Chapter 8: The Witness Who Never Arr## Chapter 8: The Witness Who Never Arrived
At 1:17 p.m., Chief Petty Officer Daniel Pikeived
At 1:17 p.m., Chief Petty Officer Daniel Pike was officially listed as present for duty at a naval logistics facility four was officially listed as present for duty at a naval logistics facility four hundred miles away.
At 1:19, that facility confirmed he had never reported.
At 1:23, the personnel system showed that Pike hundred miles away.
At 1:19, that facility confirmed he had never reported.
At 1:23, the personnel system showed that Pike had signed an acknowledgment of his reassignment.
And at 1:26, the investigators had signed an acknowledgment of his reassignment.
And at 1:26, the investigators discovered that the signature had been uploaded from the same administrative workstation used to fabricate my final report.
Three missing minutes discovered that the signature had been uploaded from the same administrative workstation used to fabricate my final report.
Three missing minutes in a personnel record would not normally concern me.
Three manipulated records connected to a missing witness were another matter in a personnel record would not normally concern me.
Three manipulated records connected to a missing witness were another matter entirely.
“General,” Commander Ellis said, standing beside my desk, “we've confirmed Pike's last physical presence on entirely.
“General,” Commander Ellis said, standing beside my desk, “we've confirmed Pike's last physical presence on this installation. He attended a maintenance briefing nineteen days ago.””
“Who attended with him?””
“Captain Shaw, Lieutenant Commander Porter, and Colonel Bell.””
“Anyone this installation. He attended a maintenance briefing nineteen days ago.””
“Who attended with him?””
“Captain Shaw, Lieutenant Commander Porter, and Colonel Bell.””
“Anyone from Admiral Rourke's executive office?””
Ellis consulted his notes.
“Commander Voss attended for the first ten minutes.””
from Admiral Rourke's executive office?””
Ellis consulted his notes.
“Commander Voss attended for the first ten minutes.””
“Why?””
“He said he was there to coordinate a procurement update.””
“What happened?””
“According“Why?””
“He said he was there to coordinate a procurement update.””
“What happened?””
“According to Porter's statement, Pike challenged the receiving records for the Northstar components. He said several items had been recorded to Porter's statement, Pike challenged the receiving records for the Northstar components. He said several items had been recorded as delivered when the storage containers were empty.””
I looked up.
“Empty?””
“Yes, General.””
“Did he identify as delivered when the storage containers were empty.””
I looked up.
“Empty?””
“Yes, General.””
“Did he identify the missing items?””
“He mentioned replacement assemblies and specialized maintenance components. The detailed list should the missing items?””
“He mentioned replacement assemblies and specialized maintenance components. The detailed list should be in the briefing notes.””
“Have you located them?””
“Not yet.””
“Then locate them.””
Ellis nodded.
I had spent most be in the briefing notes.””
“Have you located them?””
“Not yet.””
“Then locate them.””
Ellis nodded.
I had spent most of the afternoon watching people discover that a document bearing an official signature could of the afternoon watching people discover that a document bearing an official signature could be completely worthless if nobody verified what it represented.
Now the investigation was moving beyond be completely worthless if nobody verified what it represented.
Now the investigation was moving beyond questionable paperwork.
If Pike's account was accurate, the installation might have been paying for equipment it never received. The fals questionable paperwork.
If Pike's account was accurate, the installation might have been paying for equipment it never received. The falsified inspection records could have concealed missing inventory, while the counterfeit certifications made it appear that the equipment was available and ready for operationalified inspection records could have concealed missing inventory, while the counterfeit certifications made it appear that the equipment was available and ready for operational use.
The financial consequences could be substantial.
The operational consequences could be worse.
At 1:41, Lieutenant Commander Porter arrived with a notebook tucked beneath his arm.
“General, I found something in use.
The financial consequences could be substantial.
The operational consequences could be worse.
At 1:41, Lieutenant Commander Porter arrived with a notebook tucked beneath his arm.
“General, I found something in my personal records.””
He placed the notebook on my desk.
