Dimitri cautiously drove the SUV to a concealed spot about fifty feet behind the Jaguar and watched. He could hear music coming from the car but saw no sign of Chin. Dimitri grabbed the plastic bag with the antiquities and walked slowly toward the Jaguar with his combat knife unsheathed. He looked all around the area as he approached the car.
When he was within ten feet he could see that the driver’s-side window was down and smoke was streaming out the window. Then he saw the top of Chin’s head as it bobbed with the music. Chin was smoking a cigar and had the driver’s seat all the way back. Dimitri quietly approached the car until he was near the open window. He reached into the window while holding the plastic bag, and dropped it into the young psychopath’s lap.
Chin screamed and then said, “You scared me! Did you find what you needed?”
“I’m not sure,” Dimitri said. “Give me the car keys so I can put this bag with Wu’s property in the trunk.”
Chin relaxed and smoked his cigar while Dimitri put Wu’s Chinese art treasures in the trunk of the Jaguar. Dimitri quietly closed the trunk, took a deep breath, and walked back to the driver’s side of the car. He looked down at Chin smoking his cigar, gazing at his smiling face for a few seconds. Then, in one incredibly swift action, he grabbed Chin’s long hair, slammed his head back on the headrest, and sliced his combat knife savagely through Chin’s jugular veins, carotid arteries, windpipe, and almost through the neck bone.
Dimitri could see the look of surprise in Chin’s face as he had less than thirty seconds of life remaining. He quickly took a picture with his cell phone.
“That’s for my friend Yuri and his sister Marta who you brutalized, Chin. Maybe you remember them.”
Dimitri then spit on Chin’s face and watched his blood spew all over the front seat and windshield. He threw the car keys into the bushes next to the parking lot and walked back to the SUV. His clothes were stained with Chin’s blood spatter so he used a rag and some cleaning solvent to remove as much of it as he could. He donned a full-length raincoat and sat in the SUV for a few minutes to unwind from the adrenaline rush after killing Chin.
As Dimitri drove back to DC, he thought about his mistake in allowing Chin to murder Wu. It could be disastrous if someone figured out the message Wu had sent by preventing the safe from being locked. At least Dimitri could take some satisfaction in Chin’s death. He’d selected him as the scapegoat because he was known as a brutal killer who enjoyed hurting the weak and helpless. No one would miss him. Dimitri justified Chin’s death as a public service that would save lives.
The next day, Dimitri called one of the Big Man’s legal representatives.
“Meet me at the seafood restaurant in Reagan National Airport at six.”
“Okay, Mr. Vasin. I’ll be wearing the usual clothing.”
The Big Man’s law firm had contacted Dimitri three years ago about a job. He was hired as a security consultant and was retained on an annual basis to provide his services to the Big Man. The firm also provided any required legal services, so Dimitri was also their client. This was for their mutual protection, since the Big Man’s legal representatives were required to keep all client transactions private, in accordance with their legal oath.
Dimitri arrived at the airport during a rainstorm and walked directly to the restaurant, where he recognized his contact. He was wearing the usual blue suit, white shirt, and a red-white-and-blue tie. Dimitri sat down across from him and said, “Here’s what you wanted.”
The attorney opened a small duffel bag and looked through the contents.
“Have you examined the materials and the files on the drive and the laptop?”
“No, the technical documents and papers are above my skills, and the laptop hard drive and portable drive are definitely encrypted.”
“Okay, the Big Man has people that can evaluate them. We’ll get back to you if we need more.”
“Tell the Big Man that if the materials he wanted aren’t in this bag then getting them from Wu’s company files will be much more difficult. The costs will be much higher,” Dimitri said, with a grin.
“I’ll let him know.”
The attorney left, and as Dimitri sat there drinking a vodka, he noticed a special report on the TV. The reporter said that the co-founder and CEO of Virtual Security Incorporated, also known as VSI, had been found dead in his summer house by one of his colleagues. His wife had been informed and had flown back from a retreat in San Diego, California. Their son had also been contacted and was flying back from a vacation in Maui.
The reporter stated that the cause of death appeared to be a knife wound from an intruder and that the crime probably occurred the previous evening during an apparent burglary. There was no report of any witnesses, nor was there any mention of the hidden safe. Dimitri was pleased; the Big Man wouldn’t know of his mistake. The report ended with the most interesting information, at least as far as Dimitri was concerned.
“The information from the Maryland State Police indicated that there was a possible connection to a murder that took place on the same evening in the parking lot of a marina in St. Mary’s County,” the reporter said. Dimitri smiled and thought to himself that once again he’d managed to elude the final act.
2
“What a view,” James Jordan said, as he sat at a table looking down at the Potomac River and in the distance, the Washington Monument.
“Yes, she’s beautiful, but a little young for you, isn’t she, James?” joked James’s dinner partner, a Washington lobbyist.
James glanced at the next table where a beautiful blonde woman was standing while talking to some male customers.
“Very funny, Fred. Don’t get any ideas. Her boyfriend is the head chef here. She owns this place.”
“You’re kidding. I guess that would make her Michelle?”
