Page 28 of The Smart Killer (High Peaks Murder, Mystery and Crime Thrillers #4)

T he luxurious home of Stephen Coleman, CEO of Extech, was located in Hope Falls, two hours south of High Peaks.

Despite the case being treated as closed, and telling Savannah that he would take a few days off, he couldn’t help but feel that there was more to the purpose of the murders than an act of revenge.

After visiting Saranac Lake Medical Center that morning to check in on his son, Noah received a phone call from Extech saying that Stephen was back from his conference and would like to talk at his residence. So, after lunch, Noah made the two-hour drive.

Although he’d thought that Coleman was dodging him with some story of a conference, he’d managed to verify it by looking online.

Noah marveled at the picturesque scene before him as he approached the farm.

The Coleman farm, located on the outskirts of Hope Falls, was a testament to wealth and prosperity.

The rolling countryside stretched around him, dotted with lush green fields and framed by the distant silhouette of the Adirondack Mountains.

A striking red barn stood proudly amid the landscape, its weathered exterior contrasting the vibrant life that teemed within.

Several other impeccably maintained buildings were scattered across the property, each serving a purpose in the intricate working of the farm.

Horses grazed peacefully in the fenced fields, their sleek coats gleaming under the sunlight.

Farmhands moved with purpose, tending to their tasks, and the distant lowing of cows added to the harmonious melody of rural life.

Gravel crunched below his tires as he got closer and pulled up to the start of the long driveway leading down to the farmhouse.

It was flanked by manicured lawns and blooming flower beds.

At the front, a gated entrance barred the way as a symbol of exclusivity.

Noah tapped the interface mounted on a pillar, holding his badge to a small camera for verification.

The gates gracefully swung open, granting him access to the opulent world within.

Driving further onto the property, Noah maneuvered his Bronco along the winding driveway, eventually arriving at a circular drive near a sleek black Jaguar F-PACE.

The opulence of the surroundings became even more apparent as he surveyed the scene.

Three open garages housed other high-end vehicles, two draped in pristine cream-colored covers.

Beyond the cars, the farmhouse itself stood as a beacon of sophistication.

Its exterior, a blend of traditional charm and modern luxury, showcased large windows framed by elegant curtains.

A sprawling porch with comfortable seating overlooked the scenic meadow, inviting guests to enjoy the views.

The property exuded an aura of abundance, indicating that money was no object.

With a deep breath, Noah prepared for the meeting that awaited.

Noah got out and ascended the stone steps, crossing the threshold to a veranda and a large wooden door with a brass knocker.

Before he had a chance to knock, the door opened, and Stephen ushered him into a spacious stone foyer adorned with tasteful artwork and a grand chandelier hanging from the high ceiling.

The air was scented with lavender. Stephen greeted him warmly in a casual ensemble of a denim shirt, black slacks and shoes.

Despite his relaxed attire, a glint of an expensive watch on his wrist caught Noah’s eye, a subtle reminder of his taste for the finer things in life. He extended a hand.

“Detective Sutherland. A pleasure to meet you,” Stephen said, ushering him further into the home. “Come through to the back. Sorry for the mess. We are renovating at the moment. It’s long overdue. I haven’t had time to clean up since returning from my trip.”

“It’s fine,” Noah replied, following him through the home’s interior. They entered a sunroom where a lady, presumably his girlfriend, was tidying up a stack of magazines.

“Helen. This is Detective Sutherland.”

“Please. Call me Noah.”

She smiled warmly and shook his hand.

“Be a darling and run and get us some coffee.”

She pursed her lips and nodded. “Of course.” Noah noted that she didn’t like how he spoke to her.

“Please, take a seat.”

“I thought you lived in High Peaks?” Noah asked, his tone casual.

“I do. This used to be my parents’ farm.

I come back here from time to time. If I work in Albany or the Big Apple, it’s easier to fly into Piseco Airport and drive here.

It’s been in the family for generations.

They wanted me to carry on the family tradition, but I just never saw farming in my future,” Stephen explained, his voice almost detached.

