Zero Day (John Puller, #1)(45)

The men shook hands and Puller came away almost believing he’d just held a fish.

“Death threats?” said Puller. “How did they come to you?”

“Phone calls.”

“Did you happen to record them?” asked Cole.

Trent gave her a patronizing look. “The recording only works if you don’t answer the phone.” He sat down in a chair but didn’t motion for them to do the same.

“We can try and trace them,” said Cole.

“I already had my people do that.”

“And?”

“Disposable phone calling card.”

“Okay. How many threats, when did they come, and what phone number were they called into?”

“Three. All around 10 p.m. the last three nights. All on my cell phone.”

Puller asked, “You have caller ID?”

“Of course.”

“And you answer calls where you don’t recognize the number?”

“I have many business interests outside this area and even in other countries. It’s not unusual for me to receive such calls and at odd hours.”

“How many folks have your personal cell phone number?” Cole asked.

Trent shrugged. “Impossible to tell. I don’t give it out freely, but I’ve never tried to keep it a secret either.”

“What were the contents of the threats?”

“That my time is coming up. That they’re going to see that justice is done.”

“Those were the exact words? Each time?”

“Well, I don’t know if that was it verbatim. But that was the gist,” he added impatiently.

“But the call said they’re going to see that justice is done? Meaning more than one person?” asked Puller.

“That was the word they used.”

“Man or woman’s voice?”

“I’d say it was a man’s.”

“Gotten threats before?” asked Puller.

Trent glanced at Cole. “A few.”

“Like this? I mean was it the same voice?”

“Those other threats weren’t by phone.”

“What then?”

Cole cut in. “We investigated those. And they were dealt with.”

Puller gazed at her for a few moments before turning back to Trent. “Okay. So why do you think they’re threatening you?”

Trent rose and looked at Cole. “Why is this guy here? I thought it was just going to be you.”

“We’re working a homicide case together.”

“I know that. I spoke with Bill Strauss. But what the hell does that have to do with my situation?”

“Well, one of your employees, Molly Bitner, was also murdered.”

“Again, I don’t see a connection. And if she’s dead I doubt she’s the one threatening me.”

“Did you ever meet her?” asked Puller.

“If I did I don’t remember. I’m not even sure what office she worked in. I don’t get down to that level of employee.”

Puller resisted the urge to knock the man through a wall. “You have another office around here?”

“I have several.”

Cole said, “Roger, they were blasting on Sunday night at the operation near where the murders occurred. Why Sunday and why at night? You would’ve had to get a special permit for that.”

He looked at her with incredulity. “How the hell should I know? I don’t schedule the blasting. I pay other people to handle that.

“Right. Okay. And who would that be?”

“Strauss should know.”

Puller said, “Then I guess we’ll talk to Strauss.”

Trent glared at Cole. “I just want you to deal with my situation, okay?”

“I will look into it, Roger,” she said sharply. “But in case you haven’t noticed, I’m dealing with a bunch of murders.”

He ignored this. “I’m sick of people targeting me just because I’ve been incredibly successful. It’s pure jealousy and I’m tired of it. Hell, I’m the only reason Drake is still around. I’m the only one who creates any jobs here. These losers should be kissing my ass.”

Puller said, “Yeah, I’m sure your life is very hard, Mr. Trent.”

Trent’s features turned dark. “You obviously don’t have what it takes to build a fortune. The vast majority of people don’t. You have a small number of haves and the rest have-nots. And the have-nots think everything should be given to them without working for it.”

Puller said, “Yes, sir. There are a whole bunch of lazy have-nots in the Middle East right now just living the good life off your taxpayer dollars.”

Trent’s face reddened. “I didn’t mean that, of course. I’m a big supporter of our troops.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a flight to catch.”

“Flying out of Charleston?” asked Puller. “Bit of a hike from here.”

“I have my own jet.”

“Right.”

Trent walked out, slamming the door behind him.

Puller looked at Cole. “Is he always so cheery to be around?”

“He is what he is.”