16

 

The drive to Pennsylvania had turned up nothing. Adam, the owner of the hunting lodge, laughed when he heard that Judy and Jared were there to check out his story.

“Look, I’m flattered that you’re even taking the time to check me out. But not only didn’t I have anything to do with any murder, I’ve never even heard of Bob Thomas. I wish my life was that exciting. I manage this lodge and I take groups hunting and fishing. That’s it.”

“What can you tell us about the van that was stolen?” Jared asked.

“It was a dark blue Chevy Express work van: low mileage, no dents, pretty clean. I really don’t use it very often; I use my pickup most of the time. I was gone the day it was stolen, riding my horses with my kids. I didn’t even notice it was gone when we got back. My son asked where it was and I told him that I had no idea. I called Jankowski immediately. One of his guys already took a report, but I guess you probably know that, right?”

Judy nodded and asked, “Are the keys missing?”

“Yes.”

“Where do you keep them and who has access?”

“On a shelf just inside the door, and as far as access is concerned, I guess anybody who wants it. We don’t lock doors around here. We’re pretty deep in the woods and there’s not a lot of trouble in the area. Every once in while there’s a fight at one of the campgrounds on the river. But I don’t remember the last time something was stolen.”

“One last question, and then we’ll leave you alone,” Jared said.

“Go ahead, fire away.”

“What do you think about AllSport?”

Adam shrugged. “Never really thought much about it. I play a little golf, but my sports are hunting and fishing. They don’t train on either at AllSport, at least as far as I know. The campus has brought some jobs to the area. That’s always a good thing. But besides that it really doesn’t affect my life at all.”

“Well, we appreciate your time,” Judy said. “We’ll be in touch if we need anything further.”

“You know where to find me.”

As they left, Jared reported into Jay who told them to come back to campus and help with the interviews.

 

 

 

Lance and Beebs hadn’t expected things to go easily at the CPA firm, but they hadn’t figured on a battle at every turn either. The entire firm was giving them a hard time. The partners were pissed off that they were even suspected of any possible connection to Bob’s death. As the day went on, Lance and Beeb’s view changed as they spoke with each partner. With some, they felt there was animosity for the loss of the accounts. AllSport and the ICSF were the firm’s biggest and most profitable accounts and losing them took money directly out of each partner’s pocket. Others felt that, even being suspected of such a heinous crime, was tantamount to a public false accusation. They knew word was already out within the accounting industry that they had lost the account. They also knew that some of their existing clients had originally come to them solely because they were AllSport’s accountants, and the same clients would probably leave them now. The fallout would get even worse when the press got hold of the information.

Each attempt at an interview brought on a different reaction. Some partners wouldn’t let them into their offices. Some simply refused to answer any questions. Some ranted and raved from the minute they entered. One threw a mug at them, which shattered against the wall, spraying coffee all over the white wall and carpet. The guys actually looked at each other in surprise and laughed out loud at that one.

They had some success with Stan Rosen, the senior partner, who was smart enough to realize that the best way to handle the situation was to give them the answers they wanted and end the painful charade as quickly as possible. The two accountants who had taken the brunt of Bob’s ill feelings were pissed off, but at least willing to speak. They knew they had to be at the top of the list of suspects within the firm. They admitted they were upset the day that Bob fired them, but who wouldn’t be. Bob had requested that they drive all the way from Manhattan to AllSport just so he could fire them and send them back home.

Lance and Beebs agreed it was a pretty rotten way for Bob to have handled it, but it certainly wasn’t reason to kill him.

The accountants gave Lance and Beebs enough information to prove their innocence. They both had strong alibis.

Lance called Jay and reported the entire situation. Jay cleared the two accountants, but added the names of the partners who had acted inappropriately. Jay realized that he and Buck would probably have to deal with the partners themselves. He told Lance and Beebs to clear out and to head over to Mario’s restaurant to assist Bill and Keith if it became necessary.