19
The next morning, Logan knocked on the door of Andrew Parnham. The younger man lived in a condo community on the outskirts of a small town about an hour from Springwood. It appeared to be a quiet neighborhood with mostly young families if the toys and bicycles on the front porch were to be believed.
The door flew open and Logan was able to get his first look at the man. He looked a great deal like this father, basically a younger version with curly dark hair and brown eyes. While Marty had been pale and slight, Drew was quite tanned and muscular at thirty-two. Dressed in casual jeans and a t-shirt he could have easily passed for a college student.
“You must be Logan Wright. Come on in,” Drew said, stepping back to let Logan in the doorway. “Can I get you a coffee or maybe a water? I have energy drinks, too.”
“I’m good, thank you. I appreciate you taking the time to talk to me today. I won’t take up too much of your time.”
The front door led directly into the living room, decorated in shades of blue and beige. It had a minimalistic vibe with uncluttered surfaces and simple furnishings. It was in stark contrast to Marty’s home that had seemed far more fussy with its heavy furniture and drapes.
“I know that you’ve already talked to the sheriff,” Logan began, settling down on the couch while Drew sat on a chair catty-corner. “I don’t want to go over too much of what you said to him.”
“I hardly said anything to him,” Drew said with a grin. “He asked where I was when my father died and I gave him my answer. Once he had that, he left.”
“Where were you?”
“Chicago. I didn’t make it back until about five in the morning. My original flight was cancelled, and I had to take a much later plane. I was supposed to be home around eleven.”
Sam would have confirmed the alibi, although Logan hadn’t heard one way or the other yet. He’d have the office do an independent confirmation just in case.
“Business trip or pleasure?”
“Business,” Drew replied immediately. “I’m starting a business with a partner. He lives there so I went for a few days.”
“What kind of business are you starting?”
Drew scratched his chin and grimaced.
“It’s kind of hard to explain, but let’s just say that it deals with cryptocurrency.”
Logan knew what it was, but he didn’t know much more about it. He kept his own investment portfolio pretty simple and easy to manage.
“Was your dad investing in your new business?”
Drew straightened in his chair, his chin lifted in defiance. Apparently, the question had hit home.
“No, he wasn’t. I didn’t need him to. Me and my partner have all the capital that we need.”
“Wow, that’s great. I know it can be tough out there for a small business the first few years.”
“Our idea is innovative,” Drew replied stiffly. “Getting capital wasn’t an issue. We’re actually turning away investors.”
That was impressive, and it underlined the fact that Logan didn’t know shit about cryptocurrency.
“Did you tell your dad about the new business?”
“Yes.”
When a person started answering questions with one-syllable words, Logan always paid attention. It usually meant that he’d hit a nerve.
“He must have been excited for you then.”
“He was.”
“When did you tell him?”
“I’m not sure,” Drew said with a shrug. “A while ago.”