Chapter 15
Elara
T his damn file better lead us somewhere because I am getting increasingly irritated. I grab my work laptop, opening it. As I wait for it to fully turn on, I turn to Ryder. “I’ll make a list of anything and everything I can find on the records. The database has got to have something. I don’t care if it’s a speeding ticket.” I say before adding, "I should be able to find any lawsuits made against them, too.”
I put in my credentials to log in and the ‘DENIED’ message flashes across the screen. I put in the info again, thinking I typed it wrong. ‘DENIED’ “What the hell?” I exhale loudly, grunting. “What’s wrong?” Ryder asks.
“I’m trying to log into the FBI server and it keeps denying me. He gives a "hmm" in response and shrugs his shoulders. “Try to log in on mine. Maybe there’s something wrong with your laptop.” I get up and get his laptop out of his bag. Sitting back down, I open it and wait for it to turn on. Once it does, I put in my info for a third time and once again, ‘DENIED’
“The server must be down or something because I still can’t get in.” I announce, completely pissed off now. “Call Hartwell and see if something’s up.” Ryder suggests. I walk over to the bedside table and grab my phone, dialing Hartwell.
The line trills twice before it’s picked up. “Agent Cassidy.” Hartwell answers lowly. “Hey, boss. I’m trying to get into the database but my login isn’t working. Is the server down?” I ask, trying my password again. "Elara, you no longer have access to the server," Hartwell informs. “Please don’t make this more difficult than it needs to be.” He says monotone and my eyebrows furrow.
“Sir? Make what more difficult? We are investigating Bardot’s murder, and I’m trying to run a search on someone.” I hear him sigh through the phone. “We know about your illegal foreign affairs. We know you had Bardot killed. Where is Holloway?”
Illegal foreign affairs? What the fuck is going on? Am I being punked? Because it’s not funny. I look at the contact, making sure I’m not going crazy.
“What are you talking about? I told you about what we found. You told me to keep digging into it. And Holloway is off-grid. He’s taking personal time because of Bardot’s death. And I sure as hell didn’t have anyone-.” I start as my voice cracks and I’m interrupted. "Yes, you did tell me, but in doing so, you slipped up. Sebastian Harper’s file is above your authorization level. I couldn’t let you think I knew otherwise.” He explains. “Jackson Holloway is missing, Elara. He was supposed to come back yesterday. Please, just come quietly.” He says before he hangs up.
I feel my heartbeat quickening. A wave of heat rushes over my body as sweat beads on my forehead. My hands are slightly shaking, making me drop the phone. Everything seems like it’s in slow motion and the room is spinning. I take a few steps back, stopping when my back hits the wall and I slide down. I see Ryder crouch down in front of me as he holds my face in his hands. His lips are moving, but I can’t hear him.