The motel Royale was adequate for what they required, the manager was happy to put aside one of the conference rooms for the units briefing sessions and as a base of operations.
Before everyone, departed for their rooms Bond called them into the conference room. ‘Right these handouts include everything the local investigation has turned up, so far we have thirteen missing, no bodies, no contact from the victims or perpetrator. All went missing last month and there are no signs of violence.’
‘Boss, Surely this is FBI jurisdiction.’ Piped Carter all eager eyed.
‘Looking at the case notes it maybe, but the powers that be have instructed us to only assist the local sheriffs office in their investigations. We will have to be careful with the locals, as calling us was the last resort. The Assistant Director does not want any friction with them.’
‘So far, the murders have occurred on and around an Indian reservation. The last thing the FBI want is civil unrest because we were heavy handed.’
Carter was keen, made no excuses for it, the FBI had given him a gun and a badge in the name of justice, and he welded it with vigour. ‘The handouts include the local sheriffs’ reports on the disappearances and from what I can see they have so far turned up with nothing. There is no obvious link between the victims, in fact it seems quite random or even opportunistic.’
Knight stood at the back of the room quietly, browsing through the handout. ‘Have the sheriffs ruled out anything yet, like a local terrorist group.’
‘Even if they have, I would like to go over all the evidence again and draw our own conclusions. Knight can you do some research on any local activists.’
Lee looked up from his handout. ‘Why doesn’t the local office deal with it rather than send us down here.’
‘Whose to say, perhaps they are stretched or inexperienced, but we do have Agent Hobson in the Phoenix office who will be our liaison. Major Garrett is our liaison with the local reservation sheriff’s office.’
Mac had until now remained quite and unassuming but now wanted to add his part. ‘Do you want me to go to Phoenix and check the forensic evidence again.’
Bond did not want any Agent to be alone, it seemed they had a confident killer at large. ‘Ok, but take Hammond with you. I don’t want any of you going anywhere alone while we are here.’
Surveying the room, everyone seemed tired. ‘Ok get some rest before tomorrow as we’re going to be in for a few long days.’