Tal glanced at George, who’d stopped sulking and was wearing a smug expression. ‘Okay, George, what’ve you got?’
‘Oh, nothing much. Just the name of FinagleAlert’s informant at the centre.’ Gratified at the attention this got, he went on. ‘Luis Cardova. His job description says he’s an orderly, authorised to enter restricted areas.’
‘Tell us how you know that,’ demanded Petra.
‘It took a while, I can tell you. I hacked into the centre’s personnel files and got a list of employees, which included contact information. I figured, since Tal had said the guy had first called FinagleAlert in the last few days, that he would have used FinagleAlert’s Totally Secure Tip-line, which is supposed to be hacker-proof, but I got in. Then all I had to do was compare comm numbers with FinagleAlert’s tip-line records for the last couple of weeks. And there he was – Luis Cordova.’
‘George is a top cyber master,’ Frank said, quite sincerely. George smiled.
Tal recalled how confident Rob was about the effectiveness of FinagleAlert’s security measures. ‘When this is over, Rob Anderson’s not going to be happy to learn FinagleAlert’s records can be hacked.’
‘The system will show that security has been breached, so Anderson will already know, but I’ve made sure there’s no way to trace anything to me.’
‘Let’s get back to Rick,’ said David. ‘This Cordova guy is no use to us unless we have a clear idea of what we’re going to do.’
‘Tal and I need a bit of time to find out how things work at the centre,’ said Frank, ‘and if there’s a realistic chance we can get Rick out.’
‘Frank, are you sure you want to get that involved?’ Petra asked. ‘What I mean is, we’re willing to run the risk of being caught because Rick’s one of us and we can’t leave him there. But it’s a risk you don’t have to take.’
‘I’m in, if that’s okay,’ said Frank, looking around the circle.
‘Just don’t expect me to be a hero too,’ George announced, patting his plump stomach. ‘As you can see, I’m not much into action stuff. I’ll be behind the scenes only.’
Rick could hear the beat of blood in his ears, the whisper of air as he breathed and the faint rustle of clothing when he moved. Otherwise there was absolute silence.
He was lying on his back on a hard, unyielding surface. He felt as though his arms and legs were made of lead and to even open his eyes would take a huge effort. It was tempting to drift back to sleep, but a faint stirring of curiosity made him struggle to a sitting position and look around.
Dizziness swamped him and he had to lie down again until it subsided. When he cautiously sat up he found he was on a slab of hard grey plastic jutting from the wall. At one end was a neatly folded grey blanket. There was no pillow.
It had been boring to be locked up in the other room, but at least it had been comfortable, with carpet on the floor, a proper bed and a separate bathroom. This was far more spartan – even worse than the room he’d been locked in at the hospital. The floor, walls and ceiling were all painted the same dreary grey. The only items that gleamed in the bright, flat light were a stainless steel toilet and a stainless steel hand basin. The room lacked a table, a chair, a chest of drawers. One thing Rick did find, however, was the lens of the surveillance camera, positioned out of reach in the ceiling.
Rick ran his hands over the featureless metal door – grey, of course. It had a slot at the bottom, which indicated that perhaps they intended to feed him. Not that he felt hungry. In fact the thought of food made him feel nauseated.
How had he got here? Memory came back in bits and pieces. With anger he recalled how they’d lied to him about his grandfather; how they’d said Thelma didn’t want to see him. He felt a quick stab of delight when he remembered splitting Dr Unwin’s lip.
He jumped, startled, when a voice boomed from the ceiling. ‘Perhaps you wonder why you’ve been moved to this accommodation.’ Squinting, Rick could make out the tiny speaker beside the surveillance cam.
The voice – Dr Unwin’s – went on. ‘Your behaviour is unacceptable. Violence will not be tolerated. Until you learn to control yourself, all privileges are withdrawn.’
‘What privileges?’ Rick shouted. ‘Being kept a prisoner, is that a privilege?’
Silence.
Either Dr Unwin had gone, or he was quietly waiting, observing what Rick would do.
He told himself to stay calm, to sit down and relax, but impotent rage boiled up in him, and Rick found himself hammering at the door with his fists and yelling words that would have shocked Thelma deeply.
