Torn (Jay Gunner, #1) (3 page)

The waiter arrived with four cognacs in hand. Brian proposed a toast. “In the end, may patriots win.”

I thought the toast strange, but didn’t say anything. I sipped my drink, wondering what Brian would say.

He began. “From the time I was eight years old, I was a computer freak. My dad was an IT guy so encouraged me to develop computer skills. Within three years my skills surpassed dad’s. By the time I entered high school, I was an advanced hacker.

“My senior year I got into serious trouble. I decided to prove skills by hacking into government websites. Even worse, I hacked into computer systems used by the US military and government agencies. I didn’t mean any harm. I wanted to see if I could do it.”

I said, “You must have a real talent. A reckless one. I’ve heard of skilled hackers, but never met one.” I began to wonder how such skills would give an edge in foreign exchange trading.

Brian went on, “I thought I was a hotshot. So skilled I had nothing to fear. I made the mistake of hacking into the National Security Agency (NSA) computers. It wasn’t long until FBI agents swarmed into the house.

Amazed at what I was hearing I said, “That must have been exciting.”

“Yeah, it was. Especially for my wide eyed parents. They didn’t know what was going on. I’ll never forget the look on their faces. Their only child was handcuffed and shoved into the back seat of a big black SUV. I was scared shitless. I didn’t feel so invincible then.”

“Shit, man. That’s heavy.” I looked at Amanda. She looked stunned. She stared at Brian like he was a dangerous alien from another planet.

“I was turned me over to the NSA. After hours of relentless interrogation, including real time demos of hacking skills, I had two choices. They would throw the book at me, and I’d go to jail for 10 years or more, or I could accept a job working for NSA. They were looking for top flight hackers and willing to make it worth their time.

I exclaimed, “You’re kidding. You’re offered a job?”

“I would start at $85,000 a year. That sounded better than being tossed into a juvenile detention home, then at 18 off to prison.”

“No way! You’re a 17 year old high school student and offered $85,000 a year by a US government agency dealing with national security?” Could Brian be telling the truth? If so, his hacking skills must be off the charts.

“I know it seems wild and crazy, but I swear it’s the truth. But hold on. My story is about to get crazier.”

Joy chimed in. “The sad part is coming. At first I didn’t believe Brian, but he showed me supporting documents. Let him finish.”

“For 11 years I worked for the NSA. Early on I had top-secret security clearance. My superiors were so pleased my salary increased to $200,000 a year. That’s not much for a successful foreign exchange trader like you, but for a kid who never finished high school it’s not so bad.”

I said, “Not bad at all. Impresses the hell out of me.”

“I was in hacker’s heaven. I had sophisticated computer equipment and told to commit hacking operations. Of course, my hacking was to fight terrorism and to support national security. I considered myself, and by the NSA, a hero. I earned respect for doing my little part to keep America safe.”

“Jesus Christ, man. What type of information were you after?” I drained my glass and motioned for the waiter to bring another round.

NSA missions are to protect US national security systems and to collect foreign intelligence information. I hacked in to foreign computers and extracted information useful to our intelligence efforts. It was a fun and challenging job. I was doing a valuable service.”

I thought a moment and said. “So your work was with foreign computers?”

“Yes, for the first several years. I was happy at NSA. But mission creep began. Some high level geniuses had grand ideas. We began to hack ISP servers, Internet hubs, and routers. We could spy on millions of individual computers. It was a much more efficient way of collecting data.”

Amanda frowned, her pert nose wrinkling in disgust. “So you think spying operations are okay? Were you spying on Hong Kong computers?”

“All developed country governments actively spy. Even when they consider the country they’re spying on a friend. You know how things are always changing. Look at Japan. 70 years ago, they were a bitter enemy. Now they’re one of our strongest allies. The same goes for Germany.”

Amanda exclaimed, “So you’re spying on everyone? Even friends and allies? That’s incredible.”

Brian adjusted his glasses and said. “Keeping up with friend and foe is vital for national security. I have no problem with that. So yes, NSA was collecting data from Hong Kong computers. The United States has a complex relationship with China. We can’t decide if they’re more foe than friend.”