“Three weeks ago, Pike asked me to witness a discrepancy report. I didn't sign it because I my personal records.””
He placed the notebook on my desk.
“Three weeks ago, Pike asked me to witness a discrepancy report. I didn't sign it because I hadn't independently verified the inventory.””
“Did you read the report?””
“Yes, ma'am.””
“What did it say?””
Porter opened hadn't independently verified the inventory.””
“Did you read the report?””
“Yes, ma'am.””
“What did it say?””
Porter opened the notebook to a page marked with a folded corner.
“It listed thirty-four components that appeared in the procurement records but could not be located in the installation the notebook to a page marked with a folded corner.
“It listed thirty-four components that appeared in the procurement records but could not be located in the installation's storage facilities. Pike believed the receiving certificates had been falsified.””
“Did he identify who falsified them?””
“No. He said the records all passed through the executive's storage facilities. Pike believed the receiving certificates had been falsified.””
“Did he identify who falsified them?””
“No. He said the records all passed through the executive office before being added to the official inventory.””
“Did he keep a copy?””
Porter hesitated.
“He told me he had made a backup.””
“Where?””
“He wouldn't say. He told me that if anything happened to him, I should speak to someone office before being added to the official inventory.””
“Did he keep a copy?””
Porter hesitated.
“He told me he had made a backup.””
“Where?””
“He wouldn't say. He told me that if anything happened to him, I should speak to someone outside the installation's command structure.””
“Did you know he had disappeared?””
“I knew he hadn't reported to his new unit. I assumed he outside the installation's command structure.””
“Did you know he had disappeared?””
“I knew he hadn't reported to his new unit. I assumed he was delayed by the reassignment process.””
“Did you contact him?””
“Twice. Both messages were marked was delayed by the reassignment process.””
“Did you contact him?””
“Twice. Both messages were marked undeliverable.””
I closed the notebook.
“Lieutenant Commander, I need you to provide the original notes to the investigators. Do not send them electronically or make additional copies without their direction.””
“Yes, General undeliverable.””
I closed the notebook.
“Lieutenant Commander, I need you to provide the original notes to the investigators. Do not send them electronically or make additional copies without their direction.””
“Yes, General.””
He remained where he was.
“May I say something?””
“Go ahead.””
“I should have done more when Pike first raised the discrepancy.””
I studied him.
“What would you have done differently?””
.””
He remained where he was.
“May I say something?””
“Go ahead.””
“I should have done more when Pike first raised the discrepancy.””
I studied him.
“What would you have done differently?””
“Requested an independent physical inventory. Refused to accept the certification until the missing components were accounted for. And reported the pressure from Commander Voss.””
“Why didn't you?””
He looked at“Requested an independent physical inventory. Refused to accept the certification until the missing components were accounted for. And reported the pressure from Commander Voss.””
“Why didn't you?””
He looked at the notebook.
“Because I was afraid of losing my team's deployment assignment. I told myself that if I refused to sign anything the notebook.
“Because I was afraid of losing my team's deployment assignment. I told myself that if I refused to sign anything false, I wasn't part of the problem.””
“That was an incomplete understanding of your responsibility.””
“Yes, ma'am.””
false, I wasn't part of the problem.””
“That was an incomplete understanding of your responsibility.””
“Yes, ma'am.””
“You are responsible for what you sign. But when you have credible information that equipment may be missing, you also have a responsibility to report it through an appropriate channel. You cannot control what happens after that. You can control whether you speak.””
He nodded“You are responsible for what you sign. But when you have credible information that equipment may be missing, you also have a responsibility to report it through an appropriate channel. You cannot control what happens after that. You can control whether you speak.””
He nodded.
“I understand.””
“Then do it now.””
Porter left the office with his.
“I understand.””
“Then do it now.””
Porter left the office with his notebook.
I looked at the clock.
It was nearly two.
The investigation had begun less than six hours earlier, and already notebook.
I looked at the clock.
It was nearly two.
