The Fugitive's Trail

by J. C. Fields

  A strong hand clamped around her mouth as the hotel room door was shoved in by her assailant’s other hand.

  Chapter 22

  Washington, DC

  Kruger’s phone vibrated just after eight the next morning. Normally immediately alert when he woke, his dream about Stephanie left him disorientated. Barely able to open one eye, he saw the caller ID was Sharon’s cell phone. Smiling slightly, he said, “Kruger.”

  A gravelly voice said, “Your friend wasn’t very helpful last night. I hope you’re smarter. Drop the inquiry into Plymel or you’ll end up like your friend.”

  Kruger eyes widened and his heart raced. “Who is this?” Silence. He looked at the phone’s screen. The call had ended. “Shit,” he mumbled as he hit the “last call” icon. It went straight to voice mail. He repeated the call—again, voice mail. He did a quick internet search on his phone and called the hotel were Sharon was staying.

  “It’s a great day at the Marriott, how can I direct your call?”

  “Sharon Crawford, room fourteen-oh-five.”

  “One moment please.”

  The phone rang twenty times without an answer. Kruger ended the call and redialed the Marriot. When it was answered, he said, “My name is Sean Kruger. I’m with the FBI. I need to speak to the day manager immediately.”

  Silence was his answer. Finally, the young lady said, “Just a moment. I’ll get her.”

  Less than fifteen seconds later, a voice said, “This is Marilyn Kramer. How may I help you?”

  “Ms. Kramer, my name is Sean Kruger. I’m an agent with the FBI. A fellow agent is staying in room fourteen-oh-five. She’s not answering her cell phone or her room phone. I must insist you go to her room and check on her safety.”

  “Just a moment.”

  The phone was silent as he waited. After several minutes, Marilyn Kramer returned to the phone. “Mr. Kruger, I’m not getting an answer. Are you sure she’s in her room?”

  Shaking his head, Kruger said, “No, I’m not sure she’s in her room. That’s why I’m calling. She may be in danger. Ms. Kramer, I really need you to check her room. Take an assistant, knock on the door. If she doesn’t answer, open the door and make sure she’s okay. If everything is fine, I’ll apologize for the inconvenience. Otherwise, you might be a big help.”

  “Very well, Mr. Kruger. Please give me your number. I’ll call you back. It might take me a few minutes.”

  Kruger gave her his cell phone number and ended the call.

  His next call was to Joseph, postponing their meeting. An excruciating hour later, Kruger’s cell phone vibrated. “Kruger.”

  “Sean, its Alvarez. Are you in New York?”

  “No, DC. Why?”

  “Get back to New York as fast as possible?”

  ***

  The hallway was empty, except for police tape and uniformed police officers. After showing his badge and ID, Kruger was allowed within the perimeter and escorted to the room. Preston Alvarez appeared at the door and stopped him. “Sean, you don’t want to go in there.”

  Kruger glared at Alvarez, pushed him aside, and entered the hotel room. His first impression was total chaos. Sharon lay diagonally across the mattress, sightless eyes wide open, fixed on the ceiling. She was fully dressed, except for what appeared to be rips in her clothing from a struggle. The contents of her suitcase were scattered across the bed, with the suitcase ripped and cut apart. The sofa was overturned, cushions cut, and thrown against the wall under the window. Her computer case was lying on the floor, the contents scattered, but no computer.

  Kruger looked at the body on the bed. She was a friend, a co-worker, and at one time a lover. Someone he had been intimate with. He took a deep breath, slowly let it out, and said in a low, barely controlled voice, “Was she raped?”

  Alvarez shook his head. “No, she doesn’t appear to have been. The ME said her neck was broken. She probably died instantly. This wasn’t about her, Sean. She had something the killer wanted.”

  Kruger’s eyes widened. “Where’s her computer?”

  “Not here.”

  “Abel Plymel! Damn. When was he released?”

  Alvarez cocked his head to the side. “Didn’t think of that. I’m not sure. Last I knew, he was still in custody.”

