Page 99 of State of Alert

“I did a deep dive on the family’s social media,” Cameron said. “Elaine posted often, usually funny memes or pictures of sunsets and flowers. Not much about the family.”

“Did she have social media for work?”

“Yes, I was going to add that. As the chief communications officer for CVX, she was actively advocating in Congress for member countries, especially the threebiggest petroleum-producing countries—the U.S., Russia and Saudi Arabia.”

“That’s an interesting angle,” Sam said. “You don’t often hear of those three countries working together.”

“In this case, and I’m quoting their website here, they collaborate on a number of issues of common concern and promote best practices in the industry while working with Congress to balance economic, environmental and climate concerns related to the petroleum industry.”

“Does that mean they work with Congress to keep the oil coming no matter what drilling does to the environment?” O’Brien asked.

“That’s not how I read it,” Sam said. “What did the colleagues have to say?”

“We talked to a few of her work colleagues, who were beside themselves over her death.” Neveah listed the names of the coworkers and their titles within the organization. “They reported that she was well liked, well respected in the office and within the industry, and a hardworking employee who could be counted on to deliver on time and with no drama. The executive director mentioned they’ve had a lot of staff turnover, so someone like Elaine, who’d been with them for years, was very much appreciated.”

“Did the ED give you any insight into their personnel issues?” Sam asked.

“Not specifically. I deduced that it was the usual problem organizations have attracting and retaining quality help.”

“I’d like to dig deeper into that angle. Go back to the ED and get some specifics about people who might’ve worked directly with Elaine and then left the organization, especially anyone who left under less-than-ideal circumstances.”

“Will do,” Neveah said.

“How about friends?” Sam asked. “What did Frank say about who she was close to?”

“He didn’t,” Gonzo said. “He said something to the effectthat she was so busy at home and at work, she didn’t have much time for extras.”

“Are friends considered extras?” Sam was busier than anyone she knew, but made time for her loved ones—those who were related and those who weren’t. “The girls said she had a lot of friends. It would be odd to me if she didn’t spend time with some of them. Let’s talk to Frank some more about that.”

“We’re not looking at him at all?” Cam asked.

“Carlucci and Dominguez confirmed he was at the work thing all day yesterday.”

“Doesn’t mean he couldn’t hire it done,” Gonzo said.

“Where are we with the financials?” Sam asked.

“Still reviewing,” Cam said, “but nothing stands out. The usual bills, groceries, money moving in and out. The largest transaction in the last thirty days was paid to the mortgage company. They have about three thousand in credit card debt, close to twenty thousand in savings and a credit score over eight hundred.”

“I’d like to have those stats,” Gonzo said.

“Right?” Freddie asked with a laugh.

“So nothing in the financials to show any big withdrawals that might indicate hiring it done,” Sam said.

“Not that I’ve seen so far,” Cam said.

“I’d like to speak to some of the girls’ friends. What are you seeing on social media about who they were close to?”

“I’ll get you a list,” Cameron said.

“Divide up the friends and knock them out tomorrow after school.”

“Will do,” Cam said.

“I’ll be in late tomorrow. I’m meeting with Roni about my eulogy for Tom.”

“We’ll see you when you get here, LT,” Neveah said for all of them.

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