“No.”
“This vehicle’s control system would record an external break.”
“Not if the relay mimics a safety interlock.”
“How do you know?”
“Because whoever installed it did decent work.”
“That is not an answer.”
He looked at her.
“I used to design fleet immobilizers.”
She studied him.
“For a tow company?”
“No.”
He reached carefully toward the module.
“Don’t.”
He stopped.
The CEO took out her phone.
Photographed everything.
Then video.
The man nodded approvingly.
“Good.”
She turned on video.
“Tell me what you see.”
“You want a statement?”
“Yes.”
He looked into the phone reluctantly.
“Non-factory wireless relay installed behind rear electrical service panel.”
“Likely interrupts ignition-enable circuit.”
“Fresh installation based on fastener wear and splice condition.”
“Could be legitimate security equipment.”
“Could also be something else.”
The CEO asked:
“Can it stop the car while moving?”
“Apparently.”
“Can it restart?”
“If whoever sent the command releases it.”
She looked at the module.
“Remove it.”
He shook his head.
“No.”
Her eyes hardened.
“You just told me it is why the car stopped.”
“Yes.”
“Remove it.”
“First, photograph serial.”
“I did.”
“Then photograph wiring.”
“I did.”
“Then we find out whether it has onboard memory.”
“We?”
He looked at her.
“You can handle it.”
She almost smiled despite everything.
Then he noticed movement on the highway.
His face changed.
The CEO turned.
A black SUV was approaching from behind.
Not fast.
Fifty.
Maybe less.
There were no other vehicles immediately around it.
The SUV passed the tow truck.
Then slowed.
It stopped approximately two hundred yards behind them.
The CEO felt the skin along her arms tighten.
The single father said:
“You expecting somebody?”
“My security team.”
“That them?”
“Could be.”
“You don’t sound sure.”
She called the security chief again.
Voicemail.
The man looked toward the SUV.
“Your security people use black trucks?”
“Sometimes.”
“That one have company plates?”
“Plates aren’t visible from here.”
A door opened.
One man stepped out.
Black polo.