Ethel started cracking eggs. “Norwood was part of the team, maybe the mastermind. But he was the person Jonathan wounded, and he became a liability to the others. They killed him to break the link. You said the half million from Jonathan wound up being migrated to three wallets. That’s got to be Norwood and two accomplices. I assume the coins have been exchanged?”

“Correct. For either dollars or another currency. The wallets are empty. So, what happens now?”

Ethel whisked the second batch of eggs and poured the mixture into the heated skillet. “Bradshaw will scrutinize everyone around Norwood. He’ll go through his apartment with a fine-toothed comb. What he won’t find is Jonathan’s computer because that still offers the potential of a huge payday. They won’t walk away from that.”

“What are you going to do?”

“You and I are going to eat breakfast. Then you’re going to go to class and carry on with your normal schedule, whatever that might be. Tomorrow we leave early for Richmond. Jonathan’s body is being released this morning to the funeral home. I’ve looked them up. Walthers. Not too far from the Finch house. I want us there when they open. I’ll say I’m coming ahead of the family and ask to see Jonathan. Maybe make sure there’s no disfigurement that would shock Susan and Davie. If I can create a distraction, you get your computer out with the device and find the correct finger. Odds are it’s either an index or a thumb. You think the device will then send a ten-digit code to Jonathan’s Message app?”

“That’s how Tracy said it works.”

“Well, we not only want the wallet unlocked, we want that key visible so that you can screen capture it or something.”

“There’s probably a settings app once I get through the security levels,” Jesse said. “Or I can put the coins in a new wallet with a new private key.”

Ethel shook her head. “Wouldn’t those holding Jonathan’s computer see that happen?”

“Yes,” Jesse admitted.

“I don’t want to tip our hand yet. Not if we can devise a way to lure them into the open.”

“But as we take this farther on our own, aren’t we courting an obstruction-of-justice charge?”

Ethel dropped bits of ham, cheese, and onion into the skillet. “To make an omelet, Jesse, you have to break a few eggs.”

***

Douglas Gray turned off the G.W. Parkway onto the access road for Roosevelt Island Park. A short distance in, he came to a barricade manned by a uniformed ranger.

Douglas lowered his window. “I’m here at the request of Secret Service Director Bradshaw.” He flashed his ID.

The ranger studied it and then pulled a walkie-talkie from his utility belt. “I have a Secret Service Agent Gray to see Director Bradshaw.”

“Copy that,” came the reply. “Wait for confirmation.”