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the FBI considering my grandparents’ case is nil.”
    “Quite the contrary. We’re committed to going forward with the investigation. Would your grandmother be willing to help develop a composite of Russell Jergon?”
    “I’m sure she’d agree. Would you take that same pic to Silver Hospitality for possible identification?”
    “Yes, agents would handle that.”
    “I’m surprised the FBI is taking my grandparents’ claims seriously.”
    She preferred not to give him details regarding the other cases. At this point, this was an FBI matter. If and when they joined forces with HPD as part of a task force, then he could learn more. “Whether they are related to other cases the FBI is investigating remains to be seen. Our concern is the scam and a death.”
    “Here in Houston, statewide, or national?”
    “I’m not free to give more information. When the public can be informed, we’ll provide a press release.”
    “I’m not the public or the community. I’m a police officer, and I will find the answers with or without your help.”
    “Officer Hilton, this is FBI jurisdiction. I’m sure your superiors will provide information on a need-to-know basis.”
    “My grandparents are my jurisdiction.”
    Stalemate. Yet she understood his stance. “I sincerely wish there was something you could do.”
    “I’ll be the judge of my capabilities.”
    She didn’t want a family member involved in the investigation. Those situations meant reactions from the heart instead of logic and training. It also led to mistakes resulting in death. “I strongly advise against your involvement, Officer Hilton.”
    “I understand you’re not at liberty to report your findings, but these are my grandparents, and I will not sit idle. I’m committed to this investigation. Is that understood?”

CHAPTER 6
    1:15 P.M. THURSDAY
    Laurel glanced at the clock on her computer. The conversation with Officer Hilton still weighed on her. She understood how he felt, but the FBI were experienced in investigating white collar crime and murder, if that was the case.
    Time she paid a visit to Morton Wilmington, without Su-Min. She’d explain to her later. Her friend had been distancing herself lately, and Laurel had no clue why . . . except Su-Min was anxious to climb the FBI ladder. Today’s meeting with the Hiltons demonstrated a lack of compassion. No crime was a waste of time and resources. One day soon, Laurel would ask Su-Min if her career goals had stepped in the way of her commitment to protect the people and businesses of their community.
    In reality, Su-Min would be right in objecting to what Laurel planned to do this afternoon. Interviewing a suspect alone went against FBI protocol, but Wilmington might lose his temper and tell her what she wanted to know. For her own peace of mind, she had to find out if he was working an elderly fraud. Too many unscrupulous people feasted on the older generation. They earned their trust and victimized them, but this group sought those with the minds of children. The victims who remembered the company’s name or its representatives never matched. What bothered her the most was the sale of life insurance policies and what thatcould mean if the bad guys wanted to collect sooner than a natural death. And did that happen to Tom Hanson?
    A smart operation, but not infallible.
    She picked up a framed quote on her desk.
    When I was young, I admired clever people. Now that I am old, I admire kind people.
    ABRAHAM JOSHUA HESCHEL.
    Earl Hilton’s words bannered across her mind. “Human dignity is involved here.”
    Resolved, she drove toward the meeting. Chain-link fence and barbed wire surrounded Huntsville State Prison, home to a high percentage of repeat offenders and those who boasted of gang involvement. In years gone by, the prison hosted a rodeo for the surrounding community. Today it was only the local hotel for those who thought they were above the law.
    Each time she deliberated Wilmington’s