First Target

by Robin Mahle

Axell peered over his shoulder. “Figures you’d say that.” He revealed a half-cocked smile.

  Axell dropped the window curtains and pulled away from the view of the hotel’s entrance. “He’s coming up now.” For confirmation, he checked his phone where a text had appeared on an encrypted app.

  Their hotel was in the middle of the Dongcheng district, which was thick with tourists. It was the perfect place situated near Tiananmen and en route to the Forbidden City, the 180-acre grounds that housed the Palace Museum, and was one of the most popular attractions in the world.

  The knock sounded and Axell approached. He glanced at the others, who appeared as though holding their breath in anticipation of what would come next. Upon opening the door, he greeted the agent. “Shaw, please come in. We’ve been waiting for you.”

  “Thanks, Axell. I trust your flight was acceptable?” He walked toward Lacy. “Mrs. Merrick, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you. You’re an inspiration.”

  “You’re very kind. Pleasure to meet you too, Agent Shaw. This is Aaron Hunter, our cyber-expert, and FBI Counterterrorism Agent Will Caison.”

  “Gentlemen. It’s a pleasure. I’m glad you’re all on board. Axell’s spoken highly of all of you.” He turned to Axell. “I understand you have additional information regarding accounts tied to Yang?”

  “We do. Hunter, why don’t you go over what you found?”

  “Thanks. So I was tasked with uncovering the financing Yang’s received for what we now believe will be used to fund his interests in the Uyghur region. And I discovered a source just prior to our departure and wanted to bring it to light now.” He peered at Axell.

  “Go on,” Axell replied.

  “Yang’s been receiving money from both sides of the coin, so to speak. On the one hand, the MSS has been shifting monies from various shell companies that eventually landed in a few of Yang’s personal accounts. This was done, presumably, in an effort to help him move forward in the US with continuing to grow Dalian Company and invest in other Chinese interests in America during the sanctions. Additionally, Yang appears to be receiving money from the CIA in what we now believe is an effort to destabilize the Uyghur region and fund Yang’s terrorist ties.”

  “This, I already knew,” Shaw said. “So tell me something I don’t know, Hunter.”

  “Okay. We insisted on accompanying Axell because we believe we will be able to identify the organizations on the receiving end of Yang’s blood money. In doing so, forwarding that information on to you so that you, Axell, and the rest of your team can infiltrate these organizations and determine if and when an attack might happen.”

  “We are all on the same page,” Shaw began. “And we appreciate your willingness to assist us in this operation.” He looked to Axell. “This was the primary reason I came to you. We can help each other. Because what I can tell you is that we are alone in this endeavor. With the exception of a few of my team, no one knows you’re here. It will be up to all of us to locate the groups, assess their plans, and stop them before it’s too late.”

  “Aaron and I can start by handing over the banking information of the accounts he’s discovered to date. We will, however, need access to these institutions in order for us to get into their systems. This can’t be accomplished remotely.”

  “You want to go to the banks themselves and hack into their systems?” Shaw asked.

  “Yes. It’s the only way.”

  “And you knew about this?” He asked Axell.

  “Yes. If anyone can do it, these two can. I have no doubt. And while they’re getting that information, Caison and I will travel to the Uyghur region with you and meet with your people.”

  “I can live with that. However, I would like to post one of my team with your people here. They know where MSS has eyes, which is everywhere. And I’ll bring another with us to the region. He’s worked the area for some time and has the right contacts.”

  “It’s late now.” Axell checked the time. “We’ll leave at first light?”

