“He thought he was, but I ran circles around him. I don’t even think he tried to crack your files. But I know he tried to cover his tracks and keep me from seeing what he did with you. And since he was the public face of Helenos-9, when he agreed to work with Falcon Sinclair, that was the end of everything, including his life.”
“He didn’t commit suicide?” Alex asked.
“It sure did look like it, but my brother was such a narcissist that he’d never do anything like that. Falcon Sinclair’s goons staged the scene. But there’s no doubt that they murdered him.”
“And do they know about you?”
Mia shook her head. “I’m just his live-in sister who worked at a coffee shop during the day and had no knowledge of his business dealings.”
“Is this why you wanted to meet, to tell me what really happened?”
“Quite the contrary. I wanted to give you the information you expected to get.”
“And what’s that?” Alex asked.
“Everything that’s on this flash drive has been unlocked and is open for your viewing pleasure. I hope you accept this as my apology for what my bother did.”
Alex furrowed her brow. “What exactly did he do?”
“He told Sinclair about your meeting and then passed along phony information.”
“I’m surprised you’re helping me considering that I’m part of the U.S. government.”
“You won’t be when you see what’s on there.”
Alex held up the device. “What am I going to find on here?”
“The truth about what Sinclair wants to do to the world—dominate every sector of it and control humanity. Based on what I’ve read about him and his philosophy about the planet and human population, he believes that if he can control everything, he can make the world a better place. But his proposals are draconian and will amount to most people being little more than slaves.”
“That’s all in here?” Alex asked.
“None of that is,” Mia said. “That’s just what I’ve gathered over the past few years from following him. What you’ll find on there is his means of accomplishing this end.”
“And what’s that?” Alex asked.
“You need to see it for yourself. I can’t really describe the magnitude of the weapon he’s built and the way he intends to use it.”
“What are you talking about?”
“It’s all on there,” Mia said, nodding at the thumb drive in Alex’s hand.
“Why are you doing this?” Alex asked. “You know that, in a roundabout way, I work for the U.S. government.”
“Yeah, but this is a fight we must all take up against Falcon Sinclair. You’ll see what I mean when you sift through the files. If he gets his way, we’re all in trouble, every last human on the planet.”
“Thank you,” Alex said, clutching the memory stick in her hand. “I knew your brother, and he was a good man.”
“No, he wasn’t,” Mia said. “He put up a good front, but don’t lionize him. He was a greedy bastard who only thought about himself, especially in this instance. And unfortunately, that’s why he’s dead today.”
Alex dug her laptop out of her bag and inserted the flash drive.
“I’m not sure you want to do that here,” Mia said. “If anyone else sees this—”
“Just make sure they don’t. There’s too much at stake right now. I don’t have any time to lose.”
“Okay,” Mia said. “I understand. And you’re right. He plans to demonstrate that weapon in two days.”
“Where?”
“It’s all in there,” Mia said.
“Where exactly?” Alex asked again.
Mia shrugged. “I didn’t take the time to look up the coordinates, but it’s all right there.”
Alex’s mouth gaped as she stared at the screen revealing the schematics of what Sinclair had created. “This is unbelievable.”
“Believe it,” Mia said. “If he unleashes this thing, we’re all going to be bowing down to him and kissing his feet.”
“Not if I have anything to say about it,” Alex said.
“Good luck. You’re going to need it.”
Alex cocked her head to one side. “What are you talking about?”
“I’ve been researching about that island for quite a few years now, trying to figure out what Sinclair was doing. It’s got one of the tightest cybersecurity systems in the world.”
“Do you have any plans for the next few days?” Alex asked.
“Well, I—”
“Good,” Alex said. “Go home and grab a bag and throw some clothes in it. You’re coming with me.”
CHAPTER 18
Port Klang, Malaysia
PRESIDENT YOUNG DREW a deep breath before boarding Falcon Sinclair’s luxury liner. The frenetic pace of loading and unloading of cargo ships nearby stood in stark contrast to the serene water surrounding the boat. Young squinted as he peeked at the sun, which was still climbing. While he knew the trip was short, he appreciated the opportunity to escape Washington’s constant pressure cooker, even if his presence in this part of the world was still business related.
“A fine day to set sail, isn’t it?” Sinclair asked as he threw his arm around Young.
“Any day in the water is a good day by my standards,” he said, a faint smile appearing on his lips.
“From what I understand about American politics, any day not spent in Washington is a good day.”
Young chuckled. “That’s not far from the truth. There are days when I feel like I’m mired on a sinking ship full of rats and snakes.”
“Sounds like a family dinner at my former in-laws, emphasis on former there.”
Young nodded as if he understood but didn’t say a word.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Sinclair said. “That was rather insensitive of me. I’m sure after the ordeal you’ve just been through that you’d probably give almost anything to be back at your in-laws for a meal with Madeline. Please forgive me. I—”
“No need to apologize. And to be honest, between you and me, never having to endure another one of their family functions again is the only thing that brings me joy when I think about Madeline being gone.”
“I lost half my fortune to divorce my wife Kitty, and I have to say it was money well spent. I don’t have to listen anymore
