Scratchgravel Road (Josie Gray Mysteries #2)(76)

“What kind of pay does he make?”

“Just above minimum wage.”

“And he’s working part time?” Otto asked.

Diego nodded. “I’m sure he deserves more for the work he’s doing, but that’s the pay structure. That type of research is considered data entry on the pay scale.”

“Can you imagine any reason he would want Juan Santiago dead?” Josie asked.

He gave her a look as if she’d said something ridiculous. “Why would you ask that?”

“Would he stand to gain anything by killing Santiago? Or disposing of his body for someone else?” she asked.

He smiled slightly, obviously put off by her questions. “I cannot imagine any reason why Mr. Monaco would gain something by killing a coworker.”

Josie frowned. She didn’t like to share details of the case without good cause, but sometimes one detail was sufficient to bring out additional information. She had reservations about Paiva, but she was also willing to bargain.

She said, “Leo Monaco’s girlfriend discovered Santiago’s body. She’s been evasive, hasn’t been able to provide any reason why she was walking in the desert on a hundred-and-four-degree day. Or how she happened to find a body a quarter mile off the roadside.” She paused. “Then we discover today that her boyfriend is a consultant for the same company that Santiago worked for.”

Diego’s eyes narrowed. He crossed his legs and laced his hands over his knee. “I don’t know if it’s typical police procedure, or whether the vibe is genuine, but I have gotten the feeling from the beginning that you find either me, or my company, culpable in my employee’s death. I’m not sure what you expect from me. Perhaps it’s time our company lawyers became involved.”

Otto stepped in, ready to take the focus off Josie. “It isn’t that we think any one person or company is innocent or guilty. The murder investigation is open. Someone murdered your employee. So far, every credible lead we’ve had has been linked to the Feed Plant. That doesn’t make anyone guilty or innocent.”

“But we’d be incompetent if we didn’t pursue those leads,” Josie said.

“Fair enough.” Paiva stood from his chair. “Please understand, I’ve been with this company from its early years. Beacon Pathways is highly respected in the industry. And regardless of your own personal beliefs about the plant, our safety record is unbeatable. I find it highly unlikely that an employee was irradiated and left for dead.”

Josie nodded, but she was fully aware that every guilty man she’d ever interviewed made similar pleas of innocence. “One more question on Leo. One of the books he was reading was about making dirty bombs. Does that concern you given his connection with the plant?”

He sighed. “This plant used to aid in the production of nuclear weapons. It does not surprise me that people who work here, or even people who live in this community, would have a curiosity about such things. I would hope the police wouldn’t judge a man based on his reading list.”

Josie smiled slightly. “One more question. Would you ask Mr. Bradford to provide me a detailed list of job duties that Juan performed his last two days at work?”

“Certainly.”

Josie glanced at Otto to see if he had further questions, and he stood from the table.

“We appreciate your time this morning. I know you have a busy schedule.” She and Paiva stood and he extended his hand toward her.

“I want justice for the Santiago family. Whatever it takes.”





TWENTY


Josie followed Otto outside the building and into the rain.

“I thought we were supposed to get a reprieve today. Didn’t you tell me that?” Josie asked as they jogged to the car.

“I was thinking positive. Isn’t that what you’re always harping on me to do?”

Once inside the jeep Otto turned on the local weather station. He drove down Plant Road grousing about Paiva’s arrogance. Josie had found his demeanor more down to earth at this meeting, but she let it go. She could tell Otto’s mood had turned dark. She had worked with him long enough to know the missing money box in Santiago’s apartment would be eating at him. He would feel responsible for not making the connection earlier.

“So where are we with Leo? What would give us enough for a search warrant?” he asked.

Josie rubbed her temples and sighed. “I think he stole the money. The judge may allow it since we’ve got the wallet and Santiago’s fingerprints on it. But I doubt it.”

“Hell, he’s not going to have that box. Making minimum at a part-time job? He’ll have that money long gone or squirreled away somewhere,” he said, dismissing his own idea. “Out of Cassidy’s reach.”

Josie considered Otto’s comment. “Or, we catch a break, and Cassidy knows Leo took the money. I’ll pay her a visit. Ask her if she’s found an extra set of keys.”

“I know you don’t want to hear this,” Otto said, “but maybe we discounted Cassidy too soon. Maybe she factors in.”

Josie frowned. “It’s crossed my mind. I hope I didn’t misjudge her.”

“She and Leo could both be tied to the murder. The evidence supports it,” he said.

The cell phone in her pocket vibrated, and she slipped it out.