Page 75 of Prisoner of War
Morales complied. The screen glowed and images assembled into the familiar front screen of the network, with the password control box front and center.
“The captain just forgot to turn it off when he logged off?” Soto suggested.
Morales shook his head. “There was activity. Internet activity.”
Zalaya pointedto the screen. “The only one who could use this computer is the captain. All the pass codes are keyed to computer chip serial numbers.”
Again, Morales shook his head. “The pass code is just for accessing the proprietary network. Generic programs like Internet browsers aren’t protected.”
Zalaya considered the screen. “General programs would include chat programs, yes?”
Morales smiled. “I can’tsee the captain downloading the Snapchat app. Besides, there are network overrides preventing anyone from installing executable files. We did it that way to prevent idiots from accidentally installing spyware and viruses.”
Soto frowned, for the conversation had already moved beyond the extent of his computer knowledge. He wandered around the room, checking the other computers and under the desks.
“Doesn’t Facebook have a chat function?” Zalaya asked. “That doesn’t require installing anything.”
Morales swore softly. “Yes. It does. God, I had forgotten about that.”
“Open it and check the archives,” Zalaya ordered.
Morales manipulated the mouse and clicked his way to the browser cache. “Empty. And...wait...yes, recently purged. At 4:21.”
Zalaya straightened and looked at his watch. “It’s4:27. The user has a six-minute head start. Soto, take what men you need and quarter this wing of the building. Every floor and behind every door. I will rouse the external patrols.”
“Yes, Colonel.” Soto snapped off a salute and hurried from the room.
“Morales, I would like to see the activity log,” Zalaya said.
“I can pull a print-out off for you,” Morales answered as he shut down the computerproperly.
Zalaya moved the cane to his other hand. “Let’s go then.”
“Now?”
“Now,” Zalaya confirmed.
Morales switched off the monitor and threaded his way through the desks, checking over his shoulder as Zalaya followed him.
“Turn the lights off,” Zalaya said.
“Of course, Colonel.”
* * * * *
As the room plunged back into darkness, Carmen closed her eyes and let out a shaky breath.
Well,they were on to her now. They knew she had been in the building. She was just thankful she’d had enough time to cover her tracks on the computer. If they had seen the message itself...
It was bad enough that they knew someone had sent out an illicit communication. They would not stop until they found her now.
Moving slowly, Carmen eased her way out from underneath the secretary’s desk, rollingthe office chair out with her. She had few minutes left. She couldn’t stay in the building anymore. Minnie would have to fend for herself.
* * * * *
Minnie woke in the dark and instantly knew two things: it was late—or early, depending on the frame of reference—and she was alone in the bed.
It wasn’t a drowsy waking. She was instantly alert and lay blinking up at the ceiling. Had somethingwoken her? Or had the first unbroken sleep in nearly a week restored her energy with a vengeance?
