Page 75 of Dead Air
"Not even slightly." Fiona forwarded through additional footage showing both figures boarding. "Thomas Hutchinson leaving the country with what appears to be a kidnapped journalist the day after she threatened to expose his operation."
Claire grabbed her phone again. "I need to contact my federal connections. This requires Interpol involvement."
"Already sent the footage to FBI contacts at the Chronicle." Fiona continued working through her remaining tabs. "But the trail went cold after landing in Belize. A private car met the plane. No airport cameras captured where they went afterward."
Claire made calls while Fiona continued her digital investigation. Legal authorities. Law enforcement contacts. Judicial colleagues who might expedite international cooperation. Each conversation added layers of bureaucratic complexity without actionable progress.
"Getting proper channels to acknowledge this will take days." Claire set her phone down after the sixth call. "By then, Hutchinson could be anywhere."
"Which is precisely the point." Fiona closed one laptop and opened another. "He's using time and jurisdictional barriers to his advantage."
Rain intensified outside, drumming against the roof with increasing urgency. The weather matched their mood—dark, turbulent, promising worse to come.
Claire moved to her briefcase, extracting files she'd gathered before Lawson's departure. Legal documents spread across the dining table in methodical arrangement. Case numbers. Court dates. Judicial rulings. The administrative architecture of justice system manipulation.
"I pulled sealed records from court." Claire arranged documents chronologically. "Cases where Thomas Hutchinson represented defendants with charges mysteriously dropped."
"Sealed records? How’d you get your hands on those?" Fiona joined her at the table.
"Let's call it professional courtesy from clerks who owe me favors." Claire pointed to the pattern emerging from the documents. "Twenty-seven cases over fifteen years. Charges ranging from money laundering to drug trafficking. All dismissed due to 'evidentiary issues' or 'procedural violations.'"
Fiona examined the documents. "Same defendants appearing under different corporate entities. Shell companies dissolving and reforming with similar ownership structures."
"All benefiting the Vartanian family." Claire tapped a name appearing throughout the documents. "Old-world crime organization with modern business methods. Using legal channels to protect illegal operations."
"Monica connected these dots?" Fiona asked.
"According to what Lawson just said about Richardson's evidence." Claire arranged another document set. "Monica discovered the pattern during the Rafferty investigation. Thomas Hutchinson provided legal protection while his brother Ray facilitated operations within the police department."
"Perfect system." Fiona's tone carried reluctant admiration for the criminal efficiency. "Legal counsel controlling which cases proceed to trial. Departmental influence determining which evidence gets collected or lost."
"Monica threatened the entire structure by documenting connections between supposedly separate entities."
Fiona's phone buzzed with an incoming message. "My editor needs a statement about Wallace's press conference."
"What press conference?"
"Apparently happening now." Fiona grabbed the remote, turning on the television.
Chief Wallace stood before the assembled media, his expression professionally grave. Behind him stood Captain Reynolds and several uniformed officers, forming a visual backdrop of departmental authority.
"The investigation into Leah Blackwell's disappearance continues with all available resources. We are pursuing several promising leads regarding Detective Lawson's involvement. Additionally, we have issued a material witness warrant for former Captain Thomas Richardson, who may possess relevant information."
"They're expanding the net." Claire recognized the tactical approach from previous high-profile cases. "Creating the appearance of a comprehensive investigation while actually controlling the narrative."
"Standard deflection strategy." Fiona typed notes while watching. "Focus public attention on Lawson and Richardson to distract from Thomas Hutchinson's disappearance."
Wallace continued addressing the assembled reporters. "We ask the public to remain vigilant. Both Detective Lawson and Captain Richardson should be considered persons of interest in an ongoing kidnapping investigation. Anyone with information regarding their whereabouts should contact the dedicated task force immediately."
A reporter raised her hand. "Chief Wallace, sources indicate Thomas Hutchinson left the country yesterday on his private jet. Is there any connection between his departure and Ms. Blackwell's disappearance?"
Wallace's expression revealed momentary surprise before professional control reasserted itself. "We have no information suggesting Mr. Hutchinson's travel plans relate to this investigation. As a prominent attorney with international clients, his movements abroad are routine and documented."
"Documented like taking a kidnapped podcast host with him?" Fiona muttered toward the screen.
"Do you plan to question Mr. Hutchinson regarding his brother's suicide?" Another reporter pressed the issue.
"The department extends appropriate professional courtesy to a grieving family member." Wallace's deflection came smoothly. "Mr. Hutchinson has cooperated fully with investigators regarding his brother's death, which has been conclusively ruled suicide."
