Chapter 9
Gabriel dressed early and left after he had coffee. He resisted lingering until Brooke woke up, because he looked forward to seeing her. But it was already Wednesday morning, and he hadn’t solved this case yet. He was on his way to meet Abe. The appointment was set with the CEO of Capstone, which could shed light on why Meghan Reid was missing.
On the way, Gabriel stopped by his office. Weston was already there. “Come see this,” he said.
Gabriel looked over his shoulder but couldn’t decipher the information. “Summarize it for me.”
“The dark web is a source of data,” Weston said, “if you know where to look.”
“Which you do…”
Weston swiveled his chair to face Gabriel. “I don’t have anything conclusive yet, but I spotted interesting conversations. I’ve been working to get past the layers of encryption and dealing with hidden identities.”
“You’ll have to be more specific,” Gabriel said, “for those of us, uh…in the dark.”
Weston smiled at the pun. “Say a person wanted to sell a product illegally—for a variety of reasons. The dark web facilitates such a transaction by maintaining the anonymity of both parties.” He paused. “Actually, it wouldn’t have to be illegal. Legit deals can be done that way, or used any time individuals prefer to share information anonymously. However…”
“Legal business dealings don’t involve an abduction.”
“Exactly,” Weston said. “And I’m monitoring conversations that have my attention…that look like the illegal type.”
Gabriel waited. “Can you tell what the conversations are about?”
“Secure encryption is the topic,” Weston said. “Realize what that would be worth to the right party. Messages and communications could be sent anywhere in the world without the risk of the encryption being cracked.”
Images of terrorists, foreign governments, and such things came to mind. “I’m guessing that would be worth billions.”
“Good guess,” Weston said. “Encryption is useful but not failproof.”
“It only works until the code is cracked.”
“But what if it was uncrackable ?”
Gabriel looked at the computer screen, taking a moment to let that sink in. “If that’s true, and there is a buyer, we have a very big situation on our hands. The instant you have anything concrete, let me know.” He took a breath. “We’re talking counterterrorism, cybercrime, counterintelligence, and more. I’ll need to alert the FBI the instant we have something substantial.”
Weston went back to work.
*****
Gabriel drove to the police station. Once Abe got in the car, he turned down the radio and shared what he’d learned.
“You might be on the right track,” Abe said. “I spoke to my sister about our case.”
“What did Mallory have to say?”
“One of her division’s FBI projects focused on similar types of cases,” Abe said. “They hinged on corporate greed, and that’s more of a thing now than ever. Now that there are more high-tech products, software, and information resources, a new type of crime has surfaced.”
“First it was white-collar crime and now high-tech crime?”
Abe smiled. “That’s a good way to put it. But it can have a unique angle. The perp is a guy on the team, meaning that some tech dude has inside knowledge about those products. Seems there are endless ways to steal from your own company to cash in on big money—hopefully, without being caught.”
“I wouldn’t count on that,” Gabriel said. “I’m determined that whoever is pulling a stunt in this case will get caught.”
“Now, we just need to find out who is the mastermind behind this,” Abe said, “and how the abduction fits in.”
“And rescue Meghan, before it all comes crumbling down.” Gabriel pulled into the lot at Capstone.
The multi-level parking structure was next to a high-rise office building in the central business district. Abe said, “First stop is Dwaine Schwartz, the CEO, New Orleans native, BA from Tulane. Prior to his position with Capstone, he spent several years in law enforcement. And he’s a U.S. Navy veteran.”
“Sounds like a stand-up guy,” Gabriel said. “Must be fifty-five or so, because I don’t remember him on the force.”
“Yep, that was before our careers,” Abe said. “Hoping he thinks like us and will support our efforts in locating the criminal who abducted his head of research.”
“Unless he is our guy.” Gabriel headed for the building. “Couldn’t be that easy.”
*****
Gabriel and Abe stepped out of the elevator onto the executive floor of Capstone Security. The sleek, modern décor projected an image of cutting-edge technology and professionalism. They approached the receptionist’s desk, where a young woman greeted them with a polite smile.
“Good morning, gentlemen. How may I assist you?”
Gabriel flashed his PI badge. “Gabriel Durand and Detective Abe Stewart. We have an appointment with Mr. Schwartz.”
The receptionist checked her computer screen and nodded. “Yes, he’s expecting you. Please follow me.”
As they walked down the hallway, Gabriel took in the framed patents and awards lining the walls, a testament to Capstone’s success in the cybersecurity industry. The receptionist opened a door to a spacious corner office with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city.
Dwaine Schwartz stood up from behind his desk, a tall man with salt-and-pepper hair and a commanding presence. He extended his hand to shake theirs. “Mr. Durand, Detective Stewart, thank you for coming.”
“Thank you for seeing us, Mr. Schwartz,” Gabriel said as they took seats in front of the desk.
“Please, call me Dwaine. I understand you’re investigating Meghan Reid’s disappearance. She’s one of our most valuable employees, and we’re all very concerned about her wellbeing.”
Abe leaned forward. “Can you tell us more about her role at Capstone and any projects she was working on that might be relevant?”
Dwaine clasped his hands together on the desk. “Meghan is our head of research and a brilliant cryptographer. She’s been instrumental in developing our latest encryption software, which is set to revolutionize the industry. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the product, I’m unable to share more details with you.”
Gabriel raised an eyebrow. “Could someone be targeting her because of this technology?”
