Gabriel leaned in. “We didn’t include it in the report because it is not technically part of a data-security pressure test. Plain and simple. But you need to know about it. It’s up to you to take steps to fix it.”
“Okay. I can work with this. Thank you for keeping it out of the report. I don’t think these human errors are sufficient to hold up the expansion. However, I want you both to attend the presentation to the board. I want them to hear from the expert that our data-security is better than Metrobank’s and Providence Capital’s. The rest they don’t need to know. I can remediate those weaknesses internally,” determined Asrani.
“I agree. But there’s one more thing,” added Gabriel.
“What’s that?”
“Pablo stole your car this morning, as I’m sure you noticed,” Gabriel divulged.
Asrani stared at the hacker. “You stole it? I thought the valet took it for a joy ride. I have LoJack installed in the car, so it was recovered quickly. Thank you for leaving the key behind the fuel door. The police checked there first and found it. Why the hell did you swipe my car?” asked Asrani, a little amused at what he thought was a prank.
“First of all, you need to beef up your valet and garage security,” volunteered Gabriel.
“Get to the point, Gabriel,” Pablo pressed.
“Secondly, Pablo found your gym bag in the trunk,” said Gabriel and then motioned to his hacker-friend to hand over the gym bag.
“And…?” prompted Asrani, evidently indifferent.
Pablo couldn’t stand it any longer. The arrogance of this rich, asshole was too much.
“And? And? Listen up, you ignorant puff. I found your frickin’ secret smartphone,” he seethed, waving the device in the air.
Asrani’s face quickly lost most of its color.
“Pablo, settle down,” Gabriel interjected.
“No, Gabriel. He needs to know. He’s being reckless. Floozies, affairs, a love child. He’s a blackmail target.”
Pablo fumed, glaring back at the horror-struck CEO, and kept going.
“I cracked your phone and password keeper in seconds. In less than a minute I gained access to your bank accounts, your insurance, your private Gmail, and your very private photos. Do you want a Wall Street Journal story about this? This is the shit that gets you fired, and blows up your bank reputation,” Pablo scolded, holding the smartphone between his thumb and index finger – baiting Asrani.
“Omigod! You got in? You opened those files? Holy mother of God! Gimme that, dammit! You shouldn’t have done that!” Asrani lunged across the table for the phone.
Pablo recoiled, but not fast enough. Asrani’s fingers glanced off the top of the phone, knocking it out of Pablo’s hand and onto the hard wood floor of the elegant private dining room. The phone cracked open, shooting the display across the floor, dislodging the back cover in one direction, sending the battery in another, and spilling what appeared to be a SIM card.
Asrani and Pablo both scrambled to the floor.
“I’m sorry, sir, I didn’t mean to upset you. Let me help you,” Pablo implored.
“I’ve got it. I’ve got it. Don’t worry about it. Let me just get it,” Asrani directed, regaining some of his composure.
“Jesus, boys, chill out for chrissake.” Gabriel uttered in a blend of shock, surprise, and a bit of amusement watching two grown men crawl around on the floor competing to collect the pieces of the phone.
Both men climbed back into their seats.
“I apologize gentlemen,” Asrani managed, as he sheepishly tucked the smartphone pieces into his suit jacket breast pocket.
“It was my fault, sir, I shouldn’t have goaded you,” Pablo apologized.
“Okay then. Let’s get back to business…” Gabriel started, only to be interrupted by the CEO, feigning composure.
“Gabriel, it’s late. I appreciate your report and I accept your recommendations. I expect you both will attend the meeting tomorrow as we discussed. Pablo? I agree with you. I was reckless. I will make my amends. I apologize for my behavior. I must go, however. I have a lot to prepare before tomorrow. Good night,” announced Asrani, shaking hands with both men and then leaving directly.
A few silent moments passed as the two friends stared, slack-jawed, at the closed door of the private dining room.
“Wow. What the hell was that?” asked Gabriel.
“I don’t know, man. Do you think he just flipped out, you know, all embarrassed over his company’s flimsy security?” suggested Pablo.
