True Bastard: A Dark Sparrow Novel

by India Kells

  “Gamespyr?”

  Liam was scanning the area, but half turned his head in her direction. “It’s the address. From what I know, Gamespyr is a video game company.”

  With the number of buildings bearing the name in this prized location, Catriona figured it must be successful.

  The place was deserted, everyone still on holiday, but one security guard was waiting for them at a side entrance.

  Sam got out, followed by Liam, who told her to stay put. Both men had a hand ready to draw their weapons, but the guard must have said something to put them at ease because both her bodyguards relaxed. Liam gestured for her to climb out, and he tucked her under his arm before following the guard and Sam inside the building.

  The guard escorted them to a private elevator hidden around a corner. Catriona wasn’t reassured, but she had to trust Lazarus. Liam’s brother wouldn’t have sent them into a trap.

  The ride was a direct one to the top it seemed. When the doors opened, they were welcome by a scruffy man dressed in a torn pair of jeans and a t-shirt with colorful drawings on it. The man was young and very handsome, although he looked serious at the moment. “Welcome. You must be Lazarus’ brothers and Miss Catriona Walsh. Hope you won’t be offended if I jump right away at calling you Catriona.” At her name, his eyes traveled over her in one fell swoop and smiled even more when Liam inched even closer to her, as if staking a claim. “Follow me. If you don’t mind, I’d rather be done with this as quickly as possible.”

  He led them to a door which Catriona guessed was his office, but when they entered, it looked anything like one. The place was a mix of a workshop with counters overflowing with implements and an office. She could see a corner lounge with wide, flat screens and video games lying about, and if she wasn’t mistaken, there was clothing on the floor and enough dirty dishes to make a complete set in the room.

  “What’s your name?” Maybe she wasn’t allowed to ask, but unlike Liam and Sam, she didn’t have a clue to who he was and how he could help them.

  There were computers everywhere in the room, but the man went instead to the wall and touched something on the paneling. A hidden door open and the man gestured them inside. “I’m Devin Curtis, founder of Gamespyr, owner of all you see and unwilling hacker at your service.”

  Unwilling? Had Archer threatened him? They entered to see a completely different universe. The space was dark and looked as if she’d stepped inside a spaceship. He said he was a hacker.

  “Mr. Curtis, are we putting you in any kind of trouble for doing this? I asked Lazarus to find help, but not if it jeopardizes your company.”

  As he sat down behind a semi-circle of screens that was probably the command center, the man blinked a few times before cocking his head. “Please, call me Devin. You, Catriona, might be the first person requiring my services who’s concerned about my safety and welfare.” Something changed in his face, the sarcasm and annoyance gone. “I assure you that I’m happy to help, and it’s nothing I’m not prepared for. That’s why I’ve brought you here. This equipment is specifically designed for that purpose.”

  Catriona wasn’t dumb. Nobody would purchase this kind of equipment on the off chance a just cause came along. However, Liam pressed his hand more in the small of her back, urging her to be careful in her questions.

  Devin started typing and screens came alive. “I think that Jamieson Finch is a virus that infected this city, making it rot. Let’s say that he wasn’t on our radar, but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t seize the opportunity to stop him. Carpe Diem... or Noctem, and all that shit.”

  “We?” The question was out before she could stop it, and Devin gave her an amused wink before turning his back to her.

  “So, Catriona, show me what you need me to see.”

  In detail, she guided him to the point where she’d discovered the accounts linked to Lazarus. Now at the same place she’d been, Devin leaned toward the main screen. He looked at another one to his right, and then back again before shaking his head. “Strange. The flow isn’t constant.”

  Liam leaned forward. “What does that mean?”

  “Well, imagine the entire Web as a constant light moving everywhere. That light constantly updates data or makes sure to update it as soon as it’s changed. When we press the Refresh button on a webpage, that has the same function if you wish, but more specifically for that page. The Internet is like an animal feeding on data, and it wants to make sure that data is constantly up to date. From what I can see with these accounts, the flow isn’t constant, not even pulsing regularly, but more like being opened and closed manually.”

