“I think that all of them were involved in something illegal three years ago, but Denise got cold feet. Maybe she didn’t know about it and stumbled across it because she was working on Victoria’s taxes or a business deal. Or maybe she was doing some work for Monroe and came across something illegal. She could have been involved in it herself. Whatever happened, I think she was threatened and that’s when she decided to embezzle the money from her client and disappear with her family—maybe with Victoria’s blessing. This was a tight-knit group, according to Grover. All six of them. It could even be that they were collectively involved with an unknown party who killed Denise, but the others bought into the myth that she left the country.”

Lucy considered what Max was saying. Based on what they’d learned, Denise had been talking about leaving. Her son thought it was because of a pending divorce, which was logical for a nine-year-old. But what if it was because she was scared? Or had done something illegal?

Max continued, “Victoria thought Denise left the country, or she wanted to believe it. What happened after I can’t even guess, but everything went back to normal. Until the bones were uncovered.”

Lucy rubbed her eyes. “You think that Victoria was killed because the bones were found.”

“Exactly. Because then she would realize that her best friend had been murdered three years ago and she would go to the authorities with whatever she knew. Victoria may have been committing a crime, but when your best friend and her entire family are executed you will do the right thing.”

“You think so?” Lucy asked sarcastically, uncharacteristic of her. But she knew too many criminals who could justify any crime.

“Based on what I know of Victoria, yes, I think she would. I’ve interviewed a lot of criminals—I know you have, too. White collar criminals are distinctly different than violent predators. I think Victoria would have come clean. Perhaps worked out a plea arrangement, I don’t know. She wasn’t given the opportunity. She was killed. Or she threatened to expose the wrong person and they killed her.”

“There are several problems with your theory, Max, but I can’t share them with you because they’re part of a federal investigation.”

“I have just given you a motive for Denise Albright’s murder. Don’t tell me you already figured this out, because you had no idea Denise and Victoria knew each other.”

“I would have with enough time. We got this case less than forty-eight hours ago.”

“I have access to the Mills family. We can get information faster using my access than if you jump through hoops.”

“Those hoops are there to ensure a conviction when a case goes to trial. You don’t have to worry about things like that; I do.”