Thomas Reed had been inside Gavin Cole’s home weeks before Martin Keller’s murder.
Not after.
Not as part of an investigation.
Before.
Gavin had never mentioned knowing Reed because Gavin had not known him.
But Rachel had.
When Amelia showed Gavin the enhanced image, he stared as if the past had shifted beneath his feet.
“That was in my house?”
“Yes.”
“I don’t remember him.”
“Chloe says Rachel didn’t like him.”
Gavin’s face went pale.
“What?”
Amelia sat across from him. “Think carefully. Did Rachel ever mention someone named Reed?”
Gavin rubbed both hands over his face. “Rachel handled some bookkeeping jobs from home after Chloe was born. Small stuff. Local businesses. She helped Martin sometimes when his office got backed up.”
Amelia leaned forward. “Rachel worked for Martin Keller?”
“Not officially. Just a few hours here and there.” His eyes sharpened with sudden memory. “She came home upset once. Said Martin had gotten mixed up with people he shouldn’t. I asked what she meant, but she said she didn’t want me involved.”
