Page 6 of Blind Prophet

Giving me a heads-up was the right thing for Sophia to do. Otherwise, my reaction might have been overwhelmingly defensive.

But she did give me a heads-up, and this isn’t personal. I clear my throat and address the question. “Halston Moore doesn’t have a military background, and while he’s politically engaged, he’s a both-sideser, meaning he donates to any party that can benefit his businesses. In most elections, he donates to both candidates to ensure he has a seat at the table, no matter who wins, and he has done this for decades. He’s invested in the government as it exists today. In his early nineties, Halston Moore doesn’t fit the profile of a terrorist.” The temptation to shrink beneath Ryan’s stern gaze threatens to unnerve me, but I sit straighter in my seat. The intel I possess is only valuable if I share it. “If you are asking my opinion, he strikes me as a highly unlikely participant in a plan against the United States.”

“And his son?” Ryan asks.

Brown eyes rimmed in gold flash, dark wavy hair, and a distinct jaw line set with determination and drive flicker.

“A reliable source claims Dorian Moore is the mastermind. His travel records support the claim,” Sophia says.

Dorian is many things, but a terrorist isn’t one of them. That wouldn’t change over time. The source is wrong.

“He’s a pacifist,” I say. “Is there any evidence, other than this one source, that ties…” I can’t continue. The accusation is ludicrous.

“He has motive,” Ryan says. “If you buy into uncertainty leading to additional government contracts for his company.”

That’s weak. They’re off. Dorian inherited wealth. Money doesn’t motivate him.

“A member of the Five Eyes located a detailed plan to disable GPS systems,” Sophia says.

Formed after World War II, the Five Eyes is an intelligence alliance comprising Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

“The plan includes broadcasting powerful signals to overwhelm GPS receivers and transmit false GPS signals to deceive receivers. When we reviewed who within the United States possessed those resources and technological capabilities… well, it’s a short list.”

I reread the list of names.

“Dorian Moore owns a satellite business,” I say, trying to remember the details. He’d been excited about the concept when we were together. Given his wealth, his businesses grew quickly.

“They own more satellites than any country in the world,” Ryan says, which corroborates the business article I read.

“Leasing satellites to countries is a significant source of revenue. All the more reason Dorian wouldn’t be a part of an EMP attack that destroys satellites.” My gaze falls on Sophia. She must see that this is a preposterous theory. Is that why she asked me in here? To back her position?

“They stand to profit handsomely if the US is forced to lease satellites post-attack,” Ryan says.

Trevor taps the table and shifts in his seat. His expression is grim. “We’ve analyzed the compound. If we could find a way in, we could set up surveillance and determine if he’s a threat.”

“That would be against the law,” I say, stating the obvious.

“That’s why they hired us,” Trevor answers matter-of-factly. His tone isn’t mean, but his comment puts me in my place. “If I’m hearing you correctly, you don’t believe it’s him. Unfortunately, we need proof of his innocence or guilt. That’s our assignment. How familiar are you with the compound?”

“Not very,” I admit. “It’s been years.”

They’re calling it a compound, but I remember a luxurious mountain home near Telluride.

“Do you remember if they outsource security? We considered creating an electrical issue and sending in our utility men, but they’ve got backup generators. It’s not an ideal plan.”

“Mr. Moore, Dorian’s father, Halston, is a highly suspicious individual. Even if you could get a utility worker on the property, they wouldn’t be left alone. He did deep background checks on his cleaning service. Mr. Moore has friends on the intelligence committee, and he’s heard stories. It’s something he used to talk about. He employs former Secret Service on his security team, and no, he doesn’t outsource.”

Ryan nods, satisfied with my answer.

“What kind of surveillance are you planning?” I ask Trevor. “Physical? Electronic? Computer?” Social media surveillance would be pointless. If he has a presence, a PR agency is behind it.

“All of the above. We’d like to get someone into his office, or offices, to plant cameras, or at the very least, microphones. Nothing we obtain could be used in court, but if he’s involved?—”

“You’ll know better where to look to gain evidence,” I say before he can finish his thought. “And I assume you can’t tap his phones?”

“On a typical American citizen, it could be easily done. But with the Moores, any communication we access on one of their phones can safely be assumed they’re okay with being public,” Sophia says.

She’s probably right. They’re hyperaware of taps.

---