  “Isn’t that normal for accounts? Especially with security?”

  Liam’s question made Devin scoff. “Damn no. Contrary to what those sharks want you to think, they’re not as isolated or secure as they seem. For the customers to see their updated data on their phones or computers so rapidly, the system has to talk constantly, leaving a breach wide open for bad boys like me to see.”

  Catriona looked at the screen again. “What makes the flow, as you said, shut on and off like that? It means that someone is doing it, but the flow would be constant on a normal computer. A computer is open to the world, it’s what an internet connection does.”

  “Not unless it’s a white tower.” Sam’s statement made them all turn in his direction. “A white tower or an ivory tower is a computer system isolated so that it doesn’t communicate with the outside world. They’re used for sensitive data storage mainly.”

  Devin nodded. “Yeah. However, they’re also used as a way to do a little trick called a Juggler’s Ace. You use the white tower to duplicate a complex website, such as a bank, and relay it, or part of it, to a white tower where you can replace the data. It’s more stable than any other form of hacking, especially when the hacker is working on a site where there are so many layers of security. The breach becomes undetected as no alarm is triggered. The only sign is the flow inconsistency. You see, you can’t connect the white tower directly to the internet, it’s configuration won’t allow it, but if you use a laptop as a relay, you can have them talk together.”

  Catriona swallowed hard, understanding. “That means the operator of that laptop is human as the signal goes on and off as the user uses his computer sporadically to make sure the system is still fed, but they can’t keep it on as the white tower isn’t configured for that kind of activity.”

  Devin gave her a bright smile. “You’re correct.” Too soon his grin vanished. “The thing is, unless you’re as brilliant as I am, or as Catriona, if you look at the data, it appears real, and if the FBI or any other asshole organization looks at it, it means they’ll be on you like rabid dogs.”

  “What if we shut down the bank’s servers, the entire system? Wouldn’t that disconnect it from the white tower?”

  “The thing is, if you disconnect the system without shutting down the white tower first, the system will probably save the data that was last sent. The best solution is to disconnect the white tower, then wait for the system to stabilize with the real data before shutting it down. That way, the bank won’t feed off fake data anymore.”

  “How do we find the white tower? And is it even in Chicago?” Liam was back in cop mode.

  “For the white tower to work so seamlessly, you have to be relatively close. The closer, the better. All I need to do is set a discreet tracker and wait for the laptop to connect again. If he stays on the internet long enough, I should have a location for you.”

  Devin started typing on his keyboard like a madman while a sort of exhilaration invaded Catriona. They were getting close. Frustration was the first thing she felt. She’d hoped to find a way to cut the most important source of Finch’s power, but maybe she’d been a bit too hopeful that it could be done on the first attempt.

  “Damn you! I’m gonna get you, motherfucker!” The hacker’s sudden shout made Catriona jump. It wasn’t in the real world, but it was clear that Devin was in a fight of his own. “I didn
’t expect whoever it is to reappear so soon, but they won’t get away.”

  Catriona glanced at Liam and Sam, who were frowning at the man, not sure if he was addressing them until he pumped his arms in the air in the ultimate show of victory. “Yes! Yes! I got you! Oh yeah!”

  He swirled his chair and finally addressed them. “I got a ping, it was brief, but I got it. And because I’m that good, I can confirm it’s in Chicago.”

  The three of them moved forward, and Catriona couldn’t help but feel dread knotting in her belly as they got closer to Finch, one that sent shivers down her spine. How she wanted to find comfort in Liam, but he was standing there, eyes fixed on the screen, his body poised and ready to bolt as soon as Devin gave him the address. Sam, on the other hand, appeared to be retreating within himself.

  “The location of the ping is where the white tower is? Does that mean the person operating the secondary computer will be there?”

