we’re trying to find out. We need to find them soon, Cassie. Can you think of any reason for someone to hurt Ellis or Toni?”
She shook her head. “Look, I don’t want to tell you your business or anything, but you might need to contact Homeland Security or maybe the FBI if you’re sure Ellis is missing. We’re all working on classified projects for the government.”
“Any chance one of his projects might draw interest from the wrong parties?”
Cassie shrugged with her lips pressed tight.
“Would Ellis have talked about his work outside of this building?”
“No way. He wasn’t a big talker anyway, but never about work. We sign confidentiality agreements. We could go to prison if we divulge information.”
“Chaz mentioned that Ellis had projects going at home.”
“Sure. We all do.”
“What are you working on?”
“A video game.” A broad smile curved her lips. “I’ve already created and sold five other games.” She named them.
“My brothers and I own two of those, and love playing them. I’m impressed.”
“Thanks.”
“Do you know what kind of projects Ellis was working on in his spare time?”
Cassie thought a moment. “He never said. Ellis was closed mouthed about his projects. I know he’s been interested in remote control planes and drones for a while. Might be something to do with that.”
“Have you met Toni?”
She shook her head. “Like I said, Ellis and I weren’t close or anything. We didn’t see each other outside of work.”
“Did you talk to him or text after work on Friday?”
“Nope. I flew to Panama City Beach with my boyfriend Friday night. We didn’t return until early yesterday morning. While we were out of town, I didn’t communicate with anyone from work.” Cassie glanced at the clock on the wall and grimaced. “I have to go. Cramer keeps a pretty close eye on us.”
“A few more questions before you return to work. Has Ellis acted out of character lately?”
She stared. “Now that you mention it, he’s been more secretive than normal except when he talks about Toni. He’s really gone over her.”
“What do you mean by secretive?” Gigi asked.
“When anyone stepped into his cubicle to talk, Ellis clicked on the screen saver.”
“You work on classified projects. Isn’t that behavior expected in an effort to protect the project?”
“Not Ellis. His desk is arranged so that he and the back of his laptop face the opening of his cubicle. There’s no need to bring up the screen saver. No one could see his screen unless they walked around to that side of the desk.”
Interesting. Sounded like Ellis was afraid. Had he been threatened by someone he worked with? “Do you know of any reason why someone would want to harm Ellis?”
“No clue. Ellis is a really nice guy. He doesn’t deserve whatever’s happening.” She frowned. “Are you sure he’s missing?”
“Yes. If you think of anything that might help us find him and Toni, call me.” Owen handed her his contact card for the sheriff’s office.
“Sure. I hope you find him soon.” Cassie paused at the door. “Do you think the rest of us are in danger?”
“Have you noticed anything unusual going on or do you feel threatened?”
“No, sir.”
“Keep your doors and windows locked at home. Set your alarm if you have one, even if you’re at home. Keep your phone on you and charged at all times. Don’t go anywhere alone. Be aware of your surroundings. If anything makes you uneasy, call the police. We’d rather answer a call that’s the result of an overactive imagination than for you to talk yourself out of calling for help when you really need it.”
She gave a short nod. “Thanks for the advice.”
“Send in Theo.”
With a wave, she was gone.
Two minutes later, a tall, slender man wearing glasses with thick lenses came into the conference room. “Cassie sent me. I’m Theo Cohen.”
“Deputy Montgomery from the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department.” Owen showed Theo his cred wallet and motioned for the other man to take a seat. “This is Gina, my partner.”
“Cassie said you have questions about Ellis.”
“And his girlfriend. Both of them are missing?”
Theo’s jaw dropped. “Seriously?”
Owen asked the software developer the same questions he asked Chaz and Cassie, and learned nothing new. “Is there any reason you can think of why someone would harm Ellis or his girlfriend?”
“No, man. Everybody liked Ellis. He got along with everyone.” He scowled. “Except Cramer. No one gets along with him.”
After a few more questions, Owen handed Theo a contact card with the request to call if he thought of anything that might