White Hat Black Heart (Cyber Teen Project Book 1)

by D. B. Goodin

  “I’m owed some favors at the Bureau. I will see how the case against Gregor is progressing,” John said.

  Julius handed Agent Appleton his card.

  “Please keep in touch.”

  John Appleton wasn’t sure if Janice would help, but she did owe him a favor.

  “If I can do it, I will,” she said over the phone. “But things have changed around here since you left.”

  “How so?”

  “The deputy director is making agents more accountable for evidence collection. A no-tolerance policy for bypassing the system.”

  “Why are you telling me this?”

  “Because your work is the example of what not to do.”

  “Harsh,” John said. “Has Gregor Gobechov given us anything?”

  “The deputy director let him go a few days after you were suspended. Let me find out why. Hold, please.”

  John Appleton’s brow furrowed. This wouldn’t have happened on his watch. A few minutes later, Janice returned.

  “‘Improper evidence collection’ and ‘unauthorized examination of evidence’ are the reasons given,” Janice said.

  “What about Rocky?”

  “Who?”

  “Rocco Surelli.”

  John heard a series of keystrokes.

  “He was released as well, citing the exact same reasons,” Janice said.

  “What about Nigel Watson?”

  “He is still under investigation but is expected to be released. His lawyer is insisting that the case be dropped. I know the deputy director wants all of this to go away.”

  John thanked Janice, then hung up. He was back where he started!

  John returned to the hospital. Nigel was asleep. Ellen was trying to rest in a nearby chair. He wished he could take it all back. This family had been through a lot in such a short time.

  Ellen opened her eyes. “Did the hacker talk?” she asked hopefully.

  John didn’t want to bring her more bad news, especially now that her son was injured, but didn’t see the point in lying about it, either.

  “No, he was released.”

  All of her bottled-up emotions overwhelmed her, and she started weeping uncontrollably. John put his hand on her shoulder to try and comfort her.

  Nigel clapped his hands, then waved a piece of paper. John took it from Nigel and read:

  “I think I know who Gregor is. There may be a connection between The Collective. Get Julius. We should talk.”

  “Great news,” Julius said as he entered the room. “The FBI has agreed to drop all charges and pay some restitution. The details will be forthcoming.”

  Nigel smiled. Ellen gave Nigel a hug as tears rolled down her face.

  Nigel relayed the accidental communication that he received on the Collective Systems app. Nigel provided John with additional information on how his machine learning research had led to Gregor being found out as a traitor to Collective Systems. Nigel didn’t think that Gregor’s capture by the FBI was a coincidence.

  “Your suspicions are correct, Nigel. Gregor was hand-delivered to the FBI. He was wrapped like a Christmas present,” John said.

  “How convenient. It looks like you were played,” Julius said. “I’m going to see that the FBI makes good on their promises. I want legal documents drawn this afternoon.”

  “Dispatch. What is your code word or phrase?”

  “Black Heart,” Julius said.

  Julius was transferred directly to Alexei.

  “Boss, it looks like Gregor has started a war with Black Iris.”

  “According to my research, Gregor created a bounty on the Black Iris board but later recanted. After Gregor’s apprehension, it was discovered that Gregor hacked their site and stole vast amounts of Digibit held in escrow for other bounties. Gregor also set Nigel up again. The kid was nearly killed this time. They sent Hunter!”

  Alexei said nothing for a long time.

  “We need to meet with the opposition leaders and explain that Gregor is a rogue agent.”

  “Already on it, Boss!”

  Using covert channels, Julius was able to set up a meeting between a high-ranking member of Black Iris and The Collective. Only two members of each side were allowed. Alexei chose Julius to represent him as his second. The meeting was to take place physically on neutral ground.

  “It is done. The meeting will be held on Phantom Island in two days,” Julius said.

  “That will take at least a full day of travel, so we better leave soon.”

  Julius immediately headed to the airport and booked the first flight to Lisbon. He met Alexei at the airport. Julius sent the secure beacon from his burner phone. Within minutes, his phone rang.

