But it still didn't explain Daniel's death.
Chapter 6 — Harold
The investigation changed when another victim refused to remain silent.
Harold Pierce was an old friend of Frank's and a retired rancher.
He had been stopped by Cole months earlier.
When Harold refused to surrender his cash, the officer threatened to seize his truck.
Harold filed a complaint.
Two days later, someone broke into his barn.
Nothing valuable was stolen.
Instead, a threatening message was left on his workbench.
Harold called Frank.
"They want me frightened."
Frank answered, "Are you?"
Harold paused.
"Yes."
Then he added, "But I'm still talking."
That decision gave investigators their first cooperative witness.
Harold described the roadside encounter in detail.
He remembered another vehicle nearby.
A gray utility van.
Investigators traced the van to a contractor working for the county.
The contractor had access to official road-maintenance schedules.
Suddenly, the targeting system became clearer.
Someone was combining public information with private customer data.
Chapter 7 — The Network