Colby Velocity by Debra Webb Page B

stepped forward, allowing her anonymous caller to see her.
    Grant Roper.
    Castille’s aide. Kendra’s replacement. Left-handed, arrogant, conniving jerk.
    The surprise she’d felt at having the anonymouscaller name Castille as Yoni’s killer evolved into equal measures of astonishment and outrage. Roper had been bucking for her position for months before she’d walked away. What the hell was he doing turning on the man he idolized now? This did not feel right.
    The distinct hum of a setup vibrated the night air.
    â€œKendra,” Grant acknowledged as he stepped closer.
    â€œI don’t know why you called and asked for this meeting.” Kendra took another step in his direction, giving him her most intimidating glower. “But I don’t appreciate your games, Grant. Good night.”
    She stared past him.
    â€œI told you I have evidence. Do you want to see it or not?”
    The question stopped Kendra’s determined departure. She turned her head to stare at him over her shoulder. “Did Castille send you?” That would be just like the old buzzard to send his minion to try and spy on Kendra’s investigation. He would know all the right buzz words that would get her attention.
    Grant’s face furrowed into an incredulous mix of shock and desperation. “Are you joking? He’d have the same thing done to me that he did to Sayar if he even suspected I was talking to you.”
    â€œWhy should I believe anything you say?”Kendra contested. He’d have to do more than talk if he wanted her to be swayed. She didn’t trust him one iota. “Where’s the evidence you claim to have?”
    He jerked his head to the left. “Let’s move away from these spotlights.”
    Kendra gestured for him to go first. He’d barely taken two steps before Rocky moved out of the shadows. Grant balked.
    â€œWho’s he?”
    â€œMy partner.” Kendra moved in closer. “That’s all you need to know. Now, let’s see that evidence or I am out of here.”
    Grant was visibly displeased with Rocky’s presence but that was too bad. Kendra had absolutely no sympathy for the slimy little snake.
    He pulled a manila folder from his leather case. “I can show you what I have, but I can’t let these originals out of my possession. Castille thinks I destroyed them. If he finds out…”
    Yeah, Kendra got the idea but that didn’t mean she believed a word of what Grant had to say. She accepted the folder. It felt heavier than it looked. She opened it, stared at the first of what turned out to be a stack of eight-by-ten photos. There were six in all. Each one showed Senator Castille in intimate conversation if not compromising positions with a young woman. Judging by the way she was dressed, a prostitute.
    â€œWho’s the woman?” Kendra banished her own conclusion and focused on Grant’s face, looking for the signs of deception she fully expected.
    â€œShe was Aleesha Ferguson. Spent most of her time working K and L Streets. When she wasn’t serving the senator’s needs—if you know what I mean.”
    Kendra shook her head. “I find this difficult to believe.” Had to be a hoax. She thrust the folder back at the man she knew from experience would beg, borrow or steal to get what he wanted. “Castille is a lot of things but not this.”
    â€œI’ve been keeping tabs on his extracurricular activity for months,” Grant argued. “This is no onetime occurrence. The pictures are real.”
    â€œYou said was. ” Kendra waited while Grant put the folder away then met her gaze. “What happened to this Aleesha Ferguson?”
    â€œHit-and-run.” Grant lifted his chin and stared knowingly at Kendra. “Your friend Sayar helped cover up the whole thing.”
    The little weasel had crossed the line with that statement. “Yoni would never have knowingly participated