  “Your car is waiting, Mr. Shcherbakov. Ensure that Breven is with you.”

  “Ten-four, good buddy,” Julius said.

  An unremarkable black sedan pulled up. The driver stared at Julius for a moment, then signaled for them to enter. The back of the car had tinted windows. As soon as Alexei and Julius jumped in the car, the windows polarized. They couldn’t see anything outside after that. Approximately thirty minutes later, the car pulled onto a boat and the voyage began.

  “Merry Christmas, Boss.”

  Alexei was not in a celebratory mood, but he acknowledged Julius's good-natured attempt at cheering him up.

  About an hour into the journey, the doors unlocked. Julius opened his side of the vehicle. He could see the ocean waves smashing the side of the vessel they were on. Smoke billowed about the deck as the wind changed positions. Soon, a large man approached them.

  “Hello, I'm Captain Ramsey, captain of the Shadowstar.” He held out a large black hand. Julius shook it and made introductions on The Collective side.

  “What happened to you?”

  “Part of what must be discussed with our mutual friends.”

  “I see.”

  “Come up to my captain’s quarters. I have tea and scones waiting.”

  “Lead the way.”

  Captain Ramsey led them to his quarters. Alexei’s stomach growled as he smelled the scones. The captain poured three cups of tea.

  “Phantom Island is about a day’s sail west,” Captain Ramsey said. “The actual location of the island is a bit tricky to find. It is deserted, but has some passable roads. It is our Bermuda Triangle. Instruments go haywire, and you can only navigate by the stars. We will get to the edge of the chop, drop anchor, then wait for nightfall. The Shadow Dealers have many remote outposts. We have settled disputes between criminal organizations for years.”

  Ramsey chuckled.

  Alexei had a strange feeling as enjoyed his tea and scones.

  “Where is Black Iris?” Alexei asked.

  “They were picked up by another vessel and will meet us on the island. We do this for everyone’s protection,” Captain Ramsey explained.

  Alexei nodded.

  “Now that we have broken bread together, we should go over the rules.”

  “Will Black Iris be forced to follow the same rules?” Julius asked.

  “Everyone does. Offending members will be blacklisted and their reputation tarnished!

  “The rules are as follows: One, no communication with anyone not on the island under any circumstances. Two, participants must not interrupt each other during opening statements. Three, if a resolution cannot be made within seventy-two hours, both parties must agree to a five-week truce before negotiations will begin anew. During this time, no communication or business between parties shall commence. Four, the Shadow Dealers get paid no matter the outcome. Five, declarations of war must be made off Shadow Dealers’ territory.

  “Do you agree to these terms?”

  “Yes,” Julius said.

  “Agreed,” Alexei said.

  “Now for the legal stuff.”

  Captain Ramsey produced a long scroll that looked ancient. Alexei and Julius signed the document. Captain Ramsey reviewed it, then placed it back in its protective covering.

  “You will recei
ve a copy once we arrive at the island. No copy machine here.”

  Dusk would be upon the vessel soon. The waves were getting rough. The ship was not small by any means, but it was beginning to get tossed around like a toy.

  “Time to change navigation,” Captain Ramsey said.

  Alexei and Julius followed Captain Ramsey onto the deck of the Shadowstar. They could barely keep their balance due to the torrent of waves and rain.

  “Where did this weather come from?” Alexei shouted.

  “Our Triangle! Now get inside!” Captain Ramsey bellowed.

  By the time the members of The Collective were back in the cabin, they were drenched. Alexei remembered Captain Ramsey saying that he navigated by the stars and wondered how that was possible in their current predicament. Several minutes later, the weather stopped as abruptly as it started. Alexei stepped outside and couldn’t believe his eyes. The night sky was completely clear, and there were more stars than he had ever seen in one sky. Alexei was mesmerized.

  Alexei opened his eyes as sunlight shone through the cabin. He could hear the rumbling sound of the engine and seagulls. He felt rested and at peace for the first time in a long time. He stepped out onto the deck and realized that they were docked. He could see a black sedan in the distance. Julius was leaning on one side of the car.

