CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
“First Contact”
Otto found the link and turned it on. Secretary Yee blinked into view wearing a Kelly green blazer, white shirt, and cat’s eye glasses. He could tell from her delicate features she was a small woman.
“Can you hear me, Mr. White?”
“Yes ma’am.”
“I have reviewed your history and I know Stella as a good friend. Thank you again for agreeing to do this. In addition to the attributes we sought though Project Genesis you possess another quality that I find essential. You’re loyal.”
Otto didn’t know what to say so he said nothing.
“There are people who will stop at nothing to gain the technology behind these assassinations. There is no question in my mind this is not a natural phenomenon, but the work of our enemies. There are strategic issues here that go far beyond mere assassination. If these immolations are the result of technology, how do they store the energy? Where is it coming from? Is it a new source of energy? The nation that solves the riddle will have a huge head-start.”
“I know that, ma’am.”
“Any thoughts?”
“Just to keep an open mind.”
The director’s lip curved up at one end. “It is possible that a foreign power, learning of your mission, will try to steal anything you uncover. It is also possible that we have a traitor in our midst.”
“Do you suspect someone, ma’am?”
“I have long suspected a leak within the intelligence community, which has now spread out among so many agencies it’s virtually impossible to keep track of who knows what. I first suspected we had a leak when internal agency memoranda began turning up on Wikileaks. Several years ago to test my hypothesis I released some disinformation as an internal memo. Sure enough, it showed up on Wikileaks within seventy-six hours.”
“I see.”
“It is even possible they will try to stop you. I can assign you some minders if you like.”
“No thank you, ma’am. I prefer to work alone. Ma’am, I ran into a guy I last saw in the Libyan desert. Ryan Hornbuckle. He’s out here in charge of the cyber crime unit. He was there that day I saw Malik self-combust.”
“I will look into Mr. Hornbuckle. You have my number. Don’t hesitate to call if there’s anything you need. God bless you for doing this.”
“Thank you, ma’am. I’ll do my best.”
***