Page 52 of Choosing Stella

Bancroft got to the point. “The equipment number you sent checks out. The communications unit is genuine Exchange security equipment.”

“Assigned to anyone?”

“No. It’s pool-issued.”

I turned off the burner and divided the eggs between two plates.

“So anybody with the right access could’ve taken it.”

“Correct.”

Locke spoke next. “Counsel also confirmed the camera problem is exactly what Stella was told. Missing and corrupted material across the relevant period. Nothing that identifies who caused it.”

Stella sat down.

I put a plate in front of her and took the chair across from her.

“Then we have access without identity,” I said.

“That’s where we are,” Bancroft said.

Stella leaned toward the phone.

“So the equipment and the camera problem point inside The Exchange, but not to a person.”

Locke answered. “That’s exactly where we are.”

“And Volkov is near the top.”

“He is,” I said.

“His authority and access matter. So does the timing of his call. None of it proves he sent those men.”

She picked up her fork.

“You really hate jumping to conclusions.”

“I hate being wrong more.”

“That sounds exhausting.”

“It occasionally is.”

A brief silence came over the phone.

Then Locke said, “I’m beginning to understand why Thomas picked you.”

Stella smiled at her eggs.

Bancroft ignored that. “I’m arranging the evidence transfer for the unit. Until then, keep it secured.”

“It is.”

“If anything changes, call.”

The line disconnected.

I set my phone beside my plate.