Page 22 of Forged in Steele

“And you’re in charge of this account?” he asked.

She nodded. “The first one I signed, so in addition to finding Luna, I have a vested interest in this.”

“I’ll need a list of your guards on duty today.”

“I’ll make one when we get to the command center.”

“I’ll be present at all the guard interviews and you won’t be involved.”

“I would expect nothing less.”

“And you’re sure you haven’t heard anything about the missing guard?”

“I’m sure.”

Coglin stood outside the door, worrying his hands together. “Any news?”

“Nothing actionable,” Jared said. “I’ll be heading up the investigative piece of this case. I’ll take a look at the room and let you know if we need anything.”

Bristol followed the men into the large space set up with a long conference table and plush chairs. Whiteboards hung on the wall and projection equipment along with a computer, copier and printer sat at the far end of the room. A floral air freshener scented the air.

Jared strode to the projector. “I’m assuming this is functioning, and we’re free to use it.”

“It is, and you are,” Coglin said.

“Does the copier or printer require a password?” Jared asked.

“Both.” Coglin picked up a sheet of paper from the table and handed it to Jared. “These are the passwords you’ll need and the directions to use the machines and access our secured network.”

Jared took the paper. “Thank you. We’ll also need keycards for additional staff who will be joining us very soon.”

“I’d like to issue picture IDs. The staff is on edge, and it’ll help ease their concerns if they see the ID clipped to your clothes.”

“We can’t waste time going to your photographer. If you can bring him here, we’ll be good with it.”

Coglin nodded. “Everything is electronic now so that won’t be a problem. I’ll have my staff on standby.”

“We’ll be holding an informational meeting soon,” Jared said. “A perfect time to handle the cards.”

“We can make that work.” Coglin waved a hand at the far wall holding a small refrigerator, sink, microwave, and baskets of snacks. “Water and drinks are in the refrigerator, and as you can see there are snacks on the counter. I’ll have staff replenish everything a few times a day.”

“As much as that would be nice, as of this moment, no one is allowed in this room except task force members. If you want to refill the baskets just have the cleaning staff knock, and we’ll give them empty baskets and trash bags. And I’m afraid you’re included in the no entrance policy.”

Coglin gave a sharp nod. “I understand.”

“I’ll also need a room to interview the staff and guards who were on duty during the kidnapping. It’ll need to have a private waiting area so we can efficiently move through the group.”

“We have empty offices that could work for you. I’ll text you once I have the area set up and a list of staff who were working.” Coglin frowned. “But I can only afford for you to have one nurse at a time. We run lean as it is, and it will be hard to pull more than one nurse from another area.”

“Understood.” Jared gave a tight smile. “We need to move the Pratts to another suite. Not only for their safety, but so forensics can process the room where Luna was taken.”

“We’re fully booked but they can move into the suite Mr. Pratt is in right now. I’ll get maintenance to fix the issue with the room.”

Jared nodded. “We’ll interview Nurse Johnson now in the room we’ve isolated her in. Then after a brief meeting here, we’ll start with the other staff. Please encourage them not to talk about the incident any more than they already have.”

Coglin nodded.

“I’ll also let you know when the others are ready for their ID cards, and we’ll take the pictures in the hallway.” Jared gave Coglin a dismissive nod.

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