Page 37 of Fury In Death

“No, he didn’t. We could push that with a warrant, but we’ll see how the rest goes.”

As she spoke, she heard footsteps.

Jacob Wyst streamed into the room.

“Lieutenant Dallas, Detective Peabody. I recognize you both, and your exceptional work for the people of New York.”

He gripped Eve’s hand in both of his, then did the same with Peabody.

“I’m Jacob Wyst. Please excuse my appearance. I’ve just returned from overseas, and to this devastating news.”

As for appearances, Eve would have termed his slick and sleek.

He’d let his hair go the color of polished silver, in casual waves around a bronzed face. He wore trousers, a casual brown leather jacket over a pale green sweater that matched his eyes.

Since he could have passed for mid-fifties, Eve assumed he’d had excellent work.

“Thank you for taking time for us.”

“Of course! My God, I can’t believe what’s happened. Larry’s been a part of my life for over twenty years! A break-in, I’m told. Thank God Rachel wasn’t there or she might have been killed as well. What can we do to help you find who did this?”

“Director O’Brian’s been very helpful. We need to conduct interviews. We can’t discount the possibility that Director Chu’s work here is somehow connected to his murder.”

“Oh no. I can’t believe . . . Excuse me.” He pulled out a chair from the conference table, sat. “I’m staggered, just staggered by Larry’s death. And you suspect Larry was killed over his work here?”

“We’re in the very early stages of our investigation. We can’t discount the possibility,” Eve continued. “Nothing was taken from the residence, which does discount burglary.”

“I see. I see. Well, no, I honestly don’t. Larry would never have taken sensitive files out of the lab, but of course, he was a brilliant man, so had a great deal of sensitive information in his head. To think someone may have killed him for that knowledge.”

“We’re exploring all avenues. Do you have any reason to believe Director Chu may have spoken with a competitor of Banner-Wyst?”

“I would stake my reputation against that. Larry was brilliant, and he was also loyal and trustworthy. I believe he valued the company as much as we valued him.”

“In going over his financials, it’s clear you incentivized him to remain loyal to the company.”

Wyst’s eyebrows lifted. “Was he well compensated for his work? Of course.”

“He received a very generous bonus about thirteen years ago.”

“Thirteen years?” Wyst frowned, smoothed a hand over his silver mane. “I’d have to refresh my memory on that.”

“Officially, half a million. Subsequently, he’s received a quarter of a million bonus annually.”

Wyst smiled now. “That is generous. I can tell you that Larry spearheaded any number of projects over the years that resulted in scientific and technical leaps and strides. I believe, as does Calvin—Calvin Banner, my partner—in rewarding exceptional work. When we, as a company, make these strides, so does the planet, so do all who live on it.”

“What was he working on now?”

“I would have to check on that to be sure, but Larry would have steered the wheel on several projects.”

He rose now, spread his hands. “Selfishly, I hope this tragedy doesn’t connect to the work we do at Banner-Wyst, but whether it does or not, I hope you find who’s responsible quickly, and they’re brought to justice.

“I’ll let you get on with your work.”

As he left, Peabody slanted Eve a look, and got one in return.

The admin stepped in. “I have Director Chu’s team.”

“We’ll take them two at a time. Start with the highest rank, work down the pecking order.”