Murder in the Forest, Chapter Ten
Ford thought quickly and told Hotchner that he needed to return to his office on another matter and asked if the FBI men could proceed on their own. Assured that they'd cope, he returned to his office, where he spoke with Hso and the Undersheriff to confirm what he'd heard on the phone. They filled him in on what was happening, and Ford was furious.
On the way to the office, he'd turned over in his mind what was the best thing to do. He called Diefenbaker, his longtime friend, hoping that he wasn't the source of the hacking. Maybe Hotchner had put his staff up to this? What motive might he have?
Diefenbaker was shocked and assured Ford that he had no idea what was happening and that he appreciated being told. "Wait a moment," he said. "What sort of files are they accessing? I just remembered that one of Hotchner's men is very friendly with their primary computer tech and she may be doing this for him. Hotchner may not even know."
Told that the probes were centered on Affirmative Action hiring practices and on Sr. Deputy Blacklaws and on all racial aspects of the department, the Asst. Director of the FBI snarled, "Grant, I think I see what's going on. It's probably that damned Agent Morgan, the black one. I'll get over to the BAU office and question the tech, but I'll be surprised if it's anything else. I promise you, I ordered no such search of your records, and if this is his doing, he's going to be very lucky not to be facing an inquiry from the Office of Professional Responsibility and maybe criminal charges. Let me question this Miss Garcia and I'll get back to you when I know more. Don't let Hotchner know that you're aware of anything just yet, please. I want to be sure what we're dealing with before I decide what to say and to whom."
"Okay, Jack," replied Ford. "I've known you a long time, and although the Bureau gets up to some things that many question, I'll trust you on this. Don't screw me here, and we can probably work something out. I appreciate how it'll make you look if this was done by someone under your command and you weren't in the loop. It will also embarrass the Bureau if the Shinola hits the fan if I file a formal complaint. Call me as soon as you sort this out. I mean, call me. Without fail. At whatever hour you know something."
"Certainly, Grant. I'll let you know what I know as soon as I know it." And Diefenbaker hung up and summoned two agents to accompany him to the BAU office. He was not happy at all.
Note: more soon. I'll try to post more frequently. I do know what's about to happen. Hold your horses until this thing is complete, and don't assume anything yet.