Remain Silent by Robyn Gigl

Author:Robyn Gigl [Gigl, Robyn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-02-16T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 20

Wednesday, June 24, 2009, 9:00 a.m.

“MR. DONAHUE, THERE ARE TWO INVESTIGATORS FROM THE Attorney General’s Office who would like to speak with you.”

Ron looked down at the phone on his desk. “What line are they on, Joan?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. They’re here—out front, not on the phone.”

Ron was puzzled. Why would investigators from the Attorney General’s Office want to speak with him? He did some wills and real estate closings, nothing very controversial. “Okay. I’ll be right out.”

Waiting in his reception area were a man and woman who looked like they had just stepped out of a recruiting advertisement for the FBI. The man looked to be in his late thirties; he was tall, well-built, with short hair and the look of someone whose hemorrhoids were bothering him. The woman was also tall, but younger and model thin. Her blond hair was pulled back in a high ponytail, and the unbuttoned top three buttons of her powder-blue blouse placed her ample cleavage on full display. She flashed a smile so sensuous and inviting it almost gave Ron an erection.

“Investigator John Jones from the Insurance Fraud Division of the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, and this is my partner, Investigator Eve Lee,” the man said, closing the credentials as quickly as he had opened them. Ms. Lee also opened a set of credentials, but Ron saw nothing other than her chest.

“Nice to meet you,” Ron stammered. “How can I help you?”

Jones glanced in the direction of Joan. “Is there somewhere we can speak privately, Mr. Donahue? This involves a confidential investigation.”

“Of course. Follow me,” Ron said, leading the way back to his office.

“Mr. Donahue, we are investigating an arson and potential insurance fraud claim involving the house at 538 Seventh Avenue in Asbury Park, which is owned by Rachel Stern,” Jones said. “Are you familiar with the insurance claim?”

“Yes,” Ron answered tentatively.

“Have you met with Ms. Stern concerning this claim?”

“Well, no. Ms. Stern hasn’t been seen since the night of the fire. It’s my understanding she’s presumed to have perished in the fire.”

“And exactly where does your understanding come from, Mr. Donahue?”

“Well, from her friend, who is the executor of Ms. Stern’s estate.”

“And what’s her name, Mr. Donahue?”

Ron hesitated. Evelyn Ketchum had asked him not to use her name; that’s why he had filed the claim personally.

“I’m not sure I’m at liberty to provide that information. To the extent she is my client, she asked that her name be kept confidential.”

“Mr. Donahue, I can assure you that Ms. Stern did not die in the fire, and that is why we are investigating. At this point, we believe you are unwittingly involved in a scheme by Ms. Stern to fake her death, burn down her house, and collect the insurance proceeds. Unfortunately for Ms. Stern and anyone involved in this scheme with her, three people died in that fire. So, while we are investigating the fraud aspect, other law-enforcement agencies are investigating Ms. Stern and whoever else may be involved for murder.

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