The Grid

by Carlton Winnfield

  The Machine monitored all of the electronic, encrypted communications used by Soares’ and Khan’s men in the building for security, as well as any personal calls to or from them. It now knew the names – first or last or both - of most of Soares’ and Khan’s men and the names of some of the former’s wives, children and girlfriends. Khan’s men neither made nor received any outside telephone calls.

  The Machine also monitored all Mexican and United States government communications and Mexican drug cartel electronic traffic for any indication that the activities at the weapon site in Mexico City had come to someone else’s attention – anyone’s.

  The forty-two Devices were now positioned tactically throughout the building to monitor all ongoing activity and to be in place to support my assault, when it took place. With this hyper-level of detail now at our disposal, the Machine and I finished our planning.

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  Three PM. “Mr. Ramirez, Mr. Winnfield is here to see you.” Ramirez’s secretary – an older woman, Clara by name – looked over at the investment banker sitting in the deeply upholstered sofa situated along the wall opposite her very large, but well-organized desk.

  She nodded, released the intercom switch, stood, walked around her desk and approached Mr. Carlton Winnfield. She stopped in front of him. “Mr. Ramirez will see you now, Mr. Winnfield. Please follow me.”

  The investment banker rose from the sofa, looked at Clara and, smiling, said, “With pleasure. Thank you.” He was about six feet in height, perhaps a bit more, medium build, broad at the shoulder, narrow at the hip. He looked well heeled, dressed in a tan-colored suit, complemented with a medium-brown cotton tie and matching kerchief in the left breast pocket and tan-colored shoes. He wore thick glasses, had thinning blonde hair, and moved a bit awkwardly, with a slight stoop.

  Clara smiled in return. She turned and led the way toward double doors of dark wood that matched the paneling of her domain. Her low heels fell softly on the medium-colored marble flooring. At the doors, she opened the one on the right, stepped inside, said, “Mr. Winnfield, Senor,” and, stepping back, gestured the investment banker into Mr. Ramirez’s inner office.

  Winnfield entered. He carried a thick, gunmetal-colored briefcase in his left hand. Ramirez rose from his desk, picked up two pieces of paper and walked toward his secretary, who approached and handed him a business card and passport provided her earlier by the visiting investment banker. Ramirez looked at them, then at one of the two pieces of paper in his hands, comparing it to the passport. He then looked at the second piece of paper and then at his guest. He did this a second time.

  “Welcome, Mr. Winnfield. Thank you for coming. Please sit down.” He handed the passport back to the investment banker and gestured at a black leather chair. “Would you like some refreshment?”

  “Thank you, Senor. Nothing for the moment.”

  “Thank you, Clara. That will be all for the moment. Please ensure that Mr. Winnfield and I are not disturbed.”

  “Certainly, Senor.” Clara retreated and closed the office door after her.

  Ramirez sat in a matching chair next to the one occupied by Winnfield. He sat back, crossed his legs and placed his hands on the arms of the comfortable chair. “Mr. Winnfield, thank you for coming to assist me on such short notice. It is very kind of you and Mr. Whitmore. Most kind. Tell me, how was your flight from Freeport? Uneventful, I hope.”

  “Very pleasant, Mr. Ramirez. The flight was smooth and the coffee good - for a change. Mr. Whitmore and I are most pleased to assist you. Mr. Whitmore sends you his warmest regards. My Spanish is passable, Senor. There is no need to continue in English, though I appreciate your courtesy.” These last two sentences were spoken in Spanish.

  Ramirez smiled and continued in that language. “How generous of you, Mr. Winnfield. James runs a very professional and polished operation. It is always a pleasure to work with your firm.”

  “We do our humble best, Senor. I believe that you are to make a telephone call to Mr. Whitmore to complete my introduction.”

  “Yes, that is quite correct. Thank you, Mr. Winnfield. I must admit that these added security procedures are intriguing.” Ramirez reached into an inside pocket of his suit jacket and took out his smartphone. He pushed several buttons, put the apparatus to his ear, then put it on loudspeaker and placed it on the table in front of them. The ringing of a telephone was audible. Then there was a click as the apparatus on the other end was engaged.

