Chapter 15 - The Warehouse
The abandoned sedan became a crime scene within minutes.
Forensic technicians dusted every surface for fingerprints while detectives photographed the interior from every angle.
Nothing seemed normal.
There were no personal belongings.
No registration papers.
No fingerprints.
Even the steering wheel had been carefully wiped clean.
"It was prepared," Reeves muttered.
Mercer opened the trunk.
Inside sat only a cardboard box.
He carefully lifted the lid.
Empty.
Except for one folded city map.
Several intersections had been marked with red circles.
Arthur's apartment.
The police station.
The storage facility.
And one location Mercer immediately recognized.
The State Justice Academy.
Mercer's heartbeat quickened.
"Arthur."
The old man stepped closer.
He studied the map for several seconds.
"They aren't choosing random locations."
"You know what these places have in common?"
Arthur nodded slowly.
"They're connected to one investigation."
Mercer stared.
"What investigation?"
Arthur folded the map.
"One that officially ended twenty-two years ago."
Before Mercer could ask another question, Detective Lewis hurried over carrying a small evidence bag.
"We found this beneath the driver's seat."
Inside rested an old brass coin.
One side displayed an eagle.
The other carried only a number.
17.
Arthur's face changed for the first time that evening.
Mercer noticed immediately.
"You've seen it before."
Arthur looked at the coin without touching it.
"Not for many years."
"What is it?"
Arthur answered quietly.
"A calling card."
"From who?"
Arthur's eyes remained fixed on the evidence bag.
"A group that believed corruption was simply another business."
Mercer felt a chill.
"You investigated them."
Arthur nodded.
"They disappeared after my daughter's case."
"You think they've returned?"
Arthur looked toward the dark skyline.
"I think..."
He stopped.
Then corrected himself.
"I think they never truly disappeared."
At that exact moment, Reeves received an urgent radio transmission.
"Chief."
"What now?"
"The evidence team just opened one of the computers from the storage unit."
Mercer waited.
"They found encrypted files."
"So?"
"The first folder is labeled..."
May you like
The detective hesitated.
"'Project Hale.'"
