Killer Ambition - [57]

“We believe there had to be more than one person involved,” Bailey said. “We’ve got one suspect in custody here in New York. We’re still working on finding the second suspect.”

Janice nodded and looked out the window behind us. “I didn’t really get to know my nephew well until his mother died. I took him in because there was no one else. I wasn’t sure it would work out. I’d always lived alone, so I worried, what on earth would I do with a teenage boy? But it was the best thing, by far, that I’ve ever done. He was charming, sweet, and so loving. With all the loss he’d suffered in his life, he was still one of the most cheerful, generous, kindhearted people I’d ever known. He changed my life. Even got me to watch television. Brian loved The Wire, and he made me a fan too. And I introduced him to classical music and museums.” She fell silent for a few moments, then continued as she stared out the window. “We had such fun. I remember taking him to see a modern art exhibit-he made me laugh so hard. ‘Aunt Janice,’ he said, ‘that’s not art. I could do that with a paint roller’…” For a moment, the happy memories made her smile. Then the harsh reality of the present took hold again and she bent her head as a fresh wave of tears poured from her eyes.

Janice, who seemed to me to be a lonely soul, had found real warmth and even joy when Brian entered her life. To lose it this way was an unspeakable tragedy. After a few more moments she sat up, and Bailey passed her some Kleenex. She dabbed at her eyes and asked, “Do you think this had something to do with the theft of Tommy’s screenplay?”

“I do,” I said. “Brian and Hayley were very close. I think Brian confided in Hayley and they faked her kidnapping. Possibly as payback.”

“But…it doesn’t fit. Money didn’t mean much to Brian. You had to know him, to really get it. He was all heart and soul. That’s why I believed him when he said he wanted to write. He had that…artistic, sensitive kind of temperament. I just don’t see him asking for money.”

I didn’t know what to say to that. But I did know there were a lot of things that didn’t make sense yet and I told her so. We talked a little longer and asked if she wanted us to call anyone for her.

“I-I’ll call. I’m having dinner with a friend. Don’t worry about me. Just-will you keep me informed of…everything?”

“Of course,” I said. “And if you think of anything-about Brian, or Tommy-please call. Any and all information would be helpful.” We gave her our cards. “Please know that if there’s a trial, we’ll help you fly out and find a place to stay so you can attend.”

A strange look skipped fleetingly across her face, but then Janice smiled tremulously. “That’s very kind of you. Thank you.”

I again promised to stay in touch and told her we’d do everything in our power to bring the killer to justice. It was no more comforting this time than it had been for Hayley’s parents.

In the cab, on our way to the airport, Bailey and I were quiet. Tired, emotionally wrung out, and, for the moment, stymied; there was nothing good to say. “I don’t make Averly as the mastermind,” I said.

“He definitely wasn’t at Russell’s house when the kidnapping e-mail came in. So I’d agree, at least based on what we’ve seen so far.”

“And he doesn’t feel like a mastermind. Too weaselly…you know?”

Bailey nodded. We dragged our carry-ons through the terminal and took seats near the boarding gate, then Bailey went to find us some food to take on the plane. It was only after we’d boarded the flight that I remembered what I’d wanted to do.

“Bailey, do you have Averly’s cell phone on you?”

“Yeah.” She patted the pocket of her jacket.

“Is it wrapped up?”

“It’s in a plastic bag. Why?”

“Let me see it.”

Bailey pulled out the bag and gave it to me. Carefully, to avoid smudging prints, I manipulated the bag so I could press the power button through the plastic. When it booted up, I found the phone icon and looked at “Recent Calls.”

“Look at all those calls to and from ‘unknown caller,’” I said.

Bailey frowned. “And they’re on the day of the kidnapping.” She scrolled back up the page. “Last one was yesterday.”

“The day Averly got arrested. We need to figure out who this ‘unknown’ caller is. How much time do you think we have before Averly gets his hands on a contraband phone?”

“Could be any minute. Especially if he promises big money.”

Which he might very well have if he collected the ransom money. Bailey pulled out her cell and made a call. She gave Averly’s phone number and asked to have the unknown caller identified as fast as possible. “And if you get the answer before I land, give the information to Lieutenant Hales immediately. I’m calling him now so he’ll expect you.” Bailey read off Graden’s cell phone number and ended the call.

The flight attendant gave the announcement to turn off “all cell phone devices,” so Bailey powered down and put Averly’s phone back into her pocket.

“I guess that’s all we can do now,” she said.

There were no Bloody Marys for either of us this time. With any luck, we were going to have to hit the ground running.