Max & Olivia Box Set

by Mark A Biggs

  ‘Claudia, we know that inherently there is a natural set of principles that govern our humanity. You may fight it, but you know the difference. I can tell you do, which is why you are at war with yourself!’

  At war with myself – never!

  I’d had enough of the conversation and wondered how I’d allowed myself again to be dragged into his agenda.

  With spite and sarcasm oozing from my lips as I spoke, I said, ‘Sweetie, perhaps it’s time we left for the yacht. It’s been a busy day for you and you’ll be wanting your afternoon nap and pills.’

  ‘That would be lovely, and perhaps you could bring me some nice warm milk. At my age, it helps me sleep.’

  * * *

  Max

  I had never seen anything like it before, let alone been on one. Claudia had said it was a luxury yacht, but that was an understatement. It must have been at least 550ft long, with stunning panoramic windows that encased each of the four levels that sat atop the deck. A helicopter sat idly on the third deck towards the stern of the boat. Towards the front – the bow—was the sleekest-looking crane I had ever seen, more architectural than a functional piece of machinery.

  With its dark blue hull and glistening white superstructure, the yacht cut an impressive sight. This must have been what people describe as a super yacht and it was the largest private boat in the harbour, although it had some impressive company. If Claudia had told me that she worked for the Mafia to play with the rich and famous I might have understood as I walked up the gangway.

  Claudia hadn’t spoken since we left Kupari. I sensed that she was angry and I found this pleasing because it showed that I was playing with her mind and exploiting the ambiguities I hoped she was experiencing. I needed to be careful. Push, but not too hard. She was a classic case of cognitive dissonance where someone simultaneously holds two or more contradictory beliefs, ideas or values. Unless I was careful, she could restore balance by eliminating the irritation, namely myself. It was however, what she said about Olivia that weighed on my mind.

  Monya tolerated me because he genuinely held affection for Claudia. If Olivia arrived, that wouldn’t be enough. Somehow, I needed to leave before both of us were trapped and Claudia’s loyalties were tested beyond dispute. The outcome was certain, and it was not in our favour. My advantage was my age. Surprisingly I’m dismissed as a threat by people, even invisible to them.

  ‘Welcome aboard the Lelantos, Claudia,’ said the captain who was waiting at the top of the gangway to greet us.

  ‘Thank you, Captain,’ she replied. ‘This is Max and, as you know, he will be joining us for our short vacation. He can have the run of the ship but tell security he’s not to leave unless I am with him. Has Linda arrived?’

  ‘She’s due later this evening. Would you like one of our staff to show Max to his room? Your master suite is ready for you.’

  ‘Thank you. Max missed his breakfast this morning and we haven’t yet had lunch. Kindly ask house staff for some light refreshment to be brought to the dining room, say in twenty minutes. Then, I would like to meet with our security head, to go over the arrangements for Saturday’s party.’

  ‘Certainly Claudia. This way Max,’ said the captain, pointing.

  I followed, leaving Claudia behind.

  ‘You have a beautiful ship, she must be 550ft long,’ I commented, hoping to engage the captain in conversation.

  ‘She actually 557ft. Do you know something about ships or was that a lucky guess?’

  ‘Ex Royal Navy, a long time ago now, but the salt never leaves the veins.’

  The mention of the navy seemed to work and the captain chatted warmly, pleased to tell me about his ship and, instead of having one of his staff to show me to my cabin, he did so himself. I learned that the ship had forty staff, two swimming pools, two helipads, thirty cabins, a cinema and a mini-submarine accessible from inside the boat. This meant that it could be launched and retrieved through a hatch in the bottom of the yacht.

  Arriving at the cabin, he opened the door and said, ‘I hope you will find the room to your satisfaction.’

  Like the rest of the boat I had seen so far, the cabin was luxurious.

  ‘More than satisfactory, thank you Captain,’ I said, pretending that this standard of comfort was normal. ‘Do you mind if I take a walk and familiarise myself with your wonderful vessel?’

