Chapter 4
"Ithink somebody rewrote this Post-it note and replaced the number of the HVAC company,” I said to the sheriff.
The number was different by a few digits.
"Cody makes the call, it goes to another phone number, and the bad guys get their cue to show up.
They know the layout of this place, either from someone on the inside or they are a customer," I said.
"Probably have a small box here. It gives them an opportunity to get inside, scope the place out, and ask about security without raising suspicion. Someone on the inside hacks the system, or they’ve got somebody really good on the outside," I said in a whisper.
"I want handwriting samples and analysis on every employee, including the manager," Daniels said.
"Let's get a list of everybody with a box here, and let's find out who owns the vault that was robbed. I want full background on everybody associated with this facility. I know you’ve got resources. Use them.”
"You got it," I replied.
I hadn’t gone into specifics about my relationship with Isabella, and he knew better than to ask. As the head of the premiere clandestine agency, Isabella was my go-to for intel.
I asked Charles again for a list of clients, but he refused. He wasn’t going to hand it over without a warrant.
We collected handwriting samples and got the names of the other employees. Forensic investigators wrapped up, and we stepped outside to face the press.
Cameras closed in, and reporters shouted questions. The sheriff made a call for witnesses to contact the department.
I declined to comment.
JD and I hopped into the sheriff's patrol car and headed back to the station with him. We filled out after-action reports and kicked around theories about the case.
Afterward, we grabbed our bags and caught a rideshare back to the Avventura. We’d just gotten back into town and hadn’t had a moment to catch our breath.
Teagan had done us a solid while we were in San Montego. We’d taken the Avventura to Miami to avoid the hurricane. She’d flown up there after the storm and hired a crew to sail it back to Coconut Key. Thanks to her, we had a place to come home to.
JD and I hustled down the dock to the superyacht and crossed the passerelle. Teagan had been taking care of the animals, so Buddy and Fluffy weren’t there to greet us.
I unlocked the salon door and slid it open. We stepped aboard, and that sensation of relief washed over me. Home at last.
After dumping my bags in my stateroom, I took a shower, then got dressed. It had been a long adventure, and we were both ready for a break. We wouldn’t get one anytime soon, though. No rest for the weary.
I called Teagan to touch base.
“Are you back?” she said in a relieved voice.
“And thanks to you, I have a place to sleep tonight.”
“You owe me.”
“I know.”
“I did enjoy a leisurely cruise back to Coconut Key, but it just made me realize I need more of that.”
“Is this your way of saying you’re taking some PTO?”
“Yes.”
“Anywhere you want to go. It’s my treat.”
“I’ll hold you to that. In the meantime, I got invited aboard a friend’s yacht for a cruise. I wasn’t going to go, but I think it will be good for me.”
“Sounds fun. When are you leaving?”
“I’m not sure. She’s going to call me back with details.”
“Just let me know so I can have Alejandro cover.”
“No worries. I won’t leave you hanging.”
“You’re the best,” I said.
“I know,” she replied in an adorable voice. “So, did everything work out in San Montego?”
“It did.”
“You’ll have to tell me all about it.”
“I will.”
“I’m glad you both are back.”
“Me too.”
“Alright. Talk soon,” she said before ending the call.
After we got freshened up, JD and I grabbed a late lunch at Diver Down. We took a seat at the bar and chatted with Alejandro.
Teagan was taking a much-needed break.
We chowed down on cheeseburgers and sweet potato fries. I called the real HVAC company that the Vault contracted with and talked to a receptionist. She said they didn't have any other phone numbers and had not been notified of a service call to the Vault.
I called Isabella. I didn't think the assailants were dumb enough to carry cell phones with them when they assaulted the Vault, but it was worth checking.
Isabella had vast intelligence resources at her disposal.
She could find out just about anything about anyone.
I asked her to see what phones pinged the tower from inside the Vault at the time of the robbery and to see if there were any suspicious calls made by any of the employees.
I also asked her to track the phone number that was used by the fake contractors.
These guys were pros. It was well thought out and had probably taken months of preparation. I suspected Isabella wasn't going to find much. But everybody makes mistakes. With any luck, we'd catch a break.
The sheriff called as we were finishing up. “I need you two to get over to the Metropolis and do a welfare check on Sydney Hollister. Her mother hasn't been able to get in touch with her, and she's worried.”
"She's not related to Preston Hollister, is she?" I asked.
"His granddaughter. You don't know either of them, do you?"
"Not personally. Just by reputation.”
"Let's hope this is just her mother overreacting.”