Page 24 of Undercover Infidel
“That was my initial reaction. I’ve spent hours trying to break it down. Routing suggests it was sent from our network, but I can’t pinpoint a specific device or user.”
“I tried tracing it from my end as well.” She shook her head. “Nothing.”
“It’s some kind of elaborate looping coding designed to create a digital echo chamber that makes the source appear local.” I closed the diagram with a frustrated gesture. “Whoever sent it has considerable technical skills.”
“And access to my secure number,” she added quietly. “Not to mention knowledge of my presence here.”
Our eyes met, both acknowledging the disturbing implication.
“I’ll keep working on it,” I promised. “In the meantime?—”
An alert appeared, indicating an arrival at the main gate. “Gus is here,” I said, checking the feed. “Earlier than expected.”
Minutes later, he joined us, carrying a leather portfolio. Despite his unassuming appearance, Gus was one of the sharpest financial analysts I’d ever met, with an uncanny ability to trace money through even the most convoluted channels.
“Morning,” he said, greeting us both. “I’ve got something interesting. Oh, but first, Dr. McLaren asked me to tell you that she and Brose are spending the dayin Stirling, followed by a visit to the Kelpies. She said she hoped you wouldn’t mind.”
“Of course not. Thanks for relaying the message.” Lex appeared perplexed.
“Everything okay?” I asked.
“Just anxious, I suppose.” She turned to Gus. “So, you said you had something interesting. Is it connected to Orlov?” Lex asked.
“Possibly.” He spread several documents across the table. “I’ve identified a series of transactions between shell companies based in Cyprus, the Cayman Islands, and St. Petersburg. The amounts are structured to avoid triggering automatic monitoring systems.”
I examined the data. “These originate from the accounts linked to Tower-Meridian.”
“Yes, but I found something else.” Gus pulled up a digital chart on the main display. “These transactions coincide exactly with Tower-Meridian’s shipment dates Sullivan previously documented.”
Lex moved closer, studying the data. “And the receiving accounts?”
“Registered to various scientific research entities, all with ties to a holding company called NovaPerspectives. It’s supposedly a private think tank specializing in AI applications.”
“Never heard of them,” I said.
“Unlikely you would have, given how deep their cover is. Also, while they were incorporated just eleven months ago”—Gus highlighted several transactions—“they’ve moved nearly forty million pounds through these channels in that time.”
“These accounts here follow the exact dispersal pattern I saw in a classified op three years ago. Russia uses a similar structure,” said Lex, pointing to a cluster on the screen.
“Yet some of these transactions originate from London,” I noted. “Specifically, from IP addresses registered to…”
Gus finished my thought. “Firms in the financial district. Several prestigious ones.”
A sudden alert flashed on my monitor, interrupting our discussion. I moved quickly to another terminal.
“Someone’s probing the system,” I muttered, activating countermeasures. “Sophisticated attempt, specifically targeting secured files related to Orlov.”
Lex joined me, her shoulder brushing mine as she leaned in to observe. “Can you trace it?”
“Working on it.” I initiated tracking while simultaneously strengthening our defenses. “They’re bouncing through multiple proxies.”
After several tense minutes, I had a location. “Edinburgh. Northern section of Old Town, near the university.”
“That’s a promising lead,” said Gus. “Too much of a coincidence to dismiss.”
I was already planning our next move. “Lex and I should investigate tomorrow. If Orlov is alive, he might have connections to academic circles where his expertise would be valued.”
“I’ll continue following the money trail,” Gus offered. “See if I can establish actual connections between these shell companies and any properties or facilities in Edinburgh.”