  ‘Not at all Max, but I suggest that you wait until after lunch, so I can advise security to expect you. We wouldn’t want someone thinking you were an intruder. You will find that we take our security very seriously.’

  After he left, I walked around the cabin a couple of times and unexpectedly found myself anxiously contemplating the right time for me to leave for lunch and how I was going to find where it was being served. It was a silly thought until I realised that I was really missing Olivia. My ruminations were disrupted by a knock at the door.

  ‘Good afternoon, Max,’ said the man when I opened the cabin door. ‘My name is Randolph and I will be your personal valet for the duration of your stay on the Lelantos. Please follow me. Claudia is waiting for you in the dining room. I have also taken it upon myself to find a suitable wardrobe for your stay. It will be waiting for you upon your return. One is expected to dress for dinner, the evening meal. For Saturday’s function, a dinner jacket is required attire. Max, I will ensure that the appropriate garb is laid out for you each morning. You needn’t worry unnecessarily. I am here to assist with your needs and to ensure that your stay with us is a comfortable and enjoyable one. If you have any questions, I will do my best to answer them for you.’

  ‘Perhaps you could teach me how to fly the helicopter, when the others are asleep of course?’

  ‘Ah, Claudia told me that I might enjoy your dry sense of humour, Max. Lunch is through here,’ he said, winking and then pointing into another lavish room.

  ‘Max, do come and join me,’ greeted Claudia warmly.

  Well that’s interesting. She didn’t call me Sweetie.

  For the time being, at least, we were back on more friendly terms. I decided that it was conceivable that she was enjoying the Lelantos. Monya had mentioned that cruising the Greek Islands was something she loved. I didn’t want to antagonise her for the moment because I had other plans. Over lunch, I wanted to persuade Claudia to show me the ship and then, during the polite conversation of the tour, ask if I could accompany her on her visit to the cyber professor.

  Claudia was passionate about the Lelantos, telling me everything during our circuit, including the submarine and the ship’s missile defence system. As we walked I studied, trying to remember the layout of the yacht.

  Claudia stopped and burst out laughing as she said, ‘If you’re working out how you’re going to escape, there’s little point. We have six ex-Spetsnaz soldiers on board, the Russian equivalent of the British SAS. They would take you down before you made it over the side.’

  ‘No, no,’ I replied. ‘That’s not what I’m considering at all. I’ve been trying to think of a way to ask if I might accompany you to see Professor, er – Professor—?’

  ‘Akihiko,’ she said, finishing off the sentence for me.

  ‘Professor Akihiko,’ I repeated. ‘I’m expecting you to say no, but am hoping for a yes.’

  Claudia laughed again, saying, ‘Why not, Monya told me that I wasn’t to let you out of my sight. Anyway, it’s not as if you will ever be leaving us, alive that is.’ This caused her to snigger and then continue in a more serious tone. ‘Plus, I’m quite looking forward to seeing your face when you learn what we are doing to your beloved country. We will go tomorrow after breakfast and I might even let you eat this time.’

  Pondering my next move, I turned to Claudia and said, simply, ‘Thank you.’

  It took her by surprise. I imagined she was expecting a retort, a continuation of our before-lunch duelling. But I had changed tactics.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Cyber Attack

  Max

  After the sh
ip tour, Claudia left me on deck. The foolish fretfulness I felt earlier had passed and I found a warm shady spot beside the pool looking out over the sea. Although the yacht carried a large crew, for the first time since my kidnapping, I had my own private space without being confined to a room. Apart from Randolph, my valet, who made the briefest of appearances to see ‘If Max would like a drink, white wine perhaps,’ I was left undisturbed for the entire afternoon to drift in and out of heavenly sleep, spending the time in between thinking. To start with, my mind churned over multiple scenarios, seeing Olivia, missing our granddaughter Penny, escape, death and, absurdly, being rescued by Claudia. The Mediterranean, heat and the hypnotic effect of the sun as its rays shimmered and danced across the pool and out into the Adriatic Sea made me content to rest. Tomorrow would be another day with new challenges.

