Dark Room (Pete 'Monty' Montgomery 2)

“Some aspects of it, yes.” It was obvious that Monty’s interrogating style was starting to upset her, maybe bringing back raw memories. “New York is where the fashion magazines are based. But L.A. has the film industry, TV advertising, and the modeling school I wanted to attend.” She took a sip of coffee, and Monty noted that her hand was trembling. “Forgive me, Detective. But I was a pretty messed-up kid back then. I’d lost everyone I loved. I acted on impulse. It was a ridiculously drastic move. Still, as it turns out, I’m not sorry. I wound up with a pretty amazing life.”

“Yes, you did.” Monty shut his notepad. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to stir up painful memories.”

“I realize that. You’re just doing your job.” Karly took another sip of coffee. This time her hand was steady. “May I ask you a question?”

“Shoot.”

“Is this really just caution talking? Or is there some reason Morgan believes this accident was intentional, and that it was aimed at one of her clients?”

“There’s no evidence to support the claim that this was anything but a random accident. If you’re asking if I believe someone targeted you in particular, the answer is no. I meant what I said—Morgan hired me to check into the coincidence of you and Rachel being in the same place at the same time as this hit-and-run because she cares about her clients. Also, to be blunt, I pushed for the investigation. Anytime you have a high-profile family, especially a political one, everything—and everyone—should be checked out.”

Karly spread her hands quizzically. “I’m not following. Is Morgan’s family in politics?”

“You didn’t know?” Monty’s brows arched in surprise. “No, I guess maybe you wouldn’t. You’ve only been back in New York for three months. And Morgan and Jill don’t exactly publicize their family’s congressional connections. In fact, from what I’ve seen, they draw a distinct and separate line between their agency and their personal lives. That having been said, it’s no secret that Jill’s last name is Shore. So I’m sure most of their clients know who she is. And with her father’s bill being front-page news every day—like I said, you can’t be too careful.”

Karly’s eyes had widened in astonishment. “Shore? Jill’s father is Congressman Arthur Shore?”

“One and the same. And Morgan’s lived with the Shores since her parents were killed seventeen years ago. The Shores and the Winters were very close.”

“I had no idea.” Karly processed that for a minute. “That sheds new light on why you’re here. Given what I’ve read in the tabloids, the congressman’s notoriety extends beyond his role in the House of Representatives.”

Monty gave an offhand shrug. “I don’t read the tabloids. And I don’t pay attention to rumors.”

“I’ve learned over the years that where there’s smoke, there’s often fire.” Karly leaned her head back against the chair cushion, eyeing Monty pensively. “Let me ask you something, Detective. I asked you before if you’d been hired to ward off lawsuits. You implied that Morgan’s mind wouldn’t work that way, and I agree. But would the congressman’s? Is that what this is about? Is Arthur Shore the real reason we’re having this meeting—because he wants to put a lid on any ugly publicity this hit-and-run might generate?”

Karly Fontaine might not have Rachel Ogden’s education, but she sure as hell matched her in street smarts.

Monty kept his answer short and sweet. “Congressman Shore didn’t initiate this meeting. He also didn’t hire me. Morgan Winter did. My being here isn’t about damage control. It’s about making sure that Rachel’s accident was an accident. Question answered?”

“Most succinctly.” Karly’s tone was dry, but she looked more than a little taken aback. “You don’t pull any punches, do you, Detective?”

“Nope. I’m a no-BS kind of guy.”

“So I see.”

Reminding himself that Karly Fontaine was used to more genteel interactions, Monty purposely softened his approach. “Look, I didn’t mean to come off like a Brooklyn cop. Old habits die hard. Your question was a legitimate one. So, for the record, yeah, the congressman is dedicated to his career. But he’s more dedicated to

his family. Any concerns he has about Rachel’s hit-and-run are grounded in issues of security, not politics. Okay?”

“Okay.” Karly’s tone had lost its edge. But her face was drawn tight.

“I’ve taken enough of your time.” Monty shut his notepad and rose. He reached into his jacket pocket and whipped out a business card, passing it across the desk to Karly. “If you think of anything we didn’t touch on, give me a holler.”

KARLY POPPED A Valium the minute Monty left. This hit-and-run had suddenly taken on a whole new meaning, one with her in its crosshairs. Especially in light of the confidential meeting she’d had on Monday.

The New York relocation was beginning to feel like a huge mistake.

AS SOON AS he left the Lairman Modeling Agency, Monty acted on the reminder he’d jotted down for himself when Karly pointed out that Morgan restricted who did and did not become a Winshore client.

The reminder was Charlie Denton.

He was the third component of Monty’s immediate action plan. He was also most definitely a Winshore client, a very relevant one. Not only was he the common denominator between the two women Monty had just interviewed, he was also a factor in both Morgan’s life and Jack Winter’s life—a factor Monty couldn’t quite wrap his mind around.

The guy was an enigma. He was a kick-ass prosecutor, who definitely had his eye on the prize—climbing the advancement ladder in the D.A.’s office. Monty got the fact that making waves didn’t jibe with Denton’s plan. So it made sense that the A.D.A. was less than thrilled about the digging around he was being pushed to do, even if it was unofficially sanctioned by his boss.

Still, there was another side to him. And that side definitely had a personal interest in the Winters’ case. What Monty couldn’t shake was the feeling that Denton’s interest was rooted in something more substantial than scoring points with Morgan or securing justice for Jack.

Monty was impatient for answers. He’d put out the necessary feelers yesterday morning, and his contacts were the best.