Jules shrugged. “Why not? Both Michael Greene and Vance Clayburn claim that Sylvia Granger’s interest in them was due to their knowledge of computers, and she asked questions specifically about Y2K.”
“I was too young to really remember the big scare,” Manning said.
“So was I, but I’ve been thinking over what I heard about that period of time. It was believed that with the arrival of the new millennium, entire computer systems around the world would crash and literally cause chaos worldwide. Everyone was freaking out at the thought of that happening, and during that time, most major corporations, banks and other financial institutions were at the mercy of any company that employed computer programmers, software engineers or anyone who had a solid knowledge of computers.”
“Boy, that must have been scary,” Manning said.
“And it should have been, but I don’t think anyone really thought about the possibilities that issue could present. What if some computer-savvy individuals got together and decided to take advantage?”
Manning lifted a brow. “By doing what?”
“By installing their own software into computers. Software they could command and update without ever being detected.”
A frown touched Manning’s features. “Was that possible?”
“In the computer age, anything was possible.”
“And you believe that actually happened at Granger?” Manning asked, rubbing his chin.
“That’s a possibility we have to explore. I need the name of the computer company Granger Aeronautics hired to handle the Y2K scare.”
Manning glanced back at the wall. “No problem. It shouldn’t take long for me to get that.” He paused a minute then said, “So you think Sylvia Granger’s death might have been bigger than just a jealous husband, jealous lovers or jealous wives.”
“Yes. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that both of her lovers feel she used them to obtain Y2K information. But that doesn’t mean I’m shifting my focus from Ivan Greene.”
“I hope I’m not interrupting, but I brought lunch.”
Manning and Jules glanced up to find Dalton standing in the doorway with a huge bag in his hand. As he crossed the room to place the brown bag on her desk, he glanced over at her wall.
She braced herself as Dalton stopped dead in his tracks, a deep frown on his face. “Why is Hannah listed as a suspect?”
Jules glanced over at Manning. “Leave us alone for a minute, will you, please?”
Concern showed in Manning’s gaze. “You sure?”
She smiled. “Positive.”
He nodded, gave Dalton what Jules could only perceive as a warning look and left the room, closing the door behind him. She then turned her attention back to Dalton. “Thanks for lunch. To answer your question, she’s there based on information I recently received.”
He placed the bag on her desk and asked, “What information?”
“Why don’t you sit down and I’ll tell you?”
“I’m okay standing.”
“Suit yourself,” she said, sliding into her chair and reaching for the bag. “Smells like Chinese, and I’m hungry. Thanks.”
“Stop stalling, Jules. Let’s finish this discussion so we can get on with lunch.”
He was right. She was stalling. “Did you know your mother and Hannah didn’t get along?”
“They probably had their differences from time to time. Dad and Mom didn’t get along all the time, either, but he didn’t kill her.”
“Did you know Hannah threatened your mother?”
“So did Dad.”
“He did?”
“Yes. The night before she was murdered. We all heard them yelling, but we agreed not to mention it to the cops. But even making a threat in the midst of a frustrating argument doesn’t mean he meant to kill her. And the same goes for Hannah.”
“I’m just checking everyone out, Dalton. That’s my job. But have you ever wondered how your father’s gun got out there in the boathouse? Who would have access to it besides your dad?”