  ‘Excuse me Max.’ I heard and felt a hand as it gently shook my shoulder, before repeating, ‘Excuse me Max.’

  Opening my eyes, I saw Randolph. He smiled.

  ‘Sorry to disturb your rest, but it’s time to prepare for dinner.’

  ‘Have I been asleep that long?’ I said in good humour. ‘Good job Olivia’s not here – you have no idea what trouble I would be in.’

  Randolph helped me up because I had become stiff and walked slowly with me back to the cabin. On the bed was a beautifully laid out evening dinner jacket and accompanying shoes. I opened my mouth, wanting to say, how did you know my size, but closed it again knowing he would say It’s my job Max – to know such things.

  Dinner at Monya’s mansion in Moscow had been formal but tense. This one was held with a different kind of formal. The host, Claudia, was elegantly dressed and seemed graceful as she smiled, inviting me to join them. The other guest was Linda, a woman I met briefly on the helicopter when we were fleeing Scotland and before boarding the submarine. That seemed a lifetime ago, but it was only weeks. Linda was smartly dressed and was stylish rather than elegant. Approaching the dining table, I noticed the way they looked at each other as they spoke. I doubted they were lovers but there was affection, trust even.

  Linda had seen though Claudia’s story of why she hadn’t killed me at the farmhouse. They understood each other well, which was hazardous for me because Linda had shown little tolerance for keeping me alive.

  If I could influence Linda, it might tip Claudia.

  I thought that Macinec was the lever but it was unlikely that Linda knew the story. Introducing it would be a high-risk strategy. I would have to do it carefully and only if the right opportunity arose.

  Maybe if Linda goes fishing, trying to find out why Claudia didn’t kill me. We’ll see.

  ‘Good evening ladies and, with the risk of being accused of sexism, you both look stunning,’ I said, taking a seat at the table. ‘Linda, isn’t it? A pleasure to see you again, this time without the sound of rotors.’

  Claudia and Linda looked at each other and smiled. Were they amused or could they see through my ploy?

  Dinner, the wine and company were superb. I was included in the conversation and it flowed freely. Linda and Claudia recounted stories, happily sharing past adventures and funny anecdotes with me. It reminded me that life is complex and people more-so. Here I was, a condemned man with my likely executioners, having a remarkable evening. I wondered what the night would have been like if Monya were here.

  Then it happened, the opening for which I had been waiting.

  Linda asked Claudia, ‘What did you say to Monya – about Max?’

  Before Claudia had a chance to reply, I said, ‘Can I bid you fine ladies a fond good night and thank you for your wonderful company? I’m afraid it’s time for this old man to consult his pillow.’

  I raised myself and my creaking bones slowly from the table, pausing to speak deliberately to Linda.

  ‘Despite everything that has happened, Claudia has always been special to Olivia and me. Do take care of her. Good night again.’

  From nowhere, Randolph appeared at my side to escort me back to my cabin. When we arrived, I thanked him, but added that I was going to take a stroll about the ship before turning in.

  ‘May I assist you, Max?’ he asked.

  ‘You’re so kind,’ I replied, ‘thank you but, no. I enjoy a little quiet time before bed.’

  * * *

  Next morning, I awoke to find the day’s outfit neatly folded and ready for me on the chair next to the writing desk in the corner of the room. Despite what Claudia wanted me to hear, I was looking forward to the day as not many outsiders were able to gain access to a cyber-criminal gang and see them in action. As we were in Dubrovnik, I imagined their headquarters would be secret, concealed somewhere within the historic old city.

  Perhaps, down one of its many narrow laneways, there would be a house, maybe a shop or business, that would serve as its front. Inside, against an apparently solid wall, Claudia would push on the face of some gargoyle, or a stone with a symbol embossed on it, and that would slide back into the wall with a distinctive clunk, revealing the passage hidden behind. A lift or stairs would direct us down three or four storeys to a secret bunker where a steel door guarded the entry to the mission headquarters. I imagined Claudia staring into a retina-scanning machine that would allow her access through the door as it unlocked with a clunk.

