24
FORD
Laurence Brand might have started from humble beginnings, but he’d finished with an AC empire. Brand Holdings, Inc. occupied a sprawling grey warehouse on the edge of an industrial area, and through the open roller doors on the first floor, Ford spotted rack upon rack of AC units and spare parts. Vans painted with the logos of a dozen different companies dotted a neatly landscaped parking lot, and staff strode back and forth, loading and unloading equipment.
Signs directed visitors to a lobby at the far end of the building. Here, the offices rose three storeys, and a receptionist smiled a greeting.
“Can I help you, sir?”
“Detective Ford Prestia. I have a two o’clock appointment with Jack Brand.”
“Can I ask what it’s concerning?”
“I’m afraid not.”
Ford had kept it vague on t
