The CEO nodded.
“Depending on the system, yes.”
“Could they erase all traces?”
“Not from the independent records already preserved by authorized parties.”
The investigator looked toward her colleague.
Then asked another question.
“Would your company need a portable storage device to deliver the evidence?”
The CEO considered that.
“Not necessarily.”
She explained that the data could be transferred through an approved, authenticated process and verified against documented cryptographic checksums.
Any physical storage media would be only one possible delivery method.
The original records and audit copies were already being preserved according to the relevant procedures.
The investigator leaned back.
Then said, “That's useful.”
The CEO studied her.
“Why?”
The investigator hesitated.
Then looked toward the attorney.
After a brief exchange, she explained the concern.
Someone associated with the towing operation had been asking about a physical evidence package.
The investigators couldn't yet identify the full purpose.
But they believed certain individuals wanted to learn what the CEO possessed before the report reached the city's oversight authorities.
The CEO became very still.
“You think they're trying to intercept it?”
“That's one possibility.”
She looked toward her counsel.
Then back at the investigator.
“Has anyone threatened me directly?”
“Not in a way we've established.”
The investigator leaned forward.
“But the inquiries about your travel schedule are concerning.”
The CEO considered that.
Then asked, “What do you recommend?”
The answer was straightforward.
She should avoid unnecessary personal risk.
Preserve communications.
Keep her legal and security teams informed.
And report any suspicious approach immediately.
The investigators were preparing a coordinated evidence-preservation process.
They did not need her to provoke a confrontation.
They did not want her acting as an undercover officer.
And they did not want an ordinary corporate executive placed in danger merely to catch corrupt public employees.
The CEO agreed.
She had no interest in becoming a hero.
But she also refused to abandon the investigation because someone was attempting to frighten her.
Before leaving, she asked one question.
“What about the woman whose car disappeared?”
The investigator looked toward the file.
“The health aide?”
“Yes.”
Her expression softened.
“We're reviewing that case.”
The CEO nodded.
“She needs transportation to work.”
The investigator agreed.
“And she deserves an answer about her vehicle.”
For several moments, the room was silent.
Then the CEO closed her folder.
“That's why we're here.”
On the morning of the awards event, the CEO woke before sunrise.
Her apartment overlooked Central Park.