Reid hadn’t even thought to check for that. “I looked inside but wasn’t looking for a screen, so didn’t notice one way or the other.”
“No worries. That’s why you have me.”
Reid couldn’t fault the guy for lack of eagerness and excitement in his work. Reid had been equally motivated when he was a young agent—too motivated—and could be the reason they were in this situation.
They reached Russ, who was stowing his phone.
Landon split off and peered in the window. “It has one of the earlier models of a touchscreen that Ford put out. Puts it around 2012, maybe 2013 model.”
He continued around the truck, his expression going from a smile to a frown and back again as he circled the vehicle a few times.
Russ leaned close to Reid. “A warrant for the truck’s in the works so we can tow it if needed. And the chief has a judge at his beck and call, so should have it within the hour.”
“Speedy, especially for a holiday week.”
“Hey, you know me.” Russ chuckled. “Friends in low places.”
Reid rolled his eyes. His brother had lightened up so much the moment he’d gotten engaged to Sydney and grew since their marriage. So what if he made some bad jokes? It was a nice change.
Landon marched their way, and Reid introduced him to his brother.
Russ shook hands. “The new Veritas squint.”
“Squint, ha-ha.” Landon laughed. “Yeah, I watched Bones too. If only all of it were real.”
“The law enforcement part too.” Russ rolled his eyes.
“So what’s the word on the truck?” Reid asked to draw them back to their mission.
Landon’s expression perked up. “It has an infotainment system, and I should be able to get plenty of data from that.”
“Data like what?” Russ asked.
Landon tilted his head. “Depends on whether he plugged a smartphone into the system or paired it via Bluetooth. If he did, the system can store navigation history, text messages, and emails. Even internet browsing history and social media feeds. Probably best of all, it can give us Bluetooth and cell tower connections.”
“That’s all, huh?” Russ joked.
Landon didn’t laugh along this time. “Not quite. Vehicles also have electronic control units—ECUs. They’re called the brain of the engine as they help with how a vehicle works. Basically it’s a computer, switching system, and power management system all wrapped up in a neat little case.”
“That do what specifically?” Reid asked.
Landon took a breath. “Most vehicles have more than seventy-five ECUs in them and each one handles a certain task. One might control the fuel injection and the timing of the spark to ignite it. Another air pressure. One could turn on and off lights. You get the picture.”
“Impressive,” Reid said. “So it shows us how the vehicle was used, and that could tell us where Fowler’s been, maybe telling us where he is now.”
“Or with internet search history, what he’s planning next,” Russ said.
“You got it.” Landon smiled.
“How long before you can get that data?” Reid asked.
Landon’s smile fell. “I’ll need to dismantle the truck. Our forensics staff will want to do that too. So the best thing is to have this vehicle delivered to our garage at Veritas. There, we can tear it apart in a clean environment, and we can stand behind our results.”
“Not sure I like the transport time to Portland,” Reid said. “But if it’s the right thing to do, then that’s what we’ll do.”
Landon peered at Russ. “I assume you have a warrant for impounding the vehicle.”
“Not yet, but hope to have it within the hour.”