The investigation had begun less than six hours earlier, and already we had recovered evidence of a fabricated report, identified a missing witness, located a captain who had been confined inside a closed depot, and uncovered a potentially fraudulent procurement scheme.
But the person who might connect those events was still missing.
we had recovered evidence of a fabricated report, identified a missing witness, located a captain who had been confined inside a closed depot, and uncovered a potentially fraudulent procurement scheme.
But the person who might connect those events was still missing.
At 2:08, the investigative authority established a secure interview room at the installation. Two investigators arrived to interview theAt 2:08, the investigative authority established a secure interview room at the installation. Two investigators arrived to interview the personnel whose names appeared in the recovered contingency file.
I briefed them on the evidence without offering conclusions beyond what the records supported.
One investigator, Special Agent Rebecca Sloan, listened without interrupting.
When personnel whose names appeared in the recovered contingency file.
I briefed them on the evidence without offering conclusions beyond what the records supported.
One investigator, Special Agent Rebecca Sloan, listened without interrupting.
When I finished, she closed her notebook.
“General, we need to establish whether these incidents are connected through direct I finished, she closed her notebook.
“General, we need to establish whether these incidents are connected through direct evidence rather than proximity.””
“Agreed.””
“We also need to identify who had the authority to create the transfer orders, modify the access system, and approve the procurement records.””
“Commander V evidence rather than proximity.””
“Agreed.””
“We also need to identify who had the authority to create the transfer orders, modify the access system, and approve the procurement records.””
“Commander Voss appears in several of those records.””
“Appears,” Sloan emphasized.
“We need to establish whether he personally used the account.””
“Understood.””
She glanced at the recovered list.
“Your name is at the top.””
“Yes.””
“Have youoss appears in several of those records.””
“Appears,” Sloan emphasized.
“We need to establish whether he personally used the account.””
“Understood.””
She glanced at the recovered list.
“Your name is at the top.””
“Yes.””
“Have you received any direct threats?””
“Nothing beyond an attempt to fabricate evidence against me.””
“That may be sufficient to warrant additional received any direct threats?””
“Nothing beyond an attempt to fabricate evidence against me.””
“That may be sufficient to warrant additional security precautions.””
“I will cooperate with any reasonable arrangements that don't interfere with the review.””
Sloan nodded.
“We'll security precautions.””
“I will cooperate with any reasonable arrangements that don't interfere with the review.””
Sloan nodded.
“We'll assign an independent security detail and ensure that communications concerning the investigation are preserved.””
At 2:36, the security director called.
“General, we've located a possible lead on Chief assign an independent security detail and ensure that communications concerning the investigation are preserved.””
At 2:36, the security director called.
“General, we've located a possible lead on Chief Petty Officer Pike.””
“Go ahead.””
“His reassignment paperwork includes a fuel authorization for a government vehicle that was Petty Officer Pike.””
“Go ahead.””
“His reassignment paperwork includes a fuel authorization for a government vehicle that was never recorded as leaving the installation. However, the vehicle's fuel card was used at a service station near the eastern highway two days after his scheduled departure.””
“ never recorded as leaving the installation. However, the vehicle's fuel card was used at a service station near the eastern highway two days after his scheduled departure.””
“Can you identify the vehicle?””
“Yes. A logistics van assigned to the executive office.””
“Who signed it out?””
“Commander Voss.””
I looked at Sloan.
She had heard the conversation.
“PresCan you identify the vehicle?””
“Yes. A logistics van assigned to the executive office.””
“Who signed it out?””
“Commander Voss.””
I looked at Sloan.
She had heard the conversation.
“Preserve the fuel transaction and vehicle records,” I said.
“Notify the investigators and establish whether the van was captured on any external cameraserve the fuel transaction and vehicle records,” I said.
“Notify the investigators and establish whether the van was captured on any external cameras.””
“Understood.””
I ended the call.
Sloan stood.
“We'll pursue that lead. In the meantime, I'd like to interview Captain.””
“Understood.””
I ended the call.
Sloan stood.
“We'll pursue that lead. In the meantime, I'd like to interview Captain Shaw again once his medical team clears him.””
