Page 72 of One Final Target

Sam took the information and called the man. He wasn’t much help. It was hard for him to remember so far back. The man had called Computer Relief when their system crashed. He worked with the tech remotely and did not even remember the guy’s name. Though the tech had complete access, Bennett was correct: Collins wouldn’t have gotten any information about Jodie from this system. One dead end.

Sam hung up and saw he had new emails. The first one was forwarded from Mike King about the preliminary autopsies of the two bodies in Collins’s house. They were positively identified as Hayes and Radio, and they were executed. Sam considered the coldness in execution. It was one thing to set up an IED and kill people from afar. Killing someone up close and personal took a lot more guts. Collins or his buddy? Time of death was going to be problematic because the bodies had been frozen for some time.

Sam turned to the medical offices where Dr. Bass worked. He called and asked to talk to their tech department.

“What can I do for you, Detective Gresham?”

He asked about the computer repair they had done.

After a few clicks, the tech said, “Back then we had a system-wide crash. I think the crash happened because of a hack.”

“Really? Was anything compromised?”

“I want to say no, but I don’t really know. It was way over my head, so we called Computer Relief. I’m good with the system in general, but I’d never seen such a thorough crash.”

“So you don’t know if there was a specific target?”

“What do you mean?”

“The police psychologist is on your system. Were any of his files broken into?”

“Oh no. I can assure you no client information was compromised. It was a system-wide crash, but patient information is protected from those kinds of incidents.”

“Are you positive? I’m not going to tell any of your clients their information might have been comprised. I’m conducting a criminal investigation and I have to know the truth.”

The tech went quiet for a moment. “I can’t say I’m 100percent sure. I am 95percent sure.”

Sam asked a few more questions before hanging up. He wondered about the 5percent. The tech really didn’t know what was lost; probably the only person who did was Dennis Collins. He tapped on the table with his pen, then looked up. Tara was standing there. He’d been so engrossed he hadn’t heard her walk to his temporary desk.

“Yeah?”

“Are you going to work all night?”

He checked the clock. He had no idea it was so late. The search for connections had him totally involved.

“I’ve been digging in, hoping something would be uncovered.” He stretched.

“You’ve got a long drive home.”

“I’ll grab some dinner, then hit the road. Traffic won’t be so bad then.”

“If you don’t want to make the drive, I’ve got a spare room. You’re welcome to crash there.”

Sam considered her offer for a moment. It would make his life easier. But it wasn’t the right thing to do.

“Thanks. But I wouldn’t have taken this assignment if I minded the drive.”

Tara raised an eyebrow. “Just trying to be helpful.” She turned on her heel and left him curious about why she was so put out. Having no time to try to figure it out, he texted Jodie.

She phoned. “I was just about to call you. There’s a federal agent here now, ready to take me to the safe house.”

“Oh.” Sam didn’t know what to say. He’d planned on taking Jodie himself. “Are you leaving right away?”

“Yes. And the location is staying secret. Sorry, I do trust you. The Feds don’t seem to trust anyone.”

“Okay. It’s probably for the best. I’ll be praying for you.”

CHAPTER39

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