation is scheduled for Friday morning.”
Myles smiled. “They decided to stick with us?”
“Yes, and it looks like it’s time to celebrate, again.”
“We seem to have a lot to celebrate this week.” Myles kissed her neck. “Gina has a job. Her children will have a safe place to live. Your mother can start living her life without worrying about you or Gina, and you are moving into our new home.”
“That is the best celebration of all.” Chrystina kissed him again, then pulled away. “I forgot. Until we know where the cameras are located, no kissing in the office.”
“Remind me to put Jonathan on that.”
“Will do. Oh, I forgot to tell you. Jonathan had to go to London. His mother had a fall.”
“How extensive are her injuries?”
“No details yet, Sydney is keeping me informed on her status.”
Myles nodded. “Good, I will give him a call to check on her.”
Chrystina walked towards the door. “I will also pull everyone together for the BIT presentation.”
“Try to keep the meeting and celebration to business hours,” Myles stated. “I would like for us to have a little private time to celebrate at home.”
Chrystina smiled. “I like the way you think, Mr. Dunning.”