Free Smith Investigation Series Box Set 1 by Deborah Diaz

the mood.
    Smith smiled.
    “No worries, Rob, you won’t get suspended.”
    We exchanged careful looks, and I tried to see what this was all about. He looked like he was searching for his words.
    “Dylan.”
    “Oh, the incident from yesterday. I didn’t mean to offend anyone.”
    “I know. And I think he knows too. You couldn’t have known.”
    When he paused, I chose not to speak either. I let him talk first.
    “You see, Dylan’s last relationship, well, the only one I know he ever had, didn’t end too well.” He cleared his throat. “He… He cheated and his girlfriend found out.”
    “I see.”
    “She slit her wrists, Rob.”
    I didn’t expect that, and the news hit me like a blow in the face.
    “I’m sorry. I didn’t know,” I tried to exonerate myself.
    “I know, Rob. And you don’t need to apologize to me.” He didn’t look at me. The subject seemed too emotional for him. “She survived, but they didn’t. I don’t think he ever got over that enough to see other people. So you understand how the subject of Casanova might strike a chord with him.”
    “I do. I’ll talk to him. I promise.”
    “You do that. Now, what’s with this mysterious lead you have?”
    “Oh, there are multiple leads, as it turns out,” I said. This was a thing I could deal with. “I just came back from speaking with the border officers that were working the weekend of the getaway. ”
    “Why?”
    “As it turns out, Michael Monroe was sleeping during both checks. The officers knew them, so they let them pass. Both times.”
    Smith raised his eyebrows, as if questioning the usefulness of my information.
    “I think she killed him.”
    “Whoa, that’s a strong allegation.”
    “I know. I just have to put together some more information. I don't know yet how she did it, but I think she killed him because he had an affair. The insurance is just a bonus.”
    “And you think that’s why she wants a PI to investigate the disappearance.”
    “Yes, to give her credibility when she goes to claim the money.”
    He nodded. “What do you need?”
    “Well, I’ve already asked Spike and Robert to look into Michael’s affair. I remember Sarah Monroe telling me he was working overtime. As it turns out, he never did.”
    “Hence, the affair. Charming guy.”
    “Yes. I will need to give the road assistance company a call. I’m also waiting for an email from the hotel the Monroe’s were supposed to have stayed at that weekend.”
    “You're thinking she killed him in Canada?”
    “I don’t know yet. I need more information.”
    “Sure. Just make sure you talk to Dylan. Alright?”
    I nodded and left for Operations.
    Dylan had gotten back from his visit and was avoiding eye contact with me. I decided that wouldn’t fly with me so I approached him.
    “Hey, do you think you could call the road assistance guys that helped the Monroe’s with the flat tire?”
    He shot me a glance but I didn’t back down.
    “OK. Do you want me to do it now?” his voice sounded apprehensive.
    “You know what? I’ll do it. You keep sulking like a twelve year old.”
    I turned on my heels and went to my desk. I saw he wanted to say something so I purposefully picked up the receiver and dialed.
    “Hi. I’m Private Investigator Robin Walsh. Who can I talk to about the person that responded to a call about a month ago? Thank you, that would be great.”
    While I waited to be patched through to some other department, I looked for Dylan, but he wasn’t in the room anymore. Spike threw me a concerned glance, and I wondered if she ever got mad or disappointed in people.
    “Yes, thank you. Robin Walsh, PI. Can you help me with something? Yes, I would like to talk to the person that responded to a call on the 23rd of May. It was about a flat tire and the caller could have been Sarah Monroe. Mr. John Alder? Thank you. That would be perfect.”
    By the time I finished my conversation, Spike was near my desk, patiently waiting for my