Torn (Jay Gunner, #1) (7 page)

My God, what if they knew about the computer and briefcase transfer? I was sweating. I must calm down. Finally, I decided to say as little as possible. Only to acknowledge I’d met Brian because he was dating my best friend trading assistant. I merely wanted to know more about him. I did a few deep breathing exercises trying to stay in balance.

“Jay, are you OK?”

“I’m trying to calm down. I’ve never talked to FBI agents. Can’t say I’m comfortable with it. “

“Just tell the truth. You only met him because of me. I'll back that up. Brian wasn’t your friend. Only saw him once right?”

At four o’clock, two special agents approached the receptionist’s desk. “A Mr. Cooper and Mr. Bright to see you Jay.” Our receptionist had the nicest voice to be bringing such unpleasant news.

“Fine Cindy. Show them to the conference room.”

I entered the conference room a minute later. Both men rose and extended hands. “I’m Special Agent James Cooper, and this is my associate Special Agent John Bright.”

Heart still in throat, I answered in a raspy voice, “Hello Gentlemen. I’m Jay Gunner. How may I help you? Oh, yes. On TV shows, this is where I ask for identification. Do you mind?”

“Not at all. We’re proud of these badges. Glad you want to see them.” Agent Cooper seemed to be in charge. Both agents showed their impressive shiny ID badges. The letters FBI looked as large as golf balls.

“Please take a seat. Could I get you anything? Coffee, Tea, a soft drink?”

Again Agent Cooper spoke. “No thanks, Mr. Gunner. We won’t be long. Just want to know how you know Brian Andrews. Mind filling us in?”

“I don’t know him well. He dated my assistant Joy Wong. I invited Joy to dinner with my girlfriend and me and asked her to bring along Brian. We met for dinner, that’s all.”

Agent Bright spoke for the first time. “Have any interesting discussions?”

“Matter of fact, we did. I asked Brian what brought him to Hong Kong. He told a wild story about taking leave from NSA, and coming to Hong Kong to decide what to do with secret files. I didn’t believe him until I saw his picture in the South China Post. “

“So you knew he had classified material.” Agent Cooper took a notebook from his inside suit pocket and jotted something down.

I knew I had better be careful. “I didn’t know what he had until I read the newspaper. He made me nervous, as his story didn’t make sense to me. How could an NSA employee walk away with secret files? Employees must be subject to search. I thought he must be lying. Next time I saw Joy, I told her to be careful. Something didn’t seem right with Brian. She felt the same way; a few days later Joy broke up with him.”

“I see. Any other contact. Perhaps another meeting?” Agent Cooper’s pen hovered over the notebook. I began to sweat. Did they have surveillance tapes? If I lied, I’d be in big trouble. If I told the truth, I’d be getting in way over my head. OMG. What if they knew about the computer and briefcase?

I decided to tell them about the first hotel meeting. “I was curious about Brian’s story so asked him to meet me for drinks. We met the following Tuesday afternoon at the Intercontinental Hong Kong Hotel Lobby Bar.”

“It’s a wonderful place. Go there often?” Agent Bright asked in a friendly voice. I sensed the danger.

“I love the view from the Lobby Bar. I go once or twice a week to relax and watch the ships go by.”

“Tell us about this meeting. What did you talk about?”

“I asked about his intentions with Joy. She’s a good friend as well as an assistant and I didn’t want her hurt.”

Cooper said in a friendly voice, “That’s all?”

Agent Cooper and his notebook had me on edge. He kept writing everything down. I had a sickening thought. What if I was being taped?

“Brian said he had important information to reveal. I asked him what kind. Told me to watch out for his story in the South China Post. He said he was in a rush and had to go. That’s it.”

“Nothing more? We consider this man a threat to national security. Please tell us all you know.” Agent Cooper looked straight into my eyes. I knew I was confronting an experienced interrogator. Feeling trapped I made a mistake. I lied.

“Nothing more. After the newspaper story I never heard from him again.” What could I say? I took the risk of the FBI having hotel surveillance tapes, showing the transfer of computer and briefcase.

“All right, Sir. Thanks for your cooperation. Call us should you think of anything else or hear from Mr. Andrews again. Please take our cards.” Agent Cooper closed his notebook. Both men passed business cards with FBI Special Agent next to their names. 

