"These are a lot of technical terms and acronyms that are likely related to the new assignment. Unfortunately, I'm not familiar with the matter to recognize a possible motive from the documents", Harold navigated through the papers that John had copied from Brianna Hastings´ computer in her apartment.
"As far as I can see, these are mainly analytical evaluations that probably relate to a series of tests in development. However, I'm not sure how that's supposed to help us, Mr. Reese."
"Since Ms. Hastings seems to live for her work above all else, a connection seems logical. The problem is that I can´t see the connection yet", John agreed.
"I think you should continue your observation. Based on our previous cases we know that sooner or later there will inevitably be a confrontation with the perpetrator. It would be good if you´d be around then."
Considering his options for a moment, John raised an eyebrow.
"Or we´re going to take the short road this time."
"I assume you're referring to Ms. Benson", Harold concluded, swiveling around in his office chair.
"You have to concede that it would be the fastest option. As we know it's never long before a crime is committed, once the number is leaked. Admittedly, knowing the background early on would be a welcome change."
Harold frowned.
"I don't know if bringing Ms. Benson into this is a good idea. As you know, she had been through
enough herself."
"Don't worry, I don't intend to make her jump between Ms. Hastings and her attacker. In the best case, however, we get helpful information in time."
Leaning back in his chair, Harold seemed to weigh his concerns against the benefits. Like himself, also Finch favored a rational thought pattern. Even if it sometimes deviated from his own, both of their decisions justified a logic that was understandable for each other.
"Well, okay, I suppose that a simple information is unlikely to hold any further danger to her."
Slipping the USB stick from the computer compartment back into his jacket, John made his way to the exit.
"I'll take care of it then", he let his partner know.
"And what about Ms. Hastings further surveillance?"
"I think the task won´t pose a challenge for you. Also, a bit of fresh air won't hurt you."
John had already opened the door when Finch´s voice made him stop him again.
"You know I can do most from here, Mr. Reese. Contrary to you, I am made for outdoor use only to a very limited extent. So, what should I do in case of an incident?"
Giving his superior a rare smile, John paused for a moment.
"That's the point. Occasionally I need your help out there. Take it as a little exercise. If I remember correctly, you have repeatedly demonstrated your creativity in unpleasant situations already and you can reach me at any time."
Not giving his partner a chance to reply, he shut the door behind him. Heading for a quick stop, he would make his way to Danielle.
Fumbling for the light switch in the gloom of early January, Danielle's heart skipped a beat as the glow from the bright overhead light revealed her view to the man crouched at her kitchen counter.
"John!"
The equal mixture of shock and relief about her unforeseen visitor made her freeze in motion.
"And I was hoping you'd be at least a little happy to see me again", he stated teasingly.
"I am… I… just… didn´t expect you to sit in my apartment without a warning", she tried to gather her thoughts.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. However, I thought it might be better if the neighbors won´t notice my presence", he apologized, taking the few steps up to her with a coffee to go in his hand.
"Café latte without sugar", he explained, holding out the drink to her. "Unfortunately, I can't promise if it's still hot though."
Giving her counterpart a bewildered look, Danielle paused. "How do you know…?"
"Your lunch break at LabTech. It was your order on both of my observation days."
Speechless for a moment, she grabbed the cup, which warmth didn´t only stem from its content.
"Do I need to worry what other details you may remember about me?", she tried to cover up her confusion at his circumspection.
Accepting the slight raise of his eyebrow as an answer, her gaze suddenly turned serious.
"Wait… are you alright? Are you hurt?", she verbalized the worrying thought with a scrutiny for obvious wounds on his body; the reason that had brought him to her apartment the first time they met.
"I'm fine", he tried to calm her with the simple statement.
"And what about Mr. Finch?"
"Harold is fine too."
"But… what are you doing here then? I mean, how did you get in?
Shifting her gaze between the front door, which showed no signs of a break-in, and her unexpected visitor, she eventually frowned.
"Okay, forget the question. Apparently, I need a better lock if that's going to be your lesson."
Noticing a brief smirk on his face, she slipped off her coat.
"Nice if you take something from it, but that's not the reason."
"Then I'm curious. You hardly came here because you missed me so much or want to impress me with your memory skills, I guess", she lifted the coffee mug to underline her statement.
Waiting out a brief hesitation, she watched as he eventually reached inside his jacket to grab some printouts.
"Finch and I could need your help", he confirmed, exposing the contents of the papers to her.
Looking at the documents, Danielle paused before settling on her unexpected visitor again.
"These are internals for the launch of LabTech's new product", she stated with a clear irritation in her voice.
"Your product is irrelevant to us. We are much more concerned with someone who may be in danger because of it.
"What are you talking about? Who is in danger?"
Another hesitation in the face of her counterpart, made her start another attempt: "See, If I can, I'll gladly help, but first I have to know what this is about."
Taking another moment, he finally nodded.