I took Amanda’s hand. I saw how angry she was. She hated the thought of spying. She liked to look at porno sites and didn't like the idea of anyone knowing her secret passions.

I said, “So you had no problem with the NSA surveillance program?”

“Not at first. They were doing what Congress authorized them to do. What we were doing may be immoral to some, but under US law was legal. I became uncomfortable when fallout from 9/11 led to the surveillance of United States citizens. Spying without search warrants and probable cause was not within lawful bounds.”

“Whoa. NSA spying activity morphed into casting a wide net and spying on American citizens living in America?” A look of disbelief distorted my face.

Brian raised his voice as he said. “It’s worse than you imagine. NSA data mining extends to everything. Phone conversations, emails, financial transactions, TV programs watched, personnel files and medical records.  There’re no plans to roll back the program.”

Amanda was getting mad. Her blood came to a boil. “Brian you must be joking. You’re making a cruel, ridiculous joke.”

“Afraid not Amanda. A new NSA center in Bluffdale, Utah hosts supercomputers that store gargantuan quantity of data. Data from emails, phone calls, and web searches. Even Google searches merit recording by NSA. The entire life of Americans is stored.”

I exclaimed, “My God, man. You’re thinking of going to the South China Post and revealing this information in an interview? Don’t do it. Your life will be turned upside down. The US government will never forgive you. In their eyes you’ll become a traitor and hunted down. Many nasty things will happen to you. You might even disappear.”

“Yes, I’m aware of that. That’s why three months ago I left NSA. I told my boss I had some urgent medical problems. I had to take time off for treatment and recuperation. I came to Hong Kong to decide on a course of action.

“Once I go public I'll come under attack. I’ll be branded a trouble maker, a traitor, a double agent. But, I’ve made up my mind. I have to do it. Americans have the right to know how invasive their government’s spying operations are.”

Amanda spoke up, her beautiful face distorted and animated like an unhappy cartoon character. “I just don’t get it. You’re throwing a sweet life away. For what? You’ll become a despised whistleblower. What’s in it for you? “

“I have confidence in the American people. I’m willing to take the risk of blowing the whistle. Once my story goes public I believe other NSA employees will step forward. NSA supports illegal activity. I have a duty to report it. It’s something I have to do. I realize many people will brand me a traitor rather than a patriot.

“I expect most Congressmen will be livid with rage and demand my immediate persecution as a traitor. Believe me, the stronger the protests, the more accurate my information.”

I asked. “Aren’t whistleblowers protected? Can’t you report wrongdoing without fear of losing your job and getting nothing but trouble?”

“That’s only in theory. Whistleblowers using official channels had lives turned upside down. They lost their jobs, received audit notices from the IRS, were taken to court, and had reputations trashed. I’ve spoken to many of them and they all say stay away from official reporting channels.”

I felt I was talking to a doomed man. “You must know that Hong Kong has an extradition treaty with the US. Once you go public I don’t think you’re safe here. I understand your attraction for Hong Kong. It’s a fabulous city, and Joy is a remarkable woman.

Brian said, “I do like it here,”

I gave him my opinion, “But you’d be much safer in Iceland, Ecuador, perhaps New Zealand.”

I wondered if I was hearing the entire story. There must be many nations that would pay for the information Brian says he has.

Brian said, “You’re probably right, but I have confidence in Hong Kong’s rule of law. I realize extradition is a possibility. It would be after a long legal fight. The government wouldn’t want the close scrutiny a courtroom would bring. My greatest fear is of an assassination team.

I said, “Surely you don’t think it would come to that?”

“It could. But If I stay in the news, it’s unlikely I’ll disappear. I don’t think the government would welcome investigations. The administration wouldn’t like an independent special prosecutor asking questions.”

I took a business card from my wallet and pushed it across the table. “For your sake, I hope you’re right. I’ve found what you have to say fascinating, but disturbing. I’d like to hear more details, but here is not the place. The ladies are becoming upset. Let’s not spoil the evening.”

“I agree. I’ve been talking too long.”

“Call me Monday afternoon and we’ll set up a meeting. That’s cool with you?”

