John Appleton wasn’t sure if Janice would help, but she did owe him a favor.
“If I can do it, I will,” she said over the phone. “But things have changed around here since you left.”
“How so?”
“The deputy director is making agents more accountable for evidence collection. A no-tolerance policy for bypassing the system.”
“Why are you telling me this?”
“Because your work is the example of what not to do.”
“Harsh,” John said. “Has Gregor Gobechov given us anything?”
“The deputy director let him go a few days after you were suspended. Let me find out why. Hold, please.”
John Appleton’s brow furrowed. This wouldn’t have happened on his watch. A few minutes later, Janice returned.
The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.
“‘Improper evidence collection’ and ‘unauthorized examination of evidence’ are the reasons given,” Janice said.
“What about Rocky?”
“Who?”
“Rocco Surelli.”
John heard a series of keystrokes.
“He was released as well, citing the exact same reasons,” Janice said.
“What about Nigel Watson?”
“He is still under investigation but is expected to be released. His lawyer is insisting that the case be dropped. I know the deputy director wants all of this to go away.”
John thanked Janice, then hung up. He was back where he started!
John returned to the hospital. Nigel was asleep. Ellen was trying to rest in a nearby chair. He wished he could take it all back. This family had been through a lot in such a short time.
Ellen opened her eyes. “Did the hacker talk?” she asked hopefully.
John didn’t want to bring her more bad news, especially now that her son was injured, but didn’t see the point in lying about it, either.
“No, he was released.”
All of her bottled-up emotions overwhelmed her, and she started weeping uncontrollably. John put his hand on her shoulder to try and comfort her.
Nigel clapped his hands, then waved a piece of paper. John took it from Nigel and read:
“I think I know who Gregor is. There may be a connection between The Collective. Get Julius. We should talk.”