Which artifact did Heather find that suggested covert communication among the suspects?

• A. Perforated plastic card
• B. Encrypted email
• C. Hidden USB drive
• D. Printed receipts

Answer: (A)

Covert signaling often relies on simple, inconspicuous objects that can carry encoded messages. A perforated plastic card fits this pattern because its holes or perforations can be arranged to encode information in a way that looks ordinary but is readable only by those who know the code. Suspects could exchange such a card or keep it with other routine items, and the pattern of holes would convey a hidden message without alerting others. This makes it a plausible artifact indicating coordinated, covert communication.

While encrypted email and a hidden USB drive are associated with covert activity, they rely on digital devices and networks rather than a physical object used specifically to convey hidden information. Printed receipts are common and don’t inherently suggest secret signaling.