Jewel: A Rory Mack Steele Novel

Chapter 1

"I BELIEVE JEWEL IS GOING TO KILL ME!"

Alton Fitzhum thought he heard a sound. His hands shook. Slowly turning his head, he took a peek over his shoulder at the bank of computers behind him. Could she hear him? Everything was quiet and dead still in the room. Slowly turning back to the WebCam, he leaned in a little closer, lowering his voice, I'm positive she knows I was spying. I know it was wrong, but I was in love. And I guess it's true what they say, you do stupid things when you're in love.

There was a musical tinkling from the bank of computers behind him.

The coldness of fear surged through Alton Fitzhum's body. He closed his eyes for a moment, then nervously looked around at the bank of computers again. The monitors were all in hibernation and black. But that didn't mean anything. She could still be listening. He strained to hear the slightest indication she was getting ready to act. But the only sound in the room was his ragged breathing. After a few moments, he turned back to the WebCam, I'm probably just being paranoid. But I also know that Jewel has already killed a number of other hackers. Maybe up to 25. Maybe a lot more. I know, I know, I should have called the police but I thought I could patch things. I was wrong. I was so wrong. That's why I'm making this video for my video blog. I'm going to try once more to make things right. But if I can't, and something happens to me, someone has to stop her. He ran his fingers through his long black hair in anguish, I swear to you, I never expected it to turn out this way. I didn't realize how my actions would turn out.

Chapter 2

ALTON FITZHUM PACKED in a hurry and left his apartment, heading on foot for the cab company three blocks away. He knew if he called for a cab, Jewel might hear it. Walking had its own dangers though. He nervously watched every vehicle that went by. Who knew when or how she could strike. And when he finally got into a cab heading to LaGuardia Airport, he thought he would feel better. But he didn't. Sitting in the back seat was just as nerve-racking as the walk. No matter how he tried to think positive thoughts, he imagined all the scenarios of how she might kill him. Every car that passed, every pedestrian, every stop at a red light had its own perils.

The arrival at the LaGuardia terminal was no better. Alton told himself she couldn't do anything at this point but he felt so exposed as he got out of the cab. He realized how little he really knew about Jewel at this point. He really wasn't sure if she was capable of killing him here on the spot or not. His nerves stayed on edge as he walked into the terminal and headed for the ticket line. He normally would have bought his ticket online. Or used the computer kiosk just a few steps away from where he now stood at the end of the line. But he was so afraid she was monitoring him that he had decided against it. Wasn't that a delicious irony? The great Alton Fitzhum, computer whiz, and Internet guru, at the mercy of someone else's computer abilities. As the line snaked slowly ahead, Alton glanced up nervously to the surveillance cameras. Was she watching? Did she know he was here? No, he was pretty sure he had left his apartment without her knowing. He had shut down all of his computers and disconnected each of the WebCams to make sure.

Are you all right, sir?

Alton's heart leaped into his throat. He was ready to run as he looked to his left. It was just one of the airlines terminal employees, there to assist passengers. Or was she? His mouth opened but he couldn't talk.

Sir? asked the lady again in concern as she put her hand on his forearm.

Could Jewel hire someone to kill him? No, that was ludicrous. But Alton wondered for a moment if she was going to stick a poison needle in his arm. Then he saw a couple of security guards just beyond the lady, looking at him in concern as well. Alton realized he may look like a nervous bomber to them. He had to get a hold of himself or he would never be able to get on the plane. Who knew what Jewel could do to him if he was held in custody? He finally was able to nod his head and spoke in a ragged voice. Yeah...just...just afraid of flying.

The lady just nodded her head in sympathy and smiled, There's no need to worry sir. Everything will be fine. You can move ahead.

Alton looked ahead and realized that there was no one left in front of him. The lady at one of the wickets was waiting for him patiently.

Let me take that and we'll get you booked in, said the lady as she slipped Alton's duffel bag off his shoulder. She took his arm to guide him to the wicket. Alton didn't protest. He noticed the lady slip the bag to one of the security guards behind her as they walked forward. The guard unzipped the bag quickly, taking a look inside as Alton stepped up to the counter. Alton paid for his ticket in cash and was relieved when his duffel bag was tagged and returned to him.