  Kruger took his cell phone out of his jacket pocket, searched for a number, and pressed the call icon. When the called was answered, he said, “This is Kruger. When did Abel Plymel’s lawyers get him out?” He listened for a few moments then said, “Really? They didn’t get there till nine this morning?” More silence as he listened. Finally he said, “Did Sharon place a computer in evidence?” He nodded. “Thanks.” After ending the call, he turned to Alvarez. “Someone was looking for Plymel’s computer. They didn’t find it and killed her because of it. That’s why I got the phone call this morning.”

  Alvarez said, “What phone call?”

  Kruger took a deep breath. He let it out slowly and in a slightly shaky voice said, “The reason I called the hotel this morning was a phone call. A gravelly male voice said, ‘Your friend wasn’t very helpful last night. I hope you’re smarter. Drop the inquiry into Plymel or you’ll end up like your friend.’”

  Alvarez nodded. “The hotel didn’t call us. The station got a similar call, only the voice said an FBI agent needed assistance. We got here just as the hotel manager returned from the room. Apparently, she’s not taking this well. They took her to the hospital just before I called you.” Alvarez grew quiet and glanced at the body. Returning his attention back to Kruger, he said, “How long did you know her?”

  Kruger’s hard expression softened, his shoulders drooped, and he smiled slightly. “About five years. We worked a few cases together. I considered her a friend.”

  “Is there anyone we need to call? A husband or parent?”

  Kruger shook his head. “She wasn’t married.” He paused. “She has a sister in California and her mom lives in Florida. Her mom’s phone number should be in her cell phone. Not sure about the sister. They weren’t very close. If you don’t mind, I’ll contact the mother. It’s the least I can do.”

  Alvarez nodded. “Okay, I hate those calls anyway. But we haven’t found a cell phone.”

  Kruger frowned and nodded. “My call originated from her cell phone. Whoever did this, took it.” He paused and looked back at Sharon’s body. “Someone’s playing with us, Preston.”

  Alvarez nodded and looked toward the hotel room’s door. “They’re here, Sean.” He took his friend by the arm. “Let’s let them do their job.”

  Kruger glanced toward the door and saw the coroner’s team in the doorway of the hotel room. They looked like they had somewhere else to be, so Kruger allowed Alvarez to lead him out of the room.

  Once outside, he glanced down the hall and saw the floor’s exit door. He smiled at Alvarez. “I’ll take the stairs.” As soon as the door to the stairwell closed, he walked down half of a flight and leaned against the wall. His head slowly moved back until it touched the cinder block wall of the stairwell. He closed his eyes and a sudden wave of exhaustion and grief swept over him. He wiped away a tear with the back of his hand and just stood there. Whoever did this had made a mistake, a serious mistake. Now it was personal.

  He stood there for several minutes not moving, just staring up the stairwell and thinking. Finally he started down the stairs, a determined look on his face.

  ***

  Plymel sat in one of the interview rooms, his orange jumpsuit two sizes too large. A man in uniform stood by the door until Kruger entered. The guard left and closed the door behind him. Plymel’s eyes grew wide, but his expression quickly changed to a glare and a slight smirk. “Come to apologize for the mistake?”

  Kruger shook his head. “No.”

  “My lawyer was here. He said I’ll be out this afternoon. Now if you don’t mind, I have more important things to do than talk to you.”

  As Plymel stood, Kruger smiled. “I’m here to let you know that someone killed my
partner last night.” Plymel’s expression remained neutral. “Currently, we don’t have a suspect, but I’ve filed paperwork naming you as a person of interest in her death.”

  Plymel stared at Kruger, his eyes narrowing. He took a deep breath, spread his arms wide, and grinned. “I was here last night. A pretty tight alibi wouldn’t you say, agent?”

  “Oh, I didn’t mean you personally killed her.” He shook his head. “No, a man of your position has many ways of having it done for him. That’s actually what I should have said.”

  Plymel laughed. “You’re grasping at straws agent. I’m just a simple businessman. I don’t have those types of individuals working for me. Nor do I know any.”

