Page 16 of Wild Fever
That hung there for a moment.
"To whom?”
"We are unsure at this time. Our internal team is doing a full forensic audit as we speak. We hope to have the results of that shortly.” She paused for a moment, then continued. "Our internal security department found evidence to suggest Preston was having an affair. Anytime an employee sends up red flags like Preston did with his unusual behavior, we dig in. We are talking about national security after all. We believe Preston’s acquaintance was working for a foreign intel agency, acquiring classified information from Preston in exchange for… Well, I don't need to spell it out for you."
"Has your internal security team determined her name?”
11
"Our investigative unit has identified the woman as Molly Lewis,” Dana said. “She currently has a unit in the Nautilus. I can share that information with you, if you’d like.”
“Yes, that would be much appreciated,” I said.
I pulled my phone from my pocket, launched the photos app, and showed her a picture of the woman who had left the Sandpiper Point marina on a bicycle. “Do you think this could be his mistress?"
Dana studied the image carefully. So did Doug. They exchanged another glance to confer, then Dana said, "I can’t say for certain, but she fits the description of Molly Lewis.”
"What’s your evidence that she's a foreign intel operative?” I asked.
"I'm sure that Molly Lewis is an alias. Our investigators are still looking into it. I don’t have any definitive proof as of yet. She could be working for any number of intel agencies, or she justcould happen to be a cute girl who found Preston attractive. We hope to have more answers shortly. As you can imagine, we don't have the same resources that someone in your position has.”
I suspected they had as many resources as the county did, perhaps more.
“I wish I had more answers for you, but we’re in damage control mode. It’s uncertain the extent of the breach and the duration.”
"Besides Preston’s outbursts and aggressive behavior, did he have enemies here at the office?”
“Preston was generally well-liked by everyone. I think most people saw through his recent troubles as just that—a former valued colleague who, for whatever reason, was experiencing external stress.”
"His wife seems to think it wasn't so external. She mentioned Preston felt extreme stress due to his obligations at work."
"With all due respect to Mrs. Stewart, anything she says about what goes on here is mere speculation. We all take on responsibilities here that exceed those of the average corporate employment situation due to the nature of our work. We take national security seriously and hold ourselves to a higher standard. Some are cut out for that type of work. Some are not. Some succumb to temptation. I don't have Preston's full medical history, but I suspect he was suffering from some kind of clinical depression or imbalance. Perhaps he felt torn between his loyalty to his wife and his attraction to his new girlfriend. Combined with the fact that he was disseminating top-secret information, I would imagine that created considerable stress for him. Not the work environment here. As you’re aware, thereare many jobs far more stressful and demanding than coming into an air-conditioned office every day."
“Do you know for sure he was disseminating classified information to Molly?”
"No. Like I said, I don't know that for sure. But we do have internal evidence that Preston had removed sensitive information from company servers. What he did with that information, we can't say specifically. But it doesn't take a mental giant to put two and two together. Granted, I don't have access to his bank account, and he could have a crypto wallet. I'm sure his financial transactions are something you can look into, Deputy.”
"I appreciate your candor. Thank you for your time."
Dana smiled. "My pleasure. I'm here to help if there is anything you need."
“Actually, would it be possible to speak with some of Preston’s co-workers? Just to get a sense of his mental state.”
“I’ve described his mental state.”
“Yes, of course. But just to hear it from multiple perspectives,” I said with a soft smile.
Dana hesitated and shared another glance with Douglas. Julian hung back, observing. It was easy to see they didn’t like the idea. “Absolutely. I’ll just have to clear that, and we can set something up.”
“Time is of the essence.”
“I understand. I thought this was a suicide. Is this a criminal investigation?”
My eyes narrowed. I never mentioned it was an apparent suicide.
Dana read my expression. “You asked about mental health and depression. Given his situation, I just assumed.”
“Of course,” I said in a non-judgmental tone to put her at ease. “We’re looking into all possibilities. I find it’s best to keep an open mind during an investigation.”
