Gavin and Warren entered Scott Payne’s office. Gavin held the envelope with evidence and he unclipped it as he and Warren walked in.

Scott was roughly six foot two, with blond hair and brown eyes. Maybe about forty to forty-five years old, Gavin guessed. His gray suit fit him well. In fact, he was nicely dressed, stylish with an in-charge appearance. Good clothes make a statement. Gavin needed to figure out Scott’s. This was a non-profit organization.

Scott approached Gavin and Warren immediately with an outstretched hand, and a sympathetic face. “I’m so sorry I didn’t respond to your phone calls, detective. Since the news about Gabrielle Morgan came out, things have been so hectic I can’t keep up with real requests versus spam. Whatever I can do to help Gabrielle, please let me know.”

Spam? Scott Payne thought the Buffalo homicide department was spamming him? Gavin decided to let Mr. Payne’s poor judgment slide for now. Gavin was pissed, but as with Aaron, Gavin didn’t want this man on the defensive. No, not yet. “Mr. Payne, what’s your role in this organization?” The detectives took the two chairs in front of Scott’s desk.

Scott perched himself on the edge of the desk, right in front of Gavin and Warren. He casually crossed his arms and tilted his head attentively, ready to absorb any news and give his thoughts. “I’m the director. I coordinate fundraising, budgeting and community outreach for the entire organization.” Scott’s voice had a pleasant ring and his mannerisms indicated this man was engaged, not aggressive and not defensive. “My biggest job, though, is to go out into the community and get the money from potential wealthy donors. It’s how we survive, from donations.”

Gavin sized Scott up one more time. Okay, the nice clothing is because he speaks to wealthy donors. He has to look the part to fit in. And the humble persona allows him to be heard. Grovel when necessary. Good clothes with a kiss-ass, smooth talker wearing them. Yes. This is why Scott is the boss here. Gavin could already tell Scott excelled at this. “And what was Gabrielle’s position?” Gavin asked.

“She was a project manager. She’d manage individual projects that I assigned to her.”

“Was she a good employee?” Warren asked.

“She was great.” Scott hesitated, tilting his head in careful consideration. “When she was up for it.”

“Care to elaborate?” Warren asked.

“Gabrielle had a lot of personal issues, mostly with her son. He was sick a lot and then he started to have disciplinary issues. Not uncommon for an eight-year-old. Kids rebel. I cut her some slack. She needed time off to deal with these problems at home.”