.

       Suspect #5: Communication

      A FEW minutes after Pecs left, Clair Communication knocked lightly on the conference room door and entered the room. McNally stood and said, “Hello, I’m Agent Mike McNally. Thank you for your time.”

      Communication responded with an almost imperceptible smile and a polite nod of her head. Her black hair was shoulder length and she wore full-framed black glasses.

      They settled into their respective chairs and McNally said, “I suppose you know why I’ve asked to talk with you.”

      Communication nodded.

      “Can you describe your working relationship with Change?” McNally asked.

      She responded in a whisper, “You’ll have to forgive me, I have laryngitis and—”

      McNally interrupted, “Would you prefer to postpone the interview?”

      “No, no,” she whispered. “It’s sort of a chronic condition for me.” Communication continued, “Change and I worked together on a few projects. He asked for my help in getting the word out to people who needed to be involved.”

      “Were you able to help him?” McNally inquired.

      Communication cupped her hand to her ear. “I’m sorry could you repeat the question? The batteries on my hearing aid went dead a while ago and I haven’t had time to replace them.”