Other than the occasional burst of keys clattering and food being consumed, Lauren had been quiet throughout the ride. She had been listening to the greatest hits of ‘When Death Comes Collins.’ It wasn’t the worst garage, or possibly in this case dorm room, podcast she had heard, but she was grateful for the cheat sheet. During any downtime, if she could, she would try to listen to it all. For now, she felt comfortable with the wave tops of the cold case investigation. “Hey, Sam,” she pulled her headphones off. “How much longer?” Sam tapped his phone’s screen. “Decided to talk to the help, I see?” “What?” She glanced at the headphones in her hand. “Oh. Yeah. Sorry. I guess you might have found it useful too.” “I was streaming the episodes.” He pointed to his phone on the dash. “Want to compare notes?” “Might not be fair. I jumped around. I’m guessing you are about three-quarters through episode two?” “Good guess. It was right at the part where they were starting to excerpt their interview with the librarian.”
“Spoiler alert!” Lauren glanced down at her list. “Not one of the hits, apparently.” “OK. No spoilers then.” “Thanks, but my original question still stands. How much longer?” “Next exit is three-ninety-two. Maybe five minutes to the library after that.” “Library?” Lauren’s eyes narrowed. “Why are we going there?” “I’m guessing that is where they are. I was just told to go straight to Morgan Library and one of the local CBI agents would meet us.” “Are you guys actually on the case, or just playing gopher for the Feds and locals?” “I don’t know. Often on kidnappings we are called in, but that is at the discretion of the locals.” “Isn’t that the same rule for the Feds?” “Yeah. Although sometimes they call them and not us. FBI on the back of the windbreakers and baseball caps plays a little better on the evening news.” “Jealous much?” “Nah.” As they transitioned to surface streets, the car’s engine quieted. “I prefer not explaining the presence of a stick when I go to the proctologist.” She let out a deep laugh. “That’s fair.” “How about you?” “Well, to be frank, any trips to the proctologist would be between me and the proctologist.” “Funny.” As she closed the laptop and the light in the back dimmed she said, “I try.” “I meant—” he started to say. “I know what you meant,” she interrupted. Pursing her lips she continued. “It’s complicated.” “Complicated good or complicated bad?” He asked.
“Complicated, complicated.” She replied, shifting her attention to the side window. “OK. It’s your story to tell, I suppose,” he said. “Yeah,” she agreed, as square patches of light zipped across the window and briefly illuminated her top teeth raking across her lower lip. “Hang around long enough and maybe you’ll get to hear it.” “I promise—” he said looking into the rear-view mirror. “I’ll provide the coconut doughnuts and hot chocolate. If you ever feel like sharing.” She smiled and looked forward. “Sam my man. I’ll give you this. You’re a quick study.” “I try,” he replied, casting a smile back in the rearview mirror. “Just so you know—” she began to slip the laptop and other equipment into the bag. “Coconut doughnuts are when you need a favor.” She raised her hand and extended her index finger. “Doughnuts aren’t how you get information out of me. It generally takes good barbecue.” “What about double chocolate?” He asked. She smiled. “That’s an apology.” “Noted,” she said, guiding the SUV down a road with at least half a dozen cars flashing various styles of blue and red lights. “Are you ready for this?” “Think I have a choice?” she asked. “Don’t know,” he said, putting the car into park and turning to look at her with a stern face and matching voice. “I don’t have any barbecue on me.”
* * *
Lauren followed the CBI agent into the building. Fortunately for him, he had found a vantage point within what looked like a glass cube near the doors rather than standing out in the elements waiting.