“Or maybe he’s really sensitive to exposure of his adultery or kinky sex partialities,” added Gabriel, sarcastic. “Weird.”
“I don’t know…he seemed pretty cool the whole time…but he shit his pants when I pulled out his secret phone,” Pablo concluded.
“I know, right! It was like he saw his life pass before his eyes. His face went pale. I guess the phone is really important to him,” suggested Gabriel.
“I hope I didn’t screw up your client,” Pablo asked awkwardly.
“What? No. If anything he’ll want to keep both of us close. You want dessert?”
“Yeah. Sure. But not here. Let’s head over to Aesop’s. I think their menu will be better,” smirked Pablo.
“Deal. But not too late. The meeting starts at 10 tomorrow. I need you sober and fresh. I’ll settle the bill. Meet me outside,” Gabriel instructed.
As the two men pushed back from the table, Gabriel spotted a small, square-ish, black chip on the floor under his chair.
“Hey, Pablo, check this out.”
“Oh, man, Gabriel. That must be the memory card for Asrani’s secret phone. It probably popped out when it hit the floor. The little chip probably stores pics, songs, documents, and even small programs. He’s going to freak when he realizes it’s missing.”
“I’ll hand it over to him tomorrow. I better let him know I have it, so he doesn’t worry,” Gabriel promised and tapped out a quick message to his client as he and Pablo left the restaurant.
Asrani, Pablo and I have your memory chip.
Chapter 21
Nino’s phone buzzed with an incoming text.
There’s been a breach. 2 cases plus 1 unknown. Info attached. Get it done tonight. Clean & fast.
He opened the attached files and reviewed each one before making a call.
“Dan. Meet me at the usual spot. We’ve got three cases for tonight…yes…tonight. See you in 20 minutes.”
He clicked off the call and then taped out a quick text.
Got a job for you, doll face. Tonight. Dress business professional. Plan to use your best corporate, college-educated accent. Go to the WyndMark bar. Wait for my instructions.
Chapter 22
It was just before 10 pm when Gabriel strolled into the WyndMark Beacon Hill Hotel lobby and saw the front desk clerk hail him over.
“Mr. Sweeney?”
“Yes, that’s me.”
“I have a message for you,” said the clerk as he handed over a folded note.
“Thank you.” Gabriel unfolded the paper and read the message.
Mr. Sweeney, please forgive the late evening intrusion. Mr. Patel insisted that I drop off some materials for you in-person. I didn’t have your mobile number so I’m waiting in the bar for you wearing a dark blue suit. Again, I’m sorry for the interruption.
The message was signed by Paige.
Gabriel re-folded the note, pulled out his phone and texted Pablo as he eased his way to the hotel bar.
Patel dropped a package for me. Are you on your way back? I want to review the material with you just in case.
Inside the Dean’s List bar, Gabriel scanned the room.
He spotted an attractive young woman at the bar wearing a smart business suit right away. She nursed a white wine and held a thin manila envelope on her lap.
“Good evening. Are you Paige? I’m Gabriel Sweeney.”
“Omigosh. I’m so glad you’re here. Yes, I’m Paige. Thanks for finding me. I didn’t
know if you were already down for the night, or what.”
“No. Not yet. I won’t turn into a pumpkin until much later.”
“Oh good. I’m glad. Here. Have a seat. Let me buy you a nightcap. It’s on Mr. Patel, after all. Besides, I hate drinking alone,” Paige smiled, and Gabriel obliged, taking a seat next to the appealing young woman.
“That’s quite all right. I’ll cover it. Have we met before? I don’t recall seeing you at any of my meetings with Asrani.”
“No, we haven’t met yet.” She extended her hand and mocked a formal introduction. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Sweeney. I’m Paige Campbell,” she smiled and winked.
Gabriel grinned. “I am surprised Mr. Patel didn’t call me himself. You could’ve left the package at the front desk,” he said, and ordered a Negroni from the bartender.
“He insisted that I hand it to you personally. It must be important.” she handed over the package and cast an appreciative look at his suntanned hand. “Hey, what’s a Negroni? I’ve never heard of that drink.”
