Masquerade on the Net

By Crystal Sharpe

In Masquerade on the Net, Book 2 of the Sandra Troux Mysteries, readers are engulfed in an international cyber plot that twists and turns from the U.S. to Russia, Nigeria and France. Lifelong friends Sandy Troux, Bobbi Power and Lizbet Sheridan are torn apart when Sandy is drugged and dragged to Russia by ruthless cyber criminals. Reunited, they race through the treacherous streets of Moscow, dodge bullets at the Sochi Olympic site, and trek through oil spills in the eco-threatened Niger Delta. Ensnarled in a turbulent and dangerous underworld, they battle the ruthless Russian Bratva and its murderous Nigerian counterparts. The search for Rini, a kidnapped biracial teen, unmasks a malevolent plot to usurp the worldwide cyber, financial end energy markets. In a desperate struggle atop the St. Alexandre-Nevsky Cathedral in Paris, the sheroes confront villains in a global masquerade of crime and intrigue, duplicitous identities, Imperial Romanov secrets, and devastating cyber extortion. Sandy, Bobbi and Lizbet foil criminal forces that threaten global stability in an uncanny parallel to contemporary events.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Mar 10, 2014
• ISBN: 9781483549408

Book preview

1 Hanging by a Chain

I LOVE MY NEW ELECTRIC ROADSTER, Sandra Troux grinned, patting the dashboard of her blue Volt convertible. She swept a lock of her wind-blown silver hair from her eyes as she wound happily along a tree-lined country road.

Two miles from the intersection of Blackberry Lane and Smith's Point Road, the mellifluous voice of the GPS announced.

OK, Sandy said to herself, maybe I'll get to like this kind of technology after all. She loved her laptop and used the Net all the time for online research. In fact, she found the Internet an indispensable tool, especially for long-distance communication with her global network of friends and colleagues. Telecommunication technology had played a critical role in solving The Mystery of the Ming Connection. And Internet dating may have been complicit in the recent disappearance of family friend, Sarah James. Still, Sandy had resisted getting a GPS for her Volt. It spoils the discovery of travel. It takes away all the adventure, she'd told her sister sleuth, Bobbi Power.

Get with the 21st century, her other sister sleuth, Lizbet Sheridan had admonished her one day in jest.

Sandy, Bobbi and Lizbet had been friends since their days in elementary school when they had played at being girl detectives like their fictional shero, Nancy Drew. Now that they were at the so-called retirement age, their lives had taken adventurous, and sometimes dangerous, turns.

The previous winter, they had solved a series of museum art thefts in New York City, Seoul and Beijing, foiling an international crime ring of art thieves and human traffickers. In the process, the trio had uncovered and defeated the resurgence of a diabolical plot by Taiping Rebellion and Nazi descendants to take over China, and ultimately the world. The intrigue and its conclusion had made headlines all over the world.

As Sandy drove through the countryside, she continued her musings. Perhaps this GPS isn't so bad after all. I can enjoy the fall foliage and not think about where I'm going. And the leaves are glorious this year. Indeed, they were at their color-saturated peak – burning red, neon orange and shining golden yellow. "And that sky, that sky. It's crystal blue and gorgeous with those puffy white clouds.

Not bad, not bad at all. It's a glorious day, she shouted to the air as she drove along the country road.

Rounding a blind curve, Sandy nearly collided with a long black limousine that roared recklessly out of a driveway, fishtailing mere inches from her front bumper, gravel shooting out behind it. Its dark windows blocked even a glimpse of a driver or passengers.

Oh, no! Sandy cried. She jerked the steering wheel to the right. As the limo sped away, Sandy fought to regain control of her car and, with one tire hanging over a ditch, was at last able to stop. She sat shaken, chest heaving, dismayed at the near miss until she calmed down. Who in the world was that? Who would drive so dangerously?

She opened her door and carefully stepped out onto the gravel topped road, hoping that her car would not over balance and tip completely into the ditch. OK, now what? she asked the sheltering trees.