  “Did you sleep well?” Captain Ramsey asked.

  “Incredibly well.”

  “Good, you will need the rest for the trials to come.”

  Captain Ramsey extended a hand. They shook for several seconds.

  “Good luck, my friend. I hope we meet again, under better circumstances.”

  “Thanks for your hospitality and safe passage, Captain.”

  Alexei walked to the sedan where Julius waited. He felt optimism for the first time in years.

  “Ready to go, Boss?”

  “Yes. I’m eager to get started.”

  As soon as Alexei and Julius were seated, the car started moving. The scenery was barren and bleak. Large rocks protruded in several places along the rough road. The vehicle shook as the cement turned into gravel.

  “Not the paradise you were expecting?” Julius asked.

  “This island looks deserted.”

  “I assure you it is not,” the driver said. “There are all manner of creatures here, ranging from wild jackals to a variety of reptiles. Wandering off, especially at night, can be fatal.”

  “Good to know. I didn’t get your name?”

  “Roscoe,” the driver replied.

  The sedan started its ascent up a steep hill, and the width of the road decreased dramatically. The sedan stopped several hundred feet above sea level. Roscoe opened the passenger door. Alexei stepped out onto a surface that resembled blacktop.

  Roscoe led them to a plain wall with no visible entry point. He pushed a brick, which revealed a handle, which in turn revealed a downward spiral staircase. Alexei and Julius followed Roscoe down the narrow staircase thirty feet. Roscoe led them to a large room that resembled a waiting area. Two couches and a coffee table were visible.

  “You must be hungry after your voyage. We have prepared a meal for you,” Roscoe said.

  The next room contained a large rectangular table and twelve chairs. Several lamps illuminated the room. Two place settings were made at the far side of the table. Alexei and Julius took their places at the table. Between the place settings was an empty chair.

  “Good morning, Gentlemen. My name is Malcolm. I’m your host for the gathering. Breakfast will be served momentarily. After that, I will show you to your quarters.”

  As soon as Malcolm finished speaking, a plate of bacon and over-easy eggs was placed in front of Alexei. A plate with a bagel, cream cheese, and lox was placed in front of Julius. Alexei and Julius shared a puzzled look.

  “How did you know what we like?”

  “The Shadow Dealers always do our homework,” Malcolm said. “Now eat, and when you’re finished I will give you the grand tour!”

  Alexei devoured the breakfast in record time and was finished before Julius had finished the first half of his bagel. As promised, Malcolm gave Alexei and Julius a tour of the facility, which was inside the wall of a cliff. Alexei thought he could see his reflection in the polished stone of the walls and floors. The tour ended at the guest quarters.

  “Is there Wi-Fi available?” Julius asked.

  Malcolm glared at Julius as if he had cursed.

  “No, I’m afraid this facility is in a no-Wi-Fi zone. A cocktail reception with all meeting participants will be held in the main hall at five sharp. Please, do not be late.”

  Alexei unpacked his two suits he brought for the negotiations, as he had found that dressing the part of a leader was essential. He wanted to look perfect. Despite being carved into a cliff, the room was bright. He went over to close the drapes and stopped. He was greeted by a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean. Far below, he could see vegetation and a small lake. He closed the drapes, then drifted off to sleep.

  Julius woke Alexei at 3 p.m.

  “I think we should go over our talking points,” Julius said.

  “Okay, advise me.”

  Julius inspected his notes for a moment.

  “Okay, the first point is that you should admit no wrongdoing. You didn’t know about any malicious activity Gregor was involved with. An important consideration is that Gregor was acting solo, with no known accomplices. If the conversation is going well and you want to be generous, offer a list of Gregor’s known and unknown haunts. Oh, one other point—we should ask them for evidence of the hack and what brought it to their attention.”

  Alexei memorized all talking points.

  “I hope you brought a suit for the discussions,” Alexei said.

  “I did, but we don’t need suits.”

  Alexei looked puzzled.

