Page 76 of Dead Air
Claire muted the television as Wallace began repeating talking points about ongoing investigation priorities. "He's lying about Hutchinson's cooperation."
"Of course he is." Fiona returned to her laptop. "The question becomes how deeply Wallace is involved in Hutchinson's operation."
Claire considered this question while organizing the legal documents. "Financial records might show a connection. Judges received payments through consulting contractswith Hutchinson-affiliated firms. Wallace could have similar arrangements."
"Worth investigating." Fiona noted the approach for future research. "Though direct financial links might be better concealed for someone with departmental authority."
The beach house phone rang—landline rather than either woman's cell. They exchanged glances. Few people knew this number. Fewer still would use it rather than their personal contacts.
Claire answered cautiously. "Hello?"
"Ms. Morgan." Male voice, professional tone. "This is Agent Komarov, FBI Organized Crime Task Force. We received information regarding Thomas Hutchinson's departure from your colleague at the Chronicle."
"Yes." Claire kept her response neutral while signaling Fiona to trace the call.
"We've confirmed the footage shows a potential kidnapping situation. Interpol has been notified." Komarov continued without awaiting a response. "We need to speak with Detective Lawson regarding her knowledge of Hutchinson's operation."
"Detective Lawson isn't available." Claire chose her words carefully. "She's pursuing leads related to the Blackwell abduction."
"Is she with former Captain Richardson?" Komarov's directness suggested significant background knowledge.
"I can't confirm her current location." Claire maintained professional distance. "But I can facilitate contact when she's available."
"Ms. Morgan." Komarov's tone shifted slightly. "We're not coordinating with local authorities given the potential for compromise. Detective Lawson isn't our target—Hutchinson is. Any information she has could help locate Ms. Blackwell before the situation deteriorates further."
Fiona nodded across the room, confirming the call originated from legitimate FBI numbers. Claire made a rapid decision.
"I'll pass along your contact information. That's all I can promise."
"Understood." Komarov provided a direct line and secure email. "Please emphasize time sensitivity. Hutchinson has extensive resources abroad. Each hour reduces our chances of successful recovery."
The call ended. Claire relayed the conversation to Fiona, who added the information to their expanding investigation board. Photographs. Documents. Timeline elements. The visual organization of complex case connections spread across the living room wall.
"Federal involvement changes the equation." Fiona taped another document into place. "Local corruption can't easily obstruct an FBI organized crime investigation."
"Unless they've been compromised too." Claire's experience with high-level cases had eliminated naïve trust in institutional integrity. "We need independent verification before risking Lawson's position."
Rain continued battering the beach house windows. Darkness arrived earlier than usual under heavy cloud cover. Claire turned on additional lights while Fiona prepared coffee. Neither woman suggested sleep despite clear exhaustion.
"Richardson claimed to be building a case against Hutchinson for years." Claire processed this information aloud while reviewing documents. "If legitimate, his evidence combined with Lawson's knowledge could provide a foundation for federal prosecution."
"Big if." Fiona remained skeptical. "Richardson concealed evidence after Monica's murder. Redirected investigation away from the Hutchinson connection. Actions that directly obstructed justice."
"Claiming undercover operation now." Claire considered tactical implications. "Double agent narrative provides retroactive justification for questionable actions."
"A convenient explanation." Fiona's journalistic skepticism emerged fully. "Or a legitimate long-game approach to bringing down a sophisticated criminal enterprise."
Richardson's true motivations remained uncertain despite Lawson's brief update. The former captain had manipulated investigations and concealed evidence for years. Whether those actions served justice or obstructed it remained to be determined by evidence not yet fully examined.
Fiona's laptop emitted a distinctive chime—the alert tone she'd set specifically for the Dead Air podcast updates. Her head snapped up, fingers immediately navigating to the notification.
"Claire. Dead Air is going live again. Five minutes from now."
"What?" Claire abandoned the documents, moving quickly to Fiona's side. "How is that possible if Blackwell's with Hutchinson in Belize?"
"It could be automated content." Fiona refreshed the page, confirming the alert. "Or someone else broadcasting under the podcast brand."
"Or Blackwell found a way to transmit." Claire grabbed her phone, typing rapidly. "I'm alerting Komarov. This could provide location data if they can trace the broadcast origin."
