CHAPTER 72: GRAYSON

At the Grayson residence, an FBI agent stops Grayson, Savannah, and Gigi at the driveway and tells Savannah and Gigi to remain outside during the search. Savannah corrects the agent about Gigi’s name, while Grayson refuses to identify their driver or answer unnecessary questions, using Tobias Hawthorne’s lessons in control to avoid giving the agent leverage.

When Gigi tries to reach Acacia, the agent grabs Gigi’s arm. Savannah demands that the agent let go, and Grayson backs Savannah calmly but forcefully. Grayson then walks past the agent to inspect the situation, with Savannah following and Gigi defusing the tension in her odd way by declaring that she is still not telekinetic.

Near the house, Acacia tries to reassure Savannah, Gigi, and Grayson, but Grayson can tell that the search has shaken her. Agents carry out computer parts, and Savannah points out that they are tearing the home apart. Grayson reviews the warrant and sees that it covers the residence, grounds, and three vehicles registered to Sheffield Grayson, but not Savannah’s or Gigi’s cars.

Grayson questions why the FBI would execute such a broad search so long after Sheffield disappeared and begins suspecting that someone may have deliberately revived the case. Acacia admits she cannot afford a lawyer, though Kent Trowbridge offered to come as a friend. Gigi wants to use the sisters’ trusts, but Savannah indicates that access is not simple, and Acacia refuses to let her daughters pay.

When the FBI agent in charge approaches and frames the search as an effort to find evidence of Sheffield’s crimes and whereabouts, Grayson points out the odd timing and the fact that Acacia and the girls are victims if Sheffield embezzled from them. Grayson suggests that a tip or powerful influence may have triggered the search, then gives Acacia a lawyer’s card. Acacia accepts the help and tells the agent to direct further questions to her lawyer.

Grayson calls Alisa to arrange legal help for Acacia. Recognizing that staying longer increases the chance someone will realize the evidence is already gone, Grayson leaves the immediate scene and calls the Haywood-Astyria concierge to have someone bring his car back to him.