“I’ve considered that. It’s possible,” Dwaine said. “Our competitors would love to get their hands on our proprietary algorithms. But we have strict security protocols in place to prevent leaks.”
“We’ve heard rumors on the dark web about the potential sale of advanced encryption software,” Gabriel said. “Could there be a connection?”
Dwaine frowned. “I certainly hope not. That would be devastating. But I’ve worked with my team for many years. I can’t fathom such a betrayal.”
Abe asked, “Who else works closely with Meghan on this project?”
“Her team consists of Luis Valdez, our cybersecurity expert, and Daniel Fontenot, the manager responsible for our marketing strategies. They both have impeccable records with Capstone.”
“We’d like to speak to each of them, if we may,” Abe said with authority.
Gabriel watched as Dwaine picked up the phone and requested Luis Valdez to join them in the office. A few minutes later, a knock on the door announced Luis’s arrival. He entered the room, a man in his early thirties with a serious demeanor.
After introductions, Abe asked, “Mr. Valdez, we understand you worked closely with Meghan Reid. Did you notice anything unusual about her behavior in the weeks leading up to her abduction?”
Luis thought for a moment before responding. “Now that you mention it, yes. A few weeks ago, Meghan seemed more pressured or concerned about something. I asked her if everything was all right, but she brushed it off, saying it was nothing.”
Gabriel leaned forward, his interest piqued. “Did you notice anything else out of the ordinary?”
“I saw her on a couple of phone calls, looking worried,” Luis said. “At first, I assumed it might be personal issues or maybe she was dating someone. But knowing Meghan, that wasn’t likely. She’s always been focused on her work.”
Dwaine looked at Abe. “Detective Stewart, do you believe Meghan was targeted because of her knowledge of our upcoming release?”
“It’s a possibility we can’t rule out. If someone wanted to sell your new technology, it would make sense to silence the creator.”
Gabriel’s mind raced with the implications. If Meghan’s abduction was connected to her work, it meant they were dealing with a highly sophisticated and determined criminal. He exchanged a glance with Abe, both realizing the gravity of the situation.
Gabriel posed a few more questions to Luis, since his expertise in cybersecurity might give him insights into a possible leak or theft of sensitive data. But that didn’t prove fruitful. The security officer assured them that security had been tight. If there had been any indication of vulnerabilities, he would have reported that immediately.
Luis was thanked for his help then left the room. If security was as locked down as indicated, then a weakness from inside the company could be the issue. Unless Luis was hiding something, and it was too soon to rule anything out.
After being summoned, Daniel Fontenot entered the room. Following his introduction, he proceeded to describe that he was in charge of bringing Capstone’s products to market. He exuded an air of confidence bordering on arrogance. Despite his seemingly normal demeanor, Gabriel sensed the narcissism in Daniel’s behavior. That alone wasn’t sufficient to incriminate him. For all Gabriel knew, that was the personality required for his job.
Abe took the lead in questioning Daniel. “Mr. Fontenot, we understand you worked closely with Dr. Meghan Reid on the new encryption software project. Being that involved, can you share any insight you have about the abduction?”
Daniel leaned back in his chair, his expression a mix of concern and nervousness. “As the head of product management, I’m responsible for developing strategies to bring our new products to market successfully. Meghan’s expertise is crucial to the project’s success, and her abduction has undoubtedly put us all on edge.”
That wasn’t much of an answer, but more of a dodge of the question. Gabriel noticed a subtle shift in Daniel’s tone when he said, “If someone as brilliant and well protected as Meghan can be targeted, it raises questions about the safety of every employee at Capstone Security. I can’t help but wonder if any of us are truly secure.”
The statement hung in the air, and Gabriel exchanged a glance with Abe. Daniel’s words seemed to imply a deeper concern, perhaps even a hint of fear for his own wellbeing. And once again, his reply was not an answer but more of a diversion.
Daniel then added, almost as an afterthought, “Of course, with such a groundbreaking product on the horizon, the potential profits are immense. As the CEO, Dwaine undoubtedly has the most to lose if a successful launch of our software is sabotaged.”
The passive-aggressive nature of Daniel’s comment was not lost on Gabriel. It was a clever way to plant suspicion on Dwaine without directly accusing him of any wrongdoing. Gabriel still considered all employees potential suspects until proven otherwise. In investigations, it was vital not to make assumptions. But Gabriel’s gut told him there was more behind Daniel’s jab at his CEO, and he intended to discover what that was.
Dwaine maintained his professional demeanor and refocused the conversation on the investigation. “Our priority is to find Meghan and ensure her safe return. We will cooperate fully with your investigation and provide any resources you need. She’s a valuable employee, but also a friend. Her disappearance is distressing, and I confess that it’s a mystery. I’ve privately questioned our team and didn’t come up with any more than you have.”
Abe placed his card on the desk then stood. “If you think of anything else, please contact us.”
“Absolutely,” Dwaine said. “And I would appreciate it if you’d keep me informed of your progress.”
Once outside, Gabriel said, “That was all too perfect. A key employee is missing. There’s clearly something going on.”
“Agreed,” Abe said. “You noticed Daniel pointing the finger at his boss?”
“Yeah, and I’m not buying it.” Gabriel wasn’t sure about Daniel, so planned to keep an eye on him. Then he thought of Brooke and of what he was going to tell her. She was counting on him to unravel this mess and find her close friend healthy and unharmed. But unless he hustled, that wouldn’t happen.