“It’s a summer cocktail. Gin, Campari, and vermouth,” he answered and started to open the envelope.
Paige put her soft hand on Gabriel’s. “Mr. Sweeney, would you mind holding off for a moment? I’ve never been here before and I’ve heard the view from the rooftop pool is beautiful at night. Would you mind giving me a short tour?” Her smile was irresistible.
“Sure. I’ve got a few minutes. C’mon.”
Gabriel folded the envelope, tucked it into his suit jacket pocket, and signaled the bartender to clear the bill. “We’re going up to the pool. Please add this to my room. Thank you.”
The twosome collected their drinks and rode the elevator to the roof, making small talk on the way.
“Oh my, goodness,” Paige gushed after stepping past the elevator bank and onto the pool deck. “It’s beautiful…and empty. Let’s sit by the pool. I want to enjoy this.”
Gabriel sat, stretched out his legs and stared at the night sky.
Paige eyed him…and then his drink. “I love the view.”
“Yeah. Sure is peaceful up here.”
“It is. Mr. Sweeney, can I try the Negroni? Is that too forward? I’m sorry. I’ve just never had one. I like new things.”
Gabriel smiled and handed her the glass. “Sure. Help yourself.”
Paige took a sip, then wandered to the railing with the drink nestled in her hand. Gabriel admired her leggy beauty and long brown hair billowing in the nighttime breeze.
Jesus, she’s gorgeous…and young. Too bad she’s a client.
She returned, sat down, and handed the drink back.
“Thank you. I liked it. I’ll have to remember it. Negroni, right?”
“You got it.”
“Cheers, Gabriel. You’ve been very generous with your time,” she sipped her wine and watched as Gabriel tossed back a mouthful of his drink. She smiled, cat-like.
The pair chatted easily for ten minutes when Gabriel’s phone hummed an incoming text from Pablo.
Dude, I’m on my way.
“Is everything okay?” asked Paige.
“Yeah. All good,” he replied, and responded with a text letting Pablo know to meet him at the rooftop pool.
“Oh, good. This is nice. Sitting up here. Will you excuse me? I need to use the ladies’ room. I’ll be right back.” Paige walked inside to the restroom near the elevator bank, away from Gabriel’s line of sight.
But instead of going into the bathroom, Paige took the elevator downstairs and out of the hotel. She messaged Nino.
He’s all yours.
Upstairs, Gabriel felt strangely woozy. He struggled to keep his eyes open.
“Whoa fella. Steady now. Time to get some sleep,” he mumbled before slumping into his chair and passing out.
A few minutes later Nino cautiously stepped out of the elevator and surveyed the pool deck.
No one around. Good.
He walked over to Gabriel and tipped him out of his chair into the pool. Gabriel choked and struggled briefly before slowing to rest. Nino tossed the Negroni into the pool. He turned, picked up the wine glass and tossed the left-over liquid into the pool before pocketing the glass. He took the stairs down and left the hotel.
Chapter 23
Pablo marched out of the hotel elevator and loudly called out for Gabriel.
“Hey, man! What’s so important? You know I don’t like these late-night business meetings.”
He glanced around the empty pool area. “Dammit, Gabriel, where the hell are you?” Then he spotted the overturned chair....and the man floating face-down in the pool.
“Oh shit…oh shit…Gabriel!” Pablo ran across the pool deck and jumped into the water. He grabbed Gabriel, flipped him onto his back, and dragged him up the zero-entry pool ramp.
“Gabriel! GABRIEL!” Pablo slapped him a few times and then turned his friend’s head to the side. Pool water drained from his mouth and nose. Pablo swiveled Gabriel’s head to the center and tilted it back before starting mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
“C’mon…c’mon…you bastard…c’mon!” Pablo started another round of mouth-to-mouth when Gabriel coughed and spewed more pool water out of his mouth. Gasping for air, coughing, choking out water, Gabriel twisted onto his side and heaved.
Pablo sat back, shaking. “Gabriel. Man. You okay? Jesus, man!”
Gabriel pulled himself onto all fours and heaved again before rasping his first words. “What the hell happened?”
