Brennan was as elated as a kid with a prom queen date.
"The man summoned me, on Sunday, if you can believe it! He was putting up a framed twenty dollar bill on the wall next to a picture of him with the president. No small talk. He gave me a pile of special account data that he said would grease the skids on any requisitions I submitted, no questions asked. He emphasized the word any and said I should be as generous as Santa Claus but totally discrete. He won't let it bite him on the ass. If anyone links me to you, I'm to bury my head and walk away. Then he cautioned me our meeting never took place, handed me a special cell phone number if I needed to contact him, and kicked me out."
I felt like I'd just passed my senior finals. We had tacit official sanction, on our terms.
In the weeks that followed, the Federal Government, through retired citizen Daniel Brennan, provided us with everything we asked for and more. A special tip line was established. We were assured any calls received would be deemed highly credible and prompt action taken. A web site was created listing pertinent information on missing persons' cases, updated on a timely basis, describing a wide variety of abductions and missing children reports. A voice scrambler was recommended and purchased. It was a state of the art mechanism that distorted our voice, making it impossible to even differentiate between male and female.
Quinn, who was our resident computer and electronic guru, was given information about protecting our security. We were provided with wide range of data bases allowing us to better describe various vehicles. There was helpful information for us to improve observation techniques. While these assets upgraded our efficiency, the LeBlanc house continued to be inadequate. Audio interruptions frequently plagued Howie. He was often woken from the crime scene by honking horns or outside noises.
The next few weeks brought a number of important successes while our schedule remained incredibly hectic. Betsy and I were physically exhausted after weeks of commuting north. Martha was unavoidably reassigned hours which included weekends. Quinn was required to pick up extra classes when an older professor passed away suddenly. While we reveled in our triumphs, we knew in our hearts we couldn't maintain our present pace.
Brennan offered to pay us but we collectively agreed to not become wards of the government. Nevertheless, Howie's funds were dwindling rapidly. It was obvious some changes were necessary. Daniel Brennan offered an opportunity in late February.
"If you remember Eric Campbell, call me," Brennan posted on our secure web site. We hadn't spoken in several weeks. I recalled the name immediately. Eric was a seven year old who was abducted by a couple and held for ransom. I telephoned Brennan.