Page 35 of The Smart Killer
He nodded. “You haven’t considered hiking the 46 high peaks?”
“I’ve considered it. However, work is a priority.”
“I can respect that. However, I like to work hard and play harder. Otherwise, why are we here? Right?”
Noah nodded, looked down for a second, then got straight into why he was there. “What can you tell me about the homes your company builds?”
“What aspect?”
“The communities, the technology, security, and so forth.”
He took a sip of his drink and set the cup down. “Lakeridge Homes set out a few years ago to develop a new urban environment that provides residents a high quality of life. This includes homes with convenience, peace of mind, safety, sustainability, and affordability. Have you heard of smart cities?”
“I have.”
“Well, it’s like that but on a smaller level. Our company has been building homes for over fifty years. My father and my grandfather before him were always at the forefront of new development; this is no different.” He stood up and approached the same window that offered them a view of the forest and mountains. He passed his hand in front of a pad on the wall, and the windows went opaque, obscuring the outside view. “We offer custom builds and pre-made homes, no different than any other home builder you would find in a city, except we provide a little more.” Before them, a video played showing a 3D model of a home. Taylor zoomed into the house using only his hands waving in the air. “The whole place has a fully automated security system, polycarbonate shields for the windows, heated driveways, cameras in every significant room, yard, driveway… It has interior and exterior motion detectors, and proximity-based sensors, as motion detectors are less effective. It recognizes who you are. Micro-location beacons run on proximity, wearable wristbands authenticate an individual’s identity through distinct heartbeat variability, check body temp, and then automatically adjust the thermostat to optimal settings based on the user. One centralized system controls everything: the music, the lights, the water, kitchen appliances, entertainment, you name it; it’s developed with convenience and ease.”
“But not safety.”
“Detective, you couldn’t get a safer home.”
“Did any families die from the technology your father or grandfather used?”
Taylor stared back at him. He clasped his hands together and leaned forward. “Detective. Please understand that we take the safety of our residents extremely seriously. They pay good money for the best. Our intention is to give people peace ofmind; our entire business relies on us delivering that. That’s why we have the best team involved; nothing is rushed out. Everything is tested.”
“But you have replaced the tech since the first death.”
“Of course, but it was not a recall. It was to ensure that if, and I emphasize, if there was any problem, it could be addressed. Detective, every year, leading auto manufacturers have recalls on their vehicles for one reason or another. As much as they strive to distribute safe, working vehicles, many variables are involved in manufacturing. However, having said that, from what our lawyers have been able to establish, none of the deaths have been officially linked to any fault in the technology installed. No gas leak was found, the source of the fire was undetermined, and we are currently looking into whether or not the sprinkler and air conditioning system was used correctly.”
“Correctly?”
“Modified. How do I put this? Our system works hand in hand with an app we developed. Warranty is only provided on technology that hasn’t been modified. Based on the feedback from residents, some feel that certain restrictions we place are limiting. Some have found workarounds and posted their findings online. It happens in all facets of the technological industry, detective. We can control what we ship out, but we can’t control those who use it.”
Noah nodded. “I assume you will be checking to see if the system failed.”
“We will.”
“Is a third party involved in that process, or is it strictly your team?”
“A governing body oversees us just like any other.”
He took another sip of his coffee. Nothing in his demeanor made Noah believe that he looked worried. His hand was steady, his voice confident.
“You must find it peculiar that all three families that have died are owners of your homes.”
“Detective. Do you know how many families die each year in their homes from carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, and even hypothermia?”
“I expect it’s a lot.”
“Correct. While I don’t wish to diminish the severity of the current situation. Since our homes have been created, only three families have died.”
“Only?” Noah asked.
“What I am saying is that it is far less than those who have died in non-modern homes. Now, we have taken and are taking steps to ensure everything is functioning,” he said, taking a newspaper and tossing it before him so he could read the latest headline from the fire. “Besides hurting the community; it damages our reputation. Our PR team is working around the clock to handle this.”
Noah got up from his seat and began to walk. He thought better on his feet.
“Do you know of anyone who might have a grudge against you or your company?”