"It's concerning a co-worker of you. Her name is Brianna Hastings. We're afraid there's something to
this project", John laid his cards open.
"Brianna is in danger? Who would want to harm her?"
"Or who would she want to harm?"
The words, that left his mouth faster than he was able to realize, made Danielle frown.
"Bri? A perpetrator?"
Shaking her head in disbelief at the absurd idea, she paused.
"I don't know what makes you think so, but that's nonsense", she stated with clear conviction.
"Unfortunately, before the crime commits Finch and I are unable to determine whether the individual involved is the perpetrator or the victim", he explained as much as he was able to tell.
Pondering his words for a moment, her increased confusion manifested in another frown.
"Does that mean you also took me for a potential criminal at first?"
"As I said, our information´s are no more than... puzzle pieces, if you will. The picture only completes over time."
"Well, thank you anyway. Maybe next time I should wear a t-shirt with the inscription no murder to make it easier for you guys."
"Maybe all our candidates should wear a shirt like that. It would be helpful indeed", John replied in a matter-of-fact tone.
Not being able to tell why the thought made her smile, Danielle shook her head.
"Apart from the fact that I don't even have the slightest idea where you get your information from, I agree with you. Luckily the criteria that were still used in the 19th century to determine possible criminals using physiognomy, such as external appearance, have been refuted long ago already. Back in the day, however, psychologists and even criminal prosecution institutions assumed that certain physical characteristics were linked to risk of perpetration. Honestly, I don't even want to know how many people have been innocently convicted because of the wrong shape of face or a too big nose."
Imperceptibly stiffening at the thought, she added: "Fortunately, people have moved away from that, although offenders with, for example angular facial features still often receive harsher punishments. You can think of it like a subconscious program embedded in people's minds that is difficult to break."
Noticing her counterpart following her words with an unreadable glance, she nervously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to bore you with my nerd talk, you´re not here for a psychology lesson", she brought her attention back to the printouts.
"Who says you do?, John asked.
Noticing a little smile across her face, he also shifted his attention back to the documents.
"We need to find out what all this is about", he picked up his initial question.
"So, did you notice a change in your colleague's behavior or anything else that was different lately?"
Considering his question for a moment, Danielle shook her head.
"No, I haven´t. However, after breaking up from David, her ex-boyfriend, our contact hasn´t been as strong anymore. While she used to occasionally talk about her weekend activities before, she has focused exclusively on her work after the breakup. Since everyone deals with pain processing differently, I decided not to ask any questions. Nonetheless, as her project, which became her baby in some way, had progressed, her determination had only increased."
"And what about those specs? Is there anything abnormal that would indicate a problem with the launch?"
"Unfortunately you're asking the wrong person. As you know, I'm just the secretary. Everything that concerns the conception in the scientific field is beyond my knowledge."
Flipping through the following sites, she summed up: "What I can tell you is that in four days there will be a new product launch that Brianna is leading. Strictly speaking, it was her idea, and she also contacted this Swedish partner company. Arvid Svensson, the project leader of the Swedish team, will be at our house tomorrow to finalize the press matters."
"What kind of product are we talking about exactly?"
"It's about gene sequencing of viruses and bacteria. What used to be a very time-consuming process in the past, should be made significantly easier thanks to the help of GeneX, a selection filter, so to say. However, what I do is nothing more than the visual preparation, so if you´re asking me about what all of this means, I can't help you. Eventually, scientific research is a completely different area compared to the medical field."
Apparently pondering her words, John picked up the printouts.
"Finch thinks that Brianna has more files that are stored at an offline device. We do, however, need access to it. So, what is the easiest way to get into the building unobtrusively."
Raising an eyebrow, Danielle took a deep breath. "I'd better not ask how you know that... but, if you're referring to Bri's offline data storage, you don't need to sneak in to get it. If you want, I'll take care of it."
"I can't ask that."
"Obviously you don't do. Take it as a little favor in return for rescuing me. I know you guys aren't going to do anything stupid with the information. Also, it´s a lot less inconspicuous when I hit her office", she concluded.
Considering her offer, John scanned the small, to the kitchen attached living room. Like back in the day, when he was looking for clues during her own case, nothing had changed in the apartment. Even though the environment with randomly chosen décor to unobtrusively grey and white based furniture seemed lively, he still wasn´t able to find a personal touch despite the two self taken shots of a sunrise and sunset over the sea. What in the past was meant to made it easy on her to leave this place without any emotional tie whenever necessary to flee from her tormentor, may still held reasons he knew nothing about.
"Don't get caught anyway", he let her know as a sign of his approval.
"Don't worry, I'll be fine. Better tell me how to contact you when I have something. Or do I have to worry that you're going to give me half a heart attack in the copy room next?"
Suppressing a smirk, John reached into the inside of his jacket, from which he placed a flip-up cell phone on the kitchen counter.
"Speed dial 1", he simply stated, before he turned to leave.