Well, if you don't mind my butting in, maybe I can help. I can get Mr. Samuel next door to bring the tractor to pull you out, if you need it, suggested a cute teen who popped up beside her. Sandy gazed back, taking in the smiling face illuminated with piercing brown eyes and a frame of curly chestnut brown hair. My great aunt and I live just up this road, well, driveway. I was chasing the limo that almost rammed you. We think its passenger stole something valuable from my Great Aunt Alexandra – an authentic Fabergé egg pendant made in Russia. It's been in our family for years.

Aside from a hasty and rather reckless exit, what makes you think the person in that limo took the necklace? Sandy inquired, instantly intrigued. Was it a stranger or someone you know?

Sort of a little of both, the young girl replied. Oh, but I've forgotten my manners. My name is Irina Constantin, but everyone calls me Rini.

I'm pleased to meet you, Rini, although the circumstances could be better, Sandy answered with a big smile as she stuck out her hand. My name is Sandra Troux, but do call me Sandy.

"Sandra Troux? Dr. Sandra Troux? THE Dr. Sandra Troux? The woman who uncovered that bizarre international crime ring in China? Rini exclaimed. My great aunt and I were captivated every night. We were glued to the news. It was almost like watching a TV detective show. Oh, Dr. Sandy, we have a mystery, too. Can you help us solve it?"

I don't know if I can, my dear, but I'd be glad to hear the circumstances.

Backing carefully away from the ditch, Sandy successfully maneuvered all four wheels of her convertible safely back on the road. Whew! For a moment when I swerved, I thought, 'headfirst in the ditch,' but thankfully not, patting her sweet little car again. Sandy slowly drove Rini up the winding driveway to a large Georgian-style mansion at the top of the hill. She listened intently.

My great aunt met the man we think took the Fabergé necklace on an Internet family search site. She's been 'chatting' with him over the Net for months. I warned her, 'Aunt Alix, don't tell too much,' but she got so excited about finding long lost relatives...and, well...

Had he said or done anything before today that made you suspicious? Sandy asked.

"At first, everything was OK. They'd 'chat' about genealogy and family trees, that kind of stuff, you know. Then he started talking about needing more investors in his new alternate energy business in Vladivostok. I thought, 'uh, uh, something's off.' I got really uncomfortable, Rini explained. Then, today he just showed up, claiming to be Stepan Petrovich and a cousin from my great aunt's Russian family.

Well, what could I do? I couldn't slam the door in his face – though I wanted to, she shook her head angrily. After all, I'm only sixteen, the bright-eyed girl exclaimed. Aunt Alix invited him in. We took out the family samovar and made some traditional Russian tea. She took off her necklace because he said he wanted to hold something real that represented the family's heritage. He wondered if there was some kind of secret lever or button you pushed so a tiny compartment would open up to reveal a surprise of some sort. Rini started sniffling. And then, and then, I got so excited, I stood up and dropped my tea glass – one of the last of Aunt Alix's precious heirloom set. It didn't break, but when everything settled down, Stepan suddenly said he had to go. Rini was really crying so hard now that Sandy pulled over to the side of the driveway and handed her a tissue.

He just rushed out and rushed away. Then, Aunt Alix couldn't find her pendant! I ran after him and saw him nearly ram your car! Oh, Dr. Sandy, what are we going to do? She was going to sell it. She's lost so much in the economic recession that she can't keep up the mortgage on this old white elephant. We'll be homeless! We'll be on the street!

Calm down, Rini, Sandy consoled her young companion. I hope it's not as bad as all that. But, I'd like to talk with your great aunt and then we can notify the police. Between us, we have a good description of the car.

Yes, you're right Dr. Sandy, Rini said with one last sniffle. I remember most of the license plate number – it started with the letters LVL, but I only saw four numbers after that. There were one or two more covered with dirt or something.

Excellent elementary powers of observation, my dear Rini, Sandy said conspiratorially, successfully lightening things up. The young girl giggled a little in relief. The letters indicate that the limo was a livery or rental, not a private vehicle, which should make it easier for the police to trace.

As Sandy pulled up to the front door of the red brick Georgian-style mansion, an attractive woman, with perfectly coiffed silver hair and an air of distinct elegance, descended the stone steps to meet them. Before she could say a word, Rini chattered away breathlessly. "Aunt Alix, Aunt Alix. This is Dr. Sandra Troux, the Dr. Troux! That horrible Stepan and his car nearly forced Dr. Sandy into a ditch! She's going to help us, Aunt Alix!"

