Page 23 of Say Nothing
"I don't have a clue about that sort of thing, so I don't know.All we know is that the killer is a technical expert and they were able to bypass the security systems of two major security companies, systems they believe are second to none."
"So, we look at employees also?"Derek asked."Or those who code the systems?"
"We might have to.Although you’re already stretched thin with agents trying to contact everyone I coached pretrial.We could expand our search to thousands of people if we go down the rabbit hole."
"Then let’s start with Weber and go from there," Derek said.
"Sounds good," Alison agreed.
They entered the room to find Jason Weber with his head in his hands, sitting at the table, waiting for them.When he looked up, he looked bored.
Jason was not a large man, but he had the air of someone who got what he wanted.He was dressed in black formal pants and a cream short-sleeved shirt.He wore a gold watch that might have been fake, and his hair was gelled to the side.He was in his forties and dressed like someone ten years younger.
"Jason, thank you for coming down here to talk with us," Derek said as he sat down.
"Can we just get this over with?"Jason asked."As I already told you, I’m a very busy man."
"And you don't need a lawyer.That’s correct?"Derek asked.
"I’ve not done anything wrong, so why would I?"
"You haven’t done anything wrong," Derek said."Good.Then we shouldn’t have any problems, and I’m sure you can be on your way soon.I just want to say that I much prefer it when you’re not running away from us.Can you take us through that, Jason?We arrived at your office, your partner called your office to let you know we were there, and then you tried to escape before talking with us.What possible reason could you have for that?"
"And as I asked at the time, is that a crime?"
"No, not at all," Derek said."However, it does make you look incredibly guilty.So, are you telling us why you tried to get out before talking with us earlier?"
"It’s best to tell the truth because we’ll find out sooner or later," Alison said."And if we find out you’re lying to us, then it means you’re obstructing an investigation."
Jason looked between Derek and Alison."I, uh, thought the IRS had maybe sent you."
"The IRS?"Derek asked.
"Yeah, I got spooked, and I apologize for that," Jason said with a sweet smile.
"Jason, you don't strike me as the kind of man who gets spooked," Derek said."You worked as a prison guard, and now you co-own a security company.Is that what you want to go with?You’re a man who gets easily spooked?Come on."
Jason didn't answer immediately, and Derek didn't give him anything more.He and Alison sat there, staring at Jason, waiting to reel him in.
Jason finally sighed and shifted his weight from his left side to his right side."Alright, I know it sounds stupid, but we’re behind on some of our loans, and…"
"You’ve not been paying your taxes," Alison finished.
"Look, it’s been a really tough start, but we’re building capital and customers, and I just need a little more time to get things straight, and I promise that I’ll be paying everything we owe.We hit a few bumps in the road, that’s all."
Derek sighed."And you wouldn’t want anyone investigating you after being fired from the prison."
Jason paled at the mention of the prison."Yeah, I was fired, but so what?A lot of people are fired from their jobs, and it was a blessing.Without that push, I would never have started my own business.I owe them for that."
"Why were you fired?"Alison asked.
"I signed a non-disclosure agreement," Json replied."I would just love to talk about it, but the thing is, I can’t."
"Come on, Jason, not even for us?"Derek asked, leaning in."We promise we won't tell anyone."
Jason laughed, and it felt like a genuine laugh, not one to cover how uncomfortable he was.
"I can get into those files and open them up if I want," Derek said."It might take some time, but the FBI has a good relationship with law enforcement agencies, and we’re investigating a double homicide."
