Cyber Countdown

by Terence Flynn

  “At least six months, but the US recently detected the tunneling, and made inquiries to our government. All tunneling has been temporarily terminated. Our leadership doesn’t want to put the US on alert. Nor do they want to antagonize China, which has populated areas near Mantapsan mountain. China is very upset by the release of radiation after the mountain collapsed and its potential impact on their country. I believe we shut down our nuclear program primarily due to China’s concerns, as opposed to the concerns of the US. They no longer trust our leaders with a nuclear program.”

  “Admiral, should I return to Harbin and try to terminate the planned attack on the American businesses?”

  “No, I think it’s too late for that, and it wouldn’t work anyway. The two agents you met in Harbin tracked your American contact to Beijing and Shanghai, where he met with students at universities in those cities. You cannot stop those attacks, since neither you nor I know who’s involved there. Besides, the attack on the American businesses is just a pretense for the planned naval attacks, not a cause.”

  “How can we stop this, Admiral? You must have an idea, since you ordered me here for a reason.”

  “You must find a way to contact the Americans, and it must be before the naval exercise.”

  “I’m not certain how to do that. I have no contacts with the Americans.”

  “I believe the cyber attack on American businesses is inevitable. We know it’s being financed by an American, as described in your report. You need to identify who that is so you can contact him and alert him to what’s happening. Maybe you could do that through his representative, the American whom you interrogated.”

  “I’ll talk with my friend Shen, who’s running the effort in Harbin.”

  “Good. But you cannot tell your friend why you need to talk to the American. Before you leave, I have a special treat for you, Kim. Come, I’ll show you.”

  As Kim walked out of the conference room, he saw his mother and sister, Hana, sitting on the couch. Both jumped up and hugged him. The admiral asked his secretary if she’d ordered lunch, and she said that the commissary was bringing it up now. They all went back into the conference room and reminisced until lunch arrived.

  Kim asked how everyone was, and he could see the troubled looks on their faces.

  “It isn’t good,” Kim’s mother said. “The price of everything is higher while our wages are being cut. Hana can’t find a job even though she had excellent grades in school.”

  The admiral interrupted.

  “They know how I feel, and they’re ready to leave. They also know we’re working on a plan to make that happen. I may need you to return at some point to help implement their escape. You’ll need to contact me when you’re ready so I can bring you back.”

  “That’s fine, Admiral. I’ll be here when we’re all ready.”

  After lunch was over, the admiral hugged Kim and said, “Be safe, my son.”

  Kim was driven back to the airfield and boarded the admiral’s plane. He was back in Harbin by mid-afternoon, and took a taxi to the hospital to see Cai. As Kim walked into her room, he saw a surprised look on her face.

  “I didn’t think you’d be back so soon. Is everything okay?”

  “Yes, everything’s fine. My uncle just needed to talk with me about some issues related to my assignment in Harbin.”

  “They’re not bringing you back, are they?”

  “No, don’t worry, it’s nothing like that. We can talk about it more after you get released from the hospital. Did they say when that would be?”

  “It could be as early as tomorrow. They say I have remarkable recuperative capabilities. Shen is going to take me back to my apartment, and Mei will watch over me like a mother hen. I’ll also be able to help with the probes using my computer at the apartment.”

  “Are you sure you’re up to it? I don’t want you to overdo it.”

  “I’m fine. I’ll go crazy with nothing to do other than school.”

  “Okay, I’ll tell Shen.”

  Kim left Cai after about an hour and called Shen. They decided to meet at the Xuezi Restaurant on the HIT campus and have dinner. Shen told Kim about the conversation he had with Flaherty. He said that Flaherty was coming back to Harbin in less than three weeks.

  “Why so soon, Shen?”

  “They shortened the schedule for the probing phase. Flaherty hasn’t told me why.”

  “That’s crazy. How are we supposed to complete the probing in that amount of time? It was already too short. Did Flaherty explain why certain target addresses didn’t need to be probed?”

  “His answer didn’t make sense. He said that those addresses would be assigned to a separate group.”

  Kim shook his head and said, “Why would they need a separate group of hackers for those specific addresses if we’re probing all the others within the same range?”

  “I have no idea, but do you think the separate group could be the hackers in Beijing and Shanghai?”

  “That still doesn’t make sense, Shen. We haven’t been assigned any specific addresses within their assigned range, so why would they be assigned addresses within ours?”

  “There must be something we’re missing, Kim.”

  “Yes, and there’s only one way to find out what it is.”

  “Yes, I know. Do you still have the truth serum?”

  “It’s in my refrigerator,” Kim answered. “We’ll need to use it on Flaherty again when he comes back.”

  “This project is getting a little too clandestine for me, Kim. The use of truth serum is beyond what I signed up for.”

  “I know. It’s unfortunate that we’ll have to use it again, but this time we’ll need it to identify and monitor Flaherty’s contacts in America.”

  “How are you going to do that?”

  “I’m still working on that. I’ll let you know.”

  “I’m sorry that I got you all involved, Kim.”