“That's reasonable.””
She paused at the door.
“General, there's one other thing. We received a preliminary report from the external investigative team examining North Shaw again once his medical team clears him.””
“That's reasonable.””
She paused at the door.
“General, there's one other thing. We received a preliminary report from the external investigative team examining Northstar Tactical Systems.””
“What have they found?””
“The company has received payment for several deliveries that the receiving records cannot substantiate. Some payments were approved after the equipmentstar Tactical Systems.””
“What have they found?””
“The company has received payment for several deliveries that the receiving records cannot substantiate. Some payments were approved after the equipment was supposedly inspected.””
“Who approved them?””
“Multiple officials. But a significant number of the payment authorizations passed through the same financial approval chain.””
“ was supposedly inspected.””
“Who approved them?””
“Multiple officials. But a significant number of the payment authorizations passed through the same financial approval chain.””
“Does that chain lead to Admiral Rourke?””
“We haven't established that yet.””
“Then don't assume it does.””
Sloan gave aDoes that chain lead to Admiral Rourke?””
“We haven't established that yet.””
“Then don't assume it does.””
Sloan gave a brief nod.
“Agreed.””
After she left, I returned to the command building's central briefing room.
Rear Admiral Lawson was waiting there with Colonel Bell and two brief nod.
“Agreed.””
After she left, I returned to the command building's central briefing room.
Rear Admiral Lawson was waiting there with Colonel Bell and two logistics officers.
A stack of printed invoices covered the table.
Bell looked exhausted.
“General, we've reviewed the Northstar files. Several receiving certificates cannot be reconciled with the inventory.””
logistics officers.
A stack of printed invoices covered the table.
Bell looked exhausted.
“General, we've reviewed the Northstar files. Several receiving certificates cannot be reconciled with the inventory.””
“How many?””
“Twenty-seven so far.””
“Are those the only discrepancies?””
“No. There are additional entries where the equipment was received but the serial numbers don't match the procurement documentation.””
“Who certified“How many?””
“Twenty-seven so far.””
“Are those the only discrepancies?””
“No. There are additional entries where the equipment was received but the serial numbers don't match the procurement documentation.””
“Who certified the deliveries?””
“The receiving team signed the initial records. The final acceptance was approved by procurement.””
“Who was the receiving-team lead?””
“Chief Petty Officer Pike.””
“Then the deliveries?””
“The receiving team signed the initial records. The final acceptance was approved by procurement.””
“Who was the receiving-team lead?””
“Chief Petty Officer Pike.””
“Then his testimony is essential.””
Bell looked down.
“I understand.””
I opened the invoice packet.
One payment authorization showed a transfer of nearly four million dollars for equipment delivered in three separate shipments.
The first shipment had a documented his testimony is essential.””
Bell looked down.
“I understand.””
I opened the invoice packet.
One payment authorization showed a transfer of nearly four million dollars for equipment delivered in three separate shipments.
The first shipment had a documented receiving record.
The second had a partial record.
The third had no verifiable receiving certificate at all.
Yet the payment had been approved receiving record.
The second had a partial record.
The third had no verifiable receiving certificate at all.
Yet the payment had been approved in full.
“Colonel, why was this invoice paid without complete documentation?””
Bell adjusted his glasses.
“The system allowed in full.
“Colonel, why was this invoice paid without complete documentation?””
Bell adjusted his glasses.
“The system allowed an exception to be processed if the contracting office certified that the outstanding records would be supplied later.””
“Who approved the exception?””
He examined the an exception to be processed if the contracting office certified that the outstanding records would be supplied later.””
“Who approved the exception?””
He examined the page.
“Commander Voss.””
“Who authorized the policy allowing that exception?””
Bell's expression changed.
“The page.
“Commander Voss.””
“Who authorized the policy allowing that exception?””
Bell's expression changed.
“The policy was signed by Admiral Rourke.””
“Was the policy itself improper?””
“Not necessarily. Exceptions can be legitimate in certain circumstances.””
“Was this exception legitimate?””