‘Through Farront, Joe Villabona’s tied to Renfrew and Unwin,’ said Tal, ‘and he’s obviously got things to hide in his past.’
‘Maybe he has,’ said Petra, ‘but we should concentrate on Dr Renfrew and his research. We know he’s experimenting on Rick, for instance.’
‘We don’t actually know that for a fact,’ said Jennie. ‘Anyhow, Dr Unwin’s the one who’s a psychiatrist, and everyone knows they’re all mad. I think we should go after him.’
‘Hold it, dudes!’ Everyone looked at David. ‘How about George tells us what he can do for us, before we worry about who to target?’
George leapt into lecture mode with wholehearted enthusiasm. ‘Cyber warfare covers lots of things,’ he began. ‘There’s cyber espionage, where a company’s classified information is stolen and distributed to competitors or sold to the highest bidder.’
‘Nix that,’ said Jennie.
‘Then there’s denial-of-service attacks, where large numbers of computers, usually without the owners’ knowledge, have been programmed to overload the target company’s website with so many incoming messages that the site crashes.’
‘We know all about botnets,’ said David. ‘No use to us.’
‘Then there are worms and viruses –’
‘George, cut the lecture and get to the point. I’ve got to get home before my mother does.’
George grinned at Petra, who was perched uncomfortably on a too-small stool. ‘Here’s something Petra knows all about – a cyber attack. And I figure that’s the way we want to go.’
‘I know we want to get the doctors,’ said Jennie, ‘but what about the others who could get hurt?’
‘Like who?’ said David.
‘Like people who work for them. They could lose their jobs.’
‘Tough,’ said David. ‘My mum always says you can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs.’
Petra broke in. ‘I know from experience how foul a cyber attack can be. I found the best way to handle it was to pretend it wasn’t happening. What’s to stop these guys from doing the same and ignoring the attack?’
‘It won’t be something they can ignore,’ said Frank. ‘You all know how cyber bullying starts with a few people, then more and more join in? Well this will be a million times larger. If we do it right, once the cyber attack is underway it’ll be totally unstoppable.’
Clearly miffed that Frank had taken over, George said, ‘The idea is to swamp the web with sensational stuff about the targets, true where possible, but made up if necessary. I’ll make sure to involve every part of the internet – all the social networking sites, the media sites, the blogosphere, online forums, et cetera, et cetera.’
Frank said, ‘You know how we all pass on videos that send people up and make us laugh? Literally millions of people see the good ones, so videos that ridicule these guys can be really effective.’
‘What about medical associations?’ David asked. ‘If they get enough complaints, they investigate.’
‘Good idea.’
‘And how about anti-psychiatry organisations?’ said Jennie. ‘We could send anonymous tip-offs to groups like Clear Minds Forever or Psycho-trist Anonymous.’
‘Malpractice,’ said Petra. ‘I bet those two have patients who’ve sued them.’ She got to her feet. ‘I’m outta here.’
‘Before Petra goes,’ said Tal, ‘do we all agree that George a
nd Frank will get together a team to start and maintain the cyber attack?’
‘The Geek Gang,’ Petra named them as she went out the door.
TWENTY-SIX
The front door chime sounded. Tal’s mother checked her iZod, which displayed images from the house security cams. ‘It’s Steven and Allyx.’ A few minutes later, she was leading them into the living room. ‘Sit anywhere. Make yourself at home.’
Even when Allyx’s father was casually dressed, Tal thought, he never seemed to relax. His jeans had ironed creases and his dark maroon sports shirt looked brand new. He was sitting stiffly in the lounge chair, fretfully tugging at his neat beard, until Allyx murmured to him, ‘Dad, forget the beard.’
‘Sorry.’ He dropped his hand, embarrassed.
A prompting glance from his mother prodded Tal to say, ‘Can I get you something to drink?’
‘No thanks. Grace, I suppose you’re wondering what this is all about.’
‘I certainly am.’
‘Two words: Joe Villabona.’
She was startled, then intrigued. ‘I definitely want to hear this – but I have a request. Rob Anderson’s working in another room. He has a keen interest in Joe Villabona. Would you mind if Rob sat in?’
