"You're the best." Sandy had another idea. "Two more names popped into my mind. Elizabeth Montgomery, West Palm Beach, I want to know if she's married. And what about Towson's campaign manager, Tony Hackett?"
"That last one's easy. Not public yet, but Hackett is about to declare bankruptcy. His creditors are already moving in. Everyone thought he was in on all the money deals that Towson pulled off, but I guess not. Somehow, he's ended up broke. Word is he may have moved back to Virginia already. I guess you've a reason for asking?"
"He found the body. That puts him on my suspect list. Hey thanks. Later."
Sandy turned back. "Where were we? Ah, I'll look into the Tampa connection. Detective Goddard also wants me to check on it."
"What did you just say?" Kagan was surprised.
Ray said, "You're doing work for Detective Goddard?"
She enjoyed the moment. "Yes, I made a connection that could be good for us. I had coffee with Detective Chip Goddard. He wants me to tell him whatever I find out, and in return he doesn't tell me anything. How's your heart, Jerry? I could hear it pounding over here."
"Indeed, that startled me. Never heard of such a thing, it just isn't done. As your brother's attorney, I must advise you of the considerable danger there. Whatever you tell him can be used in court. Moreover, you can be put on the stand and made to repeat it."
Ray jumped in, "And you say I'm crazy!"
"You are crazy."
"But Sandy, that's no kind of deal. It's all his way. He's the one who arrested me. He's on the job. He's using you. Either that or he's just trying to get you in the sack."
"Maybe he's not the sacker, maybe he's the sackee," she smiled and went on, "And it's not all his way. He agreed to listen to what I have to say. Of course, I'm going to feed him only exculpatory information."
Kagan looked at Ray who nodded that he understood the word. Kagan warned, "Even information favorable to the defense can be twisted around in court. You're on dangerous ground, young lady."
"He underestimates me. People have always underestimated me. It's a little swindle I've been running all my life. It's to our advantage with Chip, at least so far. He doesn't believe he's disclosing any info. I just get him talking and then read between the lines."
"Hope you don't fall off the high wire," Kagan said.
"If he has doubts about your guilt right now, wait until I get through with him. Plus, I can run around town without the police on my tail every minute. We exchanged phone numbers. If he calls take a message, okay?"