A Southern Noir: Deception by Any Other Name

Chapter 22

Not surprisingly, when I got to the office of Knight Brothers in the morning, the situation changed. Kevin and his brother Walter were waiting for me when I got there. "Mr. Landon," Walter began, "I don't know what my brother told you, but there is no way in hell I'm going to let you inspect our books. Not now and not ever."

"Under most circumstances, I would agree with you, Mr. Knight, but these aren't normal circumstances. A man and woman are dead and my client is under suspicion. Not to mention your company is about to be ground zero for a police investigation. Don't you want to clear that up before the story hits the media?"

"That's what lawyers are for, Mr. Landon. I don't care what you say, but I will not allow you access to our records."

"Fine, then answer some questions. How well did you know Greg Freeman?"

"Very well. The office will be closed tomorrow so we can attend the funeral services. I'm planning on starting a college fund for their kids."

"That's very thoughtful of you, but how can you afford that with all your money troubles?"

"Money troubles? What money troubles?"

"Come on, Mr. Knight, two lawsuits in a year and the downturn in the housing market, and you are trying to tell me the company isn't having money trouble?"

"Mr. Landon, everyone has money problems from time to time. We have investments that keep our cash flow moving, and that helps to offset any downturn in business."

"Last time I looked, your stock wasn't doing so well."

"Again, part of the normal business cycle."

"So, who would want to kill Greg and Sarah?"

"I have no idea."

"Where were you on the day of the murders?"

"At my home on Lake Martin with my wife and kids, along with Rob and Teresa Hobson, who live next door on the lake."

"What's their phone number?"

"You don't believe me?"

"I didn't say if I did or didn't believe you, Mr. Knight. All I want to do is get confirmation of what you told me."

He took a sticky note from his desk, wrote the number, and handed it to me. "Here, take it."

"Thanks."

"Will there be anything else, Mr. Landon?"

"Yes, where is your other brother? Russell is his name, right?"

"Russell has been in Destin for the last week. He's on his way back for the funeral."

"What is his role in the company? Kevin is the sales and marketing guy. You're the finances, but what does Russell do?"

Kevin answered, "He's the operations manager. Russell makes sure things get done the right way."

"I thought that's what Greg did."

"It is, Mr. Landon," Walter said. "Greg's role was more of a site manager, ensuring the project runs on time and supplies are ordered and delivered to the right place. Russell is more of a final inspector. He inspects the finishing touches, and the buyer is satisfied before closing."

"I see. Did he ever have any exchanges with Greg?"

"None that I know of. If you will excuse us, Mr. Landon, my brother and I have a hectic schedule today."

"I'll be in touch. Kevin, good to see you again." I could feel Walter's icy stare boring through me as I left their office. Walter's contempt for me and his brother told me he wasn't telling the whole story. The trouble is that I have no proof other than my suspicions, which won't hold up in court. I know, I'm thinking like a cop, but it's not every day I find myself wrapped up in a murder investigation.