Simon Says Die

uncomfortable. “We’ve had some developments with the toxicology regarding your father,” he said, addressing Madison.
    Feeling she might need to sit to hear this, Madison pulled out a chair and sat down, clasping her hands together in her lap. Pierce moved to stand behind her chair and rested his hands on her shoulders. She didn’t know if he was trying to comfort her or keep her from slugging Hamilton when he said whatever he was going to say. Either way, she was glad for his support. She leaned slightly back and he squeezed her shoulders reassuringly.
    Hamilton pulled out another sheet of paper from the folder and passed it to Alex. “As you can see, the tests confirmed a lethal dose of Maxiodarone was in Mr. Richards’ body. He was definitely murdered.”
    Madison tensed and Pierce tightened his hands.
    â€œThe interesting thing about Maxiodarone is that, even though it’s lethal, it’s slow-acting. The expert estimates the poison was administered two hours before your father died.”
    Casey pointed to the paper Hamilton had given to Alex. “This is a log from your father’s doctors, showing that you were in the middle of a consultation with them during that time. You have a solid alibi. You couldn’t have murdered your father.”
    Hamilton cleared his throat. “Given the lack of physical evidence, and just how freaking fishy all this looks, I no longer believe you had anything to do with the murders of the two people found in your yard either.”
    Alex tapped the paper and handed it back to the lieutenant. “I’ll expect all charges to be dropped immediately.”
    â€œDone.” Hamilton stood and held out his hand toward Madison. “Mrs. McKinley, on behalf of the Savannah-Chatham Metro Police, I’d like to apologize for putting you through this harrowing experience. All charges against you are dropped, and we’re proceeding forward with an intense investigation into your abduction and those stalking charges. You’re free to go.”
    Madison was stunned. This was the last thing she’d expected when she’d come here. She shook his hand and frowned. “What about my father? Are you investigating his murder? You have to know Damon is the one who killed him.”
    â€œThat’s out of my jurisdiction. The New York district attorney has been made aware of our findings. It’s up to him now to pursue that investigation.”
    â€œWhat does that mean? Are they pursuing it or aren’t they?” she asked, rising from her chair.
    â€œDon’t worry,” Agent Casey assured her. “The FBI is now officially in the game. Hamilton invited us to review the case. And, at my urging, the New York police invited us to investigate your father’s death. We believe Damon McKinley could be part of some major crimes over several decades with many potential victims. We can’t ignore that. We want to know what’s going on just as much as you do.
    â€œThank you,” she said, amazed at how things were turning out.
    He nodded. “I apologize for not believing you before. I hope you understand. In my business, it’s all about evidence.”
    â€œCome on, let’s get you out of here,” Pierce said. “We can call Logan and let him know the charges have been dropped.”
    Madison smiled her first smile in days and stepped out of the conference room. Pierce put his hand on the small of her back again, invoking images of the shower they’d shared earlier, heating her skin and tightening her belly. She was suddenly anxious to get him alone where she could do all the things she’d wanted to do to him last night but was too exhausted to do by the time he’d finished with her.
    She was far from finished with him.
    She grinned up at him and gave him a saucy wink.
    He gave her an admonishing look, but she could tell he wasn’t all that worried.
    â€œWell, hello there.”
    Madison stumbled to a halt, a shiver of dread running up her spine. No, it couldn’t be. She whirled around, her heart in her throat as she stared at the man sitting at a desk with a detective.
    Pierce put his arm around her shoulders. “What’s wrong?”
    Words couldn’t seem to get past her constricted throat, so instead she pointed at the man.
    He smiled at Pierce. “You must be Special Agent Buchanan. What a pleasure to finally meet you. I’m Damon