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Crigler had just called in a favor. He stood and took the offered handset. “This is Agent Kruger.”
    “Director Wagner here, Agent Kruger. I know you were just called in as a consultant. But, I believe it would be in the best interest of the bureau for you to lead this investigation.”
    “Special Agent Metzger is a very capable investigator. I’m not sure he needs my assistance.”
    There was silence on the other end of the call for a few moments. Finally, the director said, “I do not believe this is a debate, agent. You are in charge. Is that clear?”
    “Yes sir, but this is not my area of expertise, Agent Metzger…”
    “Agent Kruger, this is not a request—it’s an order.”
    “Yes sir.”
    “Give the phone back to Alton. I will explain the mix-up.”
    Kruger smiled again and handed the phone back to Crigler. As he sat back down in the leather chair, his curiosity about the just-witnessed power play grew. He watched as Crigler finished his conversation with FBI Director Phillip Wagner and returned the handset to its cradle.
    “Now that we have that settled,” said Crigler, “when will you catch this person?”
    Kruger almost laughed, but he kept his face neutral. “Why do you want me on this case so bad? This isn’t what I normally do.”
    “Come now, Agent Kruger, you’re much too modest. Your reputation is stellar. You’ve tracked down some of the most dangerous criminals this country has ever seen.”
    This time Kruger laughed. “Don’t believe all the urban legends coming out of the bureau.”
    “Seriously, your reputation for never giving up is why you’re perfect for this case. My company needs to have this man caught and brought to trial.” He leaned forward in his chair, put his elbows on the desk and stared at Kruger. With a sober voice, he said, “P&G Global’s position in the financial community is based on appearances. This little incident threatens our prestige in the world of Wall Street. I’m sure you can understand our position here. Can’t you Agent Kruger?”
    Kruger was silent for a few moments. He suddenly realized there was more going on than someone attacking two security guards. “I’m going to need access to the security camera tapes and any witnesses who saw this man.”
    “By all means, you have full access.”
    Kruger stared at Crigler, paused briefly, and said, “How much money is missing?”
    Crigler stiffened and his eyes narrowed, but he recovered quickly. “There is no money missing. Why do you ask?”
    “The man is a computer genius. He might have gained access to some of your bank accounts and illegally transferred funds.”
    “I can assure you, none of the company’s funds are missing.”
    Kruger smiled, stayed silent for a few moments, and realized how the question was answered. None of the company’s money was missing. He wondered how much personal money had been taken. But he kept that question to himself. He stood. “I’ll schedule appointments with your associates and start the interviews this afternoon. Do you have a conference room I can use?”
    Crigler nodded.

Chapter 6
     
    New York City
     
    As the elevator descended to the first floor, Detective Alvarez stared at the floor indicator lights and said, “Well, that was a cluster fuck.”
    Kruger nodded. “You’re right, their story is bullshit. Everyone’s version was too rehearsed and too much alike for my taste. There wasn’t one degree of deviation in any of their stories.”
    The elevator door opened and they both walked toward the front door in silence. Once they were on the street outside the building, Kruger turned to Alvarez and said, “I want to talk to the driver. By himself, without the firm’s lawyer sitting at the end of the conference table staring at him. He acted like he wanted to say something, but wasn’t sure if he could.”
    Alvarez nodded. “I’ll find him. Where do you want to do it?”
    “Let’s keep it friendly, say a corner bar close to his