Say Goodbye (Romantic Suspense #25) by Karen Rose

            “Raeburn’s already got someone doing the digging, but you’re right. We need to focus on Pastor and DJ right now.”

            Raeburn entered, quickly closing the door to keep the light out. “You two have a plan?”

            “We do,” Croft said.

            “Then go.”

            Daniel Park looked up when they entered. “It’s about time,” he said impatiently. “I came when you asked. The least you can do is respect my time.”

            “Our apologies, sir,” Croft said dutifully. “I’m working on getting an updated statement from the victim, so we’re not ready to discuss the assault.”

            Park was furious. “You’ve got to be kidding me. I’ll have your badge numbers. Now.”

            Tom just looked at him without saying anything for long seconds until Park’s fury became discomfort. Then wariness.

            “What’s this about?” Park asked.

            “Benton Travis,” Tom said.

            Park stiffened, fear flickering in his eyes. “I don’t know who that is.”

            “It has been a while,” Tom allowed. “Way back in your Terminal Island days.”

            Park scowled. “I served my time.”

            Tom smiled. “And you’re still serving Benton Travis.”

            “This is ridiculous. You can’t hold me here.” He started to get up.

            “He says differently,” Tom said blandly, and Park blanched.

            “That’s a lie. He wouldn’t.”

            “How would you know?” Croft asked curiously. “You don’t remember him.”

            Park lowered himself back to his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. He said nothing.

            “We talked to him this morning,” Tom went on. “You know, at Sunnyside Oaks. Fancy place. He’s getting good care there, by the way. In case you’re interested.”

            Park had paled. “You’re lying.”

            “Call him yourself and ask him,” Tom challenged, knowing Park would do no such thing. To do so would be to admit that he was still in a business relationship with a wanted man.

            “Have you arrested him yet?” Park demanded.

            Tom chuckled at his expression. The man had realized he was damned if he did acknowledge Pastor and damned if he didn’t, because Pastor had—allegedly—rolled on him.

            “We will be arresting him,” Tom promised. “We agreed to allow him to finish his convalescence at Sunnyside Oaks before we took him into custody if he gave us names. Yours was one of those names.”

            “I want a lawyer,” Park said defiantly.

            Tom nodded. “That’s fine.” They had enough right now to get a warrant for his phone records and maybe even his bank records. “You’re not charged yet, though. I mean, it might be as simple as aiding and abetting a fugitive of the law. Because he was charged back in L.A.”

            “That was thirty years ago,” Park said. “Statute of limitations ran out decades ago.”

            “No statute of limitations on embezzlement,” Tom said. “But you knew that. You’re a money guy. When you talk to your lawyer, make sure he knows that we’ll also be looking at all of your banking transactions. If you’ve accepted any payment from Benton Travis for any money management, then you’ve violated the SEC’s rules. Considering you’re a felon and all.”

            “There is a statute of limitations on that,” Park said smugly. “Ten years.”

            “Not if it’s been ongoing for thirty,” Tom said. He glanced at Croft. “Is he free to go?”

            “Of course. We can get to his phone and bank records, even if he flees. But if he flees, he’s in even bigger trouble.”