  “Yes. I’ll be in the lobby. My guy will stay posted here after our departure to ensure the safety of Hunter and Merrick. And I’ll take your list of suspected banks. I’ve got an asset who can assist you with server access, but it’ll be up to you two from there.” Shaw paused and observed the people surrounding him. “There are many people who want this country to fall into chaos. After what they did to us—I can’t blame them. And my first inclination was for the same thing. However, I believe these people are acting out of emotion and impulse. Not out of reason. Because if reason were to enter into the equation, they would understand that the end result could well be the end of our countries. The chances a Uyghur uprising would succeed are minimal. And if these people were on the ground here, as I am, they would see that. But they aren’t. They’re operating out of their D.C. offices and don’t see the whole picture. The MSS is powerful. And while it could mean disruption for a while, it won’t last. They’ve done a great deal to squelch the Muslim culture in the region. They’re attempting to eradicate an entire religion. Moderates, extremists, Christians, Catholics. They are all the same to the Party. The Republic of China is atheist. And they will do what it takes to keep it that way.”

  “We all understand what’s at stake here.” Axell showed him to the door. “We’ve faced opposition before.”

  Shaw began to shake his head. “Not like this you haven’t. Good night.”

  In a café near the bank Aaron and Lacy intended to hack into to get Yang’s personal account, another man appeared.

  “You think that’s him?” Lacy asked.

  They both watched as he approached. The man with black hair, dressed in a black hoodie and skinny jeans, surveyed the café until his eyes landed on the two obvious Americans staring back at him.

  “That’s him.” Aaron held his phone so Lacy could see. “Shaw sent me this image. Looks like the same guy.”

  The man now stood in front of them at their small table but didn’t say a word.

  “I’m Aar…”

  The man, more like a college kid, interrupted him. “No names.” His English was fractured and he pulled out a chair to sit down. “I know who you are.”

  “Okay.” Aaron cast a worried glance at Lacy. “Then you have something for us?”

  The kid pulled a mini-SD card from his hoodie pocket, tucking it between this thumb and forefinger as he offered his hand. “You can call me Majian.”

  Aaron returned the greeting and with the slip of a hand, the exchange was complete.

  “The Xiajina bank has many zero days. You’ll find what you need on there.” He stood up to leave but not before scanning the café once again. With a nod, he walked away.

  “What did he mean by zero days?” Lacy asked.

  “Software flaws.” Aaron slid the mini-SD into this laptop and viewed the files. “It’s code—Malware.”

  Lacy leaned in to whisper. “To gain access?”

  “Looks like it. The kid’s good. Not many can write code. I can, but…”

  Lacy interrupted him. “Not like this.”

  “No. Not like this.” Aaron clicked a few more times. “There are email addresses on here. Probably bank officials. Workers. I’ll need to send an email and hope one of them clicks on the Trojan Horse. It’ll give us control of the computer. Once we have that, we’ll be able to get Yang’s account information and find the source of the deposits.”

  Aaron sent the emails while Lacy never took her eyes off the door or the window in front of them. She knew from past experience they were vulnerable sitting here alone. “What can I do to expedite this?”

  “Right now? Nothing,” Aaron replied. “Once we’re in, you’re going to have to go inside and talk to someone about opening an account, or something like that.”

  “That seems like a big risk. There’ll be security cameras everywhere. I’ll be exposed.”

  “You’re here on a tourist visa. Under a different name. I need you there, Lacy, to watch for anyone acting differently
. Concerned. Worried.”

  “You mean like they just figured out someone’s accessed their computers?”

  “Exactly.”

  “And if that happens?”

  “Leave. Make up some excuse and get the hell out of there. I’ll watch for you to come out. If I see you, I’ll shut down and we’ll jump ship.”

  “Yeah. Okay.”

  “I won’t need access for long. Just long enough to get inside the bank’s servers and find customer account information.”

  “How long, Aaron?”

  “Minutes. Less than five. I’m confident. This code is good. It won’t be easily detected. In fact, I’m not sure I’ve seen anything quite so sophisticated. Even at Langley.”

  She stood and grabbed her purse. “Better get this over with.”

  “Lace, be careful.”

