Page 15 of The Smart Killer (High Peaks Murder, Mystery and Crime Thrillers #4)

Taylor stared back at him. He clasped his hands together and leaned forward.

“Detective. Please understand that we take the safety of our residents extremely seriously. They pay good money for the best. Our intention is to give people peace of mind; our entire business relies on us delivering that. That’s why we have the best team involved; nothing is rushed out. Everything is tested.”

“But you have replaced the tech since the first death.”

“Of course, but it was not a recall. It was to ensure that if, and I emphasize, if there was any problem, it could be addressed. Detective, every year, leading auto manufacturers have recalls on their vehicles for one reason or another. As much as they strive to distribute safe, working vehicles, many variables are involved in manufacturing. However, having said that, from what our lawyers have been able to establish, none of the deaths have been officially linked to any fault in the technology installed. No gas leak was found, the source of the fire was undetermined, and we are currently looking into whether or not the sprinkler and air conditioning system was used correctly.”

“Correctly?”

“Modified. How do I put this? Our system works hand in hand with an app we developed. Warranty is only provided on technology that hasn’t been modified.

Based on the feedback from residents, some feel that certain restrictions we place are limiting.

Some have found workarounds and posted their findings online.

It happens in all facets of the technological industry, detective.

We can control what we ship out, but we can’t control those who use it. ”

Noah nodded. “I assume you will be checking to see if the system failed.”

“We will.”

“Is a third party involved in that process, or is it strictly your team?”

“A governing body oversees us just like any other.”

He took another sip of his coffee. Nothing in his demeanor made Noah believe that he looked worried. His hand was steady, his voice confident.

“You must find it peculiar that all three families that have died are owners of your homes.”

“Detective. Do you know how many families die each year in their homes from carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, and even hypothermia?”

“I expect it’s a lot.”

“Correct. While I don’t wish to diminish the severity of the current situation. Since our homes have been created, only three families have died.”

“Only?” Noah asked.

“What I am saying is that it is far less than those who have died in non-modern homes. Now, we have taken and are taking steps to ensure everything is functioning,” he said, taking a newspaper and tossing it before him so he could read the latest headline from the fire.

“Besides hurting the community; it damages our reputation. Our PR team is working around the clock to handle this.”

Noah got up from his seat and began to walk. He thought better on his feet.

“Do you know of anyone who might have a grudge against you or your company?”

“Offhand, no. However, as you are probably familiar with living in a small town, communities don’t take too kindly to change. New businesses are rejected all of the time. We did encounter some resistance ten years ago. We had to fight tooth and nail to be given permission to build our communities.”

“How many communities do you have?”

“Six at the moment, though we are developing a seventh.”

“And three of those have had families die in them.”

“That’s correct.”

“This resistance you encountered. Who was it from?”

“Strangely, it wasn’t from the council members. It was from a global cybersecurity business.”

“What do they do?”

“Find and exploit vulnerabilities in technology. They assist businesses with identifying, assessing, and responding to risk from using such technology.”

“As in finding out if there are any flaws in your products?”

“Exactly. They weren’t comfortable with the idea of smart homes. They feel it should be heavily regulated.”

“You have a name for the company?”

Without hesitation, he reached into a drawer and pulled out a card. “Stephen Coleman. Head of Extech. They release an annual report on the dangers of threats from smart homes every year.”

Noah took it and looked at the card. “So, what? They voted against your company being allowed to operate in the area?”

“No. Quite the opposite. They encouraged it on the basis that they could be the ones monitoring us and using our data for the development of their annual report. We don’t take too kindly to outside parties wishing to play big brother.”

“And yet you use surveillance in your communities.”

“All our residents are aware of that. It’s actually a selling point. They know they are in good hands.”

Noah tapped the business card against his hand and looked at Porter, who was quietly sitting there soaking it all in. “And the data? How is that used?”

“Excuse me?”

“Well, you know — data privacy. From what I recall, the main concern or objection to smart cities is how the data gathered will be used,” Noah said.

“When you visit a website, detective, use an app, do any form of banking, your data is being collected. It’s nothing new. We abide by all privacy laws, and none of our home owners data is sold to anyone.”

“Speaking of privacy. I noticed the security system in your homes includes cameras in the houses?”

“They do if a customer requests them on a custom build or if it’s one of the homes in certain communities. In those it’s standard. Like signing up for ADT security services, we have electronic security, fire protection, and related alarm monitoring services available.”

“The three families used this?”

“Two of them. The recent one in Saranac Lake was a custom build. They were a little more concerned about privacy. They said they would get their own cameras. The ironic part is whether they buy them through us or a local store, what’s captured is often stored on the cloud and available to the company they purchased from.

Consumers today are never really living privately. ”

“And you say you’ve never had any issues with staff, investors, or anyone you know.”

“None that has been any cause of concern.”

“Okay. Well, I’m going to need a list of everyone who works for you, presently and previously.”

“I’ll have Ms. Wells provide you with that before you leave today.”