  It was Kruger’s turn to smile. He extracted a file from his computer bag, placed it on the desk, and opened it. Extracting the picture of JR and the security guard, he turned it around so Plymel could see. “Remember this man?” He said, tapping the image of JR with his finger. “He stole a lot of money from you. Money you’d stolen in the first place. The gentleman on his right was escorting him to a waiting SUV.” Kruger stood so he could look Plymel in the eye. “What were your instructions to the big man? Take him out for coffee and a bagel? I don’t think so.”

  Plymel stared at the photo, remaining quiet.

  Kruger continued, “I know the background of the guard. He was a suspect in a murder case several years before this picture was taken. Yet you hired him. Why did you do that, Abel? You just said, you don’t have those types of individuals working for you.”

  Plymel said, “I believe I’m done talking to you, agent, without my lawyer present.”

  “You really don’t need your lawyer,” said Kruger. “I’m done asking questions. You see, this isn’t an interview. I’m just taking the opportunity to inform you of several important pieces of information. One, I know the truth about you. I know how much money you’ve stolen from your company and how you stole it. I also know it’s no longer in your possession.” He paused to watch Plymel’s reaction. The man did not disappoint. Plymel blinked rapidly for several moments, but settled into a blank stare. “Two, the death of Agent Crawford was a big mistake. It’s now personal. You don’t know me, but I’m not someone you want looking into your affairs.” He leaned forward and got within inches of Plymel’s face. “Because, I’ll find all the dirty laundry and you won’t like the consequences.”

  Plymel’s reaction to this information was more important to Kruger than anything the man could say. He watched closely as he finished talking. Once again, Plymel didn’t disappoint. His eye’s widened briefly, his breathing rate increased, and his cheeks flushed. But he recovered just as quickly and a bored expression appeared. “Really, agent, that’s all you have? Just empty accusations with no evidence. I believe it is time to have my lawyer present and end this discussion.”

  Smiling, Kruger said, “Oh, I’m done.” He paused and opened his computer bag. “My suggestion would be for your lawyer to check the new charges I filed against you this morning: conspiracy to commit murder and fraud.” Smiling, he said, “Have a great day.” He placed the file back in the computer bag and walked out of the room, leaving Plymel by himself. As he walked out, he nodded at the guard. “Thanks, I believe it worked. Keep me posted.” The guard nodded and went in to escort Plymel back to his cell.

  Chapter 23

  Boulder, CO

  “When did it happen, Joseph?” JR stared out the window of the bed and breakfast, the mountains in the distance unseen, his cell phone pressed tightly to his ear.

  “Last night around ten. She was attacked as she opened her hotel door,” said Joseph. “At least that’s the prevailing theory. Her neck was broken and the room ransacked.”

  “They were looking for Plymel’s computer, weren’t they?”

  “It appears so.”

  JR covered his eyes with his hand and was silent for a few moments. “Did they find it?”

  “No, she’d checked it back into the evidence room. Her personal computer and cell phone are missing.”

  “Damn. Too many people are dying because of me. This has to stop, Joseph.”

  “JR, this wasn’t your fault.”

  “Yeah, well, tell that to her.”

  Joseph was silent for several moments. “JR, I’m going to give you a little advice. This isn’t a game anymore. These guys are playing for real. You can choose to blame yourself and whine about it, or you can get mad and do something. I’ve only known you for a short time, but I believe you’ll do the right thing and help us stop them.”

  “How can I help?”

  Joseph paused for a few moments. “Sean wants you to examine Plymel’s laptop. He believes there’s something incriminating to both Plymel and P&G Global on it.”

  “Makes sense. Do I need to go to New York?”

  “No, we’ll get the laptop to you. Sean and I both believe it’s in everybody’s best interest for you to stay where you are. As I told you earlier, someone figured out how to find you. My guess is the business license.”

  It was a logical assumption. Joseph and JR had formed a business arrangement based on JR providing computer security for Joseph’s clients. Both companies shared the same office address. “It wouldn’t have been that hard to find me. It’s no secret I work with computers. You narrow it down and check out the business. I didn’t think about it until just now.”

