The RX Factor

The RX Factor - Chapter 4

“Not yet, but I have my best man out looking for them. They were asking about the owners and the guests, and they seemed curious about arrival and departure information. They said they were looking to buy one for themselves and the waitress didn’t think anything of it until, of course, the boat exploded. Then she searched us out.”

“And if your best man cannot find these people, what’s next? Are you suggesting that these people may have had something to do with the death of my aunt and uncle?”

Noting that Dr. Carver was beginning to control the direction of the questioning, Pritchard diverted the momentum to get the ball back in his court. “Let’s not jump the gun just yet. I have no idea if these people had anything to do with the explosion and until we have evidence to the contrary, the explosion is being investigated as an accident. A very tragic accident. I’m not equipped to pursue the exact cause of the explosion, so I ordered some experts to come down from Nassau.”

“So you’re suspicious enough to check this out.”

“Yes, that’s true.” He glanced at the notes before him. “You told Franklin earlier that your aunt and uncle were the only ones aboard at the time of the explosion, is that correct?”

“Yes.”

“Then how do you explain the presence of a third body at the site?”

Jordan jerked upright but did not respond.

“Were your aunt and uncle planning on going to sail in the morning?”

“Yes. First light.”

“Then it is odd that someone else would be aboard that you didn’t know about.”

Jordan swallowed hard. Regaining her voice with considerable effort, she choked out, “I’ll say it’s odd. I know nothing about that.” She halted, recovering as her face flushed with anger. “Who was it?”

“At this point, we do not know, but we’ll find out soon enough. I’m hoping you might help in that regard.”

The calm in his voice seemed to relax her. She settled back into her chair and brushed back the dark hair that had fallen over her eyes during her outburst. “I don’t have any idea who it is.”

Pritchard shifted in his chair. “Tell me about your aunt and uncle.”

“Do you follow American financial news, Wall Street stuff?”

“I read the regular papers from time to time. Why?”

“Then you might remember that my uncle, Henry Carver, was involved in a scandal.”

“Yes, I do recall. That must be why his name sounded familiar.”

“He was the CEO of a major Wall Street firm when a company pension scandal broke out. It was muddled, but in the end my uncle was handed a golden parachute and forced to retire.”

“I see. And when was that?”

“About three years ago. Shortly after that, he purchased the Bulls and Bears. Ever since, he and my aunt have been traveling the world.”

“I see,” he said, jotting the details onto his notepad. “I understand that your uncle was helping to fund your new project in, uh, where was it?”

“Sayulita, Mexico. It’s near Puerto Vallarta. How did you know that?”

“This is a small island, Dr. Carver. Secrets do not stay concealed long in George Town.”

“Well it was certainly no secret, but—”

Before Jordan could finish her thought, Pritchard tossed out his next question.

“And would you mind telling me how much he contributed?”

“He and a few other investors contributed close to twenty million, but my uncle was responsible for the bulk of it.”

“What about your parents?”

“They are both deceased.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Thank you. That was a long time ago. Uncle Henry and Aunt Jenny practically raised me. I began living with them when I was still in middle school.”

“And where was that?”

“New York.”

“I see. Did your aunt and uncle have any children of their own?”

“No, it was just me.”

“Any idea on the value of their estate?”

“I’m not sure. A lot. Had to be at least one hundred million, could be a lot more.”

“And you’re the only heir to their estate?”

“I have no idea. I am their only living relative, but I was not privy to the specific details of their will. As far as I know, they may have left everything to charity.” Jordan paused, squinted her eyes, tightened her lips, and then tilted her head a fraction before continuing. “And I do not appreciate the insinuation that comes with that question.”

“There is no insinuation in my question, Dr. Carver. I am just gathering facts right now. Please do not confuse the two.”

Pritchard finished up with his notes and slid his chair back. “Thank you for coming in, Dr. Carver. Will you be available if I should need you again?”

“Yes, of course. I want the facts as much as you do. And I’m not going anywhere until I have them.”