“I got your message to meet you here. When I showed up you were floating face down in the pool. Shit, man, how drunk are you?”
“Where’s Paige?”
“Who?” Pablo helped Gabriel back into a pool chair and took a seat next to him.
“Paige. Patel’s assistant or something. She was with me. Dropped off an envelope from Asrani for me.” Gabriel pulled the soaked manila envelope from his jacket breast pocket and peeled it open.
“I didn’t see anybody, man. Shit. You’re damn lucky I showed up.”
“Fuckin’ A-right.” Gabriel gently peeled through the wet pages in the manila envelope. “What the hell? They’re blank. Every page is blank. What the fuck is going on?”
“Jesus Christ, man. She set you up. How drunk were? Did she slip you something? Where’s your wallet?” Pablo asked.
“Pablo. I had one drink with you at Aesop’s. And a Negroni here…that I didn’t even finish” He felt for his wallet and keys. “She didn’t rob me. I’ve got everything. She musta drugged me.”
“Is this your phone?” Pablo asked, passing the device on the tabletop to Gabriel. “You should call Patel. This is messed up.” He hesitated. “Do you think Patel is punking you…you know…for boosting his car or whatever?”
“I didn’t boost his car,” Gabriel pointed out. “If he was mad about that he would have thrown you in the pool. I’m calling him now…I don’t think it’s a prank. Dammit! Straight to voice mail.”
“Alright, man. We’ll settle this tomorrow. Let’s get you to bed. You sure you’re okay?”
“Yeah…yeah…I’m okay…. Hey, Pablo. You saved my life. Come here, man.” Gabriel gave his rescuer a bear hug.
“Damn, man. You’re soaking wet. Get off me.”
“My hero. My knight in shining armor,” Gabriel mocked.
Pablo rolled his eyes. “Oh, for chrissake. Knock it off or next time I’ll let you die.” He helped Gabriel stand up.
That’s when the hotel security guard and Boston PD’s Officer Gerardi stepped out of the elevator.
“Hey you, two. Everything alright? We got a complaint about a drunk on the rooftop pool.”
Gabriel had a lot of questions for Patel, but he certainly didn’t want to make a scene. “Drunk? Shit. The way you guys water down the drinks in this town there’s no way. I just slipped and fell in.”
The hotel security guard looked around the pool. “Is that your cocktail glass in the water?”
“Probably. Like I said, I slipp
ed on the deck.”
Pablo glared at the hotel security guard. “You know, this deck isn’t very safe. We might have to lodge a complaint with the Department of Public Safety or the Fire Department. Probably shut the pool down for several days to make a full inspection. Protect your hotel against liability. You wouldn’t want people getting hurt up here, especially during the summer busy season.”
The hotel security guard shrugged and turned to Officer Gerardi. “False alarm, I guess.”
“Guess so. Sorry to waste your time,” Gerardi said.
Pablo and Gabriel left with the other two men. When Officer Gerardi got to his squad car he tapped out a message and hit SEND.
Subject reports falling in the pool. No injuries.
Chapter 24 – Tuesday, August 7
“Hello?” Gabriel didn’t recognize the caller ID when he answered the phone, but he could see it was a local call.
“Good morning. Is this Gabriel Sweeney?”
“Yes. Who’s calling.” Gabriel inquired, irritated by the early morning interruption. He was ready to head over to the Pilgrim Trust Bank office for a full day of meetings before flying back to New York City. He didn’t have time for a droning telemarketer.
“Mr. Sweeney, this is Detective Dan Keeler with the Boston Police Department. I need you to come down to the District A-1 station. Do you know our address?”
“What address? Who are you?” Gabriel replied impatiently, flipped his laptop screen shut and took a last swallow of black coffee. “I’m late for an important meeting. Call me back later today.”
“Mr. Sweeney, your meetings will have to wait. You have to come to the station right away. I have a squad car waiting outside your hotel. This is very important. I can explain it all when we meet at the station.”
Gabriel put down his coffee. “A squad car? For me? Am I under arrest? What the hell is going on?”
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