by Mark Lemke
CHAPTER 19
?
Pete and I went back to the cabin. Once inside the room, I walked over to the coffeemaker to make some brew.? I thought best when I was doing something.? The caffeine didn't hurt, either.? Obviously, conditions had changed. ?I'd been brought in to do what might have been considered a routine test of the plant's security.? But now there was a dead woman in the bay, and I was sure the two guys from The Tavern were in a hospital somewhere, seeking medical treatment.? This was not normally how these trips went, even for me.? This was a civilian power plant, not a military installation or target.? It would have helped if I knew who was behind all this and what their motivation was, but I lacked a definitive explanation for whatever was going on.?
My instincts told me this whole situation was heading south, fast.? I'd just written up a detailed report on the security readiness at the plant, which, if compromised, could be used as a good playbook for the bad guys.? I didn't believe in being paranoid-but cautious and skeptical, yes.? I analyze a situation and take action based on the facts and the most probable outcome.? That's why I'm good at what I do.? But I was stymied on this one.? I just didn't have enough facts to analyze.?
The coffeemaker gurgled, signifying it was done brewing, though nobody actually brewed coffee anymore.? Now they just dripped hot water through some grounds.? It was easy to do and something I took for granted.? Gone were the days of percolators-a type of coffee pot I'd heard about but had never used myself.? I pulled a mug from the cabinet and poured myself a cup.? Normally I loved the aroma of fresh-brewed coffee, but today I barely noticed it.? As I took a sip, I appreciated that this was quickly turning into something I hadn't been expecting.? Something was wrong, and as the caffeine kicked in, my mind started to extrapolate what little I did know.? I had a few facts and several observations that were all somehow connected.?
It helped sometimes if I talked through it.? I pulled my satellite phone out of my pocket and dialed the restricted access number I had for the site vice president.? Prichard answered with a simple, "Yes?"
"We need to talk.? I'm on my way in.? I'll be there in an hour."? It really wasn't a question or a request.?
"I'll be here," said Prichard.
Hmmm. No arguments, no questions about why I wanted to see him.? That definitely piqued my curiosity.?
I went into the living room where Pete was doing a cold read on the security evaluation report. Sometimes seemingly unrelated incidents can mean something to someone unfamiliar with the details.? I needed his take on this but knew it would be a little while before he could formulate an opinion.
"When you're done with that, see if you can hack your way into the sheriff's LAN and get us some information.? What do they know that we don't?"
Pete's specialty on the teams had been communications and intel.? He brought that expertise with him to NeXus, making him an extremely valuable guy to have around.?
"Will do," was all he had to say. ?"What are you gonna be doing?"
"I need to go back and talk with Prichard.? He knows something he's not telling us."?
With that, I threw on a light jacket and left for the plant.