Shotaro listened closely to what John had to say. When he was finished, he gave John an encouraging smile and reached over to clap him on the shoulder. "Don't worry. I'd be happy to pick up where a woman like Joan left off." They didn't talk much, but it was obvious she was brilliant and had a great head on her shoulders.

He leaned back and got comfortable. They would be at this for a little while. "Do you have the text of the threatening messages and who they were directed to?" This seemed to predate his arrival by some time. He'd have a lot of catching up to do. But the messages themselves were as fine a place to start as any.