  “Always.” Lacy pushed through the door and emerged onto Wangfujing Street, a famous street known for its shopping. While the area was crowded, she suspected it would be much worse in a couple of weeks for the Chinese New Year. It was hard to miss the upcoming celebration as signs were posted everywhere. It was a sea of red. And the shoppers weren’t swayed by the bad weather, either. The smog lodged in her throat, making her want to cough. Lacy had read somewhere that the air was worse here in the winter. She noticed several people wearing masks and wished she’d had one right now. The only plus was that the yellow haze would help disguise her to a degree. It was the only cover she had right now, exposed out here in the middle of Beijing—alone.

  The bank was just across the street, however, and she arrived without incident. The warmth and clean air was welcomed as she made her way to a help desk. And while she had no knowledge of Mandarin, she figured in such a touristy area that the personnel would hopefully speak English. Her assumption was correct.

  “Good morning. How may I help you?” The woman wore a pleasant smile as she spoke.

  Good morning. I’m here to speak to someone about opening an account?”

  “A personal account?”

  “Yes, please.”

  “One moment.” She gestured to a small waiting area. “If you’ll take a seat, someone will be with you momentarily.”

  “Thank you.” Lacy returned an equally warm and hopefully unsuspecting smile as she made her way to the chairs. So far, everything seemed perfectly normal. That could mean Aaron was in and no one knew, or he wasn’t in yet. He said max five minutes. She checked the time on her phone, just to be sure, and hoped it would take at least that long for someone to come and offer her the help she’d requested. But she would not be so lucky today. Less than one minute. Damn.

  “Nín hǎo.” (Hello) The gentleman bowed his head. “You are American?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Hello. What can I do for you today, madam?”

  “I’m interested in opening an account here.”

  “I see. Are you a resident?”

  Lacy casually averted her eyes in attempt to find anything remotely suspicious. “Um, no. I’m just visiting.”

  “I see. Well, I am sorry to inform you that as of 2015, we are no longer allowed to open accounts to foreigners. I’m so very sorry.”

  She needed more time and began digging through her purse while trying to spot anyone with raised brows in the vicinity. “But I have my passport.” She shoved it in his face.

  The man leaned back as she invaded his personal space. “I’m afraid that does not matter, madam. The rules have changed. And I do wish I could help, but I cannot.” He smiled, waiting for her to leave.

  Another minute. She began rubbing her chin and peered around the building again. “Is there a manager I can speak with about this? It was my understanding that this would not be a problem.”

  The man appeared to be growing irritated, but his tone was calm and polite. “He will tell you the same thing, madam. The rules have changed. Please accept my apologies.” He offered his hand.

  This was it. If she didn’t leave now, he would become suspicious. A final look around and Lacy nodded her head. Still no one seemed overly concerned about much of anything. Perhaps they were in the clear.

  “Well, that is very disappointing, but I understand. I appreciate your help.” She returned his greeting. “Thank you.”

  “Enjoy the rest of your day, madam. But please do wear a mask. The air is quite bad today.”

  “Of course.” She began to leave, again stealing looks and again finding nothing. If Aaron wasn’t finished now, it was too late. She had to go back.

  Outside and back into the cold and dirty air, she walked toward the café. And as she entered and spotted Aaron’s face, she knew he’d done it. He wore a demure smile on her approach. “Everything okay?”

  “Perfect,” he replied. “And you?”

  “They don’t open accounts for people who don’t live here. Guess the rules changed a couple of years ago.”

  “Good to know.” Aaron stood and grabbed his bag. “We should get back.”

  “That’s what I was hoping you’d say.”

  Chapter 20

  In a city of roughly 22 million, Beijing remained permanently congested, the skies almost always tawny. And in a regional airport on the edge of the city, a private jet commissioned with CIA funds waited on the runway. Shrouded in the haze, Axell, Caison, and Shaw approached the plane to Xinjiang.

  “Don’t worry about it,” Shaw said. “They’re used to this weather. You’ll be there in no time.”

