Firewall

by DiAnn Mills

“Like me, the SSA suspects a mole. Working on something that he wouldn’t tell me about.”

  “I could help with the investigation,” Taryn said.

  “I’m not authorized to give you clearance,” Grayson said.

  She shook her head. “I don’t need it.” She pointed a finger. “Whatever I do, I’ll take the blame.”

  “I’d give her anything she wanted to know,” Joe said, respect brimming from his eyes.

  “Thanks,” she said with a smile that made Grayson’s pulse race. “I want to help. Probably best I start with Shep . . . Murford. I spent three months with him. He’s not so good that he didn’t let something slip. I’ll look for camera footage at his condo. Chances are the limo driver’s in those too.” She picked up a legal pad and pencil from the table and handed them to Grayson. “Since what everyone wants is out of my control, I can at least dig into online searches. I need you to tell me what’s number one on the list.”

  Grayson tilted his head. “What do you mean ‘everyone’?”

  “Good and bad guys want Nehemiah. The problem is . . .”

  “What?” Grayson leaned in closer.

  “Neither my iPad nor my laptop can help them. I have a code memorized. Only a custom app on my iPhone, along with my knowledge, can give them what they want.”

  “The information’s there?” He jotted down her words.

  She nodded. “You’ve heard this before when I was in the hospital. But Murford was in my room, and I know that’s when he swiped my phone. I can only hope he doesn’t realize what’s on it.”

  “I understand enough about computer technology to get around,” Joe said. “But you’re above my head. The software program is loaded on your iPhone?”

  “No. That would be dangerous.”

  “I don’t get it.” Lines deepened on Joe’s forehead.

  “My iPhone has a key to a backdoor for Nehemiah.”

  “Explain it to me,” Joe said.

  “A backdoor is an undocumented method to access an application or system. I don’t need the typical end-user log-on credentials or normal front-door method of getting into the software. The backdoor isn’t documented anywhere since it serves as a point of exposure, but it is helpful during a software development process and even for ongoing support.” She paused. “Understand, the old software is in place with its firewall. Hackers could be working on that aspect. They could also be hacking into the new one. But if Murford accesses the new software through my backdoor, he could install it remotely at the two companies that were using it. In short, he’d be in complete control of the LNG pipelines. It could be used to either destroy the software or plant a virus. Or it could be used for another purpose.”

  “Like what?”

  “Like a hacker raising the temps and causing an explosion that creates lots of damage . . . property and lives.”

  Grayson wished he knew more about Taryn’s expertise. “So all they need is access through the backdoor to accomplish whatever they’re trying to do.”

  “Right. But I have multiple layers of encryption in the old and the new software. Nehemiah’s firewall is quite sophisticated. Let’s just hope they don’t begin controlling Nehemiah through the backdoor.”

  “What are the two companies?” Grayson said. “And why don’t they stop their plans until this is resolved?”

  “Both are US companies: BC Moose Paw in Canada and TX-LNG in Corpus Christi. They’re motivated to put their companies on the map as the first to export LNG. Unless the FBI moves fast, we’re shot.” She grimaced. “My choice of words isn’t good.”

  “But you’re right. Help me understand the profile of a computer hacker,” Grayson said. “I don’t think my idea of a college student working all night in his dorm room cuts it.”

  “Sometimes. We’re talking highly sophisticated technology. It’s not difficult to be a hacker, and the root kits are inexpensive and fairly easy to understand. But the true professionals are targeted on what they’re looking for. They don’t make a single keystroke without weighing what it means. They use simple methods in the beginning and venture out into customizing their points of entry.”

  “We have a department within the FBI devoted to computer intrusion matters,” Grayson said. “It’s not my forte. I do know the US is losing billions to system breaches.”

  “What’s the most common method to gain access?” Joe said.

  “Social engineering amounts to approximately 41 percent of data breaches. It means using the social nature of people to obtain information. Like posting on Facebook that you’re going on vacation for ten days and not taking your computer. Joe, that’s not what we have here.”

