Page 77 of Dirty Valentine
“She’s missing.The deputy posted outside her room was found unconscious about ten minutes ago.We believe he was drugged.Ms.Hughes is gone.”
The room went silent.
“Security footage?”Jack asked, though his voice suggested he already knew the answer.
“Camera malfunction started thirty minutes before she disappeared.We’re checking other angles, but whoever did this knew our blind spots.”
“Lock down the hospital,” Jack said.“Just in case our killer hasn’t been able to get her out yet.Have hospital security stand guard at the exits.I’m sending a couple of units your way.”
Jack ended the call and looked around the room at his assembled team.“They’re splitting our resources.”
CHAPTERTWENTY-FOUR
Doug hunched over his keyboards,pulling up databases and cross-referencing information with the methodical precision of someone who lived for complex puzzles.Derby stood by the communications equipment, coordinating backup units and emergency services.The controlled energy that came with an active manhunt thrummed through the room.
Jack paced behind his desk, cell phone pressed to his ear as he coordinated resources with surrounding counties.
The office door opened and Sheldon appeared in the doorway, wearing his white T-shirt and boxers with a bathrobe hastily thrown over them.He held an empty coffee mug and paused when he saw the room full of people, his expression mildly curious behind his thick glasses.
“Sorry,” he said, adjusting his glasses with his free hand.“Didn’t realize you had company.I was just going to grab some coffee.”His gaze swept the room, taking in the laptops, maps, and general tension.“This looks official.”
“It is,” Jack said simply.“Help yourself to coffee.We might be here a while.”
Sheldon nodded and headed toward the small coffee station.“Did you know that the average law enforcement officer consumes approximately three times more caffeine than the general population?It’s a statistical anomaly that correlates with shift work and high-stress environments.”
“Fascinating,” Derby said without looking up from his communications equipment.
Sheldon poured his coffee, then turned back toward the group.“Margot, are you monitoring the situation?”
“I am providing analytical support as requested,” Margot replied smoothly.“Hello, Sheldon.”
“Hello back,” he said, a small smile crossing his face.“I don’t suppose you have any opinions on the boss fight mechanics inElden Ring?I’ve been stuck on this one encounter for three hours.”
“I have access to gaming databases and strategy guides,” Margot said, and there was something almost pleased in her electronic tone.“Which boss encounter is proving problematic?”
“Margaery the Fell Omen,” Sheldon said, settling into one of the extra chairs.“I keep getting caught in her AOE attack pattern.”
“Area of effect attacks require precise timing and positioning,” Margot replied.“I could analyze your combat approach and suggest tactical adjustments.”
Martinez glanced up from his notes.“The AI’s giving gaming advice now.She really does have better social skills than most people.”
“I heard that,” Chen called from where she was checking her radio.
“Did you know,” Sheldon said, “that artificial intelligence was first theorized in 1950 by Alan Turing?He created the Turing Test to determine if a machine could exhibit intelligent behavior equivalent to a human.”
“Fascinating,” Derby said dryly.“Can we focus on the current crisis?”
“Sorry,” Sheldon said, munching his crackers.“I get excited about learning new things.Margot, do you think you could pass the Turing Test?”
“I believe the more relevant question,” Margot replied, “is whether humans could pass a test designed by artificial intelligence.”
Cole looked up from his equipment.“That’s either really profound or really disturbing.”
“Both,” Doug said without looking away from his screens.
That’s when Jack’s phone buzzed against the desk with sharp insistence.The unknown number on the screen made every person in the room go still.
Sheldon stopped mid-chew, cracker crumbs frozen on his lips.
