“Did he know what his daughter did?” Bree asked.
Ash lifted a hand. “At this time, we have no reason to believe he had anything to do with his daughter’s actions.”
Bree nodded.
“As you know, the county forensics team has been searching the lake house all night.” Ash continued. “In it, they found Brian Dylan’s computer. On the hard drive were the working files for the pornographic deepfake video and photo-edited images of you. He also seems to have been responsible for harassing emails you’ve recently received, including the penis photo he sent to you. He had a copy of that picture on a burner phone. We think the photo is of himself.”
Bree grimaced. “I didn’t need to know the dick pic was Dylan.”
“Sorry,” Ash commiserated. “Your forensics department also found a second sex doll identical to the one he used to threaten you.” He shook his head. “We suspect he kept it for his personal use.”
Ew.
“Dylan was a busy man,” Bree said.
“And he seemed determined to torment you.” Ash nodded. “The gun in Stephanie’s possession was registered to Eugene Oscar. We believe ballistics will confirm it was the weapon used to kill Oscar and his mother.”
“Did she confess?”
“Stephanie is not talking.”
“She’s smart.”
“She didn’t get away with it.” Ash closed his file and exhaled. “Because of you.” He stood. “I’ll be in touch. I’m sure there’ll be further questions.”
Unless she plea-bargained, Stephanie would be tried for murder.
“One more thing.” Ash picked up his file. “Shane Bartholomew was bailed out yesterday.”
Anger heated Bree’s blood. “How the hell did he get bailed out?”
“He and his three pals”—Ash listed all the names that Shane had implicated in Todd’s beating and kidnapping—“barely warmed the holding cells before a hotshot lawyer showed up.”
“Let me guess. The Hudson Footmen sent the attorney.” Bree was disgusted.
“We can’t prove they sent him, but we’re working on it.”
“Damn it. Who knows if they’ll show up for trial?”
“No need to worry about that.” Ash paused. “Very early this morning, Shane’s body—along with the three other men’s—were found in a vehicle in the Hudson River. All four men are dead. Their vehicle went over a three-hundred-foot cliff.”
Shock slashed through Bree’s exhaustion. “Cause of death?”
“Don’t have autopsy results yet, but that’s a long drop.”
“They were murdered.”
“Probably,” Ash agreed.
Bree considered Shane’s confession and his link to the paramilitary group. “Do you suspect the Hudson Footmen were responsible?”
“It’s possible they didn’t approve of Shane’s blabbing,” Ash said.
“If he survives, Dylan will be at risk. They’ll want him dead.”
“He’s out of surgery. He’s going to make it.” Ash headed for the door. “We have a guard on his door, and when he’s transferred to the prison, he’ll be put in solitary.”
But would that be enough to keep him alive? That likely depended on how much he knew about the organization. They’d been willing to kill four men for much less.
Ash left.
Morgan stood and offered her hand. “We’re working on the takedown orders. I’ll keep you posted. You’ll call me if you need me?”
“Yes, and thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Morgan picked up her briefcase. “I’ll see you at the K-9 fundraiser.”
“You’re coming?”
“Of course. The community supports the sheriff’s department. The community supports you,” Morgan said.
“I hope so. We really need that dog.”
Brody deserved an actual retirement.
Bree escorted Morgan to the rear exit. After closing the door behind the attorney, Bree peered down the hallway. She could see reporters gathered in the lobby. She ducked out of sight before she was spotted and hurried to her office, where Matt and the puppy waited. “The press is here. I’m sneaking home to sleep for a few hours.”
They left through the back door together.
“Not making a statement?” Matt carried the puppy out.
“No. I’ve had enough.” It felt cowardly, but Bree knew the questions would segue into a discussion about the deepfakes, and she didn’t have the energy. She’d deal with them another day.