“That’s her, and I do agree with you, she’s beautiful. But her boyfriend is jealous and is very good with knives. So if you don’t want to be castrated, I’d concentrate on the Washington Monument and take your eyes off her ass.”
“Okay, but being a legislative advocate is very stressful. I need to occasionally relax and enjoy the sights.”
“Legislative advocate? You lobbyists are certainly kind to yourselves, Fred,” James said, as he laughed.
“It’s a job. You’ve certainly redefined the responsibilities of your position as Federal Chief Information Officer, James. It’s a lot more powerful than it was during the previous administration. How’d that happen?”
“When President Meredith offered me the job, I said I’d consider it only if I was also his direct advisor on all cybersecurity issues. That included those involving national security. The president agreed, but he had to twist a lot of arms in the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, Cyber Command, and especially NSA.”
“Yeah, I heard that it ruffled a lot of feathers in the national security community. I also heard that your background as the former CEO and co-founder of VSI was not accepted very well.”
“That’s true, Fred. They didn’t like the fact that VSI was known for not selling its products to government agencies. It wasn’t political. We just didn’t want to deal with the federal government bureaucracy.”
“That’s somewhat ironic, isn’t it, James? Your current position requires you to deal with that bureaucracy every day. I thought it was because your primary investor, George Solomon, wasn’t a US citizen. That would bar VSI from all classified government work.”
“That wasn’t it at all. George agreed to sell his interest in VSI if we ever wanted to pursue federal work.”
“Okay, if you say so.”
“I do. What was so urgent that you needed to meet with me tonight, Fred? JoAnn isn’t going to be very happy that I canceled on a home cooked meal at her place. Nor am I, since she’s infinitely more attractive and personable than you are.”
“She sure is. You lucky dog,” Fred said, as he tossed down the last ounce of an excellent pinot noir. “Listen,
James, I need to know if you’re in favor of the pending senate bill that would implement large trade penalties against China for the recent increase in their alleged cyber attacks.”
“Actually, I’m not in favor of the current legislation in the senate, nor is the president. But he’s getting a lot of pressure from some influential donors.”
“I know. Many of those donors would like to see the current Chinese government replaced with some of the younger members waiting in the wings.”
“I agree with that view, Fred. The younger crowd in China grew up after Mao and are certainly more sympathetic toward us evil capitalists.”
“Do you know who’s leading the charge against the current Chinese government? It’s your former partner, George Solomon.”
James’s face reddened as he raised his voice. “George has been a large part of the success of VSI, but don’t think for a moment that I’d allow that friendship to influence me in my current job. I’m no longer running VSI, and all my stock is held in a blind trust, so my only loyalty these days is to the president and the American people.”
Fred put up his hands and said, “Whoa, calm down, James. I’m not accusing you of anything, and I’m not saying that the president or you would be influenced by George. But you both could be on the opposite side of the fence from a very powerful billionaire who has close ties to the both of you. Can you handle that?”
“We can, and will, if necessary. I really have to go, Fred. JoAnn is waiting for me.”
Fred smiled and in a much lighter tone said, “You’re one lucky SOB, James. You have it all: looks, wealth, power, and a gorgeous senator for a girlfriend.”
James’s phone suddenly rang.
“I have to take this, Fred. It’s JoAnn.” James shook Fred’s hand and answered the phone. “Hi, baby. I know I’m late, but I’m on my way.”
“James, did you see the news this evening?” asked JoAnn.
“No, we’re at Michelle’s, and there are no TVs here.”
“Philip Wu is dead, James. He was murdered in his summer house.”
It was like someone punched James in the stomach, and for a minute he couldn’t breathe. “What do you mean, who did it? When did it happen?” James gasped.
“They don’t know yet, but the Maryland State Police think it was a burglary gone bad. Philip’s car was found at a marina with a dead body, possibly the burglar. They haven’t officially connected it to Philip, but some reporters have speculated on a possible connection. I’m certain the press will want to talk with you about Philip.”
“Okay, I’m on my way to your place. No one would look for me there.”
James took his check up to Michelle and handed it to her with his credit card. Michelle looked at him sympathetically and said, “Is there anything wrong, Mr. Jordan?”
“I just got some very bad news.”
“I’m so sorry to hear that. I thought maybe that sleazy lobbyist had pissed you off.”
“No, he was just doing his job. Goodnight, Michelle, and say hello to Daren for me.”
“I’ll do that, and the same to JoAnn.”
James got to his car just as it started to rain. He opened the driver’s side door and slumped into the seat, thinking about Philip. He suddenly felt exhausted, and it was an effort just to start the car. The rain began to subside as James drove his Corvette out of the parking lot to JoAnn’s house in Georgetown.
James really liked JoAnn, more than any woman he had met. She was as independent as he was and had done well in her previous career as the successful manager of a hedge fund in Minneapolis. He felt comfortable with her since he knew she wasn’t interested in him just because of his wealth or political position. He thought JoAnn felt the same way about him and for the same reasons.
James arrived at JoAnn’s house and exited his car into a torrential downpour. He slowly walked through her front patio and up the steps to JoAnn’s door, where he rang the doorbell. James was totally drenched by the time JoAnn answered, wearing a bathrobe and a towel around her head.
