Chapter 59 Summary
Agent Javon Morris questions Roger Cortez about his attendance at the FBI media conference, where Cortez claims he was present to offer moral support to colleagues Daniel Bruner and Sandra Brown. Cortez explains that Brown requested his presence due to concerns about disturbing news regarding a missing coworker. Cortez admits he observed Bruner looking shaken but denies noticing anything odd about Brown.
Javon then shifts the questioning to Cortez’s meeting with Anthony Russell at the LAB Conference. Cortez says he attended to invite Russell to meet with GenaSeed leadership and to learn more about EnvironLife’s plans, considering the rivalry between the companies. When asked if GenaSeed wanted to eliminate EnvironLife, Cortez denies this, saying their goal is to defend their market position. Cortez also claims he only knows Russell from EnvironLife and denies being introduced to any other representatives, though Javon suspects he is not being completely honest.
When asked about the LAB Conference itself, Cortez reports nothing unusual about the crowd and describes a meeting between Bruner and Russell that ended in disagreement. According to Cortez, Bruner later started a media strategy to counter EnvironLife’s negative campaigns.
Javon then introduces the threatening envelope left at the FBI office and mentions a similar message found at the apartment of the young man seen with Russell. This revelation finally unsettles Cortez, who briefly shows shock before regaining composure. Javon presses further, claiming the FBI has collected fingerprints and is close to making an arrest, an assertion meant to increase Cortez’s anxiety. Cortez, increasingly uncomfortable, insists he has nothing more to add and requests to leave.
Javon finishes the interview but warns Cortez that he might be called back. Javon watches Cortez on surveillance monitors, noticing the man’s agitation and impatience. After escorting Cortez out, he leaves without saying a word, clearly irritated by the extended questioning.
