Peter blew out a deep breath that clouded in front of him in the chilly November air. So Bills still able to drive a snowmobile since his injury?
The farmer looked confused. What injury? Did that good-for-nothing liar tell someone he was laid up again?
Bingo.
Again? Peter eyed the man carefully. Hes pulled a scam before?
And brags about it. The farmer glared in the direction of the Rigsby farm. I hate cheaters.
If you knew your neighbor was involved in the kind of insurance fraud that means you have to pay higher premiums, would you be willing to testify at a deposition on behalf of the insurance company?
The man arched an eyebrow. Testify?
That youve seen him shoveling snow, horseback-riding and snowmobiling.
The farmer jerked a nod. Damn straight.
Peter turned and took the shotgun out of his truck. He handed it back to the farmer. Is there a road that will take me to the Rigsbys south pasture? Id like to get a few pictures of Bill Rigsby snowmobiling.
The farmer gave Peter a gloating grin. There sure is.
An hour later, Peter drove toward the hospital in Honey Creek to see Craig Warner. He had a dozen or more incriminating photos of Bill Rigsby and his son riding snowmobiles, chopping wood and loading
hay bales in the south pasture. More than enough evidence for his client to prove that Rigsbys disability claim was false. With that matter behind him, Peter focused his attention on the problems that had kept him awake at night in recent weeksthe attacks on his family.
While he hadnt been close to his father before Mark had disappeared, believed to be dead, Peter took personally the recent discovery of Mark Walshs body and apparent murder. Any ill will he had for his father because of his numerous affairs and his desertion of the family didnt offset Peters hunger for justice. Mark Walsh was his father, bad one though hed been, and his murder cut too close to home for Peter to rest easily. Was the murderers vendetta just against Mark or was there a broad conspiracy at play? Knowing that Craig, the man whod run Walsh Enterprises for years and been like a second father to Peter, had been deliberately poisoned made the conspiracy theory more valid to Peter.
After parking in the hospital lot, Peter slammed his truck door as he headed inside.
Craig was alone in his hospital room when Peter arrived, which suited Peter just fine. He really didnt want to have the conversation he intended to have with Craig in front of his mother, who had been hovering by her lovers bedside since hed been admitted.
Afternoon, Craig. Hows tricks? Peter worked to keep his smile in place when he saw how pale and drawn Craig still looked even after several days of chelation therapy to rid his body of the arsenic in his system.
Peter, good to see you. I was just about to call you. Craig rearranged the tubes that fed fluids and detoxifying agents into his blood and tried to sit up.
Seeing Craig, whod been the picture of strength and virility before his poisoning, laid low by the arsenic sent a chill deep into Peters bones. We could have lost him.
Looks like I saved you a call then, huh? What can I do for you? Peter removed his coat and took a seat beside the narrow bed.
Keep an eye on your mother for me. Shes still so upset over this poisoning mess. Ive told her Im going to be fine, but you know how she worries. Shes wearing herself out dividing her time between me and all her regular responsibilities with the company and her familyespecially that son of yours. Her grandson is the world to her.
Guilt kicked Peter in the shins. Hed long known he depended too heavily on his mother for babysitting Patrick after school, but Jolene insisted on watching her grandson rather than hiring someone else. As a single father, Peter was grateful for the help and didnt argue the point.
Come on, now, Craig. I thought you knew by now, no one tells Jolene Walsh to slow down. Shes happiest when shes taking care of her chickadees. Peter forced a grin. He, too, had seen the strain his mother was under. Who could blame her? Having her husbands body discovered and her closest friend poisoned
Are you calling me a chickadee? Craig said weakly, a smile playing at the corner of his mouth.
Peter laughed. Never. But you know what I mean.
Craig nodded. So what brings you around today?
I cant stop by to see how youre feeling?
Sinking deeper into the stack of pillows behind him, Craig sighed. I know you better than that, Peter. Somethings on your mind, so spill.
Peter rubbed his temple and stared at his boots. Have you heard anything else from the sheriff about who is behind your poisoning?
Lester Atkins is the only arrest the sheriffs made.
Yeah, and we both know he didnt act alone. Someone paid him. Someone supplied the arsenic.
Craig nodded. Sheriff Colton said hed look into the possibility Atkins had help.
Sheriff Colton is first and foremost a Colton, Peter scoffed. Id bet anything the Coltons had a hand in this. Maybe Damien was wrongfully convicted fifteen years ago, but I wouldnt put it past his family to have arranged my dads real murderand your poisoningas revenge. Or to cover some other crime. Orhell, the possibilities are endless when it comes to the Coltons.