  “It isn’t your fault, Shen. We all went along willingly, and the money has been great. It’s been an adventure that I don’t regret. After all, I met Cai because of this project, and she’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

  16

  James was going to have to inform two of the people he cared about the most that he was resigning as Federal Chief Information Officer. He thought about it all the way home, after dropping Rick off at his house in La Plata. James knew telling JoAnn would be difficult. It would mean they’d be living too far apart to see each other as much as they had before. He decided to tell her over dinner at Michelle’s.

  The president was even more difficult, since he was not only James’s boss but also one of his closest friends. His district as a state senator included VSI’s headquarters, and he’d helped the company greatly by providing contacts with potential customers and strategic business partners. James was worried he was letting the president down just when the president needed him the most.

  James called Barbara on her cell to request a short meeting with the president.

  “Good afternoon, Barbara, it’s James. Can you get me in to see the president tomorrow?”

  “Good timing, James. He was just talking about you. How about tomorrow after our meeting with the Chinese ambassador to discuss the foreign cyber-attack legislation? He’ll want to talk with you about the outcome. I’ll schedule it for four tomorrow afternoon. Is that okay?”

  “Sure, Barbara. I’ll see you then.”

  James winced as he thought about how the president had relied upon his advice on his most important legislative initiative. That would change after James went back to VSI.

  Unlike with JoAnn and the president, telling George that he was reclaiming his position as CEO would be a pleasure. George wasn’t someone to be trifled with, but James was furious over his threats to Ann. Still, he needed to be careful. He’d seen George lose his temper and seek revenge using scorched-earth tactics when provoked. Hopefully he would accept James’s explanation for his change in plans and also sa
ve Ann from any more threats.

  James called JoAnn after getting home. She sounded sleepy when she answered the phone.

  “Hi, baby, how are you doing? I hope I didn’t wake you.”

  “No, I’m fine. How are Ann and Jim?”

  “They’re okay, but Rick isn’t. He was in a hit-and-run with a big pickup the other night.”

  “Is he okay?”

  “He has some cuts and bruises, but should be fine. His part-time roommate is a doctor. A beautiful blonde doctor.”

  “Really? How convenient.”

  “Can we meet for dinner at Michelle’s tonight? I have something important to tell you.”

  “Sure, as long as it isn’t about breaking up with me so you can chase after a blonde doctor.”

  “Never. I have what I want. Also, Rick’s a former US Navy SEAL and he carries a gun.”

  JoAnn laughed. “What time?”

  “How about seven?”

  “Okay, I’ll meet you there.”

  James had one more call to make before going to bed. He knew George would still be up since he was a notorious insomniac. James called George’s private line, and a woman’s voice answered. He recognized the German accent.

  “Hello, Astrid, this is James Jordan. You met me and my fiancée at Michelle’s.”

  “Yes, James, I remember. I assume you want to talk with George. He’s right here. I’ll put him on.”

  “James, what can I do for you at this late hour? Is everything okay?”

  “Everything’s fine. I was wondering if we could meet tomorrow at your office.”

  “Sure, James, let’s meet at noon. I’ll have lunch brought in. Do you remember where my office is?”

  “I remember. See you tomorrow, George.”

  James had a restless night thinking about his meetings the next day. He finally fell asleep but was awakened at nine in the morning by a call on his cell phone from Ann.

  “Hi, Ann. What’s up?” James said, while yawning.

  “I hope I didn’t wake you up, James.”

  “It’s okay. I had trouble falling asleep. What can I do for you?”

  “I just wanted to let you know that I found the key to Philip’s desk, and I’m going to the bank to get Philip’s combination to the safe from our safe deposit box.”

  “Thanks, Ann, that’ll be a big help. How can Rick and I get into the development where the summer home is located?”

  “I’ll leave my spare gate entrance cards for you and Rick at the security gate and the key to Philip’s desk on the kitchen table.”

  “Great. I’m planning on being there tomorrow morning.”

  James called Rick and told him that he was going to the Wu summer house and asked if he wanted to come.

  “Yeah, just let me know when you’re going. I also told Allison that you may be moving in. She approves; she says she never tried a ménage à trois.”

  “Neither have I, Rick, or at least not one that included another man. You’re not my type.”

  “Yeah, ditto that. The important thing is that she has no problem with you staying at the house.”

  “Thanks. Now all I have to do is tell JoAnn at dinner tomorrow night. I’m not looking forward to that.”

  James got to George’s office in Rosslyn five minutes early. He was escorted into the conference room by George’s executive assistant, Nadya Murin. James really liked Nadya. She’d worked for George for as long as James knew him. Nadya was probably in her mid-fifties but was still very attractive with wavy red hair and beautiful eyes. He thought she must’ve been very striking when she was younger. Nadya was George’s diplomat. She was there to soothe the feelings of those George had offended, which was a long list. James knew it was Nadya, more than anyone else, who knew where all the bodies were buried.

  Nadya sat down across from James.

  “George is late as usual. You know how he likes to make people wait.”

  “Yeah, I know firsthand, Nadya. Someday it’ll backfire on him.”