“I cannot establish that from policy was signed by Admiral Rourke.””
“Was the policy itself improper?””
“Not necessarily. Exceptions can be legitimate in certain circumstances.””
“Was this exception legitimate?””
“I cannot establish that from the paperwork.””
“Then we need to establish it.””
Bell rubbed his forehead.
“General, I have been asking the same question all afternoon. I don't know where the missing equipment went.””
I looked at him.
“Did the paperwork.””
“Then we need to establish it.””
Bell rubbed his forehead.
“General, I have been asking the same question all afternoon. I don't know where the missing equipment went.””
I looked at him.
“Did you ever meet a representative from you ever meet a representative from Northstar?””
“Yes. Several times.””
“Did you discuss the missing deliveries?””
“No. I wasn't aware they were missing until today.””
“Did you receive any personal benefits from the company?””
His head snapped up.
“No.””
“Gifts, payments, travel, or other arrangements?””
“No, General.””
“Then you should Northstar?””
“Yes. Several times.””
“Did you discuss the missing deliveries?””
“No. I wasn't aware they were missing until today.””
“Did you receive any personal benefits from the company?””
His head snapped up.
“No.””
“Gifts, payments, travel, or other arrangements?””
“No, General.””
“Then you should have no difficulty providing the investigators with your financial disclosures and relevant communications.””
His face reddened.
“Are you accusing me of taking bribes?””
“I'm asking you to provide information relevant have no difficulty providing the investigators with your financial disclosures and relevant communications.””
His face reddened.
“Are you accusing me of taking bribes?””
“I'm asking you to provide information relevant to a procurement investigation.””
“I have served this service for twenty-eight years.””
“And your service deserves a fair assessment. So does the evidence.””
Bell fell silent.
I pushed the invoice packet toward him.
“Your to a procurement investigation.””
“I have served this service for twenty-eight years.””
“And your service deserves a fair assessment. So does the evidence.””
Bell fell silent.
I pushed the invoice packet toward him.
“Your office approved the procurement. Your signature appears on the acceptance documentation. That doesn't prove you knowingly participated in fraud, but it does mean your decisions require scrutiny.””
He stared at the papers.
Then office approved the procurement. Your signature appears on the acceptance documentation. That doesn't prove you knowingly participated in fraud, but it does mean your decisions require scrutiny.””
He stared at the papers.
Then he nodded.
“I'll provide the records.””
At 3:17, Dr. Miriam Cole arrived with another forensic report.
“General, we recovered a fragment he nodded.
“I'll provide the records.””
At 3:17, Dr. Miriam Cole arrived with another forensic report.
“General, we recovered a fragment of an encrypted message from the executive office workstation.””
“Can you read it?””
“Only part of it. The message was deleted, and the encryption key isn't available on the of an encrypted message from the executive office workstation.””
“Can you read it?””
“Only part of it. The message was deleted, and the encryption key isn't available on the local system. However, the subject line and a portion of the body were preserved in a temporary file.””
She handed local system. However, the subject line and a portion of the body were preserved in a temporary file.””
She handed me the report.
The subject line read:
*PIKE — TRANSFER COMPLETE.*
The body contained a sentence:
*The second witness has been moved. Mercer must not obtain the original ledger me the report.
The subject line read:
*PIKE — TRANSFER COMPLETE.*
The body contained a sentence:
The second witness has been moved. Mercer must not obtain the original ledger.
I read it slowly.
“The second witness?””
“We believe the message refers to Pike, but we cannot confirm that yet.””
“What is the original ledger?””
“We.*
I read it slowly.
“The second witness?””
“We believe the message refers to Pike, but we cannot confirm that yet.””
“What is the original ledger?””
“We don't know.””
I looked toward Lawson.
“Does the procurement system maintain a master ledger separate from the ordinary inventory records?””
“Yes,” he said.
“The master ledger records the original don't know.””
I looked toward Lawson.
“Does the procurement system maintain a master ledger separate from the ordinary inventory records?””
“Yes,” he said.
