Page 23 of Secrets

“I already heard you, and we’re working on it. You do realize it’s going to be about seventeen thousand hours of footage?”

“Yes, but you’re so good at what you do,” smirked Whiskey. He heard mumbling and cursing, then the comms device silenced.

“The rest of the team is headed to the hotel,” said Griffin. “We’ll meet them there and grab some dinner. Maybe they can figure out what these damn letters are.”

Chicago had no shortage of hotels for tourists, but the team didn’t want typical chain hotels or common tourist hotels. They were booked into something a little more unique. The Wade was a lesser-known hotel with magnificent views of Lake Michigan and walking distance to Navy Pier.

Completed in 1916,Navy Pieris undeniably one of Chicago’s top attractions. Originally designed for shipping and recreation, it was renamed Navy Pier in 1927 to honor WWI veterans.

The Pier stretches into Lake Michigan. Although it’s open year-round, it truly comes to life in summer, with fireworks displays, live music, theatre, and cruises that set sail daily.

After checking into the hotel, they walked the short distance to the Pier, hoping to find a place to eat a little less crowded than downtown Chicago. The views of the lake were simply spectacular, and it was hard to imagine that it was actually a freshwater lake. You could have fooled them all. It looked like an ocean.

The waiter set down waters for the table, fresh bread, and then took an order for three Chicago-style pizzas.

“We’re hoping to know something soon about whether or not we can get into the prison to see him,” said Jean. “I’d sure like to get my hands on him and end this.”

“We could always send Juan in again. Unnoticed, with the stealth suit, he’d end all of this for us,” said Mac.

“Normally, I would say absolutely,” said Rafe, “but some of these groups that the feds want to take down are people we would want out of play as well. What about you guys? Anything unusual at the house?”

“It was awfully close to a train platform for the Brown Line,” said Bull. “That alone makes me suspicious. Griffin found something in the attic.”

“Yeah, these sheets of paper with weird mixes of letters,” he said, sliding them across the table. The others stared at them, shaking their heads.

“I have no clue,” said Kegger.

“I do,” said Jean. “I think those are bitcoin, cryptocurrency accounts.”

“What? Crypto-what?” frowned Kegger.

“Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual form of currency that uses cryptography for security. It works independent of traditional financial institutions and relies on a decentralized system. One thing that might be good for us is that it often usesblockchain technologyto verify and record transactions. Basically, it's a digital asset designed for online payments and as a store of value.” They all stared at him, glassy-eyed, and obviously lost.

“Look egghead, I’m an old asshole who still writes paper checks sometimes,” said Bull. “Back that shit up and explain again.” Jean just chuckled, nodding at his old friend.

“Cryptocurrencies exist only as digital data, stored and managed electronically, and are not controlled by any central authority like a bank or government. Cryptographic techniques are used to secure transactions, verify the transfer of ownership, and ensure the integrity of the digital ledger. These cryptographic techniques include complex codes that are anywhere from twenty-four to sixty-eight letters.”

“So, you can’t use these to buy shit?” frowned Whiskey.

“No, you absolutely can. Cryptocurrencies can be used to make online purchases, send money to others, and are also considered an investment, with the potential for price increases or decreases depending on the market.”

“But why would they use something so advanced, so complex?” asked Mac.

“Easy,” said Jean. “Cryptocurrencies offer the potential for faster, cheaper, and more secure transactions, particularlyacross borders. No one can trace them except those with access to those codes. At least, it’s really difficult to trace them.”

“Meaning?” said Bull

“Meaning, I think we can trace them.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

By mid-afternoon the next day, the feds, lawyers, and prison authorities had given their decision. The strange men with an interest in Millicent Fraser and her brother, Jay Fraser, would not be allowed to see the prisoner.

Feeling defeated, they headed home just in time to enjoy dinner with everyone and give their report.

“I don’t understand,” said Millicent. “My family isn’t the kind of people who would do something so complicated. None of them had college degrees. I’m not sure my brothers even graduated from high school.”

“Well, these sheets say otherwise,” said Jean, pushing the pieces of paper toward her. “Those are cryptocurrency account passwords, and it’s a complicated system to understand. Unless someone helped them with this, they figured all of that out themselves.” Millicent laughed, shaking her head.

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