  “It already has. He did it to the president right after he was elected. I think George was sending a message that he was still the most important person in the room.”

  “I haven’t heard about that. What happened?”

  “He was informed by Barbara Chang that the president wasn’t available and he would have to reschedule in a few months.”

  George finally walked into the conference room.

  “Hello, James. How are you and your lovely fiancée?”

  “We’re fine. How are you and Astrid?”

  Nadya got up and left, and George ignored the question.

  “Lunch will be right in. What can I do for you today, James?”

  “I’m here to tell you some confidential information before I tell anyone else. I feel you deserve to know first, since it involves VSI.”

  “I hope you’re not permanently resigning from VSI,” George said, in jest. “That wouldn’t be good.”

  That’s what James was hoping George would say.

  “No, just the opposite, George. I’m returning to VSI to resume my duties as CEO. Now that Philip is gone, I believe it’s best for the company.”

  George looked dumbfounded. He didn’t say anything as he just stared at James, deciding how to respond.

  “This is a real surprise, James,” he finally said. “I thought you promised the president you’d stay until the end of his first term.”

  “I did, and I sincerely regret that. But I believe he knew it was coming after I took a leave of absence. We all know that Philip’s sudden death left a big hole that needs to be filled.”

  “Yes, it did. I thought we were going to select a temporary replacement at the board meeting next week. Don’t you think we have competent people like Theresa, Tom, or Christopher who are capable of assuming the position? You may not realize it, but they’ve been taking on most of Philip’s duties while he was working at Fort Meade. They’re all very competent.”

  “They are. But I believe VSI needs my experience right now more than the president needs me as Federal Chief Information Officer.”

  “When do you plan to leave? Don’t you think the president will want you to stay until his signature legislation is passed?”

  “That could take a while, George, and I’m needed back at VSI as soon as possible.”

  George nodded, and suddenly changed the subject.

  “What’ve you been working on lately?” George said quietly, as if he’d given up on changing James’s mind.

  “I’m helping the FBI investigate Philip’s murder.”

  “Have you made any progress?”

  “Not as much as I’d have liked, George, but we have some leads that we’re following.”

  George suddenly raised his voice as he said, “That investigation is extremely important to all of us who knew and loved Philip. If you’re making progress, then you need to continue helping the FBI. We all need to know what happened on that horrible night, especially Philip’s wife and son. That should be the most important thing for all of us, especially you.”

  James was annoyed that George had just used Ann and Jim to try and convince him to not return to VSI, when he was, in fact, returning to protect them from George.

  “I believe I can still help the FBI while also taking back my duties as CEO,” James said, his voice filled with conviction.

  “I’m sure you can, but you won’t be as effective splitting your time, and you know it. If you really want to help, then the investigation should be your highest priority. I propose that you postpone your return to VSI until there’s some resolution on Philip’s murder. In the meantime, I’ll agree to postpone the vote on the temporary CEO until the investigation is completed. We’ll essentially leave things as they are. You could still advise Chris, Theresa, and Tom while continuing to assist the president and FBI.”

  James was puzzled by George’s response. Why had he been so strident about controlling the vote on the temporary CEO and then suggest postponing it? He knew h
e was missing something, but he didn’t know what it was.

  “That’s a great idea, George. I’ll cancel my meeting with the president.”

  George walked James out after lunch was over. As soon as James was gone, he went into his office, closed the door, and made a phone call.

  “You need to accelerate the plan. James is coming back as CEO after he finishes some work with the government. You have no more than a month to complete the job and remove the evidence.”

  James went back to his office and checked his email. There was one from Barbara saying the ambassador had postponed their meeting and the president wasn’t available. Another was from JoAnn informing him that the senate was caucusing for the vote to select the next majority leader, so she couldn’t make dinner.

  Well, that worked out well, James thought. He didn’t have to attend meetings he no longer needed and could leave for Ann’s summer house immediately. James called Ann.

  “Hi, Ann, I just met with George and I have great news. George has offered to postpone the VSI board meeting until the FBI investigation is completed.”

  “Jim is here, so I have you on speaker. Did he say why?”

  “He said he wanted me to continue to work with the FBI on Philip’s case.”

  “Did you hold a gun to his head?”

  James laughed. “No, it was his idea.”

  “Tell him we accept.”

  “I already did. I’m coming down to the house tonight, Ann. Did you get my combination?”

  “Yeah, you’re all set. Call me when you need it. Jim already left the entrance cards for you and Rick at the gate and the key to Philip’s desk on the kitchen table. Goodbye, James.”

  James went back to his condo and emailed Rick, asking him to bring a portable hand-held ground-penetrating radar. Rick had told him that the FBI used them to find bodies or other items buried underground or encased in concrete. Before leaving, he changed into some jeans, a sweatshirt, and boots and packed a few items that he’d need, including his laptop and a change of clothes.

  There were reports of a big winter storm targeting the DC area including southern Maryland. It was a great opportunity to see if his new SUV was as good as advertised. When he arrived at the gated community, James picked up his gate card from the guard and drove to the house. While unpacking, he made a call to Rick.