But what you just gave us the pattern analysis, the cross system correlations, the timeline. That is what closes it. That is what puts Robert Caldwell away. Andre looked at the recorder. Make sure it's all there, he said.
Every word, Harris said. He stood. His back was stiff from two hours in a chair that was designed for conference rooms. Not for the kind of sustained concentrated recounting he'd just done. He rolled his shoulders.
He checked his watch. 2:53 in the afternoon. Maya's school let out at 3:15. Damon had offered, but Andre had texted him an hour ago. I've got her.
He needed to be the one to pick her up today. He needed to see her face. He took the elevator up to the lobby. The building had shifted again in the time he'd been underground quieter now. The investigative energy that had charged the air all morning, settling into something more procedural, more institutional.
The crisis was not over, but the acute phase was. The part that required running was done. Now came the slower, harder work. Marcus was at the security desk when Andre came through. He looked up and he did something he hadn't done all morning.
He smiled. Not a big smile. the small tired genuine kind. "You good?" Marcus said. "Getting there," Andre said, which was becoming the answer to that question for today.
"The morning crew's been asking about you," Marcus said. Terrence Phyllis from facilities, the guys on the loading dock. "Words fast in this building. It always did." Andre said, "They want you to know they didn't believe it.
Any of them." Marcus held his gaze. I want you to know that, too. This morning when I walked you out, I want you to know that was the hardest thing I've done in 11 years in this building. Andre looked at him.
I know, Marcus. I should have said something to somebody. I should have. You did your job, Andre. And Andre said, "That's what you were supposed to do.