The lady attendant guided him over to the waiting area, telling him about little techniques he could use to relax. Alton really wasn't listening. He watched each and every passenger they walked past. He was led to a seat next to the flight counter and the flight attendants were told about his nervousness. They kept encouraging him to be calm but the wait for boarding to be called was nerve-racking to Alton. His clutched his duffel bag as if it would offer protection. His knees bounced up and down as he watched everyone around him.

Chapter 3

ONCE HE WAS SITTING in his window seat on American Airlines Flight 4516, Alton Fitzhum finally felt some relief. He had made it this far. And in an hour or so he would land at Boston Logan International Airport and head over to see his childhood friend Calvin Sergent at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. They had grown up together, built and programmed computers, hacked into school records to give themselves better marks and then went to MIT together. Whenever they had a problem beyond computers, Calvin was the one who usually had a good idea on how to solve it. He hoped he would know how to solve this one as well.

Alton's dug his fingers into the armrest and held his breath as the plane taxied into position for takeoff. Despite what he had said to the attendant, flying was the easy part. Takeoffs were another matter. He was always nervous on takeoff. The landing wasn't that great either. He always remembered the statistic that showed most plane crashes took place at takeoff or landing. And who knew what Jewel might do at those critical times?

The engines rose in pitch as the power was applied. The cabin shook as they were propelled down the tarmac - the shaking stopped the second they left the ground but Alton closed his eyes tightly. Would it happen now? A few minutes later, as the plane began to level off, he opened his eyes and let out his breath. He turned his head and watched the terrain below, still unsure.

Ten minutes into the flight, Alton began to relax a little. So far, so good. He wondered when the flight attendants would bring around the drink cart. He could use a real stiff drink right now. In fact, he could use several. He unbuckled his seatbelt and tilted the seat back a notch. Closing his eyes, he concentrated on relaxing his body. He concentrated on slowing his breathing. A moment later, his concentration was broken when the plane engines began to whine a little louder. The plane leveled out and the engine noise rose higher. Alton could feel an increase in vibrations through the body of the plane. He wondered if that was normal. He realized the passengers around him were talking loudly and he opened his eyes. He stretched his neck a little to look around, wondering what was happening. From his seat a little further back in the plane, Alton could see the passengers, sitting over the wings, beginning to get concerned. One of them called a flight attendant. She assured them everything was fine. But when she headed for the flight deck, her face definitely showed concern. That made Alton return his seat to the upright position. He looked at the passengers around him. Everyone was talking and nervously looking out the windows. The plane engines began screaming loudly. The body of the plane began to shake violently. Alton gripped the armrest tightly. This had never happened before when he took a flight between New York and Boston. His thoughts went to Jewel. Was it possible? Could she reach him at 30,000 feet? An instant later, American Airlines Flight 4516 dipped down at a 45° angle. Everyone around him began to scream. Alton realized he was screaming as well. His thoughts went to Jewel Tanya Afterburn. He wished he had told her how much he loved her. Maybe he wouldn't have been spying. Maybe this whole thing would have never happened. Woulda coulda shoulda. All because he never had the courage to tell a woman how he felt. In 20 seconds it didn't matter. Impact buried them all in a temporary grave.

Chapter 4

U.S. DISTRICT COURT, Pearl Street, New York

JEWEL TANYA AFTERBURN looked every inch the bad girl as she was led into the courtroom. A spiky, red and black hairstyle, heavy black eye makeup and bright red lipstick made the spectators nod. She must have done it. Her handcuffs seemed an appropriate fashion statement that went along with the small pins that sliced through her eyebrows and the black metal studs that ringed the outside of her ears. A buzz rose louder in the courtroom.

Quiet. Or I'll clear the court, the judge said sternly.

Jewel was shaking with fear and could barely walk. The handcuffs were hurting her wrists severely. One of the arresting officers had squeezed them tighter, right after he called her a killer of young children. None of this made any sense. She glanced at the courtroom spectators. They were definitely there just to see her. Along with a number of the media. But why? Why was this happening? She was led to stand by her lawyer. The judge pounded her gavel again and Jewel jumped.