  That was the question. And from how heavy the atmosphere grew, the men had already considered it.

  Liam sighed through clenched teeth. “We don’t know who’s operating it, and the goal is to protect Lazarus. If we arrest Finch, it’s a bonus.”

  “If Finch is there, he dies.” Sam’s hiss told Catriona that the situation could go south very quickly.

  “Is there any way to stop this from your computer, Devin? Do we need to go there to disable the white tower?”

  Devin raked his hair. “It’s worse than that. I need to stay here and wait for the white tower to stop working. Until the link is disconnected, I can’t see what’s going on and erase what needs to be erased. Once the data is cleared, I can find a way to cut off Finch’s access to the money, as per what Lazarus told me. It won’t be legal, but there’s no way the authorities can trace who did it. The downside is that you won’t be able to use that data, any of it, to implicate Finch. In other words, if you don’t kill him, you’ll have to find another avenue to bring him down and neutralize him.”

  The computer buzzed loudly behind him, and several windows popped open on the giant screen.

  Sam cursed. “He can’t be this close. Damn, it feels like a trap.”

  It took more than a few seconds for Catriona to orient herself, and when she did, it was difficult to believe what she was seeing. “It looks that the location is only a block away.”

  “Next street to be exact. This can be over quickly. And if you’re lucky, the operator will still be on site.”

  Liam scoffed. “Yeah, right. Walking across the street won’t be discreet or covert. They’ll see us coming.”

  “Let me remind you that there might be another way. The Pedway.”

  Catriona was unfamiliar with the term, and Liam explained that under the Loop were century-old tunnels crisscrossing a five-mile area under the heart of the city, allowing savvy Chicagoans and visitors to move without seeing the light of day. Now more of those tunnels were restored and accessible, and they connected to companies, bars, restaurants, and shops.

  “And I can play my magic on the cameras. If someone checks the feeds, they won’t see you.”

  Catriona looked at Liam, who seemed to agree with the plan. “It’s the most direct route. I’ll call home and tell them what’s happening. We don’t have time to bring more people in, but Sam and I can handle it.”

  Catriona knew the stern look that accompanied his protective attitude, and she was having none of it. “I’m going too.”

  “No fucking way. It’s too dangerous. What if there are goons or hired guns there? We’re going in blind.”

  “That’s more reason why I need to go.”

  Liam was about to rip her determination to pieces when Devin coughed. “Sorry to interfere, but the thing is, if you can access the white tower, you’ll need someone with enough computer skills to see if there’s any salvageable data on it before turning it off. Catriona is the best one for that. Unless one of you has knowledge beyond the on and off button.”

  “No fucking way. I need to make that call, but you’d better find a chair here, angel, because you’re not coming with us. And you!” He pointed at Devin. “I need to know what you require to access the white tower.”

  “Liam!”

  When she tried to grab his hand, Liam turned and pushed her firmly against the wall, one hand on her hip, the other twisted in her hair. “Angel.” His mouth took hers in the most possessive and fiery kiss she’d ever imagined. Just as she opened her mouth to him, he moved back. “I won’t have you in danger ever again. I won’t survive if anything happened to you before you return to the convent. You’re too precious to be lost to this world.”

  Her heart skipped in her chest. It had started as a declaration of love before Liam had shut down any hope of being together by referring to the convent. It was clear that his mind was set, and this was a goodbye kiss. She was glad for the wall when he released her because she doubted her legs could hold her up.”

  Sam and Liam left, and before she could run after them, Devin gestured her toward the computer with a smile.

  “Come here, Catriona. Let me show you how to enter the Pedway from here. The entrance is at the bottom of my main parking lot. If you take the car, it will take you only a few minutes to reach it.”

  The hacker’s words weren’t making any sense. “Didn’t you hear Liam? He said I can’t go.”

  Devin huffed. “Don’t worry. I’ve locked your friends in the elevator. They won’t go anywhere until they accept that you’re going too.”

