Page 48 of Done Dirty

“Good,” he said. “That’s one more we can take off our suspect list.”

I handed him his phone back and he immediately dialed Doug and put him on speaker.

“I’m awake,” Doug said, stifling a yawn.

“Sounds like it,” Jack said. “How was your raid?”

“Successful. Oscar and I are going to meet up with Kayla tomorrow for the fireworks. She said she’d pick me up.”

Part of Doug’s restrictions with the FBI, along with the ankle monitor, were that he couldn’t drive until he turned eighteen. King George County wasn’t known for its public transportation system, so this had been a challenge.

“What can you tell me about VantageCore Technologies?” Jack asked.

“From a surface check or a deeper dive?”

“Surface,” Jack said. “Zoe Brown’s husband works the midnight shift there.”

“Ahh, the dots connect,” Doug said. “And how was my future wife in person?”

“Married,” Jack said. “And too old for you.”

“Small obstacles,” Doug said, his fingers clicking the keyboard. “Here we go. Oscar, don’t eat that.”

“Is Oscar eating in your bedroom?” I asked, narrowing my eyes at the phone screen.

“He found a pizza crust,” Doug said. “Don’t worry. I’ll clean it all up. VantageCore Technologies headquarters is based out of DC, but they’ve got a satellite office in Newcastle.”

“That’s very convenient,” I said, looking at Jack. “What do they do?”

“In simple terms, they monitor other companies’ information systems that can’t afford to have their computers go down.”

“So he’d be more than well versed in the technology it would take to shut down the cameras and front door lock system?”

“Oh, yeah,” Doug said. “Matt Brown’s LinkedIn profile says he’s got a Bachelor of Science in information technologies from Virginia Tech, and a master’s degree in cybersecurity.”

“Thanks, Doug,” Jack said. “Find out anything else on the security camera footage?”

“Not so far,” Doug said. “Other than that building is like Melrose Place. Everyone is sleeping with each other.”

“With our victim?” I asked.

“Not unless he’s sleeping with all of his private clients. So far he has one to two per night, but it looked like it was dependent on the girlfriend’s schedule and when she got off work. She works on Saturdays so I show three Saturday clients. I will say I get why the girlfriend was surprised he broke up with her. Cameras caught them going at it in the pool area last Saturday night. They must’ve known where the cameras were though because they moved just out of reach.”

“Keep searching,” Jack said. “Do you have a way to identify the residents on camera?”

“Sure,” he said. “No problemo.”

“Have Margot make a list of any illicit hookups that you can find,” Jack said. “Maybe this is a case of simple jealousy.”

“Oscar, stop eating that!” Doug yelled, and Jack disconnected.

“We’re going to have to fumigate that room,” I said. “I’m afraid to walk by without getting sucked into the black hole.”

“Ahh, the teenage boy bedroom,” Jack said. “I’m sure my mother could tell you stories. Best to stay out. I’ll get him to shovel it out before he leaves for the fireworks. Once he realizes that Kayla might actually want to hang out there he’ll be more conscientious.”

“Men will do anything for the right woman.”

Jack picked up my hand and kissed it. “I know. We’re about to be the owners of a Greek Revival mansion that’s going to need some major renovation. But I’d do it again every day to see that look on your face.”