  “I get it. High-tech stuff.”

  “Exactly. Then the user is in trouble if the hacker needs the information.” She tilted her head. “When this is over, I’ll give you a tutorial about protecting your system. Right now I believe Murford has what he needs to sabotage the software. The question is, has he found the custom app on my iPhone and secured the services of an expert hacker?”

  Grayson cleared his throat. “We have no idea who the players are. We’ve already seen a well-organized team. Murford has a Navy SEAL’s background. I imagine his people are trained in weaponry. Find the bad guys, and we find the phone.”

  “And Zoey,” she said.

  He nodded, knowing the child held priority for her. Zoey was the one way Murford could force Taryn to do whatever he wanted. That’s why the SSA didn’t want her out of Grayson’s and Joe’s sights. She swung the pendulum to help end or destroy this mission.

  CHAPTER 22

  6:35 A.M. TUESDAY

  Taryn had to admit, Joe could make a mean bowl of steel-cut oatmeal. He’d set out bananas, blueberries, strawberries, and granola that didn’t have any of the food items she avoided. Guilt snaked through her for enjoying breakfast when the FBI didn’t have answers for hurting people. Joe had spoken a glaring truth during an earlier prayer. He’d asked the Lord to bless the food to the nourishment of their bodies. She’d heard those words many times growing up, but the gravity of the situation reinforced the need to stay healthy and strong. The dog hadn’t left her side, and now he lay on the floor beside her. What a gentle animal in the midst of so much uncertainty, even if he needed a bath.

  She inwardly chastised the two men downing mushroom, sausage, and cheese omelets and biscuits dripping with honey and butter. Did they have any idea what they were doing to their bodies? Of course, if the health experts saw how much coffee she consumed, they’d write an article for the American Journal of Medicine condemning it.

  Although sleep ranked at the top of her list, food helped stimulate brain cells.

  Joe refilled her coffee cup. “A lot of unanswered questions are driving us nuts, but this is the big one for me.”

  She focused on his leathery face.

  “Why was the airport bombed if Murford thought he had what he needed?”

  “I don’t know.” She wished she had a better answer. “I’m wrestling with the same question. He could have killed me on our honeymoon and not all those people. For that matter, he had plenty of opportunities to kill me.”

  “Didn’t he have the ability to nab your techy toys before the trip to the airport?”

  She sensed a warm flush spreading through her. How did she explain her possessiveness of the responsibility given to her, and how she felt about intimate matters? “This is a little awkward for me. . . . I never gave him the opportunity. I was always . . .” She took a sip of the coffee. “Awake. Cautious. Knew when it was time for me or him to go home. My toys stayed with me.”

  Joe rested his hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry.”

  Embarrassment boiled her cheeks. “Thanks. I believe some things are reserved for marriage.” She couldn’t look at Joe or Grayson while she remembered Murford’s persuasive methods.

  “We haven’t grasped the whole picture yet,” Joe said. “Hopefully the FBI has it all figured out.”

  She wanted the answers
now. How long would it take? “If they’ve solved the case, why am I on their top-ten wanted list?”

  Grayson pushed his empty plate to the side. “I have a theory. Let’s assume Murford works for someone else. I mean, his background doesn’t show connections to anything this big. Let’s say this someone has an agenda connected to LNG export. Could be a congressman leaked the info. Or someone working for Gated Labs. A manufacturing company that saw dollars escaping out the door with oil and gas prices guaranteed to rise. Or one of our country’s enemies.” He moistened his lips. “Ethan Formier is also dead, and it looks like a coincidence. However, I’m not a believer in those things. Were you and Formier targeted in the explosion? Or was he a victim of chance? You claim to suspect a Gated Labs employee of breaching security, and therefore you disabled the program. What happened for you to make such a critical decision, and how much was Formier aware of?”