The judge spoke louder, Quiet. Last warning.

A court official stood up and read from a piece of paper, Case Number 166346, the people vs Jewel Tanya Afterburn, charges are murder in the 1st degree.

Jewel's knees nearly buckled. That's what the arresting officers had said she was being charged with. She had refused to believe it. Someone at some time would say it was a mistake. But now it was out there in actual words in court.

How does the defendant plead, guilty or not guilty? asked the judge.

Jewel was so scared she could barely get the words out.

Speak up clearly, instructed the judge.

N-not guilty, your honor, Jewel finally answered.

Jewel's lawyer spoke up, Your honor, Jonathan Benson of the public defender's office. These charges against my client are ridiculous. The state has no actual evidence to charge my client–

We have a video made by the victim that identifies his killer, your Honor, said the Assistant District Attorney to their left.

No, your honor, replied the public defender, "all they have is a video placed on a website before the death of Alton Fitzhum where Mr. Fitzhum speculates on someone trying to kill him."

The Assistant District Attorney shot back, The victim specifically named Jewel Afterburn–

No, interrupted the public defender in a firm voice. "Your Honor, Mr. Fitzhum only said the name Jewel. There was nothing to indicate it was a first name. And if it was, there was no mention of a middle name or a last name."

Is that true counselor? the judge asked as he looked at the tall slender woman to his right.

Your Honor, the defendant is the only person named Jewel in the victim's life, the Assistant District Attorney stated emphatically. This is a very specific and unique name and serves as very strong circumstantial evidence against the defendant–

Jewel's public defender interrupted, Your Honor, according to the 1990 U.S. Census, out of 4,276 names recorded, Jewel was at number 522 in popularity. He turned and addressed the Assistant District Attorney, Are you going to arrest all 22,383 women in the United States of America who have the same first name?

He has a point, Ms. Terry, the judge said to the Assistant District Attorney.

We believe Ms. Afterburn took down a whole plane, your honor, the Assistant District Attorney replied. She was ramping up her judicial outrage. She attended the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of technology. She has the computer skills to do it remotely. There are 73 other people dead because Ms. Afterburn ignored the lives of others in order to kill her intended target–

Then why aren't you charging her with 74 deaths? shot back the public defender.

Jewel's mind swirled as she listened to them argue about her. About her killing people. Lots of people. How was this happening?

The judge interrupted the arguing lawyers, Ms. Terry, I would suggest you bring more evidence before the court before you bring these charges again. There is no way I can allow you to proceed with only a first name.

Your Honor, we request remand in this case while we work to bring you more evidence and for public safety, the Assistant District Attorney insisted. Ms. Afterburn is a danger to society–

"You can't hold someone just because you think they're a danger to society," rebutted the public defender.

He's right Ms. Terry. Remand is denied, ruled the judge.

The public defender nodded to Jewel and gave her a smile of assurance. The crowd in the courtroom broke out in excited chatter. The judge banged her gavel, asking for order again.

A wave of relief washed over Jewel. A tall officer stepped up beside her and produced a key. As the cuffs dropped away, Jewel rubbed her sore wrists. She couldn't wait to just go home and–

Your Honor, may I approach the bench? Everyone turned to look at a man who was standing in the front row with the courtroom spectators. He buttoned his suit jacket.

Who are you? questioned the judge.

The man stepped forward to stand beside the public defender, Your Honor, I'm Carl Speller with Homeland Security. If you don't have any objection, we would like to take custody of Ms. Afterburn. He held his credentials out towards the judge.

Jewel looked up at her lawyer. He looked as confused as she felt.

The judge motioned for the man to come forward, And what is your interest in this case?

It has to do with cyber security and terrorism your honor, said Speller as the judge examined his credentials.

The courtroom exploded with excited chatter. The judge pounded her gavel, calling for order again.

Jewel couldn't believe what she was hearing.  Cyber security and terrorism?

