Benjamin turned to Anna for a second and then focused on the road, which had a growing number of cars. “Did you call Special Agent Sanchez yet?”
“No, not yet,” Anna replied.
“We will call when we are ready,” Gloria said.
“Ready?” Benjamin questioned.
Gloria didn’t respond, but changed the subject instead. “Are there any updates?”
“My colleague and I have been focusing on an electronic map consisting of all hackers’ activities in the tri state area. It is just one of the many tools we are using,” Benjamin answered.
“It must be a thousand-plus on your map,” Anna said.
“Yes, hackers can be on their laptops, at home, far away across the country, and deep in the woods to do their work. Yet, if they want to kill you, they will be in close proximity to track you, and that’s in New Jersey and New York. I have eliminated Connecticut,” Benjamin explained.
Anna fell silent.
“But in New York City, it’s harder because of a large population, right?” Gloria asked.
“Yes. There are too many people, shops, and buildings in each of the boroughs, but technology makes things easier,” Benjamin replied. “Also, there was a terrible incident at the Empire Hotel, and the person who fell off the roof may have been a hacker. My colleague and I are focusing on the dead man’s hacking background to see if there is a link.”
Anna thought for a moment. “If it wasn’t an accident or a suicide, there’s a good chance that the person who killed the guy will turn out to be a hacker who remains in the New York area.” She looked at Benjamin. “That’s a good link. That’s enough to let me think that the same person also hacked into my account, murdered someone, and tried to kill me.”
Benjamin shifted in the driver’s seat a bit until he felt comfortable, then started to rub his neck again. “I think we should eat something before we continue. But we don’t have to stop for a bite now if it’s too soon.”
“You’re right. We should start today with a heavy breakfast,” Gloria said.
“I see a diner sign that is three blocks away. Do you want to go there or wait until we reach to the city?” Benjamin went on.
“Anna, what do you think?” Gloria asked.
“We should eat and be ready for what the day brings us. Who knows? It might just be a lax day; no surprises,” Anna said.
“Benjamin, let’s head to the diner,” Gloria concluded.
Benjamin rubbed his neck again, which Anna noticed.
“You look uncomfortable right now, probably from lying on the wooden floor,” she said.
“I’m fine, really, I don’t feel much of anything,” he responded.
Anna turned and looked at her sister, who had a doubtful look on her face, and then leaned back into her seat.
“Let’s stop at the diner since it’s not that far away and we can all move around and ease our muscles,” Gloria elaborated.
“I’m fine, really, but that is a good idea,” Benjamin replied.
On their short walk towards the diner, Anna observed that the fog in the air was rather thick. The diner’s neon sign beamed like a laser, whereas any other stores in the vicinity remained almost invisible to her eyes.
“What time is it?” Gloria asked.
“A little after ten,” her sister replied.
As they reached the diner, Gloria’s sense of hearing honed in, and she was able to pick up the sound of people murmuring and the rattling of plates and silverware. A waitress walked up to them.
“Welcome. How many, please?”
“Three,” Anna answered.
“All the tables are occupied at the moment. Please wait here while I search for one to become vacant for you,” the waitress said to both sisters.
“Thank you.”
The waitress smiled at Anna, then at Gloria, whose white cane she suddenly noticed.
“On second thought, I will see what I can do to speed things up a little,” the waitress said and walked away.
Anna gazed around the packed diner. “The place is completely full.”
“A full diner means good food,” Gloria replied.
“You’re right. I always get a little nervous when a diner is nearly empty at this time of day,” Anna said.
While all three continued to wait, Benjamin acted on something that had been on his mind for awhile.
“Gloria?”
“Yes?”
“I understand that people who lack eyesight can figure out a person’s appearances by touching their face,” Benjamin said.
Anna turned toward him.
“Yes, that’s true,” Gloria replied.
“I was wondering why haven’t tried to figure out what I look like,” he continued.
“Yes, I was wondering myself. You never know, you may need his description,” Anna said with a slight smile, which could not conceal the suspicious look on her face.
“Come closer,” Gloria said.
Benjamin did so, and Gloria started to touch each part of his face, working from his chin to a slight dimple on each of his cheeks. Her hand ran easily across his freshly shaven face, she felt two deep lines on his forehead, and his overall bone structure around his square-shaped face was toned.
Benjamin was smiling, whereas Gloria’s face remained serious. She slowly showed the hint of a smile, but didn’t allow her expression to give her away.
“Okay, I have your features now.”
“Is that it?” Benjamin said with surprise.
“Yes,” Gloria confirmed.
“That’s all there’s to it,” Anna said and then became silent again.
Benjamin’s phone rang. “Excuse me,” he said and then answered it. “Yes... great... you have more...”
Anna tried to listen intently to every keyword that might validate her suspicions. Benjamin put the phone away from his ear and turned to both women. “Do you mind if I go to the phone booth outside the restroom? I won’t be too long.”
Anna was leery and only said one word. “Sure.”
“Did you hear anything?” Gloria asked, directed at Benjamin.
