Free Double Cross by DiAnn Mills

others, and you still are. I will find the answers you and Gran need.” Daniel had already spoken to his superiors at HPD, but this was an FBI matter until a task force was formed. Didn’t stop him from his own investigation.

CHAPTER 11
    9:25 A.M. SATURDAY
    Abby walked outside Silver Hospitality toward the new wing’s construction, her daily inspection. And that’s exactly what she wanted everyone to think while she called Special Agent Laurel Evertson with an offer.
    Slipping the business card from her pants pocket, she memorized the agent’s number and pressed it in. She breathed in a mix of fresh air and a prayer.
    Special Agent Evertson answered on the second ring.
    “This is Abby Hilton. We met on Thursday.”
    “Yes, ma’am.”
    “I won’t take up much of your time, but I wanted to talk about the case.”
    “Something new?”
    “I’d like to work undercover.”
    “You what?”
    “Hear me out. I’m at the facility six days a week. I have access to everything   —files, gossip, visitor logs, the computer, and even the kitchen. I don’t ask permission, just do what I want discreetly. I could do a little snooping and report to you.”
    “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
    “Humor an old lady,” Abby said. “But don’t tell my grandson. He’d have a hissy fit.”
    “Mrs. Hilton   —”
    “Abby.”
    “And I’m Laurel. As innocent as what you’re suggesting seems, it could be dangerous.”
    “I’m already packing.”
    “Whoa. They allow you to carry a weapon at Silver Hospitality?”
    “Who’s going to tell them?”
    Laurel laughed. “I suppose you could keep your ears and eyes open.”
    “And my fingers. I’ll report in when I find something suspicious.”
    “And you’ll be careful?”
    “Who’s going to suspect an eccentric old lady?”
    “Do you have anything to tell me now?”
    Abby hesitated. “Observations maybe.”
    “I’m ready.”
    “A staff member quit after Daniel talked to her regarding the scam.”
    “What’s her name?”
    “Liz Austin. She helped in the kitchen. The job didn’t fit her personality. I told the agent here yesterday, but he acted like I was a client.” Abby drew in a breath. “Whatever I say is to be held in strict confidence. I overheard Liz talking to Chef Steven. She offered herself in exchange for the rear kitchen door to be unlocked. Said she needed to take smoke breaks.”
    “Why didn’t you tell anyone?”
    “None of my business, and Marsha Leonard, the director, is a longtime friend. Never married and very much in love for the first time. With the chef.”
    “So she’s involved with a staff member.”
    “Yes.”
    “You didn’t tell Daniel about the unlocked door?”
    “I didn’t want to bother him about one more thing. Now that I think about it, it was a stupid move on my part. But it’s been locked since she left. And Russell Jergon hasn’t returned either.”
    “I haven’t heard a word that the security cameras exposed anyone smoking or entering the building through the rear entrance.”
    “The girl had an iPad in her purse. Used it constantly. I’m smart enough to understand the technology is there for her to temporarily disable the cameras.”
    “Wish I’d known this sooner. Thanks, I’ll look into Liz Austin. Abby, your financial institutions are aware of the fraud, right? They have special procedures to protect clients from fraud.”
    “After the money went missing, Daniel went with Earl and me to the bank, and we spoke to a vice president. Earl had obviously given the salesman his account number, so nothing could be done but close out the account and open another one. We were told if the bank became aware of a client who might be suffering from Alzheimer’s or any other physical or mental illness, they contact the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. The situation would be investigated to determine if the report was valid. Often, in the early stages of the disease, the client wouldn’t be doing