“The master ledger records the original receiving entries and subsequent adjustments. It is maintained by the logistics accounting office.””
“Can it be altered?””
“Changes require elevated authorization and generate an receiving entries and subsequent adjustments. It is maintained by the logistics accounting office.””
“Can it be altered?””
“Changes require elevated authorization and generate an audit trail.””
“Who has elevated authorization?””
“The logistics director, the procurement controller, and the executive office under certain emergency procedures.””
“Was the ledger accessed this morning?””
Lawson checked his tablet.
His face changed.
“Yes audit trail.””
“Who has elevated authorization?””
“The logistics director, the procurement controller, and the executive office under certain emergency procedures.””
“Was the ledger accessed this morning?””
Lawson checked his tablet.
His face changed.
“Yes.””
“When?””
“At 7:44 a.m.””
“By whom?””
“The system identifies Commander Voss's administrative account.””
I looked back at the message.
Mercer must not obtain the original ledger.
That was.””
“When?””
“At 7:44 a.m.””
“By whom?””
“The system identifies Commander Voss's administrative account.””
I looked back at the message.
Mercer must not obtain the original ledger.
That was the clearest indication yet that the investigation had reached something the people responsible were desperate to conceal.
“Where is the ledger stored?””
“In the central logistics accounting office the clearest indication yet that the investigation had reached something the people responsible were desperate to conceal.
“Where is the ledger stored?””
“In the central logistics accounting office.””
“Then we need to secure it.””
Lawson immediately contacted the security director.
Within minutes, two investigators and a digital.””
“Then we need to secure it.””
Lawson immediately contacted the security director.
Within minutes, two investigators and a digital forensics technician were on their way to the accounting office.
At 3:46, I followed them there.
The office was on the second floor of the logistics building, behind forensics technician were on their way to the accounting office.
At 3:46, I followed them there.
The office was on the second floor of the logistics building, behind a locked door with a small glass panel. Inside, shelves held binders of receiving records and procurement files dating back several years.
The ledger itself was stored on a dedicated terminal.
The accounting supervisor a locked door with a small glass panel. Inside, shelves held binders of receiving records and procurement files dating back several years.
The ledger itself was stored on a dedicated terminal.
The accounting supervisor, a civilian named Helen Ward, stood beside it with her hands clasped tightly.
“General, I don't understand what's happening.””
“Ms, a civilian named Helen Ward, stood beside it with her hands clasped tightly.
“General, I don't understand what's happening.””
“Ms. Ward, did you access the master ledger this morning?””
“No, ma'am.””
“Did anyone ask you to make changes?””
She hesitated.
“Commander Voss called me yesterday evening. He said the ledger needed to. Ward, did you access the master ledger this morning?””
“No, ma'am.””
“Did anyone ask you to make changes?””
She hesitated.
“Commander Voss called me yesterday evening. He said the ledger needed to be reconciled before the review team arrived.””
“Did he instruct you to delete or alter any entries?””
“No. He said I should prepare the account for a routine audit be reconciled before the review team arrived.””
“Did he instruct you to delete or alter any entries?””
“No. He said I should prepare the account for a routine audit.””
“Did you do that?””
“I prepared the reports he requested, but I didn't change the underlying ledger.””
“Did anyone else have access to the terminal?””
“The logistics director, my.””
“Did you do that?””
“I prepared the reports he requested, but I didn't change the underlying ledger.””
“Did anyone else have access to the terminal?””
“The logistics director, my deputy, and the executive office under emergency authorization.””
The forensic technician examined the terminal.
“General, the system shows an administrative session at 7:44 a.m. The session used V deputy, and the executive office under emergency authorization.””
The forensic technician examined the terminal.
“General, the system shows an administrative session at 7:44 a.m. The session used Voss's account, but we cannot establish who was physically present.””
“Can you determine what was changed?””
“We can compare the current ledger with the last verified backup.””
“Howoss's account, but we cannot establish who was physically present.””
“Can you determine what was changed?””
“We can compare the current ledger with the last verified backup.””