“I’ll be sure to give you further information as soon as I come back, is that okay?” Benjamin pleaded.
“Yes,” Gloria replied.
Anna’s eyes followed him as he went over near one of the restrooms and stood by the payphone.
The waitress came back to the sisters, who were engaged in small talk. “Please come this way.”
Gloria grabbed Anna’s arm, and they went to a table being cleared by a waiter.
“I just wanted to grab this table for you right away, he’ll be done shortly,” the waitress said reassuringly.
“Thank you,” both sisters said simultaneously.
“I’ll be right back,” the waitress said and went to tend other customers.
The waiter finished cleaning, and put utensils and napkins on their table. Anna and Gloria took off their coats, and slid onto chairs across from each other. Moments later, the same waitress returned and handed Anna two menus.
“I have the menu. Are you ready?” Anna asked.
“Yes,” Gloria replied.
“Waffles, pancakes, and ham with cheese on a roll,” Anna said.
“Ham on a roll,” Gloria replied.
“Side orders are sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs…”
“Scrambled eggs,” Gloria said.
“Okay, beverages are orange juice, milk, tea…”
“Low fat milk,” Gloria said.
“Okay. Now what would I have? Let’s see here,” Anna said to herself as she skimmed through the menu for a moment. “I will have waffles and hot tea this morning.”
Anna stuck her head out to find the waitress, but the woman was helping another customer.
“I think Benjamin is going to be out there for a while,” Anna said as she continued to skim the menu.
“Just order something for him. He’s doing so much for us,” Gloria said.
Anna close
d her menu and put it down on the table. The waitress came to their table, and Anna gave her their orders.
“Since Benjamin is not here, it’s a perfect time to talk. Gloria, anyone can be the killer,” Anna said without elaborating.
“Are you suggesting Benjamin?” Gloria asked.
Anna viewed the diner, which was full of people having conversations. She then turned back to her sister.
“I am just saying that anyone can be the killer,” she repeated.
“I know you are worried,” Gloria said calmly.
“I don’t get it. Benjamin hasn’t known any of us that long, yet he agrees with you! I just cannot grasp this,” Anna said with frustration.
“You have to trust…”
“Trust? Trust him?” Anna asked, rhetorically. She put her index finger up in the air. “Just because he did an interview on your radio show, that doesn’t mean much. I am slowly warming up to him, but make no mistake, I am still watching him like a hawk. I’m just curious about why he is dropping everything to help you.”
“You actually mean he is helping you,” Gloria said.
“I don’t think I stuttered, Gloria.”
Gloria sat silent when the waitress came back with their food and drinks. She placed the food before the sisters, who thanked her simultaneously.
“Enjoy,” the waitress said, and left to begin another order with a new customer.
Anna drank a little from her cup and then continued speaking. “I guess that because you’re my older sister, I respect you, of course; but also honor your wisdom. Throughout the years, your advice has always been helpful. I just didn’t know you’d take this so far. I cannot think of any alternative, that’s why I’ve agreed to tag along.”
“Benjamin is a risk, but I don’t think he is up to something. I am only human, but I’ve always had to be on my guard in public because I cannot see,” Gloria said.
Anna leaned back as she became helpless. “Oh, Benjamin can help us or surprise us. How do I choose without a crystal ball?” Crossing her hands, she looked up at the ceiling fans while contemplating what to say next. “Thinking now, after yesterday sunk in, I just can’t believe I agreed to doing this.” She paused. “I’ve never told you, but I still regret the last mistake I made when we were much younger. I remember how I paid my friend to babysit you while I went to the movies even though our parents forbade me to see my boyfriend at the time. My friend almost burned the house down because she didn’t use the microwave properly while talking on the phone.”
“Why are you bringing up the past? This is not the same,” Gloria said.
“You are my older sister, but I’ve always been the oldest to you. Can’t you put yourself in my shoes for once?” Anna said with frustration, lowering her voice so as to not attract attention.
Anna picked up her glass of tea and drank. She put it down and stared at the table, then looked back up at her sister.
“I appreciate everything you do for me, never doubt that in your mind. Eat. Your food is getting cold,” Gloria said and began to move her hands to locate her fork and knife.
“Our parents still want you to live with them. They have your room intact in the house after seven years, while mine was changed to a computer area. They also believe you are stubborn.”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, Anna!”
“All right, you are not that stubborn, but they worry too much and will never accept your independence, even if you have a caretaker. What we are doing now, don’t you think it raises concerns? My life, and now your life, is in danger. How would our parents take it if they heard that something has happened to both their children?”
“I know, I know,” Gloria said.
“Do you really? We are in too deep; and if we are not very careful, we may not get out of the hole,” Anna replied more sternly.
Gloria was silent and slowly moved her fingers until she found her glass and touched it. She then brought it up to her mouth to drink.