  Taryn let his words resonate through her. The situation with Ethan’s death bothered her more than she wanted to admit. He’d been a respected VP, a friend, and a mentor. “Before Ethan left for his ten-day trip to Mexico, we talked about Haden Rollins and Kinsley Stevens. Company policy frowns on fraternization, but it wasn’t a secret the two were seeing each other. Kinsley is Brad Patterson’s niece, so that probably explains the leniency.” She remembered the many times she’d walk into a meeting room and the couple would stop their conversation.

  “Just before the two companies piloted the new software, I heard Kinsley and Haden talking in the break room, whispering, although they thought no one was around. Kinsley wanted my position as team leader in a big way, and Haden promised to make it happen. His words were ‘I know how to discredit everything Taryn’s ever done. The Nehemiah Project will go down.’ I confided in Ethan. He expressed the possibility of sabotage to the project and for both of us to keep our eyes open. The next day a problem developed with the software.” A rush of anger poured over her. “Ethan and I looked into it and discovered the issue came from Kinsley’s computer. But she didn’t have the skills to plant a bug of such magnitude. Ethan and I believed Haden had initiated the situation and blamed it on Kinsley to cover his rear.”

  “So you think it’s more Rollins than Stevens?”

  “I do.” Her mind raced with Haden’s capabilities. “But I don’t have proof.”

  “What happened after that incident?”

  “Ethan left for Mexico. The Friday before my so-called wedding, I overheard Kinsley and Haden.” She took a deep breath. “I knew both were in the break room alone, so I listened outside the door. Haden said Nehemiah would fail while I was gone on my honeymoon. When I e-mailed Ethan, he suggested I do whatever I thought necessary to ensure the security of Nehemiah and those using the software. But to let him know what I’d done. He’d discovered something about Gated Labs that bothered him and planned to confirm it before having a face-to-face with Patterson. Ethan advised me not to cancel my wedding plans. I made the decision to disable the software and install the old one. Not Ethan.”

  “No one else was involved?”

  “No. My word against theirs. I didn’t e-mail Ethan with new access credentials because I planned to talk to him on Monday.”

  “We have work to do.” Grayson scooted back, scraping his chair legs across the floor.

  Joe pointed at Grayson. “You two make a good team. This man knows how to ask questions and access information too. I taught him most of what he knows. I’ll give Quantico a little credit. But most of it comes from good genes.”

  Grayson laughed. “Dad would appreciate your observation.”

  “My brother-in-law has sand for brains. Told him so the other day.”

  “When?”

  “Last weekend. I called him to shoot the breeze. When he criticized your and my career choice, I let him have it. As if the Marines have the market on crime fighting and protecting citizens.”

  “He won’t change.”

  “Neither will I.”

  The varied emotions on Grayson’s face told her his past must be as dysfunctional as hers. At least her parents had always supported her. Photographs of Grayson sat in every conceivable spot in Joe’s living room—sports, high school graduation, college, and one with Joe in front of the FBI office. The official seal served as a backdrop for their photo. She’d once had photos too—ones that signified love and devotion. Or so she thought.

  Joe stood. “Unfortunately I have a doctor’s appointment at eight this morning. Nearly forgot about it, but the doc won’t renew my blood pressure meds unless he sees me. I plan to stop by the FBI office on my way home. See what I can find out with my new security clearance.” He winked. “Wish I had an extra computer for you. This is the best I can do.” He pulled his BlackBerry from his pants pocket and handed it to Grayson. “I’ll use my other phone today, and this will help you stay connected. Feels good to be doing something useful again. Right now I’m going to load the dishwasher and get a shower. You two go save the world.”

  “Right.” Grayson carried his plate to the sink. “Since when did I become a superhero?”

  “From the moment you met me,” Joe said. “Hey, you’ll be without a car for a while.”

  “We’ve been there before. Go get your meds.”

  “I can do my share,” Taryn said. “I’ll clean up the kitchen.”

  “No deal. Help Grayson stay in line.”

  Taryn blew him a kiss. Unlike her, but she’d grown fond of the crusty character in a very short time.