“How long will that take?””
“Several hours.””
“Begin immediately.””
The technician started the preservation process.
Ward stood rigidly beside the shelves.
“General, there is long will that take?””
“Several hours.””
“Begin immediately.””
The technician started the preservation process.
Ward stood rigidly beside the shelves.
“General, there is something I should tell you.””
I turned toward her.
“What is it?””
“Last night, Commander Voss something I should tell you.””
I turned toward her.
“What is it?””
“Last night, Commander Voss asked me to prepare a sealed envelope for Captain Shaw. He said the captain needed to sign a receipt for a revised inventory.””
“Did you prepare it?””
“Yes.””
“Did Captain Shaw receive it?””
“No. V asked me to prepare a sealed envelope for Captain Shaw. He said the captain needed to sign a receipt for a revised inventory.””
“Did you prepare it?””
“Yes.””
“Did Captain Shaw receive it?””
“No. Voss returned the envelope to my office about twenty minutes later. He said the captain had been transferred.””
“Did you open the envelope?””
“No, ma'am.””
“Where is it now?””
Ward pointed to a locked drawer.
“Still there.””
The investigatoross returned the envelope to my office about twenty minutes later. He said the captain had been transferred.””
“Did you open the envelope?””
“No, ma'am.””
“Where is it now?””
Ward pointed to a locked drawer.
“Still there.””
The investigator photographed the drawer and documented its condition before opening it.
Inside lay a sealed envelope bearing Captain Shaw's name.
A second document was folded beneath it.
I examined the visible heading.
It was a transfer of photographed the drawer and documented its condition before opening it.
Inside lay a sealed envelope bearing Captain Shaw's name.
A second document was folded beneath it.
I examined the visible heading.
It was a transfer of responsibility for the master procurement ledger.
The form stated that Captain Shaw had voluntarily surrendered control of the original records to Commander Michael Voss.
At the bottom was a signature.
It responsibility for the master procurement ledger.
The form stated that Captain Shaw had voluntarily surrendered control of the original records to Commander Michael Voss.
At the bottom was a signature.
It looked like Shaw's.
But the date was wrong.
The document claimed to have been signed three days before the captain had supposedly raised his concerns.
I looked like Shaw's.
But the date was wrong.
The document claimed to have been signed three days before the captain had supposedly raised his concerns.
I placed it on the table.
“Ms. Ward, did you witness Captain Shaw sign this?””
“No.””
“Did placed it on the table.
“Ms. Ward, did you witness Captain Shaw sign this?””
“No.””
“Did you see him in the office on the date shown?””
“No, ma'am.””
“Then your statement will be important.””
She nodded.
As the investigators secured the document, my phone vibrated.
A you see him in the office on the date shown?””
“No, ma'am.””
“Then your statement will be important.””
She nodded.
As the investigators secured the document, my phone vibrated.
A message had arrived from Special Agent Sloan.
**WE HAVE A POSSIBLE LOCATION FOR PIKE. DO NOT DISCUSS IT OVER INSTALLATION COMMUNICATIONS. CALL ME ON THE message had arrived from Special Agent Sloan.
*WE HAVE A POSSIBLE LOCATION FOR PIKE. DO NOT DISCUSS IT OVER INSTALLATION COMMUNICATIONS. CALL ME ON THE SECURE LINE.*
I stepped into the corridor and called her.
“Mercer.””
“General, we traced the logistics van to a private storage property outside the eastern perimeter. SECURE LINE.**
I stepped into the corridor and called her.
“Mercer.””
“General, we traced the logistics van to a private storage property outside the eastern perimeter. The property is registered to a holding company associated with Northstar Tactical Systems.””
“Have you confirmed Pike is there?””
“Not yet. A vehicle matching the van's description was captured entering The property is registered to a holding company associated with Northstar Tactical Systems.””
“Have you confirmed Pike is there?””
“Not yet. A vehicle matching the van's description was captured entering the property two days ago. We are obtaining the necessary authorization to search it.””
“Is anyone on the property now?””