Anna took a bite of her waffles, then spoke again. “What we are doing is not good. I know I say this over and over again…” Her voice faded away inside Gloria’s ears, and another voice slowly became clear instead. “No... Not that far… USB drive... I was told to be on top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center near Times Square… yes, five of them will be there… that is the plan… no laptops. Use smartphones… polymorphic codes are in... that is all the information given to me… we will receive a great holiday bonus… the parade... I have to go… waitress… bye.”
The stranger turned to the waitress. “More water, please.”
“I will opt out of this if this goes too far,” Anna continued. “We are both adults here. I will respect your drastic decision and try to do what you taught me these past weeks, but I will do what’s best for all of us, especially you. Benjamin is also putting his life in danger, so think about that as well.”
“Bingo!” Gloria said.
“Excuse me?”
Anna noticed her sister’s awkward silence and decided to keep silent too.
“I don’t want too much, please,” the stranger sitting at a table behind Gloria said.
“Anything else I can do for you?” the waitress asked.
“I would like the check, please,” the stranger replied.
Anna was about to break the silence, but Gloria demonstratively put her index finger on her lips. Anna continued to eat her food with a perplexed look while staring at Gloria.
“Here is your check,” Gloria heard the waitress say to the man.
“Thank you.” The stranger took out his wallet and put the money in the checkbook. Then he drank all his apple juice in one gulp, put his glass on the table, and left.
“We need to go now,” Gloria said.
“I have no clue why I am doing this,” Anna said.
“You can stop tapping your plate now. The stranger who sat behind me at another table is most likely a hacker,” Gloria replied.
“Where is he or she? Should I talk low, should I...”
“The hacker is gone. He is going to Rockefeller Center right now; the observation deck to be exact,” Gloria replied.
“Do you think another hacker was sitting with him?” Anna asked as she was becoming more attentive.
“I heard no other voices, which leads me to think he was speaking on his cell phone. The man kept saying 'codes' or something of that sort. It caught my attention,” Gloria replied.
“Encryption codes, you say. That is odd. Wait a minute. So you didn’t really hear much of what I said?” Anna remarked.
“I apologize,” Gloria said.
“There’s no need. My words became harsher when you tuned me out. I said something I wish I could take back, and now I can.”
“What did you say exactly?” Gloria asked.
Anna shook her head while putting her jacket on. “Now I can take it back with no regrets,” she responded.
The waitress came by. “Check?”
“Yes, please,” Anna said.
“Anna. Gloria,” Benjamin called as he went towards them.
Gloria put her jacket on, and they both turned in the direction of his voice.
“Sorry I took so long,” Benjamin said as he continued to stand.
Anna got up, zipped up her jacket, and pulled free any of her hair remaining stuck inside its back. “You know, it is so strange that you come as soon as the hacker left. He was talking on the phone, and so were you.” She looked at the door that the hacker had just exited. “It is too strange.”
“I don’t know what to tell you, Anna. I am trying to do my job out of my company, and trying to earn your trust at the same time. I don’t know what else to say.”
Anna kept quiet. She lowered her eyes and bit her lip.
“Anyway, I spoke to my colleague in New York, and he said we need to focus on the Manhattan area,” Benjamin added.
“You have spoken too late,” Anna said.
Benjamin was confused by the statement.
&
nbsp; “We may have found a hacker,” Gloria responded.
“He mentioned polymorphic codes and uttered keywords such as ‘Parade,’ ‘USB drive’ and smartphone use instead of laptops,” Gloria added.
“Polymorphic codes,” Benjamin said after thinking for a second. He texted all the keywords Gloria had mentioned into his phone, and then looked at the women again. “Usually, hackers would send messages instead of saying these things in public. If they are not being so discreet about things, I am guessing they’re in a rush.”
“A rush?” Anna asked.
“I don’t know for sure, but if I had something important to say such as a reminder of something or where to be, I would let the person know directly on the phone to be sure they got the message. Where are we headed then?”
“On top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center,” Gloria said.
“If I had his name or any background information such as a cell phone number, then we could probably trace him from my laptop, which I have in the trunk of my car,” Benjamin said.
“That will take a while. We don’t have time, and you won’t be needing your laptop,” Gloria responded.
“It is a VERY useful tool to find hackers, Gloria,” a perplexed Benjamin stated.
“I understand, but let’s try without the laptop,” Gloria replied.
“Adding to what my sister just said, your laptop may attract attention,” Anna said.
“Then I will just be getting updates on my phone,” Benjamin replied while still feeling uncertain about the final decisions being made.
Anna paid the cashier out front, and they headed towards the door.
CHAPTER 16—UNNOTICED
Benjamin parked his rental car in the all-day parking space near West 50th Street in Manhattan. They walked at a normal pace, and Gloria felt the air getting colder with each step. Honking car horns made her hold on tighter to Anna’s arms, and lots of people were walking in different directions, but Gloria did not feel nervous.
“We are out in the open,” Anna said to her. Without saying a word, Gloria moved her head left to right to get a feel for their current environment.
“Why would the hacker pick this location?” Anna asked no one in particular.
“Better reception, in my opinion,” Benjamin replied.
Auditory Viewpoint Page 12