Mike hadn’t expected much from Adam. The man had spent his whole life working as an IT administrator. Still, Mike told him everything when Adam invited him to stop by the resort hotel where he worked. The two sat in the hotel bar over coffee while Mike explained how one night had upended his whole life.
Adam listened carefully, then thought for a moment. “What’s the name of the guy who ruined your life?” he asked.
“Glen,” Mike said. “Why?” “You’ll see,” Adam replied, and led him back to his office.
It was a cramped little room that looked more like a storage closet, with a computer in the corner. Adam nudged the mouse and the monitor lit up. Then he started opening folders until a video player appeared on the screen.
It was hidden camera footage from a banquet room. After a moment Adam paused the video, zoomed in on a frame, and looked at Mike. “Him?” he asked, pointing to a somewhat blurry but still recognizable face.
Mike knew him instantly. It was Glen. “Yes,” he said. “That’s definitely him.” “That’s the prosecutor’s son,” Adam said.
“They come here on weekends and act like they own the place.” “What do you mean?” Mike asked. “If only it were just bad behavior,” Adam said with a dry laugh. “They take huge bribes and brag on camera about the things they’ve done.”
“You’re serious?” Mike said, feeling like a bucket of cold water had just been dumped over him. “Adam, where have you been hiding all this?” “Right here,” Adam said with a shrug.
“My friend, any chance you’d share that remarkable video with me?” Mike asked. “Are you out of your mind? That’s highly confidential,” Adam shot back. “Adam, please. This is life and death. No one has to know it came from you.”
“Well,” Adam said, thinking it over, “these kinds of leaks happen all the time now. Best not to attach my name to anything.” Then he nodded. “All right. I’ll help. But one condition—you never mention me.”
Adam jokingly shook a fist at him, then started copying files. “I’m pulling the whole archive. Hopefully the worst of their little gatherings is still in there.” Mike clapped him on the shoulder and told him he’d be in touch…
