Chapter 75
“Please sit down, Mr. Groosjean.”
Alan surveyed the Detectives and FBI agents looking at him across the desk. After paying his fine and accepting probation for the Las Vegas incident, he thought he was in the clear with the cops. Apparently not.
“We have some questions for you.”
“Do I need a lawyer?”
“You are not under arrest. However, you are on administrative leave while the city investigates your recent conduct. Cooperation with this task force might prompt us to put in a good word for you.”
“How can I help?”
“Do you know Simon Rampert?”
“Yes. I met him at a downtown meet and greet event.”
“Anything else you can tell us about him.”
“He does security work for a private corporation.”
“NobleRefined LLC?”
“I believe so.”
“Any other dealings with him?”
“No.”
Detective Jones let that go for the moment and went on to the next question.
“Do you know James Linklieter?”
“Yes. He works for the Lucky Dog Riverboat Casino.”
“In what capacity?”
“Jim is with the eye in the sky group that detects cheaters at the card tables.”
“How did you meet?”
“In the casino restaurant. He was at the next table, and our groups struck up a conversation.”
“Do you gamble often?”
“Now and then. There’s nothing illegal about it.”
“Isn’t gambling mentioned in the city employee code of conduct?”
“Employees are warned about the danger and encouraged to gamble responsibly; there is no specific prohibition.”
“Even so, not the best look for a city official. Getting back to Mr. Linklieter, anything else you can tell us about him?”
“No.”
An FBI agent passed a report across the table.
“Do you know what this is?”
Groosjean looked at it briefly.
“It’s a bid comparison for city contracts.”
“Restricted information?”
“Yes.”
“Not to be disclosed to outside parties?”
“No.”
“Then why do we have electronic records showing the transmission of this file and others to Simon Rampert, and a second transmission of the same dataset to James Linklieter?”
The blood drained from Alan’s face.
“You have no right to search my personal computer!”
“We’ll take that as a confirmation. You should be aware that the court order authorizing data discovery and record collection from your personal laptop in connection with the Las Vegas incident was broad based.”
“I want a lawyer!”
“That’s your right, but it may not be the smartest move. Do you want these electronic data transfers recorded in depositions or discussed in open court?”
“What are you suggesting?”
“That if these transmissions are revealed, your career as a city official will be over. You might avoid a prison sentence, however, if Mr. Rampert or Mr. Linklieter’s associates get to you first.”
Groosjean’s mouth moved but no sound came out.
“As it happens, we have another alternative for you. You can continue transmitting data and receiving payments from these organizations. Only from now on, we will supply the data.”
“If the data is fake, they’ll see through it.”
“Let us worry about that.”