Chapter 18
"Show us," Wade said.
Tom pulled up screens showing multiple folders. "Blaire's system is more sophisticated than I expected. Multiple layers—the hunting program, client management database, evidence files, financial records."
He opened the hunting program. "This is the core. It's basically AI that scrapes accessible databases looking for specific patterns."
"What kind of patterns?" Reagan asked.
"People who've disappeared. Changed identities. Moved suddenly. Legal name changes. Large cash withdrawals. Anything suggesting someone's hiding."
Tom pulled up code. "It queries government databases, corporate HR systems, financial institutions, social media platforms. Some legal—public records, open social media. But most?"
"Illegal," Wade finished.
"Massively illegal. IRS records, FBI background checks, sealed court documents, medical records." Tom's expression was grim. "Multiple federal crimes."
Cara moved closer. "How many people has she hunted?"
Tom pulled up a list. "Active database has well over two hundred flagged targets."
Cara rocked back on her heels.
“Whoa,” Wade muttered.
"So many victims." Piper's voice was small.
"Potential victims. The program flagged them as hiding from something. Not all were blackmailed. But—" He pulled up another file. "This is her 'success' folder. Over eighty cases closed in three years."
"She's meticulous. Keeps records of everything.
Investigation notes, evidence collected, payment schedules, communications.
" Tom opened several files. "But she's careful.
Never explicitly threatens in writing. Look—'I've discovered information that might be uncomfortable if made public.
' 'I'm sure we can reach a mutually beneficial arrangement. ' Always implied, never direct."
Cara recognized the pattern. The same careful phrasing Blaire had used with her.
Tom scrolled through files. "Financial records showing payments. Most between ten and fifty thousand. Some paid multiple times over months or years."
"How much total?" Reagan asked.
"Four million in the last three years." Tom pulled up bank statements. "Accounts in three states plus offshore. Carefully structured to avoid federal reporting requirements."
"Money laundering," Wade said.
"Add it to the list." Tom opened another folder. "And here's the disturbing part. Files on people she hasn't contacted yet. People flagged but she's saving for later."
Cara looked at the list of names. Dozens of people, unaware they'd been identified.
"Can we warn them?" she asked.
"Might not be the best idea. A lot are hiding for good reasons. Witness protection, fleeing abuse, escaping danger. Contacting them could expose them." Tom's voice was heavy.
"So what do we do?" Piper asked.
Wade moved to the whiteboard. "We have evidence of federal crimes. Unauthorized database access, extortion, money laundering. But we obtained it illegally."
"Fruit of the poisonous tree," Reagan said. "FBI can't use it in court."
"Unless we give them reason to look at her independently," Tom said. "Anonymous tip to Cyber Crimes Division. Evidence of systematic unauthorized database access. Technical proof they can verify."
"Would they investigate?" Cara asked.
"They'd have to. This is exactly what they look for." Tom pulled up the FBI's cybercrime tip portal. "The evidence is solid. Even without us testifying, they could build a case."
"But that takes time," Wade said. "Investigations, warrants, building a case. Meanwhile Blaire's still hunting. Still demanding Cara's money in eight days."
"So we hit her from multiple angles," Reagan said. "FBI investigation for the long game, for sure. But we also need something immediate to get her to act."
"Like what?" Piper asked.
Tom pulled up a draft email on his screen. "Like this."
They gathered around to read.
FROM: Special Agent Rita Martinez, FBI Cyber Crimes Division
TO: blaire.mitchell@
RE: Inquiry Regarding Investigation Methods
Ms. Mitchell,
As part of an ongoing investigation into unauthorized access to protected databases, your name has been referenced in connection with several cases currently under federal review.
We are requesting that you preserve all records related to the following investigations:
*- Marcus Webb (Portland, OR) - 2023
Tanner White (Seattle, WA) - 2023
Shawn Forsythe (Tacoma, WA) - 2024
Jeffrey Latimer (Portland, OR) - 2024*
Additionally, we request information regarding your data acquisition and analysis methods. Federal law requires licensed investigators to operate within specific legal parameters. We need to verify compliance.
Please contact our office within 72 hours to schedule an interview.
Failure to preserve records or comply with this inquiry may result in obstruction of justice charges.
Special Agent Rita Martinez
FBI Cyber Crimes Division
"The email's spoofed but functional," Tom explained. "If she calls Portland FBI asking about Agent Martinez, they'll give standard response—can't confirm or deny ongoing investigations."
"Those case names are real victims?" Wade asked.
"Yup."
"Won't she verify? Get a lawyer?" Cara asked.
"Probably. Any lawyer will tell her to preserve records, avoid questionable activities. Exactly what we want—her scared and distracted." Tom's fingers hovered over send. "But once this goes out, no taking it back. We're officially poking the bear."
"When do we send it?" Reagan asked.
"Now." Tom looked at Cara. "While she's deep in Miranda Wells. Maximum psychological impact."
Wade stepped closer. "Everyone sure? This escalates things. She'll panic. Could do something unpredictable."
"That's the point," Reagan said. "Panicked people make mistakes."
Cara thought about Shawn Forsythe. About Jessica's broken voice. About all the other victims documented like trophies.
"Do it," she said.
Tom clicked send.
They sat in silence.
"Now we wait," Wade said.
Tom set up monitoring. "I've got alerts set. I can’t access her phone data. Getting past her security would clue her in, but her email is a different animal. The second she opens it, we'll know."
Reagan pushed off the wall, closing in on the monitors. "What do we think she'll do?"
"Lawyer up immediately," Wade said. "That's the smart play."
"But she's also arrogant," Cara added. "She thinks she's untouchable. The email might make her angry more than scared."
"Either way, she'll want to know who turned her in," Tom said. "And Cara's the most obvious suspect."
The words hung heavy.
"You think she'll come after me?" Cara asked.
"I think she'll want answers," Wade said. "Whether that means confronting you or—"
Tom's computer beeped.
"She opened it." His voice was tense. "Reading now."
They watched the monitoring screen.
Cara's phone buzzed, startling everyone. A call, not a text.
Blaire Mitchell - Incoming Call
Cara's hands shook as she answered. "Hello?"
"Cara." Blaire's voice was sharp. Frightened. "We need to talk. In person."
"What's wrong—"
"Not on the phone. Meet me. Tonight. Eight o'clock."
"Where?"
"Old lighthouse keeper's cottage. You know it?"
Cara's blood ran cold. "Yes, but—"
"Come alone. This is serious, Cara. I need to know—" Blaire's voice broke. "I need to know if you did this."
"Did what? Blaire, I don't understand—"
"Just be there. Alone. This is between you and me."
The line went dead.
Cara lowered the phone slowly.
"Well," Wade said. "That's one way to get a meeting."
"The lighthouse cottage," Reagan said. "That's isolated. Could be dangerous."
"Could also be our chance," Cara said. "She's panicked. She might say things she wouldn't normally."
Wade was already moving. "I need to scout the location. Set up positions."
"I need equipment," Tom said. "Cameras, listening devices, encrypted comms."
Piper looked between them. "This is really happening? Tonight?"
"This is happening," Wade confirmed. He looked at Cara. "You sure you want to do this?"
Cara thought about Shawn Forsythe. About the other victims.
"I'm sure."
"Then let's move," Wade said.
The team scattered into motion.
Cara stood in the center of the chaos, phone still in her hand.
Reagan touched her arm. "You don't have to do this."
"Yes, I do."
"Why?"
Cara looked at Tom's screen, still showing the long list of names.
"Because someone has to stop her," Cara said.