Dead by Midnight - Beverly Barton [142]
“Are we assuming that they were killed by the same person?” Holt Keinan asked. “Do we have evidence to back up that assumption or—?”
“That info is in the report.” Griff tapped his copy of the documents. “The two murders were almost identical in nature. The killer’s MO for their murders was the same. It’s highly unlikely that two different killers would use the same method to murder two Powell agents less than a month apart.”
“What’s the consensus concerning the possibility that Shelley’s and Kristi’s murders are somehow connected to the Midnight Killer murders?” Maleah asked the question that had been troubling her ever since Shelley’s murder, a question that she and Derek had discussed.
“We have no evidence that there is any connection,” Griff replied, then looked at Derek. “What’s your educated guess on that one?”
“I’ll tell you what I told Maleah when she and I discussed the possibility—it’s improbable that the Midnight Killer murders and the murders of the two Powell employees are connected. The MOs are completely different. And just as important, the Midnight Killer would have no reason to kill Kristi Arians, who was in no way connected to that investigation.”
“Does that mean someone is targeting Powell employees for a reason totally unrelated to any ongoing investigations?” Michelle asked.
“Possibly,” Griff said. “We’ve already beefed up security here at the Powell Building and at Griffin’s Rest. And every agent will be contacted and warned to be extra vigilant concerning their own safety. Shelley Gilbert’s death tells us that whoever killed her was a highly trained individual. No amateur could have overpowered her.”
“Then you think we’re dealing with an assassin?” Ben asked.
“I think it’s possible,” Griff agreed.
Silence fell over the room, each person no doubt considering his or her own fate as a Powell employee. Maleah sensed that there was a lot more to Griff’s suspicions than he was revealing. Only her friendship with Nic gave her an insight into Griffin Powell’s personal life, one that the other employees did not have. If someone was targeting Powell employees, there had to be a reason, and her gut instincts told her that that reason was Griffin Powell himself.
“Any idea why somebody would target your employees?” Holt asked.
“Nothing concrete,” Griff said.
“We’re moving forward with the Midnight Killer investigation.” Nic stepped in with a comment that purposely changed the discussion. “We want each of you to study the updated information and make any additions you feel are necessary. We’ll meet back here in the morning at ten. Thank y’all for coming tonight.”
Nic had effectively ended the meeting and dismissed the agents. Taking their cue from Nic’s abruptness, Holt, Ben, and Michelle made a hasty retreat and headed for the elevator. As Derek and Maleah followed, Griff called to them.
“You two, wait up.”
They stopped, turned, and faced Griff.
“Derek, we need your area of expertise,” Griff said, then looked at Maleah. “Nic has requested that, as her close friend, you be included in this very private conversation. Anything said from this point on is to be kept in the strictest confidence and mentioned to no one outside this room. Do you understand?”
“Yes, I understand.”
Maleah understood that Griff didn’t want her here and had probably objected when Nic had asked that she be included. But he was hardly in a position to deny his wife the loyalty and support of one friend when he had included Sanders and Yvette Meng. And although Barbara Jean and Nic were dear friends, Barbara