As soon as they were out of the office, I went to the bathroom and threw up. My head was spinning. Not only was I in possession of top secret documents, but my stolen unemployment reports risked it all. My greed had gone too far. I had to destroy that computer.

I
couldn’t wait to get home. Amanda left that afternoon on a flight to Tokyo so I’d be alone. As soon as I arrived, I took the computer out of the back of the closet hiding place. I had to see if there were messages. I went to my desk and moving my old MacBook Pro aside, booted up the new laptop.

There was a message. It was an email from Brian. Palms sweating, heart pounding, and weak kneed I opened it. I feared a heart attack.

Hey Buddy,

I’m off the grid and out of touch for a while. Could be that means forever.

I appreciate the $20,000 you sent for the two months of fun. Hope you did well with the information.

I hate to burden you with the files I’ve sent, but it’s time to pass the torch. Do with them as you think best. They’re worth a lot of money to certain parties who may be looking for them. Be careful as they’re ruthless bastards.

You’re the only dude I trust. I won’t put you at further risk by contacting you again.

Best wishes,

Brian

I followed the link to the list of files. My God so many files. I started at the top. There was a message between German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan. I skimmed two paragraphs and saw some undiplomatic things said about American leadership.

I skipped down to number 75. It was unbelievable.  Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said nasty things about President Obama’s Mid-east policies.

There was file after file of what were mean to be private conversations and emails between world leaders. No doubt the NSA was spying around the world, including within the United States. The President had to know. 

It soon became evident nothing was safe from data mining. NSA stored items Americans would assume were private, like medical records. NSA even knew our surfing habits. NSA stored information on every website visited, every email written, phone call made. 

I didn’t want this. If examined by the FBI that now unwanted computer would get me 20 years in a federal prison. My first thought was to immediately destroy the evidence. That computer and its contents had to go. My nerves couldn’t take it. I poured a cognac. I felt short of breath, like a heart attack was coming on. I sat at my desk slowing sipping the amber liquid, trying to calm down.

I loved my country, although I’d never put my ass on the line like a navy SEAL, or even a regular GI. I guess I was an armchair patriot, content to cheer while others do the heavy lifting. What should I do? Man up and reveal I had the wanted stolen files? I cringed at the thought. Any examination of the computer would reveal my illegal activities.

The FBI had me in their sights. If they had surveillance tapes of my second meeting with Brian, they knew he gave me a briefcase and computer. For sure they’d ask for the laptop.

How about the American people? Didn’t they have a right to know they no longer have privacy? Shouldn’t they know the global reach of NSA spying? Should I turn over the files to the New York Times or South China Post, or some well-known investigative reporter?

I had a terrible headache. I felt trapped no matter what. My beautiful life was at risk. I needed time to think this out. I poured another drink. OK, I had a large safe deposit box at HSBC. I often carried a briefcase to the office and back home. The laptop could fit inside. I’d store the computer in the safe deposit box until deciding what to do.

Wednesday morning I called Joy at the office. “Joy, I’ll be late getting to the office. Cover for me, OK?”

“You’re never more than a few minutes late. Are you sick?”

“I’m fine. Just have to run an errand. Be there about nine.”

“No problem. I’ll take care of things. See you soon.”

I felt much better after stopping by the bank and locking the laptop in my safe deposit box. I entered the office confident things were looking up. Until the phone call from Special Agent Cooper requesting, no demanding, another meeting. My God, what next?

I
told Agent Cooper I had a busy day, but could see him at 7:00 PM. Only Joy and I would still be at the office, so he should call from the front door. Joy would let him in.

That gave me all day to think. I also had all day to sweat. I was pretty sure the FBI had surveillance tapes from the second meeting with Brian at the Lobby Bar. If they did Agent Cooper knew Brian passed me a computer and briefcase.

This time Agent Cooper came alone.  As I entered the conference room, he said, “Mr. Gunner thanks for your time. I have a few more questions.”

I said, “No problem. Haven’t found Brian Andrews yet?”

“No, it’s strange. Like he’s disappeared. Have you heard from him?

I froze. My hesitation must be clear. My God what to do? I sort of lied; didn’t tell the full story
.
I thought.
I’m in so deep now a few more lies and distortions wouldn’t add to the prison term. Shit, what a nightmare.

