Beneath the Surface by David K. Wilson

Author:David K. Wilson [Wilson, David K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-05-25T22:00:00+00:00

33

The sheriff’s conference room table was covered in file boxes and ledgers. Both the confiscated desktop computer and laptop were already up and running.

Garcia sat in front of the computer monitor, staring at the numbers on the screen as if they were Egyptian hieroglyphics.

“I don’t even know what I’m supposed to be looking for,” she complained. “This was your big idea, Detective. Why aren’t you doing this?”

Sam stood at the other end of the conference table, thumbing through files. The awkward tension that filled the room was so thick, Sam actually welcomed Garcia’s criticism.

“I figured the feds would bring someone in,” Sam said. “I don’t know what any of this means. We need an accountant. A bookkeeper. A math nerd.”

“I called Jim Blanchard,” Sheriff Monroe said as he entered the room. “He’s on his way.”

“The victim’s boss? Don’t you think he’s a little too close to all of this?” Sam asked.

“That’s exactly why I can ask him to help,” the sheriff said. “He’s someone I can trust. It’s bad enough Gary is using this to turn the whole town against us. Now I’ve got Max Clouder and his team of vultures breathing down our necks.”

There was a knock at the conference room door and the three officers turned to see Jim Blanchard leaning in.

“Hey, Sheriff,” he said.

He then nodded at Garcia and Sam. “Liz. Detective.”

He walked in and looked at the boxes and files spread over the table.

“This is more than I imagined,” he said. “I figured you just had a computer file or something.”

“We’re hoping the paper files are just backup,” Sam said.

Blanchard walked over to the computer. Garcia stood up and offered him her seat in front of the monitor.

“It shouldn’t be too much trouble,” he said. “But, can you tell me what I’m looking for?”

“Anything that doesn’t add up,” Sheriff Monroe said.

“Hey, look at you with the accounting joke,” Sam blurted.

From the lack of laughter and cold looks he received, it was clear that Sam’s attempt to lighten the mood was not appreciated. He quickly shifted to a more serious tone.

“Odd charges. Debts. Anything unusual,” Sam said. “Also, see if any suspicious name or property stands out.”

Blanchard eyed Sam as if he’d been asked to literally find a needle in a haystack.

“I know,” Sheriff Monroe said. “It’s not a lot to go on, but we really appreciate your help.”

“How far back you want me to go?” Blanchard asked.

“A year?” Sam guessed.

“Six months,” Sheriff Monroe interrupted. “We don’t need to waste any more of your time than we need to.”

Sam didn’t have to be much of a detective to realize the sheriff’s comment was directed more at him than at Blanchard.

“If I’m not needed here, I’ll go back down to the river,” Garcia said. “We’ve got a new search team heading out soon.”

The sheriff nodded then turned to Sam.

“Take Detective Lawson with you,” Monroe said, turning to Sam.

“I’ve got this,” Garcia said.

“I’m sure you do,” Monroe said. “But I think it would do Detective Lawson here some good to get his boots a little dirty.

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