“Your secure banking encryption program?The algorithm that’s said to be impenetrable?”Camden set down his fork as Rex nodded.His attention was fully engaged.“What measures have you taken so far?”
“I created a neural network that redirects suspicious traffic through military-grade encryption.It makes them believe their attempts failed, while I have the advantage of tracking their digital footprint.”Rex took a sip of sangria and sighed in appreciation of the citrus notes that cleared his palate.
“Max said you were smart.”Camden speared another piece of salmon.“What have you found?”
“They operate from three operational hubs in Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, and Montreal.But there’s a fourth I can’t pin down.”
“Let me guess...somewhere in the U.S?”
“Yeah.It fucking annoys me that it’s the one I can’t crack.”
“Max mentioned they know things they shouldn’t.Inside information?”Camden paused to savor a perfectly roasted truffle potato.
“They have info about early development vulnerabilities that were fixed right after launch.It’s noteworthy that only one person besides me knows about that update.None of the team who worked on the program initially was involved in correcting the string.It was done for security reasons.So, only someone with access to the original coding must’ve shared the intel.”Rex’s expression darkened as he pushed his asparagus around the plate.“It has to be an employee, but it could be a current or former one.”
“How many people had that level of access?”Camden reached for his sangria.
“Twelve.I’ve got markers embedded in all communications, trying to identify the leak.”
“I assume that you’re running background checks?”
“Deep ones.I’m checking financial records, communications, travel patterns, absolutely everything.So far, I can’t find anything suspicious.”
“What about recent resignations?”Camden gestured with his fork.
“Three in the past year, but all of them left on good terms.I am still monitoring all of them as well.”
“Hmm.”Camden sat back.“Here’s what I’m thinking.We set up a secure cloud hub.My team can feed in intel from our global networks and cross-reference with your data.It might help identify patterns we’re missing individually.”
Rex swirled the sangria in his glass thoughtfully.“Sounds good, but we would need quantum encryption.The Consortium is sophisticated and has the best hackers on their books.I’ll be damned if they get access to something like that.”
“Agreed.I’ve got an engineer who can work with your team on implementation.”Camden’s eyes gleamed as he reached for the sangria pitcher.“And Rex?Maybe we need to plant some bait.See who bites.”
“What kind of bait?”
“Leaked information about a potential vulnerability with a very selected distribution.That way, we can monitor who accesses it and what happens after.It might lead us to individuals on a high level within the syndicate.”
Rex’s lips curved slightly.“I like how you think, Camden.”
“That’s why Max sent you to me.”Camden finished the last bite of salmon with evident appreciation.“One more thing...these threats.They’re not just about the software, are they?The personal information they have about you all, it suggests someone close.Someone who’s been watching.Maybe even someone who knows you personally.”
Rex stilled with his fork suspended midway to his mouth.“You think the leak and the threats are connected?”
“The question is, which came first?The leak leading to the threats or someone infiltrating to create the leak?”
The implications hung heavy in the air as both men considered the possibilities over the remains of their meal.
“I’ll set up the hub,” Rex decided as he pushed his plate aside.“And Camden?Keep this between us for now.I don’t want Max or the others worried until we have something concrete.”
“I think it’s already too late for that.Max is already concerned.But Rex...”Camden’s expression grew serious as he dabbed his mouth with a napkin.“Watch your back.And maybe consider getting some personal security.These people aren’t just after your software.They’re after leverage, and leverage often means targeting what matters most to a person.”
Rex thought of Xia, of the scene he’d witnessed four days ago.His jaw clenched as he realized that anyone could be from The Consortium.He had no way of knowing, which meant more people are in danger than his friends...even perhaps, Xia.
“It sounds like a good idea.”He reached for the sangria pitcher.“One more?”
“Please.And the number for Le Petit Jardin.A meal like this deserves a repeat performance when I’m back in town.”
“I’ll do better than that.I’ll have Vee reserve you a standing table.”Rex poured them both another glass.“Something tells me you’ll be in New Orleans more often than not until we resolve this situation.”
