Page 27 of Edge of Steele
“Still, it’s a possibility, and we’d be remiss if we didn’t consider it.” Russ made a quick note and then pointed his marker at the item. “What’s the fastest way to get a list of these competitors?”
Colin tapped his laptop sitting in front of him. “I’m sure Ryleigh has one, but I can compile a thorough list online in a few minutes. I’ll have it to you before I leave today.”
“Would be good to compare the two lists,” Ryleigh said.
“Good.” Russ added Colin’s name as the point person.
“This isn’t a suspect,” Ryleigh said. “But we should also have Colin look for bombers who specifically use photoelectric cells. That could point us to a prime suspect. At least for construction of the bomb.”
Russ looked at Colin. “Is that something you can do?”
“Absolutely. I can write a search algorithm that will find anything you want on the internet.” Colin leaned back. “But ViCAP might be a good resource too, and I don’t have access for that search.”
The FBI’s Violent Crime Apprehension Program database held information about violent crimes, but was restricted to law enforcement officers.
“I’ll take that.” Russ put his own name into the responsible person column then turned. “We’re speculating on the photoelectric cell, but it’s better than sitting around and waiting for forensics. Gates’s house needs to be searched too. See if we can find any bomb schematics or ties to an ecoterrorist group. Maybe information about Alabama. I already have a warrant for that search.”
Ryleigh checked her watch. “Finn and I have time to do that right after this meeting.”
“My deputy forced open the patio door for his welfare check, and you can get in that way, but make sure to secure it as a crime scene.” Russ added it to the board along with a note to search Eckles’s property too. “I’ll get a warrant for this, and then we can proceed.”
“What about Gates’s truck?” Finn asked. “Has it been located?”
“My deputies are looking for it.” Russ recorded the item on the To Do list. “Let’s take five so I can check my email from Veritas. Go ahead and give Allison your contact info while we break and review this info to see if there’s anything we missed.”
He left the room, and they each shared their information. Colin opened his laptop, his fingers flying over the keyboard.
Finn looked at Ryleigh. “You think we can do a thorough search before I have to pick Avery up?”
“If Russ doesn’t keep us here much longer.”
“We’ve covered all the basics,” Ryan said. “At this point, we’ll need Colin’s reports or forensics to give us further direction.”
The room went quiet, save Colin’s fingers clicking on the keys, until Russ returned holding a stack of papers. “Contract signed and I asked that all reports be emailed to everyone.” He looked down the table. “Allison, please email a list of the team’s contact information to Jenkins ASAP.”
He slid the stack of papers down the table. “Our guests are coming tomorrow.”
Ryleigh took a page and read down the eleven experts’ names while Russ noted the rooms available by location on the third whiteboard. Impressed by the extent of the Veritas response, Ryleigh looked up to see Russ had completed housing assignments, filling every open space except for Finn’s spare room.
Well then. It was official. She was stuck staying with him. Finn glanced at her. He had to know the implications, and she tried hard to hide her frustration.
“Looks like we’re getting ousted.” Russ looked at his brother. “We can either pitch a tent or stay with Mom and Dad.”
“Mom and Dad, for sure.” Ryan grinned. “Would give Mom an excuse to spoil us like she always wants to do.”
“I’ll give her a call. Reid too, so he knows to expect guests and get meals ready for the Veritas team.” Russ didn’t add that to the board but glanced down the table. “Any conflicts with taking a turn babysitting the crime scene for the Veritas team?”
“I’ll have to relieve my sitter or pick Avery up from daycare by six each day.” As if expecting a challenge from Russ, Finn lifted his chin.
“Got it,” Russ said, no question at all.
“And my car is in the shop so I’m dependent on Finn for a ride,” Ryleigh said. “But I hope it’s fixed tomorrow sometime. Or I could rent a car if there’s a local place.”
“Nada around here,” Ryan said. “You’d have to go to Medford.”
“I can keep you and Finn grouped together,” Russ said. “Won’t change the schedule much.” He faced the board and wrote out the four-and-a-half-hour time slots.
“I need to get to the office at a reasonable time, so I’ll take the early shift.” Russ put his name next to the five a.m. slot. “Ryleigh and Finn after me, then Ryan, and finally Colin, our resident night owl, ends the day.”
