Eleanor searched the files for any reference to Bellamy Road, Bellamy Storage, or a mill address. Nothing appeared. Only one person had mentioned the warehouse before the database was recovered. Bennett.
Brooks called his personal number. The call went directly to voicemail. He tried the department number. Bennett was not on duty.
Maya called once, then a second time. No answer. Brooks spoke clearly through the telephone. "We have evidence. What we do not have is the correct property and enough time to search all three."
Maya looked at the clock. Every minute allowed another title to be separated, another file to be destroyed, and another vehicle to leave Monroe County. "Keep calling Bennett," she said. "We will," Brooks answered in a firm voice. "But if those vehicles leave tonight, the evidence will be divided across several states."
Bennett had turned off his personal phone before entering his mother's house. He left it in the kitchen drawer and sat beside her in the living room while the evening news played at low volume. She was reading a letter from her healthcare provider. "What is it?" he asked.
She handed it to him. The notice stated that her home care assistance and prescription coverage were under review because of a possible change in the employment status of the primary policy holder.
Bennett read it twice. No final decision had been made. No benefit had been formally canceled. The letter only announced a review. That was enough.
His mother watched him closely. "Is this connected to your job?" "I don't know." "You do know."
Bennett placed the letter on the coffee table. "Hale thinks I spoke to someone." "Did you?" He did not answer.
She removed her reading glasses. "Noah, look at me." He raised his eyes.
"I called Judge Williams," he said. "I told her the motorcycle was never reported stolen. I told her there was a list." "Was that true?"
"Yes." "Then why did you take it back?"
"Because Hale can end my job. If that happens, the insurance ends. The pension could be challenged. Your care."
"My care is not permission for you to lie." "I was trying to protect you." "By helping them take from other people?" "I did not take the vehicles."
"You stood there." The words were quiet. Bennett did not defend himself.
His mother continued. "You came home after those checkpoints and told me you were tired. You never told me why." "I kept thinking I could stay out of it."