on the computer it was plugged into and then to copy them to the memory stick. Jack started searching the files on the memory stick, not entirely sure what he was looking for.
He opened and closed a few folders before he found what he knew was the payload, a folder called Freedom. He opened the folder and began going through the contents. There were hundreds of files, most of which needed special software to open. Then Jack saw a file name Readme. It was in a normal format so Jack opened it. On the screen in front of him was a complete description of the contents of the folder and a summary of all the features. He had found it!
Time to get the money, Jack thought to himself and picked up his phone.
He opened his message applications and typed into the box, I have the goods. Where can I send them? He tapped the send button and waited.
The phone remained silent for a few minutes before jumping to life.
10 a.m. tomorrow, 1017 Willow Road
A face to face meeting was not at all what Jack was expecting. Normally he would transfer the data to a secure location once the balance of his fee had been paid into his account. He had to reply carefully and he thought for a few minutes before responding.
I don’t meet in person. Where can I send the files?
Feeling a bit nervous Jack waited for the response.
10 a.m. tomorrow, 1017 Willow Road
The nervousness was slowly changing to fear. Was a face to face meeting worth $500,000? Jack didn’t respond. I’ll sleep on it and decide in the morning. He tried to go to bed early that night but his mind was racing and he only managed to fall asleep shortly after midnight. He was awake just before the first rays of the sun filtered through his window. Scuzzy was still fast asleep at the bottom his bed and Jack was tempted to wake him up in revenge for the savage attacks on his big toe.
He showered and had breakfast, willing the time to pass. He kept looking at his watch but this seemed to make time go slower and it took forever for the clock to finally reach 9.30. Jack took a final look around his apartment and gave Scuzzy a kiss on top of his head.
“See you later buddy. Hopefully.” he whispered in Scuzzy’s ear.
Scuzzy could sense something wasn’t right and gave him a loud Meow in response. Jack walked to his car and entered the address into the map application on his phone. The estimated time of arrival at the address was 9.55 a.m. so his timing was perfect. He started the car and headed off towards the drop-off, the memory stick inside his pocket.
As the map application had predicted, Jack pulled up outside the address at exactly 9.55. The area was deserted with not a person to be seen. The address was an old factory and Jack could see a door hanging half open. He got out and turned up his collar to block out the cold breeze that suddenly picked up. A shiver went down his spine. He wasn’t sure if it was the wind or fear.
He slowly made his way across the road towards the door, looking around for any sign of life. When he reached the door, he paused, looking around. As he stepped inside, it took his eyes a few seconds to adjust to the dark. He took a few paces forward before a voice boomed out of the darkness, startling him.
“Did you bring the goods?”
Jack looked around, trying to see where the voice came from.
“Yes.” he replied.
Jack heard loud footsteps on the cement floor and a large figure stepped into the light. The figure matched the voice and Jack gasped when he saw the man. He stood a foot taller than Jack, broad shoulders and a slim waist. He had a black suit, white shirt and shoes that blinked even in the dark. Jack could see the butt of the gun sticking out from under his jacket. The perspiration started to form on Jack’s forehead.
“Somebody wants to meet you.” the voice boomed again.
Jack looked around but couldn’t see anybody. Another voice broke the silence.
“What did you get?”
The voice sounded familiar to Jack. He had heard it before but couldn’t quite put a face to it.
“I got everything.” replied Jack, “All the source code for Freedom. It’s right here on this memory stick.” He pulled the memory stick out of his pocket and held it up.
“Is that the only copy?” the voice asked.
“Yes,” replied Jack, not sure if he should have said that.
Jack heard a shuffle in the corner of the room and saw a dark shape moving towards him. The perspiration started to trickle down his face, his palms were clammy and his throat was drying up. The figure got closer and as it hit the light Jack’s jaw dropped open in shock. He stood dead still, staring. At first, he couldn’t believe his eyes. It must be a dream. he thought to himself, until the voice spoke again.
“Was it hard to get?”
“Not really Mr. Musk.” Jack replied, his voice wavering slightly at the sight of the Tesla CEO.
“You need to give me a full report on how you managed to get the code so we can fix those holes.”
“Certainly, Mr. Musk.”
Elon Musk walked up to Jack, took the memory stick from his hand and handed it over to his bodyguard.
“Destroy this,” he instructed him, “and tell Jason to transfer the rest of the money.”
The bodyguard nodded, took the memory stick and walked away.
“I didn’t think anybody could get it,” said Elon, shaking his head slightly.
“Unfortunately Mr. Musk, you can’t patch a human being. Our behaviour is predictable and often easy to manipulate. I will put together a full list of recommendations for you on how to prevent this from happening again.”
Elon walked up to Jack and put his arm around his shoulder.
“Much appreciated Jack. Now tell me, what are you doing next week?”
“I was thinking of taking a vacation.”
“Can you put that on hold for a while? I have something I need you to try and steal at SpaceX.”
THE END
About The Author
Anthony Ivins
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The Weakest Link Page 10