  Stunned, and somewhat amused, she didn’t know what to say. Devin continued. “As they’re cooling their heels, I’ll give you some important information. I know you only understood half of what I was saying earlier, but it’s more than what the guys do. Even on the phone, if there’s a chance to get to the white tower, I won’t have the luxury to coach anybody. So, you’re the only one that can do it. Liam and Sam must understand it. And they will.”

  Before she could react, he reached around one of the computer towers on the desk and retrieved what seemed like an oversized USB key. “Find a way to plug it in, and it will start a fast download automatically. I’ve configured it to search for keywords about Finch, as well as other search words that Lazarus gave me. It’s no guarantee, but it would be nice to have.” As he put the device in her hand, he went to a small cabinet and gave her a box. “I’m guessing you didn’t come armed. Call me old fashioned, but I’d prefer you had something to defend yourself with if need be. Keep that in your pocket. It’s a high-powered taser. It won’t kill, but at least you’ll have time to flee.” Devin seemed to hesitate before requesting her cell phone. He flipped it open and typed a few keys. “I’ve entered my direct number. I wasn’t going to give it to you because it’s complicated, but if you need the cavalry, I may be able to send it to you. Not the police, but people who are as trustworthy and discreet as they are deadly. But only if you request it, Catriona.”

  Stunned by his generosity, Catriona wasn’t sure what to say. “Liam will throw a fit if I go.”

  “Most probably, but I get the feeling you’re more stubborn than you appear, especially to get what you want. And there’s a chance that same persistence may help you find what you seek. There’s something about you, I can’t put my finger on it, but I sense you need to be there, despite what Liam thinks or says.” He hesitated and gave her an amused look. “And if there’s a higher power needing you there, I prefer to be on the good side of whoever is pulling the strings, if you know what I mean.”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  As soon as they left the car to enter the tunnel, Liam knew he’d made a mistake, one that could have deadly consequences. He never should’ve allowed Catriona to accompany him and Sam, despite the hacker’s trick. Damn Devin Curtis for forcing his hand. Worse, in his opinion, the risk to her wasn’t worth it, despite the man saying Catriona would be an undeniable asset to achieve this mission.

  They’d been lucky, as it was still early, the people inside the tunnels were few and
way too festive to notice them, allowing their little trio to remain below the radar.

  Catriona followed without a word, complying with all his commands, but he could feel her apprehension. She wasn’t an agent, didn’t have combat experience or a willingness to use a weapon, and still, she pushed forward, determined to be a part of it and see it through. Her calm strength, her courage made Liam want to shake sense into her and worship at her feet.

  Around the corner, as Catriona has said, there had been a locked steel door leading to their destination. Another easy obstacle, as Sam took care of it in a matter of seconds. Inside, the lights were out as they arrived in a service basement. Devin had made sure to bypass the security system so they didn’t alert their target.

  After that point, it had been a step by step game, following Devin’s instructions in Sam’s ear. Apart from a few workaholics too busy to notice their presence, they reached the floor where Devin followed the white tower’s electronic signal. Liam had half expected an empty space, but they found themselves in a maze of hallways, offices, and conference rooms.

  “Are you sure we’re on the right floor?” Liam expected a bunker of some sort, or an upscale business. On the other hand, Finch had been forced underground, and his options reduced. Which was the only comforting part of the situation. If they had the upper hand long enough to bring him down for good, that was all he asked.

  Sam touched his ear and nodded. “Old building. The current company is vacating. There’s been a lot of coming and going, and it’s probably the reason Finch used it.”

  Catriona looked into each room they passed. “Mostly empty.” They advanced until they reached a set of locked doors.

  “These are reinforced. Brother, you didn’t think to bring a blowtorch, did you?

  Sam grunted. “Can’t you say something constructive?”

  Liam was about to snap an equivalent reply when Catriona interrupted them, to point at the ceiling. “What about the air vent? It’s an old building, is it possible it connects to the other side?”