  “Hello. Is that you, Mr. Ramirez?”

  “Yes, James. It is. I have Mr. Winnfield here with me now. He has been quite punctual. Thank you. You asked us to call to complete his introduction.”

  “Yes, precisely, Manuel. I presume you have matched Carlton’s passport against the information I provided to you earlier and the photo with the man himself?”

  “Yes. All is well, James.”

  “Excellent, Manuel. Then one final introductory protocol to ensure that all is truly well. When dealing with these types of sums, Manuel, it never hurts to go the extra distance. I’m certain you can agree.”

  “Yes, certainly, James. If Mr. Winnfield is not who he says he is, the bank’s security guards will immediately arrest him.” At this, Ramirez chuckled, and looked at Winnfield with raised eyebrows and widened eyes – making light of the extraordinary measures Whitmore was taking. “If you insist, James. I’m sure you know your business. Please proceed.”

  “Carlton has with him a thick, gunmetal-colored briefcase. Is that correct?”

  Ramirez looked down next to Winnfield at the briefcase on the floor next to his chair. “Yes, James. He does.”

  “Carlton, please take the briefcase and open it.”

  The investment banker looked down at the smartphone, directing his voice at it. “I cannot do that, sir.”

  “Why?” came the response.

  “The briefcase has two electronic combination locks on it. You set the combination to both locks yourself this morning, locking the briefcase, and gave it to me just prior to my departure from the office for the airport. You did not tell me the combinations.”

  “Precisely. You see, Manuel, our final introductory protocol is the entries into the two combination locks. There are ten of them for each combination. Not only numbers, but letters and other characters. Much like a laptop keyboard. Very, very difficult to break. Even if Mr. Winnfield had been kidnapped for the briefcase and combination, he does not know the latter. Therefore, when I provide him the twenty entries and he opens the briefcase, you can be assured that he is the man he says he is. We can then proceed about your business with total security. I apologize to you for these theatrics, Manuel, but the world is becoming increasingly complicated and we must protect ourselves from unscrupulous persons, most especially when we are dealing with the sums of money of which you have spoken.”

  “If you believe this necessary, James, I can only accept your judgment and proceed along with you. I do appreciate your sense of caution and security in dealing with such large sums on behalf of my clients. I am certain they will, as well.”

  “Excellent, then let us proceed.” Winnfield took a smartphone from his pocket. Whitmore read off the first and then the second set of combination entries. As he did this, Winnfield manipulated the smartphone’s keyboard. One, then the other combination LED display was backlit as ten asterisks appeared in each. Winnfield then put the smartphone back into his pocket and pressed the side panels of the briefcase simultaneously. The lid of the briefcase sprang slightly and silently open.

  “The briefcase is open, James.” Ramirez confirmed. “You appear to have developed an unusually clever device. It appears that we have the real Mr. Winnfield.”

  “Very good, Manuel. I’m glad that you appreciate its sophistication. Carlton will change the combination prior to locking it again – for added security. Once you have decided on the specifics of the investment portfolio, with Carlt
on’s assistance, I recommend that we conduct a videoconference to review them personally. After we have done this and you are fully satisfied, only then will you transfer the funds. The briefcase carried by Carlton has all the electronic means required to securely make the transfers. It provides you and your clients with another level of discretion. Carlton will explain its workings to you. If you are uncomfortable in any way with the briefcase, simply tell Carlton and we will arrange to transfer the funds via bank-to-bank transfers, as usual.”

  “The briefcase mechanism is new to me, James, and I will want to listen to Mr. Winnfield’s explanation. Still, I’m certain that I will likely be more than comfortable. Thank you for your sense of added discretion. A substantial benefit for the privacy-minded thinking of the very wealthy.”

  “Excellent, Manuel. Then I will leave you and Carlton alone to proceed with the business at hand. You will find Mr. Winnfield to be exceptionally competent. I will speak with you in a few days. Thank you again for thinking of us and for your business, my friend.” The connection at the other end was terminated.