“An external surveillance team reports activity in the property two days ago. We are obtaining the necessary authorization to search it.””
“Is anyone on the property now?””
“An external surveillance team reports activity in one of the buildings.””
“Could Voss be there?””
“Possibly. We have an unconfirmed sighting of a man matching his description.””
I looked through the corridor one of the buildings.””
“Could Voss be there?””
“Possibly. We have an unconfirmed sighting of a man matching his description.””
I looked through the corridor window at the installation's parking lot.
The day had begun with an admiral pouring water over my head because he believed I was powerless.
Now we had a missing officer, a fabricated report window at the installation's parking lot.
The day had begun with an admiral pouring water over my head because he believed I was powerless.
Now we had a missing officer, a fabricated report, a manipulated access system, and a procurement ledger that someone had attempted to alter before I could examine it.
“Proceed under the appropriate authority,” I told Sloan.
“If Pike is there, a manipulated access system, and a procurement ledger that someone had attempted to alter before I could examine it.
“Proceed under the appropriate authority,” I told Sloan.
“If Pike is there, prioritize his safety. Do not assume Voss is the only person involved.””
“Understood.””
She paused.
“General, prioritize his safety. Do not assume Voss is the only person involved.””
“Understood.””
She paused.
“General, one more thing. The holding company that owns the property has a second registered address.””
“Where?””
“At a private office complex in the capital. One of its directors, one more thing. The holding company that owns the property has a second registered address.””
“Where?””
“At a private office complex in the capital. One of its directors is a retired senior naval officer.””
“Name?””
“Admiral Thomas Rourke.””
I remained silent for a moment.
Then Sloan continued is a retired senior naval officer.””
“Name?””
“Admiral Thomas Rourke.””
I remained silent for a moment.
Then Sloan continued.
“We are checking the corporate records and financial connections now. We have not yet established whether the admiral knowingly participated in the procurement scheme.””
“.
“We are checking the corporate records and financial connections now. We have not yet established whether the admiral knowingly participated in the procurement scheme.””
“Good. Keep the distinction clear.””
I ended the call and returned to the accounting office.
The forensic technician looked up from the terminal.
“General, we've completed the first comparison against the last verified backup.””
“WhatGood. Keep the distinction clear.””
I ended the call and returned to the accounting office.
The forensic technician looked up from the terminal.
“General, we've completed the first comparison against the last verified backup.””
“What did you find?””
“Thirty-four entries were altered. Twenty-seven relate to Northstar deliveries. Seven did you find?””
“Thirty-four entries were altered. Twenty-seven relate to Northstar deliveries. Seven concern equipment recorded as transferred to other installations.””
“Can you identify the account responsible?””
“Yes.””
He turned the monitor toward me.
The changes had been made through the same concern equipment recorded as transferred to other installations.””
“Can you identify the account responsible?””
“Yes.””
He turned the monitor toward me.
The changes had been made through the same administrative account associated with Commander Voss.
But one entry was different.
It had been altered using a second account.
An account belonging to Rear Admiral Peter Lawson.
I looked at the installation commander.
He administrative account associated with Commander Voss.
But one entry was different.
It had been altered using a second account.
An account belonging to Rear Admiral Peter Lawson.
I looked at the installation commander.
He stared at the screen, his face draining of color.
“General,” he whispered, “I didn't make those changes.””
I believed that he might be telling the truth.
But belief was no longer enough stared at the screen, his face draining of color.
“General,” he whispered, “I didn't make those changes.””
I believed that he might be telling the truth.
But belief was no longer enough.
Before I could respond, the technician opened the audit history for the Lawson account.
The altered entry had been created at 8:16 a.m.
Eight minutes after I arrived at the range.
And the description.
Before I could respond, the technician opened the audit history for the Lawson account.
The altered entry had been created at 8:16 a.m.
Eight minutes after I arrived at the range.
May you like
And the description field contained a note that made the room go completely silent.
*TRANSFER AUTHORIZED — ORIGINAL LEDGER TO BE DESTROYED AFTER REVIEW.*