The courtroom quieted again. The Homeland Security officer accepted his credentials back from the judge, There is some evidence that links this person, Jewel Tanya Afterburn, to the deaths of several government employees.

Jewel was stunned. What in the world was happening? Her public defender looked at her, a stunned look on his face as well. Then he addressed the judge, Your Honor, we have no knowledge of any evidence regarding–

Carl Speller simply stepped around the public defender and took Jewel by the arm, If you have no objection, Your Honor, I would like to take her into custody under the Patriot Act.

The judge could only shrug as the public defender and the assistant district attorney both objected. I have nothing to hold her on relating to the charges brought before this court, she said.  As for the rest...you can take it up with Homeland Security, she said to the public defender.

A woman quickly moved forward from the courtroom spectators who were in a buzz and took Jewel's other arm. Let's go, she said as she pulled Jewel away from her lawyer. The two Homeland Security officers marched their prisoner, Jewel Tanya Afterburn, towards the back of the courtroom.

Jewel looked back at her lawyer and the judge, Help me. Please. I didn't do anything. I didn't murder anybody. Why won't you believe me?

But not one single person moved to assist her. She was on her own.

The two officers led their prisoner through the swinging doors to exit the courtroom, leaving the buzz of voices behind them.  Speller passed a pair of handcuffs over to the woman.

Jewel winced in pain as the handcuffs tightened on her already chafed wrists. Why are you doing this to me? she asked weakly.

But the two Homeland Security officers ignored her question and began marching Jewel swiftly through the busy hallways of the courthouse.

Where are you taking me? Jewel asked as they moved down a set of stairs.

The two government officials stayed silent. A moment later they were on the ground floor and heading for the front doors of the courthouse.

Chapter 5

JEWEL WAS SHAKING with fright. She had no idea what was happening or where she was going. She asked a couple of people to help her but her pleas went unheeded. No one in the judicial building was the least bit concerned with another handcuffed criminal being ushered through the building. Jewel desperately looked for a way out of this nightmare. They were passing a ladies washroom. She had been in this building a few times on an assignment and there was one possibility. Jewel leaned her head closer to the woman beside her and whispered loud enough for the man to hear, Can I at least go pee and...?

The woman looked at her.

Please, pleaded Jewel, I was so nervous this morning that I couldn't even...

The woman looked across at Speller who rolled his eyes then nodded his head. He let go of Jewel's arm and the woman turned her towards the ladies washroom.

But Jewel held her ground and held up her cuffed hands to Speller, How do you expect me to wipe myself?

Carl Speller turned red as he pulled out the handcuff key and unlocked the cuffs, Okay, but no funny stuff. Don't make us chase you.

Thank you, Jewel said as she rubbed her wrists.

The woman led her towards the ladies washroom, where she stopped and pushed open the door, checking inside. It was empty. No funny business, she said sternly as she led Jewel inside. There were four stalls. The first two were occupied and Jewel was led to the third.

Jewel went inside the stall and closed the door behind her, sliding the lock softly closed. She lifted the toilet seat up and then let it bang back down. Turning her backside to the toilet seat, she stood there for a moment before peeking through the crack of the door.

The Homeland security officer turned to a sink and began to wash her hands.

Jewel held her breath for a moment, then quickly got down on her back. Her hands shook as she gripped the bottom edge of the partition. Careful to keep noise to a minimum, Jewel slithered and pulled herself into the next stall. Once inside, she carefully got to her feet and looked up at the small window. It was open! She stepped onto the toilet seat, careful not to make any noise. She placed her hands on the top of the stall and pulled herself up. Glancing to her right, she saw the woman still washing her hands. The wall partition shook as Jewel got one foot up on top - then the other one. Rising slowly to finally stand up on the wall of the stall, Jewel was now able to push the window fully open. It was still going to be a tight fit though. But Jewel was determined. She grabbed the window frame and slowly pulled her head through the opening. She pushed the toes of her shoes hard against the wall, trying to get more leverage. There was a scraping noise on the wall.

Hey!

It was now or never. Jewel pushed hard with her toes and pulled hard with her arms. Her shoulders went