Page 32 of Fearless Encounter
Weston smiled at the pun. “Say a person wanted to sell a product illegally—for a variety of reasons. The dark web facilitates such a transaction by maintaining the anonymity of both parties.” He paused. “Actually, it wouldn’t have to be illegal. Legit deals can be done that way, or used any time individuals prefer to share information anonymously. However…”
“Legal business dealings don’t involve an abduction.”
“Exactly,” Weston said. “And I’m monitoring conversations that have my attention…that look like the illegal type.”
Gabriel waited. “Can you tell what the conversations are about?”
“Secure encryption is the topic,” Weston said. “Realize what that would be worth to the right party. Messages and communications could be sent anywhere in the world without the risk of the encryption being cracked.”
Images of terrorists, foreign governments, and such things came to mind. “I’m guessing that would be worth billions.”
“Good guess,” Weston said. “Encryption is useful but not failproof.”
“It only works until the code is cracked.”
“But what if it wasuncrackable?”
Gabriel looked at the computer screen, taking a moment to let that sink in. “If that’s true, and there is a buyer, we have a very big situation on our hands. The instant you have anything concrete, let me know.” He took a breath. “We’re talking counterterrorism, cybercrime, counterintelligence, and more. I’ll need to alert the FBI the instant we have something substantial.”
Weston went back to work.
*****
Gabriel drove to the police station. Once Abe got in the car, he turned down the radio and shared what he’d learned.
“You might be on the right track,” Abe said. “I spoke to my sister about our case.”
“What did Mallory have to say?”
“One of her division’s FBI projects focused on similar types of cases,” Abe said. “They hinged on corporate greed, and that’s more of a thing now than ever. Now that there are more high-tech products, software, and information resources, a new type of crime has surfaced.”
“First it was white-collar crime and now high-tech crime?”
Abe smiled. “That’s a good way to put it. But it can have a unique angle. The perp is a guy on the team, meaning that some tech dude has inside knowledge about those products. Seems there are endless ways to steal from your own company to cash in on big money—hopefully, without being caught.”
“I wouldn’t count on that,” Gabriel said. “I’m determined that whoever is pulling a stunt in this casewillget caught.”
“Now, we just need to find out who is the mastermind behind this,” Abe said, “and how the abduction fits in.”
“And rescue Meghan, before it all comes crumbling down.” Gabriel pulled into the lot at Capstone.
The multi-level parking structure was next to a high-rise office building in the central business district. Abe said, “First stop is Dwaine Schwartz, the CEO, New Orleans native, BA from Tulane. Prior to his position with Capstone, he spent several years in law enforcement. And he’s a U.S. Navy veteran.”
“Sounds like a stand-up guy,” Gabriel said. “Must be fifty-five or so, because I don’t remember him on the force.”
“Yep, that was before our careers,” Abe said. “Hoping he thinks like us and will support our efforts in locating the criminal who abducted his head of research.”
“Unless heisour guy.” Gabriel headed for the building. “Couldn’t be that easy.”
*****
Gabriel and Abe stepped out of the elevator onto the executive floor of Capstone Security. The sleek, modern décor projected an image of cutting-edge technology and professionalism. They approached the receptionist’s desk, where a young woman greeted them with a polite smile.
“Good morning, gentlemen. How may I assist you?”
Gabriel flashed his PI badge. “Gabriel Durand and Detective Abe Stewart. We have an appointment with Mr. Schwartz.”
The receptionist checked her computer screen and nodded. “Yes, he’s expecting you. Please follow me.”