  Ramirez reached down, retrieved his smartphone, pushed a button, and placed it back on his desk. He shifted in his chair to look at Winnfield and addressed him, again in Spanish. “Shall we proceed, Mr. Winnfield?”

  “Certainly, Senor.” He opened the lid of the briefcase, revealing a surface - in the base of the case – that contained a number of LED displays and a keyboard much like, but not identical to, that of a computer. From the back part of the briefcase lid, behind a hinged computer screen, he extracted a small portfolio. He closed the lid of the briefcase and pushed it to the side on the table between himself and Ramirez. He rested the portfolio on his knee and opened it. He took out one sheet of paper and rested it on top of the small portfolio. He took a black Mont Blanc pen from the interior pocket of his jacket removed the top, placing it over the other end of the pen. “During your preliminary discussion yesterday with Mr. Whitmore, you stated that your clients are interested in investing considerable sums in US defense companies, the details of which you would provide me today. May I please ask you do so now, Mr. Ramirez?”

  “Before I do, Mr. Winnfield, allow me to say that my clients are exceptionally wealthy and require the highest level of professionalism, security and discretion in their investment activities. Given these requirements and my past activities with Mr. Whitmore, I chose your firm to handle these transactions – off-shore. The quite significant monetary sums involved in these investments will provide a noticeable boost to the values of the stocks of the companies involved. My clients are private individuals, Mr. Winnfield, and do not yearn for unnecessary public attention. Therefore, discretion is indeed of importance to them. I must say that I am only too happy to learn of your firm’s new measures designed to address their security and discretionary requirements. I’m certain you fully understand my appreciation.”

  Winnfield relaxed perceptibly, smiled and said, “Mr. Ramirez, I and – more importantly - Mr. Whitmore most certainly do. We believe the advanced technological investment capabilities we can now offer you and your clients will exceed your requirements. Your clients’ investments could not be in better hands, Senor. As you yourself just said, this is why you came to us.”

  Ramirez stared at the investment banker briefly, glanced at his briefcase, blinked, and said, “Then let me continue.”

  Ramirez reiterated to Winnfield the investment guidance Soares had provided him the day before, from time to time referring to the notes he had taken in Soares’ office. “My clients wish to invest five hundred million US dollars in the stocks of the major United States companies that provide defense equipment for its military. That equipment should include munitions, military clothing, field rations, engineering equipment, electronic equipment, air and ground-based sensors, air supremacy and ground attack aircraft, air and ground surveillance aircraft, refueling aircraft, transport aircraft, helicopters, and army weapons – everything from tanks to individual firearms. My clients wish half of their investments to be focused on equipment used by US special operations forces. The general scope of their investments should be based on the assumption that the US military will undergo a significant military buildup in the near future, especially in the special operations arena.” Ramirez stopped and looked down briefly at the sheet of paper resting on Winnfield’s thigh. It contained only a few words. He shifted his gaze back up to him and asked, “Would you like me to repeat any of these details, Mr. Winnfield?”

  “No Senor. Thank you. I have an excellent memory.”

  “You’re certain?”

  “Most assuredly, Senor.” Winnfield continued, “This is a very focused and highly ambitious investment plan, Mr. Ramirez. May I suppose that your clients have the benefit of some detailed investment intelligence?”

  “Not so much specific information, Mr. Winnfield. Rather, an analysis of current and future global trends. I may share with you that my clients’ investments are based on the assessment that the US military will undergo a sizeable buildup in the not too distant future, notably in the arena of special operations.”

  “I see,” Winnfield responded. “Can you be more specific, in any way, as to the details of that information, Mr. Ramirez? Please do not misunderstand me. I do not ask this to obtain privileged information. Rather, only to seek to advise you as best I can regarding the investment of such a large sum of money. You see, Mr. Ramirez, we follow the US defense market closely ourselves, as I believe you know, and, we have picked up no information suggesting a near term buildup in US military forces.”