  “Don’t beat yourself up about it, but we’re not taking any chances. What do you need from the laptop?”

  “The hard drive. A copy won’t do.”

  “Okay, we’ll get it to you. I’ll let you know when it’s on its way.”

  The call ended and JR continued to stare out the window. P&G would have to rebuild their computer system from backups, and it would take a day or so. If his guess was correct, they might be testing the rebuilt system fairly soon. Time for a nap, a little hiking with Mia, and then he would work through the night.

  ***

  Exhausted from the day’s activities, Mia fell asleep shortly after eleven. Quietly leaving their bed, JR went to the living area of the suite and opened his laptop. Five minutes later, he was in the newly rebuilt P&G Global server system. As he suspected, they had used backup and his backdoor was still active. He wasn’t sure how it reflected on their IT department, but he was glad they had missed it. First thing was to open a new backdoor and close the old one. As he examined the newly rebuilt system, he found more security holes. His already low opinion of their IT department declined further with each new security problem he discovered. Once his survey of the system was complete, he posted the security holes to a hacker blog site. P&G’s IT department would be busy once the hackers attacked like sharks the next day. The one piece of information he did not share was his new backdoor.

  Around three in the morning, he stumbled onto a file with a time stamp prior to his original incursion, over a year ago. The file did not have any recent updates, and from what he could tell, it had not been accessed for a long time. There was a strong possibility the old file had been resident on an old backup. After reviewing the file, he copied it to a flash drive and renamed it on the main system with an innocuous data-file name. The content of the file was the Rosetta Stone of Plymel’s indiscretions at P&G Global. He sat back and smiled. Without thinking, he dialed Kruger’s cell phone.

  A croaky voice answered, “Yeah—this is Kruger.”

  “It’s JR.”

  “Do you know what time it is?”

  He glanced at the clock in the lower right-hand corner of his laptop. “Well, it’s three-sixteen in the morning here. That would make it five-sixteen there.”

  “What’s up?”

  “Found something in the P&G Global computer system a few minutes ago, a file somebody deleted and for some reason is back on their system.”

  “And?”

  “It contains spreadsheets and memos about how P&G is utilizing investor funds to pay dividends to other clients. One of the memos is from a senior accountant claiming he foun
d discrepancies in several big-dollar client accounts. The memo was sent to Abel Plymel. A quick search of the company’s personnel records indicates the accountant is no longer employed at the firm. There’s a termination letter in his personnel file dated the same day as the memo.”

  Kruger was silent. Finally he said, “Send me the accountant’s contact information. What else did you find?”

  “More money.”

  “How much?”

  “Remember, this file is more than a year old. There’s at least another thirty million sitting in various accounts scattered around the world.”

  “Can you access the money?”

  “From the information in this file, yes, if he hasn’t moved it.”

  Kruger was silent again, probably thinking about what needed to be done next. JR remained quiet. Finally Kruger said, “Okay, here’s what I want you to do: see how much you can find, cut off his access, and get back to me. Don’t move any of it yet.” Kruger stayed silent for a few seconds. “I’m curious, was Plymel the only one skimming money?”

  “Nope, there’s a managing director doing the same thing.”

  Kruger laughed. “Alton Crigler. I always knew he had a streak of larceny in him. I’m going to enjoy taking him down.”

  “How’d you know about him?”

  “I knew him when he was the deputy attorney general. He made a feeble attempt to stop us from arresting Plymel the other day. The attempt was for show, nothing more. Now I know why Plymel didn’t have a lawyer immediately. Good work, JR. See how much of the money you can freeze, and get back to me.”

  Several hours later, JR discovered there was now over forty-nine million stashed in the various offshore accounts. Once he felt he had found all of the accounts, he changed the user names and passwords on each one. An email to Kruger summarized his accomplishments. He went to bed at 6:00 a.m., more comfortable with his situation than he had been in a long time.