As she entered the space, she noted that the largest collection of people congregated near what she assumed to be the audio studio. Her eyes began to scan the building as they adjusted to low light. Only the shout of her escort to Agent Kinley that drew her focus back to the crowd. Slowly, the mix of poly-cotton uniforms of grey and off-black suits parted, revealing the only person wearing a black-as-midnight suit. It contrasted with the almost incandescent white of his shirt, offset by the deep red of his tie. “I got it from here sport.” Lauren said to the CBI agent, not waiting for an acknowledgment before increasing her pace and leaving him behind. “Glad you made it,” Kinley said, looking over his shoulder briefly before shifting his focus back to her. “How quickly do you think you can get set up?” “Well hello to you too,” she shot back. “It’s nice that we can get together like this.” Her face took on an exaggerated expression. “You’re welcome for me dragging myself out into the cold dark night— for a two-hour ride with some random stranger.” Agent Kinley breathed in slowly through his nose before replying in a completely calm and measured voice. “Feel better?” “I guess,” Lauren said, shaking her head slightly to the side. “Good. Based on my best estimate, we are around seven hours into a seventy-two-hour countdown on this young woman’s life.” “You’re right.” She looked around the space and realized that everyone was waiting for her in the hope that she might be able to tell them where to start. “It’ll take about ten minutes to get set up. At that point, the question becomes one of the speed of the technology.” “I’ll let the locals know,” he said, briefly scanning her outfit — the missing knees in her jeans, checkered vans shoes, and black hoodie. “I thought I told you to dress professionally.” She quickly glanced down at her attire. “Technically, this is my profession’s dress.” “I told you there’s likely to be media.”
Her face contorted slightly. “At this time of night,” she waved her hand a bit. “Don’t worry. I’m sure no one will assume we work together. After all, you look like you were plucked out of a 1950s IBM recruitment poster.” She did another quick scan of the people milling about. “If anyone gets me on film, they’ll likely just assume I’m a grad student or something.” “Walking out of a crime scene in the middle of the night?” “Masters in criminology?” She shrugged and crinkled her nose. Her expression brought an almost imperceptible smile to the face of Agent Kinley. “I’m glad you’re here.” He looked back at the gaggle of cheap-suited individuals. “I’m going to go and let them know the cavalry has arrived. I’ll swing by after you’re set up.” As he started to walk off, Lauren spun on her heels. “Where am I supposed to set up?” Kinley motioned with his hand in the direction he had come from. “Room with two cops standing guard by the door.” She turned back to her original trajectory, skimming by the outside of the largest gathering of uniforms and cheap suits as she made her way to her destination. The taller of the two guards noticed her approach first. His eyes narrowed and his posture straightened perceptibly. She quickly smiled and said with her most authoritative voice, “I’m here with Agent Kinley.”
* * *
Agent Kinley spotted Chief Watkins, Tony, and an unknown plainclothes officer. A little behind them stood the three witnesses, shifting their weight in a dance of sheer boredom. “Excuse me, ma’am and gentlemen,” Kinley said as he injected himself into the conversation. “Chief, I just thought I’d let you know that our tech is here and should be set up in about ten minutes.” “Thank you. Agent Sam Dane of CBI,” she pointed to the plainclothes officer, “informed me of their arrival. Agent Dane will be the senior agent representing his agency in this investigation.”
Kinley reached out his hand. “Sorry to have dragged you out and up here tonight.” Sam smiled back. “No problem. From the description, I was a little bit nervous.” “Nervous?” Chief Watkins shot a look at Agent Kinley. “You know how some of these technical experts can be,” Kinley forced a thoughtful expression onto his face. “Mercurial— I believe is still an acceptable description.” He shifted his focus back to Agent Dane. “I figured with the background work the drive wouldn’t be too bad.” “Hardly made a sound after you two talked. That is until we were pulling into town.” “Good to hear.” Shifting his focus to the group he continued, “Sorry to have interrupted. Anything I can help with?” “Nothing too important. We were just considering whether we wanted them—” Chief Watkins nodded in the direction of the three young men, “to hang around until we’re done with the forensics or send them on their way.” “Interviews are all done,” Tony chimed in. “I’ve got a copy of the videos for you to watch whenever you have time.” “Time.” Kinley sighed. “One of the primary resources we simply don’t have with this case.” He shifted his focus to the chief. “Past experience tells me we could be waiting for a couple of hours just to get the forensic copies. If everyone is satisfied for now, I don’t see any reason to keep them. Who knows, they solved one case on their own— maybe if they get some sleep, they’ll solve this one for us too.” Watkins pursed her lips, “Hours, huh? In that case, I’m going to kick ‘em. I think that also means we need to clear out most of our people. They can grab some shut-eye. There isn’t going to be a lot of that going around for the next couple of days.” They all nodded their agreement. “I’ll have some of my officers drive them home,” she said as she turned towards the three young men, “That way we can verify the addresses they provided.”