‘Not at all.’
Allyx followed Tal when he went to collect Rob. When she caught up with him, he swung around to face her. ‘What’s up?’
‘Tal, you absolutely have to get a phantom from George Everett.’
‘That’ll cost a bundle. Besides, it’s illegal to have one.’
Entreaty in her eyes, Allyx said, ‘Please? I can’t stand what you being a disconnect is doing to us. You don’t seem to be the same person.’
Exasperation tinged Tal’s voice. ‘I’m the same person. I haven’t changed in the few days since my iZod died. The only thing that’s different is that I’m disconnected, and that won’t be forever.’
‘Listen to yourself. You’re annoyed with me just for talking about it.’
He was annoyed, he realised. He’d noticed how short-tempered he’d become in the last couple of days. ‘I’ve had a lot on my mind,’ he said. It was a lame excuse, but better than nothing.
‘And that’s another thing,’ Allyx said resentfully. ‘You’re keeping something from me, you and the others. I was talking to Mike, and he agrees with me. He says Petra’s acting all mysterious, and when he asks what’s going on, all she’ll say is, “My lips are sealed.”’
Tal’s mother came out into the hall. ‘Tal? Are you going to take all night?’
‘We’ll talk things over later,’ he said, feeling a touch of guilt. Had he been right to exclude Allyx from their plans to rescue Rick?
‘Fine!’ Allyx turned and marched back to the sitting room.
Tal collected Rob, who was so fired up at the mention of Villabona’s name that he hurried ahead and was already shaking hands when Tal came through the door.
‘Steven, nice to see you again. Hi, Allyx.’
Tal tried to catch Allyx’s attention, but she pointedly avoided eye contact. Okay, he thought, be that way.
‘Good that you’re here, Rob,’ said Steven. ‘I’m hoping FinagleAlert will ultimately be involved in exposing Villabona’s criminal activities.’
Tal went on full alert. Perhaps whatever Allyx’s father had on Villabona could be used in the cyber attack they were planning.
‘Is it all right if I record our discussion?’ Rob patted his pockets in an effort to locate his camcorder.
‘No, I’m afraid it’s not all right. I have my career to protect.’
Rob put up his hands. ‘No recording.’
Steven glanced at Tal’s mother. ‘Grace, I shouldn’t even bother asking, but this house is fully shielded, isn’t it?’
‘Farront’s electronic curtain is the best in the business.’
‘Fighting words, Grace.’ He forced a smile, obviously trying to ease the tension in the room. ‘Brownbolt’s curtain is equal, if not better.’ His smile faded. ‘Since yours is a Farront system, there’s a chance it may be compromised.’
‘By Villabona?’ said Rob. ‘No worries. I’ve set up FinagleAlert’s security system to run a check on the shield’s integrity every ten seconds, twenty-four/seven.’
Steven ran a hand over his hair. ‘What I have to say is strictly confidential. I’ve already sworn Allyx to secrecy. I must have the same undertaking from all of you.’
‘You’ve got it,’ said Tal’s mother. Tal and Rob both nodded.
‘I can’t have anything traced back to me.’
‘Nothing will be,’ said Rob. ‘You have my guarantee.’
Steven took a deep breath. ‘Okay, here it is. Joe Villabona has approached Brownbolt’s top executives, including me, with an offer he describes as priceless. He, of course, has a price – a hefty one. For a considerable sum, to be paid into an off-shore bank, Villabona will provide highly secret data from Carter Renfrew’s mapping of the teenage brain and how it applies to the new iZod Excelsior. As a bonus he’ll throw in Howard Unwin’s CWSS work on the link between teen disconnection and clinical depression.’
‘Why would your company risk buying stolen research findings? It could ruin Brownbolt if it got out,’ said Rob.
Steven tugged at his beard. ‘I hate to admit it, but my company is at a distinct disadvantage as far as teens are concerned. Once Farront’s iZod Excelsior is released, it will give Farront a nearly unbeatable sales lead. We’re developing a similar AI application for our BeauBrute communicator, but we’re lagging behind Farront. With access to Renfrew’s research on how kids’ brains process information, Brownbolt would become competitive in this vital segment of the marketplace.’
