Page 69 of Sleigh My Heart

“Okay, but that isn’t a reason to tank the biggest sales event they have.” Either his logic was flawed or her brain was still in sleep mode.

“Right, but it seems old man Silver didn’t even trust Junior with a few shares of the business and put a clause in the contract that states his son can’t sell the business unless its profits drop, and they have a record loss.”

She rubbed her eyes and blinked. “Is that only in effect if Junior becomes full owner, or does it mean he can sell off his current shares if the business tanks in this trial period?”

“That’s the same question I have. I don’t know.” His voice came out in broken breaths. He must be upping his speed on the treadmill.

Man, the sound had her clenching her thighs. She bit her lip.

“I don’t think he told Junior about the clause. Dad said it was Senior’s way of seeing if he would take care of his baby, the mall. After Junior’s stint in the slammer, he didn’t think his son could handle the mall on his own. He has been talking to a management company to take over the rest of the business if Junior fails. He’s planning to take the mall public and sell his stock next year.”

“What I know of Junior, if he had any chance at fast cash, he would take it. That includes selling off his inheritance. Junior has to know. That would be a strong motive for ruining the festival.”

“Not to mention murder. According to Dad, the mall has been turning a nice profit even in this down economy, and the Christmas festival is the second biggest sales weekend of the year.”

Michelle’s mind whirled with thoughts. Junior didn’t mention any of this during his interview. Which means he didn’t know or was in the thick of it. “I need to talk to Junior.” And Jim. Her brother needed to know about this. She grabbed her laptop from the bedside table and pulled up her file. She scanned her notes from Horace Silver’s interview, both hers and Jim’s. No mention of this stipulation in Junior’s inheritance. One brief mention of him planning to retire next year.

“Mickey?”

“Sorry.” She rubbed her forehead as she thought. “This is all hearsay. I need proof. Not to mention proof that Junior knew about it.”

“I will talk to Mr. Silver today.”

“No. Not yet. Shit.”

“What?”

“I’m on desk duty until they get ballistics back on my gun. I can’t interview anyone officially until I’m cleared.”

“What about the gunpowder residue? Did they find any?”

“No. That’s why I’m not in processing or on suspension.” She typed a quick email to Jim. “I need to talk to Jim. He can pull Junior back in for another interview.”

“Let me know if I can help. I have a nurse coming to check on my dad today. If she gives the okay, he will move back to his house and have in-home visits for the next couple of weeks. Ava has a dance practice this morning and the bake sale after, then has a sleepover at her friend Keisha’s tonight.”

“I’ll let you know. And Nick, thanks.” She ended the call. She might be on a working suspension, but the key word was working. Throwing off the covers, she grabbed clean clothes and headed for the bathroom. She had a lot of stuff to do today and no time to waste.

***

Michelle plugged her computer into the dock and scrolled the mouse to wake it up. Bold numbers popped onto the screen. She groaned. It was still too early to be awake. A message notification lit up, and she clicked it and read Jim’s email. Junior Silver was still in holding.

“Yes.” She pumped her fist.

Ryan Daniels’ head appeared over the top of her cubicle wall. “You’re in early.”

She jumped. “Oh, hi. I needed to check on a few things.”

He nodded. “I heard you had a bit of action last night.”

“You could say that.” She slouched back. “I still don’t know who shot Garmen. Hell, it could have been a random shooting for all I know. I have no idea where the shot came from, and if it was meant for Garmen, how would they have known he would be in that alley?”

“Good question.”

“Yeah, I have lots of questions, so I thought I’d come in early and go over the case notes. Jenkins and Brannon were knocking on doors when I left the scene.”

“Well, good luck. I just got done with paperwork and I’m finally heading home.”

“Time to go curl up with the misses.”