Once the chief was out of earshot, Tony turned to Kinley. “Smart move.” “Not her first rodeo.” Agent Kinley shifted his attention to Agent Dane. “I think that sleep directive applies to you as much as anyone. If you want to go to the hotel, Agent Jackson and I can bring Ms. Oliver over when she is done. I’m sure you can just leave her bag at the front desk when you check-in.” Sam hesitated for a moment, but only a moment. “From the sounds of things, it would be better to grab sleep while I can.” He shifted his attention briefly to Agent Jackson. “You wouldn’t happen to know who within CBI has our copy of those interviews?” “I think they have pay-per-view at the hotel if you want entertainment.” Agent Jackson shot a smile back before continuing, “I didn’t catch the name. She was Hispanic, with one of those short haircuts. Kind of like a young Jamie Lee Curtis.” Agent Kinley and Agent Dane’s faces filled with a combination of surprise and derision. “I’m going on more gallons of caffeine than hours of sleep right now. OK?” “Well, Agent Dane,” Kinley looked towards him. “If you can’t track her down before you head out, find one of us. Maybe we can help solve this mystery.” “Will do. At least I have a description of the suspect in my case.” He looked over at Agent Jackson, “Hispanic young Jaimie Lee Curtis.” With that, the CBI agent shot them a smile before wandering off in search of his tribe. Kinley turned to Jackson. “Any issues or insights from the interviews?” Air was forcefully expelled from Agent Jackson’s nose. “Locals took the lead. I only got to watch one of them. If the other two were similar, well, to say ‘kid gloves’ would be overstating the degree of intensity.” “Overall impressions?” “Any idea for a word representing the space beyond entitled?” “Great.” Kinley let out a breath. “This should be fun.”
From where Chief Watkins was a voice erupted. “They’re going to do what!?”
* * *
After some discussion, Lauren was unable to convince the officers to let her close the door. With a crowd gathered nearby, the sound was initially distracting, but, after a few minutes, it became white noise. As she finished setting up, the dull roar was disrupted by raised voices of indignation. Curious, Lauren leaned out into the wider space. “I’m not going to let anyone trample on our rights!” She recognized the voice from the podcast. She was certain it was the co-host Travis something making the scene. He had sandy blonde hair, medium height, possessing a runner’s build. Slightly taller with a more athletic looking individual, who appeared to be trying to calm him. She assumed this was the primary host Brandon. She wasn’t completely sure but his watch looked like a Richard Mille that cost more than her parent’s house. Finally, standing off as far as was socially acceptable, if there was such a thing in these circumstances, looking uncomfortable was the third individual. Shorter than the other two and looking like he might want to go for the soup, the sandwich, and the salad next time he ate out— stood what she assumed to be the producer Kevin. “Travis man. Come on. It’s no big deal.” “You say that now. Then watch. Next thing you know you are the person of interest.” “Gentleman, it’s not optional.” the local police chief injected herself into the scrum. “Just be glad that we should be able to get your equipment back to you by tomorrow.” She looked over to Agent Kinley for confirmation. “I don’t care. It’s not right,” Travis retorted. “Bro, it’s not even your stuff. Why do you care?”