‘Are we that vital?’ Tal asked.
‘Yes. Because of your age group’s dependence on all forms of electronic communication, you make intensely loyal and reliable consumers. At Brownbolt we’ve taken to calling teens “connection addicts”.’
‘Our product research shows the same thing,’ said Tal’s mother. ‘Teenagers have a craving for connectedness that can become an obsession. That’s why disconnection hits them so hard.’ She glanced at Tad, adding with a smile, ‘Perhaps not all of them.’
‘And there’s more,’ Steven said. ‘Using Renfrew’s brain-mapping techniques, it will soon be possible to tailor specific advertising strategies to take full advantage of teens’ dependence on connectedness. We’ll be able to predict confidently which of our potential products and services will be successful and which are likely to fail. The saving to the company in development time and money would be enormous.’
‘I still find it hard to believe that your top executives would willingly get involved in a criminal enterprise like this.’
‘You’re too innocent, Grace. It’s not a moral question for my fellow executives. They’re busy weighing up the risk factor – whether the huge advantages are worth possible exposure to ruinous legal proceedings. The fact it’s industrial espionage on a grand scale isn’t an issue.’
‘And Dad can’t do anything about it,’ said Allyx. ‘At least, not without losing his job.’
‘Allyx is right. I’m telling you all this because there’s nothing I can do personally without destroying my career, and I can’t afford to do that. What I’m hoping is that you can stop Villabona at your end.’
‘Isn’t it possible Villabona will self-destruct?’ Tal asked. ‘For all he knows, someone at Brownbolt could be planning to go direct to Audrey with the news he’s selling Farront’s secrets.’
‘Villabona’s a highly skilled operator,’ said Rob. ‘He would have been carrying a nullifier to disrupt any attempts to record him on video or sound, and I’m betting the material he brought to the meeting as proof he had access to confidential data was in electronic form and programmed to self-destruct within a short time.’
‘Exactly right,’ said Steven. ‘As a matter of course we made a recording of the meeting, but as you say, it was nullified. And attempts to read and copy
the data he’d left with us initiated an instant destruct command. It was a smooth operation. My guess would be that Villabona’s done something like this before.’
‘Unless Rob and FinagleAlert can come up with convincing evidence against him, the only hope is for me to persuade Audrey that Joe is a con artist and a criminal,’ said Tal’s mother. ‘Frankly, I don’t like my chances.’
Steven shook his head. ‘I’d have thought Audrey Farront, of all people, would be impossible to fool.’
‘Don’t be too hard on her, Steven. I can see why Audrey fell for Joe’s story. He presented himself as a can-do guy, a specialist in electronic communications and cyber warfare, with impeccable references and contacts at the highest level of government.’
Rob nodded. ‘As Grace says, Villabona looks great on paper, but more importantly, he also delivers the goods. His organisational skills and computing abilities are excellent. So, unfortunately, is his ability to manipulate people, particularly Audrey Farront.’
Steven Grant gave a dispirited sigh. ‘So what do we do?’
‘FinagleAlert will keep digging,’ said Rob, ‘until we turn something up.’ He made a face. ‘I wish I had something more concrete to offer.’
Tal wished with all his heart that he could say what he was thinking: Just wait a while. A cyber war is coming that’ll sweep Villabona away.
I hope …
TWENTY-SEVEN
After first period at school on Friday, Tal, Petra and David stopped to talk on their way to maths.
Allyx passed them by. She didn’t slow down, but waved acknowledgement that she’d seen them. She didn’t smile.
‘What’s up with Allyx?’ Petra asked Tal. ‘She froze me out when I said hi before rollcall.’
‘What’s Allyx’s secret?’ David mocked. ‘I’d freeze you out myself, if only I could find a way.’
‘So not funny.’ She turned to Tal. ‘Well?’
Tal had tried to talk to Allyx last night, as she was leaving with her father, but she’d shrugged him off. Without a comm, he couldn’t contact her, so he’d got his mother to text Allyx a message, sending his love and saying he’d see her the next morning. There’d been no reply.
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