In the sunroom, Noah sat on one of the comfortable leather sofas. Beyond the window was a panorama of rolling hills, lush forest, and the occasional glimpse of grazing animals. The serene beauty of the landscape contrasted with the complexities of the situation.

“And you?”

“Policing has always been in the family.”

“You never considered another profession?”

“I was in the military for a while, but I guess you could say I felt drawn to this.”

“And you enjoy it?” he asked. He was interrupted as Helen returned to the sunroom, balancing a tray with two steaming cups of coffee, delicate saucers, and a small bowl of sugar cubes.

Her movements were graceful, her demeanor poised as she placed the tray on a nearby table.

With a warm smile, she carefully set the cups before Noah and Stephen, ensuring everything was perfectly arranged before excusing herself; her steps light as she retreated from the room.

The subtle scent of freshly brewed coffee lingered in her wake, a comforting aroma.

“Well, I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me at such short notice.”

“Anything to help. Though by the sounds of it, it’s a little late. I read the newspaper today. Is it true that the man responsible for these crimes is dead?’

“It is. However, the investigation is still ongoing.”

Stephen reached for a polished wooden box on the side table, its rich aroma hinting at the treasures it contained. He cracked it open with practiced ease, revealing an assortment of cigars nestled within. He extended the box towards Noah, offering him one.

“Care for a cigar?” Stephen inquired, his fingers deftly selecting one from the box.

Noah shook his head, declining the offer. “No, thanks.”

“Do you mind if I do? I think better,” he asked, seeking permission. Noah gestured for him to proceed, a silent acknowledgment.

Stephen clipped the end with a silver cutter.

The sharp snip echoed softly in the room.

He then reached for an ornate lighter, its flame dancing to life with a flick of his thumb.

As he held the cigar to the flame, the end glowed red, and tendrils of smoke curled into the air, enveloping his face in a hazy cloud.

“So, how can I help?” he asked.

Noah took out a notebook and reeled off three dates. “Can you confirm where you were the night before?”

“I would need to check with my schedule. I’m curious. I understand the need to question those close to the family members, people who may have had a reason for harming these people, but why me?”

“As you’re aware, the homes were owned by Lakeridge, and according to Michael Taylor, you stood opposed to the development of the smart home neighborhood.”

“Did I? I’m fairly sure I got behind it.”

“Until he denied your request to monitor and have access to the data.”

“Ah,” he said, rocking his head back. “Now I see where you are going with this.” Another plume of smoke rose, creating an ephemeral veil around Stephen’s features. The fragrant aroma filled the room, mingling with the scent of coffee. “I gather you are aware of what we do at Extech?”

“Somewhat.”

“As a global cybersecurity and software resilience business, we operate across multiple sectors and technologies. One of which is the use of smart devices in businesses and homes. With the trend toward technology in homes and the increasingly complex, connected ecosystem, you can imagine it opens up a can of worms. Part of the challenge today, detective, is ensuring the safety of the public both in terms of privacy and risk. I wish we could trust that companies keep their promises, but companies tend to overlook and do foolish things that put consumers at risk. Our job is to reduce that risk even if it means companies must recall products, like Lakeridge.”

“They have had recalls?”

“Oh, yes. They’ve seen their fair share of issues.

Like many companies do if they don’t fully test their products.

That’s where we come in. We conduct our own smart home experiments, outfitting a house with smart TVs, stoves, thermostats, and security systems. This has been quite effective.

However, it doesn’t allow us to see long-term issues that may arise.

So, we partner with companies who produce devices, and they give us access to the data. ”

“Access?”

“Um. How do you explain it? You have a computer at home. Windows, or a Mac, yes?”

“I do.”

“Occasionally, from time to time, software doesn’t open.

Things freeze. Errors pop up. You will often see a message saying, do you wish to report or send this to Microsoft.

Some people like this, others don’t. Either way, it’s a means of seeing problems as they arise.

We offer something like that. It lets us see some of those issues over a year.

We allow the manufacturer to correct them, and we are transparent with the public on possible situations. ”

“In your annual report.”

“Among other ways. That’s right. You see, detective—”

“Noah.”