“Yeah.” Kane smiled at her. “We have Finnian next.”
After showing Parker Rain to a chair, Kane sat down beside Rio opposite her. He’d found Rio to be an astute interviewer and he had the ability to keep everyone’s answers in his head for comparison, which came in useful. “Thanks for coming by. There’re just a few things we need to ask you. From the previous interview you mentioned an animosity toward Dakota Storm. Could you please expand on the reasons?”
“Do you mean, was it reason enough to kill her?” Rain smiled broadly. “If I was a psychopath, yeah, I think that would trigger me into an episode of destruction, but I’m a businesswoman and I have to accept that I lose out on some deals. It’s just with Miss Storm, well, she was a piece of work. Now she’s dead, I figure the author she snapped up from under my nose will find his way back to me.”
Kane narrowed his gaze on her. “So, you had a motive to kill her?”
“Yeah, well I suppose I did… but I didn’t.” Rain shrugged. “Although I admit it does look suspicious. Hell, it would make a great plot for a story. Agent kills agent over a client.”
“Okay.” Kane exchanged a meaningful glance with Jenna. “Do you think the ending would be the same? Miss Storm drowned in the pool outside her chalet.”
“More like, did she slip or was she pushed?” Rain’s full lips curled into a satisfied smile. “Rumor has it there was a pen involved? Do tell me where they shoved it?”
On full alert, Kane leaned back and observed her for a beat. Had he read this woman all wrong? Not a soul outside their team knew about the pen. “What pen is that?”
“Oh, I overheard it on my travels. Someone mentioned something about her favorite gold pen being involved.” Rain examined her nails. “I don’t recall who said it. Do you have any idea how many people speak to me at a conference? Hundreds.” She rolled her eyes dramatically. “Every one of them wants to pitch a story to me, insisting their story is the next bestseller.” She threw both hands in the air. “Do you have any idea how many actually have an idea that will sell? Less than one percent. Honestly, I know how long people labor over writing stories and I appreciate the time they take, but if they don’t have the ability to write, nothing I can do will sell it.”
The woman was doing a classic time-wasting ploy and she was darn good at it. Kane leaned forward on the desk and eyeballed her. “Can we cut to the chase? What exactly did Dakota Storm do to outmaneuver you in the deal with Joel Stanley. I already know he is the author of the novel in question.”
“I’d already informed him that I’d like him to sign with me.” Rain picked imaginary fluff from her sweater. “I sent him a contract. Next thing I know, she has his novel in an auction. Joel called me and told me she’d offered to take a lower commission, and as she has such a great reputation for making deals, he went with her.”
Kane cleared his throat. “At least he told you.”
“Yeah, and that’s why I’ve already called him about signing with me now that she’s dead.” Rain smiled. “I’m not giving anyone else a chance.”
“Have you heard of a person by the name of Paul Tate?” Rio looked up from taking notes.
“Paul Tate?” Rain blinked a few times and then shrugged. “Maybe. I do recall an author who pitched to me by that name… he used a pen name but I can’t remember what that was. His name was Paul Tate. Why?”
Interested Kane leaned forward and examined her reaction. “Would you be able to find his details in your records?”
“I have no idea.” Rain gave him an appalled look. “It could have been at any of the conventions. I only keep the details of the people I’m interested in reading their work. I’m sure if he impressed me, I’d have read his manuscript and remembered his name. I could give my PA a call and ask her to look through my files, but I don’t like your chances.”
“If you wouldn’t mind and then get back to me if you find anything, I’d appreciate it.” Rio handed her his card with a smile. “Call me anytime.”
Not quite finished, Kane smiled at her. “Just one more question. Do you own a laser pointer?”
“Yeah.” Rain shrugged. “I need it for the discussions.” She stared at him. “They’re not weapons… well, unless you point them at aircraft. Now that would make an interesting plot, wouldn’t it?”
“I think it’s been done before.” Kane pushed to his feet. “We’ve held you up long enough. Thanks for your help.” He walked to the door and waited for Parker Rain to follow him. “Just one more thing. Do you know Jedidiah Longfellow and Kitty Pandora?”
“I’ve met them, yes.” Rain leaned against the wall, her eyes flitting in all directions but refusing to meet his gaze. “I often speak to the bestselling authors and hand them my card. It’s good business.” She raised both eyebrows. “Every day is a competition in my world.”
The cab arrived and Kane waited for her to step into the elevator and then walked back into the suite. He leaned both hands on the table and sighed. “Wow!”
“Yeah, she’d score high on the Hare Psychopathy Checklist.” Jenna was scrolling through her notes. “I’m not discounting her yet. She’s young and strong and quite capable of killing in my opinion.”
Emily’s phone buzzed and she frowned at the text. “Julie’s bored, and once she’s done this session, she’s skipping the next forum.” She stood and looked at Kane. “I need some fresh air. I’ll take Julie with me. Do you want me to take Duke out for a run?”
“Sure.” Kane fished his keycard out of his pocket and handed it to her. “He’ll need his coat. Why don’t you bring him up here when you’re done? He’d enjoy the company.”
“I’ll ride down with her.” Rio stood and grabbed his coat. “It will be safer.”
“Then go with them but don’t go too far.” Jenna looked up from her screen. “We can handle Murphy Finnian.”
Forty-Three
It had been a really weird day for Julie. She had the prickly feeling of being watched, and after heading for a quiet place, she’d called Emily, all the while feeling someone’s eyes following her every move. She’d return