“Brandon, don’t bro me on this. I don’t care that I don’t have anything in there. I’m not going to let them swipe your phone and Kevin’s laptop without a warrant or something.” “It’s evidence in a crime! You make us get a warrant and we’re not just going to copy the stuff, we will take it,” the chief retorted. This elicited shock from Travis. “Take it! Copy it! What’s the difference?” “We’re just trying to find a missing girl!” Lauren interjected. “Why don’t you just let us do our job?” “Who are you?” Travis asked. “I’m the one that’s going to rip your shit. One way or another,” Lauren replied. “If we say yes can we just leave and get some sleep?” Kevin asked. “You can leave right now,” the chief said. “Actually, it would be helpful if Brandon would unlock his phone and Kevin his computer” Lauren added. “I thought you were just going to take it one way or another,” Travis shot a smirk at her. “I’d rather not waste what little time we have to find this girl breaking into these things,” she swept her hand back into the room. “If it can be avoided. Unlock them for me, and it makes things go quicker.” Brandon looked over towards Kevin who nodded. “I just want to get to sleep. So, whatever.” “Don’t give in man,” Travis made his final albeit pathetic plea. “Just tell us what you need.” Brandon nodded as he started to walk forward. Kevin rushed to close the distance as the chief, Agent Kinley, and a few other hangers-on joined the rush to the door. Lauren retreated into the space. Sitting next to a laptop and high-end smartphone, she had added her equipment, which included both a rather substantial and a second super portable laptop, a small digital camera, various cables, and two small square devices. There was also a neat stack of four external drives still in their cardboard boxes. “What’s all this?” Kevin asked upon seeing the new equipment.
“Because there is, or at least could be, evidence against whoever kidnapped this girl, I have to make two copies.” Travis, thinking he saw an opening, injected. “Two copies? I told you!” “Let her finish,” Brandon snapped back. “Sorry we are all tired and a bit on edge.” “Understandable.” “Why two copies?” Brandon focused on Lauren. “One is an exact record of things as they were after you got the message in case any questions arise about what we did for the investigation. As for the second, a lot of what we do with tools can alter the state or nature of the device or any copies. To make our life easier we run two copies. One to tear apart and analyze. The other one is preserved for discovery and court.” “What she is not explaining is, by tearing apart, she means going through all your emails and files,” Travis moved his pleading face back and forth but found indifference to his case. Lauren’s voice slowed, emphasizing each word. “Other than the message with the missing coed, this —” she pointed to her laptop, “is the only thing that will be looking at anything. And that, is only if we get more information and need to run a scan.” She shifted her focus to Travis, “I don’t give a rat’s ass what you or anyone else looks at online. When you think you are alone. All I’m doing is trying to help these people find a missing girl.” Travis struggled to protest but just withered under an embarrassed look. “You just need me to unlock my phone for you?” he asked. “Yeah. Unless there is two-factor authentication on whatever messaging application you received the video on. If that is the case, I will need you to open that up too.” She quickly shot a look at Travis whose mouth was beginning to move but immediately stopped. “It’s Whistler. To be honest,” his face took on an embarrassed look. “I don’t know what two-factor authentication is.” “How do you open your phone? How do you get into the app?”
“I just have to wave the phone in front of my face.” “You don’t have to put in a pin, password, or screen pattern?” “Nope. Just my face.” “OK,” she looked at him for a brief second, “it is just biometric then. If you had to do more than one thing that would be two-factor. So, if you could just open the phone, and the Whistler app, I will take it from there.” “Sure.” Brandon and Kevin each took turns stepping into the space and unlocking their devices as Travis stewed in his defeat. Once they had finished, the police chief signaled for three of the dwindling number of uniforms to come over. “These officers will give you a ride home,” she announced to the three young men. Lauren waited until she was certain everyone else had vacated the area around the ad-hoc lab space before turning to Kinley. “What the hell was that all about? Is he pre-law, or something?” “Worse—” Kinley shot a quick look towards the entrance of the building as the three with their police escorts were exiting, “a politician’s kid.” “Seriously? Which one?” “In about a year, if nothing changes, I believe he’ll be called governor.”

Copyright © 2024 C. L. Broogle. All Rights Reserved.