  “Take care of my girl,” Joe said. “She’s a keeper, and Murford didn’t have enough sense to realize it. Now get on out of here.”

  She followed Grayson into the living area and onto opposite ends of the sofa again.

  He picked up the legal pad and pencil from the table before them. “They broke the mold with my uncle.”

  “Too bad,” she said. “I like him.”

  Grayson’s facial expression changed to stress.

  “What are you thinking?” she said.

  “Before we get into the computer stuff, I have a few more questions.”

  A lingering glance from him shadowed her, but she refused to acknowledge it. Grayson had a strange effect on her, and she hadn’t processed it all.

  “Tell me about Claire.”

  My sister-friend. “She’s innocent in all this. Her only role was in taking wedding photos. Her biggest fault was being my friend.”

  “But Murford made himself known to her. Why take the risk?”

  Holding back a swirl of emotion took a chunk of her control. A counselor would call his question therapeutic. She called it heartbreaking. “Claire’s life bubbled with joy. She had an infectious laugh that made everyone around her forget life’s hiccups. Makes me sick to think he planned on killing her all along.”

  “Does she have family? I know you’re the child’s guardian.”

  “Ex-husband, and both sets of Zoey’s grandparents live in Israel. No contact with her.”

  “Why?”

  “They’re Orthodox Jews. Disowned her when she became a Christian.”

  He continued to write. “I get the picture. Did she like Murford?”

  Taryn recalled her and Claire’s near argument. “She thought he was rushing things. Wanted me to wait until after the first of the year to get married. She said we could plan a huge church wedding.” She buried her face in her hands. “I told him about her concerns.”

  “His response?”

  “He said she was only being a good friend and cautious about my welfare.” She blew out another one of his many lies. “He claimed I should feel honored that she cared about my happiness.”

  “Did he ever say anything negative about her?”

  She settled into the sofa, in the corner where she seemed to fit. Buddy placed his head in her lap, and she stroked it. The animal needed a bath, and so did she. “Hmm. He said I was lucky to have a friend like her. Brought her flowers and little gifts for Zoey. He didn’t like her snapping pics when we were toge
ther, but then he asked her to take the wedding photos, even made suggestions at the so-called ceremony. He succeeded in winning her over. Like he did me.”

  “Are you sure no one witnessed the wedding?”

  “Someone may have noticed it was happening, but we were secluded.”

  “What things irritated him?”

  “Not being punctual. Not a problem for me. Only Claire, who had her own inner clock.”

  Grayson scribbled more notes. “Did he ever say anything to indicate his family’s whereabouts, where he went to school, or friends?”

  “He said he’d attended Texas A&M and received his master’s in business, and his family had lived in Abilene. The only friend was the limo driver. Why, oh, why didn’t I check him out?” She sighed. “Never mind.”

  “It’s okay. What did Murford call his driver?”

  “Buzz. It was his hair. Are you thinking a military haircut?”

  “Strong possibility. Did Buzz have an accent?”

  “Sounded like he was from Texas.”

  “Sure wish I had my iPad, but Joe’s BlackBerry will do.”

  She understood. “Look at the bright side. We haven’t been shot at since early this morning.” As soon as the words sounded in the air, she regretted them.

  CHAPTER 23

  10:30 A.M. TUESDAY

  Grayson used Joe’s BlackBerry to verify Taryn’s information and type out his report to the FBI. It was tedious and boring, while her fingers danced across the laptop’s keyboard. He’d been in contact with the SSA and learned that her cell phone records indicated consistent numbers used for both inbound and outbound calls. She verified one as Murford’s and the second as Claire Levin’s. Every bit of information she’d given about herself had been accurate.

  An FBI team explored the minutes from Congress’s closed, classified hearings regarding the export license for LNG. Interviews were in progress, but it took time to unscramble comments and diverse personalities. Those who’d opposed the license would be listed in the transcripts and might provide a lead to the bomber.