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Thorn chuckled. “I swear I will make a detective of you yet.”
“What do you say we hit up Martha Rivers next? Her new office isn’t far from here, and at this hour we should be able to catch her.”
“She’s the former business partner he swindled, right?” asked Thorn, scribbling something on his notes.
“Right. She certainly had motive. Rumor is she lost everything. We’re talking millions of dollars she invested and who knows how much in profits.”
“Anyone know what happened?”
“Not really. Just that he embezzled from the company, and she never saw it coming. He ruined her financially and blackballed her in the development industry. I can see her deciding she’s owed and killing him was justified.”
They pulled up to the quaint little storefront just inside the upscale part of Main Street. The sign read Rivers Realty.
“I thought she was a developer…” started Thorn.
“So did she. When Thompson wiped her out, she had to go back to how she made all her money in real estate. So, she’s back to helping people buy and sell their houses and hoping to make it back to the big time.”
“What do you think of her?”
“I barely know her. I’m not sure I could pick her out of a line-up, but Thompson should have faced charges for what he did. Instead, the judge held to the letter of the law. It seems that Martha either didn’t read or didn’t understand the partnership and business ownership papers she signed.”
“That can’t have helped her reputation. And real estate development has always been male dominated.”
Jessica nodded. “Exactly.”
They got out of the car and entered the small, but nicely furnished offices. A little bell was triggered by the opening of the door. A woman of average height and build came out from the back. Her blonde hair was cut in a chic bob and she had on a pair of charcoal gray, pinstripe trousers paired with a scoop neck sweater in the same shade as the pinstripe and flats.
“May I help you?” She seemed to recognize Jessica. “You’re Jessica Murdoch,” she said, coming forward and offering her hand. “I’m Martha Rivers. You’re not thinking of selling the Murdoch Mansion, are you?”
“Not at all…”
“Thank god. As much as I’d love the commission for that one, I’d hate to see it leave the family.”
“That seems pretty sentimental for a former real estate developer,” said Thorn.
“Not at all. I’m still a developer, but right now the money is in buying and selling homes. And you would be?”
Thorn flashed his badge. “I’m Detective Wilder with the State’s Major Crimes Unit.”
Martha laughed and nodded. “And you want to talk to me about Gregory Thompson’s murder.”
“You don’t sound surprised,” said Thorn.
“Why should I be? It only makes sense that you’d want to talk to me. After all, that slimy bastard ruined me, and god knows I wished him dead often enough, but I didn’t do it. Not that I didn’t think about it, but I didn’t. Not that I mind, as I’ve always wanted to meet Badger Drift’s famous mystery writer, but how is Ms. Murdoch involved other than someone had the poor taste to kill Gregory in her room? The poor taste being choosing her room. I applaud the taste of whoever killed him.”
“You are refreshingly blunt and honest.”
She shook her head. “I have nothing to hide. Can I get either of you a cup of coffee? I have one of those amazing pod machines and can offer you your choice of coffees.”
“I’ll have mine as black as Gregory Thompson’s soul,” said Jessica.
Martha laughed. “I don’t think they roast coffee that dark. But I’ll get you the darkest one I have, and for you, Detective?”
“Whatever you have with lots of cream and sugar.”
“I can do that, as well.” Martha left them sitting in her office while she made coffee and returned with three mugs on a tray, as well as some pastries. Retaking her seat, she said, “Fire away.”
“Can you tell me where you were at the time of Thompson’s death?” asked Thorn.