  Once inside, a control room, like the one I’d seen on the submarine, would await, with seated men and women, manning great panels of lights, switches and displays. Perhaps a vast digital map of the world would dominate the room, recording and directing their cyber-attacks in real time.

  Maybe I watch too much TV these days?

  My first disappointment came soon after we left the harbour, when we headed away from the old city, to pull up, ten minutes later, in front of an ordinary looking office building. Once inside, we took the lift to the fourth floor and, other than having to swipe a card to operate the lift, there was no other security. Stepping from the lift we could have been arriving at any other business. We were greeted through a reception window by a disinterested receptionist. I wondered if this was all part of an elaborate ruse, or whether this was just how it was.

  After Claudia showed her ID, which was greeted with a grunt, the receptionist said, rolling her eyes, ‘Use your card at the door.’

  Claudia, seemingly unfazed, by the attitude, swiped her card and we entered the offices. For the first time, I saw armed guards, only two of them, and they were seated at a desk in front of another door through which we would have to pass. Despite saying good morning to Claudia, using her name without prompting, they still checked her security pass and ran a metal detector wand over both of us. Surprisingly, Claudia was unarmed.

  The door was opened and I had another disappointment.

  Another ordinary office!

  I scanned the room, to make a mental note, to count twenty people, seated in front of computer screens, all going about their business.

  A man of Asian persuasion, Japanese I thought, came scurrying towards us. He looked nervous, on edge and not pleased to see us. I guessed that this was the professor.

  Unable to control my sarcasm, I turned to Claudia and said, in a quiet voice, ‘I can see why you want to move. It’s not one of the most secure locations I have ever visited.’

  ‘It was for a different time,’ was all she said before greeting the approaching man. ‘Professor Akihiko.’

  ‘Hello Claudia,’ he answered with a little stutter and an American accent, contrary to his appearance. ‘How wonderful to see you again. Come, come in.’

  He shook hands with Claudia but ignoring me, pointed towards a vacant office.

  ‘This way, this way. It’s a secure room,’ he continued as Claudia and I followed him until we reached the door. He stopped and, as if seeing me for the first time, said, ‘Who, who’s this?’

  Disinterested to explain to the professor why I was accompanying her, the reply was brief. ‘Professor, this is Max, one of my associates.’

  He grunted uncomfortably
before opening the door and, without waiting for us, chose a seat for himself at the table. We followed casually and seated ourselves across from him. With a thud, Claudia placed on the table the briefcase she had been carrying. Deliberately slowly, she opened it, removing a pile of files and a notepad. She carefully placed the bag on the floor before rifling through some of the documents, pausing occasionally to read a few lines to herself. Other than the noise of the turning papers, the room was deathly silent. The tension grew by the second.

  This must be what it was like to appear before the Spanish Inquisition.

  I could barely imagine the pressure Professor Akihiko was feeling.

  Placing the papers neatly in front of her, Claudia said, ‘You seem unsettled this morning Professor, is anything bothering you?’

  ‘No, Claudia, everything is fine. I think you will find I have prepared well for your visit and you will be pleased with our progress. It’s in the reports.’

  That’s interesting. He’s controlling that slight stutter and no longer repeating his words.

  I was sure that Claudia would have made the same observation and was curious to see how she would proceed.

  ‘I’ve read your reports. The income targets are promising but we are concerned with the timeliness for the blockchain project. We will come to those. Perhaps we could start by you giving Max an overview of our operation here. I’m keen for him to hear about the WannaCry computer worm we released on Britain but leave out the details of our cybercurrencies and blockchain work. That will be a discussion for us in private.’

  I could see by the way that he replied that the professor was relieved. The pressure had been lifted – for the moment.

  ‘Max,’ he began, managing a slight smile. ‘I’m the head of our cyber team. We have two divisions, research and development and operations.’

  He stopped abruptly and said, more to himself than us, ‘No, no that won’t do. That won’t do at all.’

  He looked down at the table while scratching his head, obviously in deep thought.