“Isn’t it illegal to possess or manufacture EMP devices?”
I hesitated. “Yes.”
The possession of a cellular jammer or EMP device would land you in hot water and earn a hefty fine. EMP devices were considered RF jammers or intentional radiators. You’d be facing federal felony charges.
“So, you’re suggesting we acquire an illegal device and use it to neutralize a supposed bomb implanted in the senator’s tooth by a now deceased dentist,” he said, his voice full of skepticism.
“I know it sounds a little crazy.”
“A little?”
“An ounce of prevention…”
“I’ll run this by the senator, but I know what he’s going to say.”
“Have him call me, and I can explain the situation in more detail and answer any questions he may have.”
“Thank you, Deputy. I have your number.” He ended the call.
I called Isabella and gave her an update on the situation.
"Why am I not surprised? If Senator Bergen’s head explodes while he's giving his speech, these guys are going to look pretty stupid."
It might have been a bit of an exaggeration. The small charge wasn’t enough to pop his skull like a water balloon, but a severed internal carotid was a death sentence.
"There's gotta be some way we can neutralize that device remotely,” I said.
“Before we get into this, there are some things you should know about Senator Bergen. You’re not going to like this.”
I cringed.
“My source in the FBI tells me Senator Bergen was under investigation. If you’re wondering about his sudden turnaround from being soft on crime to tough on crime, that may be where it came from. I’m told if he plays ball, they’ll drop the investigation.”
“That only solidifies my theory that he’s a cartel target.”
“If you ask me, he probably took questionable funds from thinly veiled political action committees to push for lower budgets, less interdiction, and a generally softer stance.”
“You mean he took cartel money, and they don’t like his change of heart.”
"Just to play devil’s advocate, you have no evidence that there is a bomb in that guy’s tooth.” She paused. “But I’ve known you long enough not to doubt your hunches. Still, you have nothing to back up your assertion.”
I frowned and exhaled a frustrated breath. "You're right. Maybe I'm overreacting. Maybe this is nothing,” I said in a sardonic voice.
Isabella hesitated. "Look, I'm not going to bet against you. I know better than that. If you get within range, use a scanner. Once you get the MAC address, I can hack the device and attempt to disable it, if there is one.”
“How long would that take?"
"Depends on how secure the device is. I could get in within five minutes or five days. Maybe five years. I doubt they're using high-level encryption. I don't think they expected anybody tolook for the device.” She paused. "Short of an EMP, hacking the explosive is the best bet.”
“The senator uses private security when away from the Capitol. I’m sure they won’t turn down assistance from local law enforcement.”
54
“How did you get my number?” Senator Bergen asked in an annoyed tone when I called his cell phone. Isabella had no problem digging it up.
"That's not really important. What's important is that your life may be in danger."
"You say you’re a deputy with Coconut County?”
