The Object of His Protection - Brenda Jackson [52]
“I’m not saying that. The Harmon Braddock I knew was a very honest and upright man. But people can change. He wasn’t perfect.”
The senator’s statement made Drey press on with his questions. “You and Harmon spent a lot of time together, right?”
“Yes. We played golf together at least once a week when he wasn’t in Washington.”
“Did he ever mention Stewart Industries to you?”
The older man thought on his question and then shook his head. “No, not that I recall. Why?”
The golf cart came to a stop and they got off near a beautiful pond. “We have reason to believe that he made his last telephone call to a person there.”
The senator seemed to ponder Drey’s words and then said, “Hmm, I find that interesting.”
Drey lifted a brow. “And why is that?”
“Because Stewart has been in the news a lot lately. Everyone is wondering when the old man will be stepping down, and more importantly, if he’ll make his son CEO when he does. I’ve often heard that fathers and sons have a difference of opinion when it comes to running a company. Personally, I think Connor Stewart would do a better job. He’s smart, intelligent and a natural leader.” The senator then gave a low chuckle. “And I understand he’s something of a ladies’ man.”
Drey didn’t comment. From what he could see, Connor Stewart’s days as a ladies’ man were over, since according to the gossip column of the local newspaper, there was speculation as to whether he and Shondra were secretly planning a June wedding.
“I appreciate you taking time to meet with me today, Senator.”
“No problem.” The senator then eyed him curiously. “How good are you with a club?” the older man asked.
Drey couldn’t help but chuckle. “Fair.”
“Well, if you ever want to get in any practice time, this is the place to be.”
Drey smiled. “Thanks, I’ll remember that.”
The last person Drey needed to visit was Connor Stewart. A Matthew McConaughey look-alike with blue eyes and long blond hair, Connor worked hard and was all-business. On the other hand, Drey also heard Connor had a wild streak, which was the reason his father hadn’t stepped down to make him CEO.
And just as Senator Cayman had said, Connor was something of a ladies’ man…or he used to be. It had grown increasingly obvious to the media over the past couple of months that he was strictly wining and dining one woman—Shondra Braddock. Their interracial love affair was getting a lot of attention.
Drey had met Connor before and thought he was a likeable guy. “Thanks for seeing me,” he said, taking the seat Connor offered.
“No problem. I know Shondra’s mind will be eased when she finds out what really happened to her father and why.”
Drey began asking him a series of questions, trying to determine if there was any record of Harmon having any contact with Stewart.
Connor shook his head. “Trust me, if there was, Shondra would have discovered it long ago.” He chuckled. “I’m sure you’re aware that was her primary reason for taking a job here a few months ago. She was determined to undercover some wrongdoings with the company. She didn’t find anything. However, we were able to trace Harmon’s calls back to one of my employees, a competent woman by the name of Daiyu Longwei. I understand you’ve already spoken to her yourself.”
Drey shifted uneasily in his chair. “Yes, I have.”
“And I’m sure she’s told you she doesn’t know why the congressman was trying to contact her.”
Drey spent the next few minutes going over some of the committees that the congressman was a part of to see if any were connected to Stewart Industries in any way. They didn’t discover any.
When Drey stood to leave, Connor said, “I understand that you have a houseguest.”
At Drey’s raised brow, Connor smiled. “Shondra mentioned it. She likes Charlene and appreciates the information she was able to pass on to you about the autopsy reports.”
Drey nodded. “Yes, Charlene finding out about the false autopsy report made it obvious there was some sort of cover-up going on.”
“Well, Shondra