“Before you jump to any conclusions, listen to Crockett,” Decker said. “The bags under my eyes are from getting zero sleep. We haveproof.”
Danny raised his hands. “Goahead.”
As Crockett and Decker began recounting everything in detail, Danny took notes on histablet.
Over an hour later, Danny pushed back from the conference table and sighed. “You’ve certainly provided a thorough account. I need a briefbreak.”
Decker stopped recording. “I’ll grab a coffee. Anytakers?”
“A double shot of espresso.” Danny pulled out his wallet. “And somethingsweet.”
“I’ve got it,” Deckersaid.
“No,” Crockett replied. “Take the money and pay for his items separately. Get the receipt. Danny’s here on officialbusiness.”
“Got it.” Decker took the ten from Danny andleft.
“Looks like you’ve got a solid case,” Danny said. “I’ll tell Agent Miles to get his ass downhere.”
“Now we’re getting somewhere,” Crockettreplied.
The endof theworkday brought a flurry of activity. Sitting around the conference room table in his office, Crockett recounted the events and presented their findings in a methodical manner. Special Agent Rupert Miles listened, asked poignant questions, and took copiousnotes.
“Based on your evidence this is an open and shut case…on paper.” Agent Miles stroked his close-cropped beard. “But people aren’t neat like that. Their agendas are often convoluted and emotionally driven. Before I speak with Mr. Berry and possibly make an arrest, I’d like you to talk to himfirst.”
“I’ll use a Spy Fly.” Crockett opened his safe and removed a tinyrobot.
“I’ll need to confiscate his equipment,” saidMiles.
“His computer is property of Wilde Innovations,” Crockett said. “But he uses his personal cellphone.”
“I’ll get a warrant for you, Rupert,” Dannysaid.
Crockett placed the creature on his head. “Fire her up,Decker.”
Decker glanced over. “Is thatBlack?”
“Excuse me?” Agent Miles’s eyes narrowed. “Should I take offense to thatcomment?”
“I hope not.” Crockett lifted out the small robotic insect. “This surveillance device is modeled after the Black Fly. We call herBlack.”
“My mistake. I’ve heard some doozies over the years.” Rupert pushed out of his chair and leaned against the windowsill. “You get Mr. Berry to confess, we’ll arresthim.”
Crockett tucked the tiny craft into his hair. “Sounds like a solid plan. Ruth Lizzard has an unknown number of my Spy Flies. At sixty-five thousand dollars apiece, I need thoseback.”
“I’ll note that, but we’ll need to maintain possession of all equipment as part of the case,” the agent explained. “We don’t operate a carryoutbusiness.”
The men laughed. “I reckon you don’t,” Crockettsaid.
“All set?” Agent Milesasked.
Crockett flipped his gaze to Decker. “Confirm.”
“Video and audio confirmed. Good luck.” Decker spun his tablet so both agents had a clean line-of-sight.
Crockett shut the door behind him. Adrenaline had carried him through the past twenty-four hours. But now, his heart beat a slow and steady rhythm as he made his way toward Larry’s office.This had betterwork.
Before tapping on the open office door, he paused. Like any other day, Larry sat working at his desk. Crockett would never have guessed this long-term employee would be the triggerman in a scheme to undermine his business.What a mindfuck.
