Except now he had changed his story.
“The police,” Sophia said before her daughter could answer, “have already asked us these types of questions. Why is it necessary to go through this again?” She turned to Jack. “I’m sure you have access to the reports.”
“Reports are typically not as reliable as hearing the account firsthand,” Finley explained. “Forming opinions and permitting that opinion to show in a report is, unfortunately, human nature. I’d much prefer to hear your version of events rather than the detective’s interpretation of your statements.”
“This is important,” Jack tacked on. “Believe me, we wouldn’t put you through this if it wasn’t necessary.”
This seemed to satisfy her. “Very well,” Sophia allowed. She looked to her daughter. “Cecelia, please answer Ms. O’Sullivan’s question.”
Cecelia shook her head before meeting Finley’s gaze. “Never. I’d never heard of him before he killed my father.” The last words were croakier than the others, and her voice noticeably shook.
“To your knowledge, did your sister Olivia know him?” Finley pressed.
Cecelia hesitated for a long moment, glanced at Finley before looking down again. “Not as far as I know.”
“At the time of your father’s death,” Finley asked next, “were there any problems between the two of you?”
More twisting of fingers during a lingering pause. Finally, Cecelia shook her head once more. “Not with me. We never fought.”
“What about Olivia?”
Cecelia shrugged, gaze on her twisting fingers. “I have no idea.”
Finley took the opportunity to watch Sophia’s face as her daughter spoke—particularly since Cecelia more often than not kept her head down, preventing Finley from assessing her expressions. Sophia’s countenance remained utterly emotionless. Not the slightest change. Practiced, Finley decided. Sophia Legard kept her emotions to herself on a regular basis. Except when she wanted Jack to hear the worry and hope in her tone.
“Were there any business issues during that time?” This question Finley directed at Sophia. The subject hadn’t really come up at trial since they’d already had their killer.
“This is an avenue that should have been investigated more thoroughly,” Jack put in.
Sophia drew in a deep breath. “At the time I was not aware of any issues with his work. With these new and ludicrous allegations, I’ve taken it upon myself to speak with some of his close colleagues, and I do believe there is a matter worthy of reevaluation.”
“That was a good decision,” Jack offered. “These are people who are more likely to speak openly with you.”
The ghost of a smile touched Sophia’s painted lips. “I can’t take credit for this information. A dear friend actually came to me last night. God knows our painful tragedy is suddenly all over the news again.”
This was true. The Legard murder was in the top ten again. Finley estimated it would rise to the top of the headlines and remain there for the duration. “We’ll need the name and contact information of your friend.”
“Certainly. Alexander Collins. He goes by Alex. He was my husband’s assistant at the time of the . . .” Sophia cleared her throat delicately. “At the time of his death. I’ll text Jack his contact information.”
“Finley will leave her number with you,” Jack said. “It will be best if you provide the information to her.”
Sophia nodded.
“What sort of matter does Mr. Collins recall?” Finley prodded.
“Lance had a number of private investors.” Sophia angled her head slightly. “Those who prefer to stay out of the limelight but who want to be a part of the industry.”
No surprise. Most large corporations had private or silent investors. Finley was familiar with the strategy.
“Seth Henderson was one of those investors. He had been friends with my husband for decades. When the label was started, Seth was the first one to throw in his support, which makes what happened all the more egregious.”
“What is it you believe Mr. Henderson did?” Finley asked. It wasn’t unheard of for long-term business relationships to end badly. In fact, it happened more often all the time. The world changed too fast for some to keep up. Emotions often filled the gap. Rarely a good thing in business.
“Alex didn’t think much of it at the time,” Sophia explained, “but with this latest drama, he believed it best that he mention what happened. Seth was having an affair with a younger woman. She really wanted to work for our label. She was . . .” Sophia exhaled an impatient breath. “A wannabe singer and thought perhaps Seth could be her ticket in. To make her happy, he asked Lance to give her a job that would expose her to the artists. Lance didn’t like doing that sort of thing, but for Seth he made an exception.”