“Oh my God, James. You look wetter than I do. Why didn’t you just use the key I gave you?”
“I don’t want to scare you in case you don’t hear me come in. I also know you have a gun, and I don’t want to get shot.”
“All right, then let’s compromise. Ring the doorbell and then use the key.”
“That makes sense. I guess I’m still in shock. Is there any more news about Philip?”
“Not really, except that his wife is already back from her vacation and his son is flying back to Maryland as we speak. Oh, Karen from your office called here and asked you to call her back. It sounded urgent.”
“Okay, I’ll call her after I get out of these wet clothes.”
James walked up the stairs to the bedroom to change. He came back down wearing sweatpants and a tee shirt and smiled when JoAnn handed him a drink.
“Thanks, baby, you must’ve read my mind,” he said as he kissed her. James downed the first scotch and immediately poured himself a second.
“Slow down, cowboy, or you’ll be sleeping down here on the couch. I can’t carry you up those stairs.”
James smiled as he picked up the phone to call Karen.
“Hi, Karen. I hope I didn’t wake you.”
“No sir, I was waiting for your call. I’m sorry about your friend. The president asked me to pass on his condolences.”
“Thank you, Karen. Is there anything else? JoAnn said you sounded like it was urgent.”
“Yes, sir. Shelly Brockner from the FBI called and requested that you call her at your earliest convenience.”
“The FBI director called? Did she say what it was about?”
“No, sir, but she definitely wanted to talk with you.”
“Did she leave a number where she can be reached?”
“Yes, sir, I forwarded it to your cell phone.”
“Thanks, Karen. Goodnight.”
James found the message with Director Brockner’s number and called.
“Hello?” a woman answered in a somewhat dazed voice.
“Is this Director Brockner?” James asked warily.
“Yes it is. Who am I talking to, please?”
“Director, this is James Jordan. I’m returning your call to my office.”
“Oh, thanks for calling me back, Mr. Jordan. Can you meet me at my office in the Hoover Building tomorrow morning at ten? I’d like to discuss Philip Wu’s murder with you.”
“Can I ask why the FBI is involved in this case?”
“You can, and I’ll provide an answer to that question when we meet tomorrow. Don’t worry, Mr. Jordan, you’re not a suspect. However, this case has serious national security implications that require your help. Can I expect to see you in my office tomorrow?”
“Yes, ma’am, I’ll be there. Goodnight.”
“What was that all about?” JoAnn asked.
“Nothing much. The FBI Director wants to interrogate me in her office tomorrow morning.”
“You’re kidding, right?”
“No, I kid you not. She wants me in her office at ten to discuss Philip’s death.”
“That doesn’t make any sense. I’d think the jurisdiction would be limited to the county and state where Philip was killed. Do you think you’ll need a lawyer?”
“No, she made it clear that I wasn’t a suspect, but she did say that there are national security implications.”
“What does that mean?”
“I haven’t a clue, but I guess I’ll find out tomorrow. Have you ever met her?”
“Yes, I did. The senate is required to approve the appointment of all FBI directors. Didn’t you know that?”
“I really didn’t, but then again, I’m a political novice. What’s she like?”
“Well, she was a successful state’s attorney and federal district court judge before being appointed to be the director of the FBI. Personally, I liked her. She seemed firm but fair and wasn’t afraid to show her femininity.”
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“What do you mean by that?”
“Some women who work in organizations with large male populations often try to hide their femininity and become one of the guys.”
“Well, you certainly don’t do that, and most of the senate is male.”
“Yes, and it sometimes reeks of testosterone, but I’m comfortable in my own skin, and it’s apparent that she is, too.”
“Any advice for me tomorrow?”
“Just treat her like any other powerful woman.”
“Like you?” James asked.
“Yes, but not exactly like me. She’s very attractive and single.”
“You have nothing to worry about. That’s the last thing on my mind.”
“I know. I was just trying to lighten your mood, James. Philip was a dear friend, and he’ll be missed.”
“I can’t believe he’s gone,” James said. “He’s been my best friend since high school.”
“Is that where you met?”
“Yeah, I met Philip at the sailing club during our freshman year at Ryken High School. Other than sailing, we seemed to have little in common.”
“So how did you become so close?”
“The sailing coach partnered us, and we worked well together. While sailing we began talking about our ambitions. We realized that we had common interests in computers and programming.”
“How did that lead to your work together in cybersecurity?”
“We programmed a computer worm that won first place in the county science fair. Our worm could identify specific software configuration flaws and report on their location. We both studied cybersecurity in college, him at Caltech and me at the Naval Academy. After my shortened career in the navy, we reconnected while I was at NSA and decided to start VSI twelve years ago. I can’t believe he’s gone. It’s like I’ve lost a part of myself that I can never replace.”
The next morning, James arrived at the Hoover Building and walked through security showing his White House badge. A young intern took him to Director Brockner’s office. The director came out of her personal office and greeted him with a big smile and handshake.
Cyber Countdown Page 2