  Again, Ramirez relied on Soares’ discourse the day before in the latter’s office. “To my clients, it appears only natural, given current and anticipated future international trends. While the buildup may not be immediate, they believe strongly that it will come. They believe that you only need look at China, Russia, Turkey, the Middle East struggling with its Arab Spring, Iran and Syria. I’m told the list could go on. They believe that from the view of the Americans, these trends are too disturbing to be neglected and they will decide to make more guns to confront these risks that they believe they see. My clients wish simply to invest in their paranoia. I can assure you that my clients are fully confident in their analyses and wish to act now on them, through this investment.”

  “A most interesting perspective, Mr. Ramirez. Thank you for sharing it. I will say that I cannot disagree with much of your clients’ premises, perhaps only with their timing. Still, if they are intent in acting on them now, I can then only say that it’s their money. I will take the guidance you have provided and develop a full investment portfolio. We are very familiar with all aspects of the US defense industry that address the types of capabilities you have generally described. We are also well versed in the organization, structure and employment doctrine of US forces that will be essential to develop such an investment plan. Of course, I am aware of your short timeline. Therefore, I will have the initial portfolios ready for your review by mid-morning tomorrow. This should give you more than sufficient time to peruse them in detail, discuss them with your clients, change them as necessary, gain their approval, and effect the investment of the funds within the next 3 days. Is this satisfactory, Senor?”

  “Highly satisfactory, Mr. Winnfield. I very much appreciate your sense of enterprise. I will report the state of our progress to my clients. I’m certain they will be pleased.”

  “Mr. Whitmore will be delighted to hear that, Senor. If you will, please allow me to change the combinations on the briefcase before I close it.”

  “Oh, yes. I had forgotten this added security measure. You are very thorough. I appreciate thoroughness, Mr. Winnfield.” Ramirez turned his gaze away from Winnfield.

  “We do our best, Senor.” It took nearly a half-minute for Winnfield to change the combinations on the briefcase. “Thank you, Senor. I am finished.”

  Ramirez looked back at his guest, rose from his chair and extended his hand. “I won’t hold you any long
er, Mr. Winnfield. I know you have much to do between now and tomorrow morning to assist them. What time can I expect you?”

  Winnfield rose from his chair, his briefcase in his left hand. He took Ramirez’s hand and shook it. “Would 10:30 be convenient, Senor?”

  “Excellent.” Ramirez took Winnfield by the elbow and led him to the doors of this office. “Where can I have my driver take you, Mr. Winnfield? At which hotel are you staying?”

  “The Excelsior, Senor.”

  “My driver can also pick you up there at 10:00 tomorrow morning, if you wish.”

  “Yes, that is kind Senor. Thank you for your hospitality and generosity. Until tomorrow morning.”

  Ramirez smiled, opened the polished wooden door of his office, gestured for Winnfield to precede him, and then spoke to Clara to arrange the investment banker’s transportation.

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  “None of Soares’ or Khan’s men are outside the building. Like last night, they remain at their posts inside the weapon site.”

  The hour was nearing 3:30 AM as I walked up the same side street toward the weapon site that would be on my left. Like last night, I wore the heavy overcoat, the same hat and pushed along the same bicycle, laden with my odds and ends. Unlike last night, I walked up the left side of the side street and not its right side. The men in the weapon site would get a better look at me at this distance, a bit closer to them, and become a bit more familiar with my appearance.

  The Machine had watched the building interior throughout the day and continued to monitor all communications to and from its occupants, as well as the electronic traffic of the relevant government agencies and Mexican drug cartels. The building’s occupants had maintained their vigil over the weapon, the environs immediately around the building and each other. Miguel remained nearly always with Khan, as agreed. All appeared to be in order. All of the governments and their agencies - who would have paid a very high price to know that an atomic weapon was sitting quietly intact in downtown Mexico City awaiting detonation - continued to be completely unaware of that fact. Soares had met twice in his office with Mendoza during the day to receive personally the latter’s reports from the cartel’s sources in the government, who continued to report nothing that might suggest the Mexican government had knowledge of his plans. All appeared to be in order. I thought Soares must be quite pleased with himself. I continued to push my bicycle up the side street, now coming level with the entrance to the underground parking garages.