A
s chief foreign exchange trader for Global Trading Limited, I enjoyed more than an employee relationship. GT was a Chinese company run like a family office. My ability to speak Mandarin and trading ability endeared me to the company’s owners. I became family.

I become what older senior Chinese business executives would call a tai-pan. It was a status I valued, and would strive to keep. My dreams had come true.

The company’s chairman and principal owner was Yuan Shikai. He was a Chinese billionaire who made his fortune in the shipping industry. The company traded personal money provided by Yuan Shikai and various family members. Some funds came from a few wealthy close friends.

Global Trading operated with a small staff divided into five groups. Operations include stocks, bonds, commercial loans, real estate, and foreign exchange. I supervised two assistant traders as well as Joy Wong my personal assistant and strategist.

By Forex trading standards, Global was a small company, but due to my skill as a trader return on money invested averaged more than 35 percent per year. With that record of success, I enjoyed rock star status with my Chinese “family” and clients.

On Tuesday morning, I turned to Joy as the Yen weakened against the US dollar. “Your analysis remains spot on. Dollar/Yen is trading up in lockstep with the pumped up Nikkei 225. It’s ironic. The stock market is rallying while the economy is collapsing. Even with the Japanese government printing more money than ever the economy remains mired in a deflationary environment.”

Joy nodded her head yes and said. “Talk about unintended consequences. Prime Minister Abe must be wondering how much longer he’ll remain in office. His efforts to inflate the Japanese economy have been a disaster.”

I said, “How far do you think Dollar/ Yen will go?  Have any price targets”

“Let’s just keep doing the hardest thing in foreign exchange trading. Let’s ride the winner and see where it takes us.” She burst into a wide gorgeous smile, while clapping her hands in glee.

This was quite an outburst for Joy, who usually maintained a poker face around the trading desk. Having recommended buying Dollars and selling Yen, and building a position since it broke major residence, she had a right to be happy. Our profits and bonuses would be enormous.

“I’ve scheduled a meeting with Brian Andrews for four Thursday afternoon. Like to sit in?”

“Jay, thanks for asking, but I no longer feel comfortable around that man. After dating a few weeks, I’ve broken up with him. If he goes ahead with interviews, he’ll soon have the FBI, CIA, NSA, or who knows who on his tail. I’m not even an American and his story of NSA invasive spying on American citizens gives me the creeps.”

“Joy, I like Brian. He’s an interesting guy. But I’m glad you’ve broken up with him. He’s a marked man. I’m meeting only to pick his brain.”

“He is smart. For sure, you’ll learn something. At first I applauded his smarts and bravery, but after thinking it over I’m certain it’s dangerous to be near him. I like him, but I see no future. You know how I feel about wasting time.”

“I’m surprised, but understand. At dinner Saturday you seemed so supportive. Your support made me nervous. It could be dangerous to be close to him. Amanda feels the same way. I still have something in mind. If it works out, it would give us a powerful trading edge. I’d only have to see him a few times.”

“Jay you must be crazy. We’re doing well as it is. Why risk dealing with this man? Even having lunch with him might get you on a CIA or FBI surveillance list. Hell, we don’t know how he left the NSA. We might already be on that list. I don’t want to mess around with the US government. I’m happy and love my life in Hong Kong. I don’t want to risk being harassed about Brian.”

“Don’t worry. If I see his story in The South China Post, I won’t go near the man. I won’t involve the company in any way. I only asked you because I thought you were his girlfriend. I’m relieved you broke up.”

“So am I. I don’t know why I fell for him. Guess I was getting lonely and my cat wasn’t enough company.”

I said, “He seems to be a good guy with noble intentions, but is on his way to disaster. The record of whistleblowers against the US government is not good. Whistleblowers usually end up in the scrap heap of history, and our government rolls on like they never existed.”

Joy asked, “Why risk meeting with Brian?”

“The less you know the better off you are. If things go wrong as Brian’s former girlfriend you might face interrogation. Even if the relationship was for a short time”

“I’ve learned my lesson about talking to strangers. Especially speaking to lonely men at Starbucks. I’m only 24. I have plenty of time to find a mate. Being single isn’t terrible, especially when thanks to you I’m making big money. I’m not going to risk my sweet ass over some American computer geek.”