  “Why not?”

  “Because Roscoe, our driver, brought these.”

  Julius opened the closet. Several full-length robes hung there.

  “According to Malcolm, every participant must wear one!”

  Alexei and Julius entered the main hallway ten minutes early. The plain dark gray robes were big enough for Alexei to wear slacks and a button-down shirt underneath it. He left the tie and sports coat behind.

  “You’re early. Excellent!” Malcolm said. “The other guests have arrived.”

  Malcolm led them to an adjacent room. Several tables had various food and beverages. Alexei recognized Hunter, but he didn’t know who the other man was.

  “Let me introduce our guests,” Malcolm said. “From The Collective, we have Alexei Breven and Julius Shcherbakov.”

  Alexei raised his glass in a toasting motion.

  “From Black Iris, Hunter Garrison and Jony Clarke.”

  Hunter nodded. Jony was expressionless, like a statue.

  The men sized up their competition.

  “I want to propose a toast to a productive and satisfactory dialogue,” Alexei said.

  Hunter and Jony raised their glasses, but the motion seemed devoid of any meaning. Alexei thought he could hear the crackle of energy in the room. Having sensed the tension, Malcolm steered the men into the dining hall, where a three-course meal was served. Alexei noticed that Hunter had a visible limp.

  Alexei was tired of Hunter’s brooding and tried to lighten the mood by engaging in some polite conversation.

  “What do you think of this facility? Magnificent, isn't it?” Alexei said to Hunter.

  “I would expect nothing less from the Shadow Dealers,” Hunter replied.

  “Since dinner is over, shall we take our places at the table?” Malcolm asked.

  Everyone followed Malcolm into the main negotiating hall.

  “It is beautiful,” Alexei said.

  “What is?” Hunter asked.

  “The sunset. I find that you gain perspective by taking time to appreciate the beauty around us.”

  Hunter said something under his breath.

  Everyone
was greeted by a young woman.

  “I’m Melissa. I will be documenting the proceedings.”

  Hunter looked at Melissa for a long moment, then nodded approval. If I didn’t know better, I’d think young Hunter is smitten, Alexei thought.

  Malcolm reminded the group of the rules. Once a verbal “I agree” was issued from each participant, he said, “Let the record show that the current time is 7:31 p.m. on December 25th. The floor will be given to Black Iris for opening remarks. Remember, no interruptions. Who will represent Black Iris?”

  “I speak for Black Iris,” Hunter said. “On November 26th, a bounty, placed by Gregor, an active member of The Collective, was issued and a deposit was made. On December 4th, the bounty was removed. Using my right of reactivation, I decided to collect on the bounty. That action caused a worm to awaken and infect our entire Black Iris site. Our researchers determined that the worm was related to GreyWorm, which was written by Gregor. Also, no existing traces of this variant of the worm can be found anywhere on the surface or Dark Web, which means it is unique enough that no one but Gregor or The Collective could have it. We demand the five million Digibit that was stolen from us. Other demands include the cost of downtime to our systems and estimated member costs, which is worth over 300,000 pound sterling. Also, as a gesture of good faith, we demand the services of Natasha Solikov for three weeks. That is what Black Iris demands.”

  Malcolm took a pause for dramatic effect, then said, “The Collective may respond.”

  “The evidence presented so far is circumstantial in nature, and I demand additional proof of the breach to Black Iris systems,” Alexei began. “Furthermore, Gregor was burned around the time of your system breach. He had no official support from anyone from The Collective. I’m prepared to reimburse you for your actual loss of Digibit, but I require proof, such as ledger transactions from wallets, network traffic logs from the time of the breach, etc. I want restitution for my associate, who suffered directly when Hunter was carrying out the bounty on Nigel Watson.” Alexei pointed at Julius’s arm sling to make his point. “Nigel should not have been targeted. He is an intern that has not been completely read into the inner-workings of The Collective. He is at a disadvantage and should not be targeted. Also, Natasha will not work for anyone but me. You may ask her directly, but I can assure you the answer will be no.”