Page 50 of Cold Silence
“Then he likely hacked the key card database and changed his permission,” Travis said.
“That wasn’t covered in Nick’s report,” Gage said. “We can have Eryn look into it while she’s here.”
Claire nodded, but this was one of those things where she wanted to know an answer and yet she didn’t. At the moment she wasn’t quite sure which one would win out.
Gage’s phone chimed, and he glanced at it. “My guys get in around eleven. They’ll each get a rental vehicle, but I’ll want to brief them right away and put them into action.”
“If they’ll be onsite we can use the same CATS testing cover story for them too,” Claire said. “Means they’ll have to run at least one scenario.”
“No hardship there.” Gage grinned, and she could easily imagine this good-looking man breaking hearts all across the world, though since losing his wife, he might not be open to a romantic involvement.
She sat behind her desk. “After we finish the camera sweep, I’d hoped to visit Kent’s and Alan’s wives to see if I could confirm alibis this morning. But I know you’re going to say that it’s not a good idea, and I honestly agree.”
Travis’s eyes widened. “That’s great, because I’d have to say no. It would be a different story if Gage’s men were here. But then I don’t think you’ll want to show up at these houses with the four of us. Would raise a lot of questions.”
She hadn’t thought of that aspect. “I guess I can call them.”
Travis leaned closer. “What about doing a video call? Gives you a better chance to see if they’re lying.”
“Good idea.” And a suggestion she should expect from a guy who was trained to tell if others were lying to him.
“Since you’ve got this under control.” Gage pushed off the door. “How about I check in with Eryn to give her the updated details and then run a simulation?”
“That would be great. I’ll text Julie to watch for you.” Claire got out her phone and sent the text while Gage and Travis exchanged a cryptic look.
Did she even want to know what that was all about? Likely not. If they thought she needed to know something, surely they would tell her.
Perfect,came Julie’s reply.
Claire looked at Travis. “Do you want to sit in on my calls?”
“If it’s okay with you. I might pick up on something you miss.”
“Then grab a chair while I get Inez Babbit on my iPad. It’s connected via our phone company, so it should be secure.”
He grabbed the side chair and brought it around the table.
She placed her iPad on the stand but before connecting the call, looked for an email from Eryn and clicked on the link. “It’s weird to click on this knowing it will give someone access to the network when we’re all so careful here not to do that.”
“I suspect there will be a lecture forthcoming from your network manager.”
“He’ll enjoy every minute of it.” She laughed and connected the call.
Claire hadn’t even spoken a word to Inez today, and she already felt like a liar. Sure, she really did want gift ideas, but she could probably come up with something and wanted an alibi for Alan even more.
Inez was about five seven or so and a little plump, but the gaunt woman who answered barely resembled the Inez Claire knew. She was wearing a stocking cap and heavy sweater even in the heat of July.
“Claire.” She gave a genuine smile. “What’s up? It’s not Alan, is it? He’s okay?”
“He’s fine, “ Claire said. “I was hoping I could talk to you a minute about my plan for the company anniversary party.”
“Sure.” She shifted her focus to Travis.
“This is Travis Chapman,” Claire said. “He’s one of the soldiers who’s participating in our program, and he’s helping me with planning.”
If she found that odd, she didn’t let it show.
“My strength isn’t what it used to be, so let me just take a seat.” Inez spun and took off down a hallway at a surprising clip.