“No, I haven’t seen him. I’d call you if I had.”

“Mr. Gunner, we secured surveillance tapes from the Intercontinental Hong Kong Hotel. Mind telling me why you didn’t mention a second meeting?”

I’m in trouble. I better think fast. “At the time I didn’t think of it. It was so brief. All Brian did was deliver a computer he’d purchased for me. I wanted a new MacBook Pro. Brian had a buddy that works for Apple in Hong Kong. He helped me out by passing along an employee discount.”

“I see. And the brief case?”

“It contained the power adapter and USB SuperDrive. “

Like a lightning bolt it hit me. I had an almost new MacBook Pro. One I used to keep up with markets from home. My special trading software wasn’t illegal. That would become the computer given to me by Brian. On a grainy video tape I didn’t think anyone could see the difference.

“Mind if we take a look at the computer?”

“Not at all, if you promise not to copy my secret trading software. I’ll get it back, right?”

“Mr. Gunner, we’re the FBI. You can trust us. You’ll have the computer back in just a few days.”

Joy came into the room. “Jay, I’m sorry to interrupt. Amanda is on the phone. Says she’s calling from Hong Kong Emergency Medicine Centre. She needs you right away.”

Joy looked distressed as she delivered the message. She liked Amanda. As I’ve recently learned she likes me more.

I leaped for the phone. “Amanda, what’s wrong?”

“Jay, so glad you’re there. Something terrible happened.”

“Are you OK?”

“I’ve been better. Have a hell of a black eye and bruises all over. Doctor says I have three cracked ribs. Still feel lucky. Could have been much worse.”

“Damn. Were you in a car wreck? What happened?”

Amanda started sobbing. After a moment she regained composure. “Sorry to cry. I was so scared. I returned from the airport about 6:45. I entered the house and was turning on the lights when two guys came up behind and attacked me. One spun me around and punched my face. I went down and the other kicked me a few times. Both were wearing black masks. ”

“My God. You’re sure you’re OK?”

“I’m beat up and sore, but nothing life threatening. I called the police and they insisted I get checked out.”

“Any idea what the guys were doing in our apartment?”

“Believe it was a robbery. The rooms were trashed, like they were looking for something. The rats took my jewelry, including the gold necklace, and your Apple computer. Maybe a few other things.“

“As long as you’re OK the rest doesn’t matter. I’ll be right there. You’re at Hong Kong Emergency Medicine Centre?”

“Yes, the police took me there.”

I knew the location but wanted to be sure. “That’s at Yue Hwa International Building, Peking Road, right?”

“Yes, 8
^th
floor.”

“I’m on my way”

Agent Cooper followed most of the conversation. “Mind if we enter your apartment? We may have a situation.”

“Not at all. You have the address?”

“We do. I’ll ask Agent Bright to join me and meet you there. Now, better pick up your girlfriend.”

Joy asked. “Anything I can do to help? Want me to come along?”

“Thanks for asking, but Amanda is already upset. I’m afraid she would be more upset if she saw us together.”

Joy picked up her purse. “I’ll be at home if you need me. Tell Amanda, I hope she’s OK.”

Amanda’s appearance shocked me. One eye was swollen shut. Surrounded by black and blue puffy skin, it looked painful. A shaved eyebrow disclosed a one inch cut and three stitches. Luckily, her nose wasn’t broken, but a bloody nose soiled her blouse. Her face looked terrible; like she’d just lost an MMA fight.

Amanda pulled up her blood spattered blouse to show three taped ribs. Both arms had bruises from kicks received as she tried to cover up. She was lucky to have only fractured ribs as broken bones. The thieves had the items they wanted, and attacked as they were rushing out. If she’d been home when the thieves first broke into the house, it would have been much worse.

Agent Cooper and his partner, Agent Bright, beat us to the condo apartment. The door was wide open as we arrived. Police were swarming all over. 

Agent Cooper filled us in. “Looks like real pros broke in. This is a secure building. Two security guards are always on duty. Police tell us they found both guards lying unconscious in a storage room. They tell the same story. One second they’re fine, the next they felt a little sting on the neck and that was it. The next thing they knew paramedics were working on them on the way to the hospital.”