Nigel awoke to the sound of machines. He opened his eyes and discovered that he was yet again in the hospital. His mother, brother, and attorney were in the room. Julius’s head and arm were wrapped. Nigel tried to speak, and only a gurgling sound came out. He touched his throat. It was taped, and a tube was protruding.
“Don’t speak, Honey. The doctors performed a tracheotomy.”
Ellen turned away. Nigel could hear her sobbing.
Once she regained some composure, Ellen gave Nigel a pad of paper and a pen. He wrote, “What happened?”
“The Milford Police Precinct was attacked,” Julius said. “They’re still looking for the suspect. He threw knives at us, like he had martial arts training. Two officers died from their injuries. Detective Foster is in surgery but is expected to make it. Another officer was hung, it appears. The suspect didn’t have time to finish the job. I believe he will make it. I was grazed by a couple knives; another plunged into my arm. Other than that, I’m okay,” Julius said.
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John Appleton walked into the room.
“Agent Appleton, what brings you down here?” Ellen asked.
“I don’t think you should be here,” Julius said at the same time.
“I drove down as soon as I heard. I want to lend a hand if I can. I’m here as a friend, not as an agent of the FBI,” John said.
“You’re not an agent,” Julius said.
“Suspended pending review,” John corrected. “Mistakes were made, but I will do what I can to rectify the situation.”
Nigel raised his hand, then wrote, “Let him help.”
“The FBI has two suspects in custody. Both have direct ties to Nigel.
One of them is a hacker.”
“Who is this mystery hacker? Why don’t I know about him?” Julius demanded.
“His name is Gregor, and he was a member of the hacker group called The Collective. Not to be confused with Collective Systems, which has been verified as a legitimate business,” John said.
Nigel frowned. He recognized the name, but didn’t want John Appleton to know.
“I’m owed some favors at the Bureau. I will see how the case against Gregor is progressing,” John said.
Julius handed Agent Appleton his card.
“Please keep in touch.”