  Axell shed a glance to Caison. “See? There’s nothing to worry about.” He whipped back to Shaw. “Wait. You aren’t coming?”

  “This is as far as I go, guys. I can’t be seen traveling to Xinjiang right now. I’ve been informed of rumblings among the operatives loyal to Handley. I don’t want to jeopardize the mission. I need to make sure I’m seen. I’ll stay here and keep an eye on the rest of your team and ensure your flight’s anonymity. One of my guys will meet you on arrival. He knows the region and it’s his contact you’ll be meeting with.”

  “And you trust him?” Axell said.

  “I wouldn’t send you if I didn’t. Now go on. You’ll need to depart on time. I’ve got people looking the other way, but only for so long.”

  “Thank you.” Caison started up the stairs.

  Axell followed him as both stepped onto the plane. “Not too shabby,” he said.

  “Right this way, sir.” A flight attendant showed Axell to his seat. “And if you’d like to take a seat here, sir.” She gestured to Caison.

  “Thank you.” Caison sat down. “CIA doesn’t mind spending taxpayer dollars, does it?”

  “Taxpayer dollars?” Axell began. “Partly, but I can assure you, the money seized from war torn regions, assets, and drug dealers in Mexico keep the CIA more than flush with cash. More than most Americans could imagine.”

  “What a surprise.” Caison peered through the window as they began to roll off the blocks. “Don’t suppose you’ve heard from Aaron or Lacy yet? I’m anxious to know if they got what they needed.”

  “No. It’s still early. They’ll contact us when they know something.” Axell noticed the worried expression Caison carried on his face. “They’ll be fine. Like Shaw said, he’s got people looking out for them. They’ll be safe.”

  “I’m sure you’re right.”

  Axell continued to study him. “You know, when you start getting close to someone you work with, it can create a lot of problems.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “You heard me. It’s not exactly a secret how you feel about her. Or if it is, then you’re terrible at keeping secrets. And the problem is, Hunter feels the same. I know it. Lacy knows it, even if she won’t admit it outright.”

  “I care about her the same way I do you and Hunter.”

  Axell chuckled. “Oh, I doubt that very much. Just take my word for it, Caison. Don’t get attached. And especially to someone who’s still in mourning. Lacy’s not over the loss of her husband yet. And who knows if she ever really will
be.”

  “I care for her, I’ll admit it. But I’m not completely insensitive to where she’s at right now. Hell, I wouldn’t blame her for never dating another man in her life, given the shit she’s been through.”

  “You wouldn’t want her to be alone forever, Caison.”

  “No. It’s just, yeah, I mean, it is too soon. I know that. And the thing with Hunter, well, I don’t really know how to address that. They’ve been friends a long time.”

  “They have.” Axell peered through the window as the wheels lifted from the ground. “Just take a step back and remember the job. Everything else will fall into place when the time is right.”

  “This job. Who knows what will happen here or back home? If we’re successful or not.”

  “Who knows, man. We just have to do what’s right. And this is what’s right. No matter what top brass thinks. They’re running on revenge. Fear. And who knows what else.”

  “What if they’re right to take this course of action? What if they know more than we do?”

  “Then we’ll be the ones to pay the price for interfering. But I don’t think they are, Caison. The way this whole thing’s gone down, if something else was going on, something the Chinese were doing, I’d know about it. My friends would know about it. No. I think this is an act of revenge in defense of the American people. On the one hand, I want to do everything in my power to make them pay for what they did, but not at the expense of more American lives.”

  “And you truly believe that would be the case?”

  “I truly do.”

  The plane touched ground on the runway of Terminal 2 at the Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport. The regional airport of Xinjiang was more modern than Will had expected, given the much poorer areas of the province.

  “Looks like they’ve got new construction going on here,” Will said.

  “From what Shaw indicated, China’s pumping a shit ton of money into the economy here. They want to pull people out of poverty and have created a lot of jobs in recent years.”