The Fugitive's Trail Read Online Free PDF Page A

detect, but our tech guys found it. There’s also no record of him entering the building alone.”
    Alvarez said, “Like I said, the story’s bullshit.”
    Kruger nodded. “Okay, their story’s bullshit. How do we prove it?”
    Alvarez slid two file folders across the table to Kruger, tapped them with his index finger, and said, “These are NYPD files on the two guards. They’re both ex-military and left the service under less than ideal circumstances. Their first encounter with the NYPD was right after discharge about ten years ago. Both have numerous priors: aggravated assault, extortion, assault with a deadly weapon, etc. Each time, the charges were dropped after the victims refused to testify.”
    Kruger frowned. “Why?”
    Alvarez shrugged. “Same old story, money, threats, who knows.”
    “The bullshit gets deeper.”
    Alvarez nodded.
    Metzger said, “Five years ago, P&G Global bought a company specializing in security for business executives working overseas. These two worked for that company. They returned to the states a year ago and have been Abel Plymel’s personal security ever since.”
    Kruger said, “Does the guy who took them out have a police record?”
    Alvarez shook his head. “Not that I could find, but then we can’t find anything on him.”
    Kruger turned to Metzger. “What about military records, did you find any?”
    Metzger shook his head.
    Kruger was silent and sipped his now-cold coffee. Finally he said, “What is Alton Crigler’s role at P&G Global?”
    “He’s the managing partner,” said Metzger. “Plymel’s the president and CEO, from what the SEC told me. On paper they’re equal partners, but Plymel holds a little higher status within the company. He does the deals and Crigler handles the politicians in Washington. There’s a board of directors made up of their largest investors. Both men report to them.”
    “Why did he want me involved?” Kruger said, almost to himself.
    Metzger shook his head. “Don’t know, maybe you should ask him.”
     
    ***
     
    With his hand extended, Alton Crigler stepped out from behind the massive oak desk. “Thank you for heading the investigation Agent Kruger.” The office was ornate, professionally decorated, and smelled of old leather and Lemon Pledge. At six foot two, Crigler was slender and dressed in a dark gray pinstripe Armani suit. A crisp white-on-white shirt accented with a maroon tie completed his wardrobe. He was in his mid-sixties and still had a full head of coal-black hair, although streaks of gray were visible at his temples. During his early career, he had held various positions in the Justice Department, following his graduation from Yale Law School. After being the deputy attorney general for ten years and getting passed over numerous times for the top spot, he left public service to become a principal in P&G Global.
    Kruger shook the extended hand. “Right now I’m just a consultant.”
    Crigler gestured to a leather wingback chair in front of his desk. He returned to his seat. “That’s disappointing. I was led to believe you would be the agent in charge.”
    As Kruger sat down in the leather chair, Crigler picked up his desk phone and punched in a number. “Doris, I need to speak to Phil. Yes, that will be fine.” He replaced the handset. “This will only take a second.” The phone buzzed. He picked it up and said, “Yes. Thank you, I’ll hold.” He turned his chair around toward the floor-to-ceiling window behind his desk. After a few moments of silence, he continued, “Phil, thanks for taking my call. I understand Agent Kruger is only a consultant on this investigation.” He paused as he listened to the response. “Yes, he’s sitting in front of my desk.” Silence again. “Splendid, I’ll let you tell him.” Crigler turned his chair back around, stood, and reached over his desk with the phone handset in his hand. “The director would like to speak to you.”
    Kruger smiled, knowing that