Why, how propitious that you of all people should arrive in the middle of our crisis, Dr. Troux, offered the smiling woman, who seemed just a few years older than Sandy. We were so impressed how you and your friends solved that case in China. Oh, but I'm forgetting my manners, she said. I'm Alexandra Constantin Kopley, and of course, you've already met my sweet Rini.

How do you do? Sandy responded, smiling warmly. She noted that the woman spoke with a slight accent – French, Russian or some combination, she wasn't sure.

I fear that we have more on our hands than a mere theft of a family heirloom, the somewhat reserved woman offered. Please come inside, and I'll explain.

As they approached the entrance to the house, Sandy, who had a deep regard for architectural history, noted the classic elements of the Georgian revival style of the early-20th century. The facade reflected the symmetry of vertical and horizontal rows of single windows with black shutters and a decorative crown and pilasters surrounding the black paneled front door. They walked through the center hall into the parlor, which was arranged with a stunning blend of comfortable modern and vintage furnishings in muted colors. All of the walls were hung with an eclectic collection of framed paintings from various schools of art. Impressionist landscapes and traditional portraits were offset by modern cubists, Native American and African tribal art, some of them grouped together. Sandy was surprised to see a vibrant painting by Peruvian artist Joaquin Quinn, hanging near the piano.

You appear to have a quite an art collection, Ms. Kopley, including one of my late husband's best portraits, 'Pueblo Woman.' Is anything missing since your visitor made his hasty exit? Sandy inquired.

You are Joaquin Quinn's widow? Oh, I so loved his work, especially that painting, she said. "My dear Robert purchased it for me in Santa Fe the summer before he passed. It seems we have some things in common.

But no, nothing's been touched, she added. What I'm most concerned about is happening in the digital realm. Come look at my laptop.

They walked over to an antique secretary in the corner of the parlor that served as a home office. Rini moved the mouse which brought up several open tabs on her aunt's laptop. Aunt Alix, when did you open all these tabs? Your computer was off when I went to get our tea, Rini exclaimed.

I didn't open them, her aunt said, her forehead creasing with worry. When you left the room, Stepan – or whoever he was – and I were discussing the possibility of sharing a family tree, and I mentioned my cousins Elena and Misha who live in the next county. I turned on my laptop to download their contact information for him, but just as it was printing, he started to press me again about investing in his new energy business in Vladivostok. When he asked me if my cousins had money to invest, I became quite alarmed. I told him they were seniors and retired, and then excused myself to help you bring in the samovar and dessert tray for tea. I'm certain I turned off the laptop before I left the room, she said with growing alarm.

What happened next? Sandy asked, frowning with concern.

We were sitting with our tea, and he was examining my Fabergé pendant, when Rini dropped her glass and the dessert tray fell over. Just after he helped us set everything to rights, he looked at his watch and said he had to go! she said. It was so sudden and rude that frankly I was glad he was leaving. But he was no sooner out the door when Rini and I noticed the pendant was gone!

What about the computer? When did you notice something was amiss?

When Rini bolted out the door after him, I turned toward the phone on the secretary to call the police, Alexandra explained. It was then that I noticed the screen saver was on. I hurried over and discovered that there were multiple windows open, including the access to my banking and IRA retirement accounts. I attempted to check my account, but no matter how many times I tried, my password no longer worked! Then, the screen just froze!

Did you call the police? Sandy asked.

Yes. But at first, they wanted me to come down to the station to lodge a complaint. I finally convinced them to come out. I hope they'll be here soon. Then, I put a call into my account manager at the bank, but he wasn't in his office.

I would suggest calling them back soon, said Sandy. But first, do you have another computer in the house?

My Mac's upstairs in my room, Rini chimed in. Should I go get it?

Yes, Sandy replied. If you have an online connection, we can try again to access your great aunt's account. If we can't, then we may indeed have a serious situation.

Alix noticed that Sandy had said we. She heaved a small sigh of relief to have some help.

Within minutes, Rini returned with her Mac and was quickly able to get online. To everyone's dismay, her great aunt was again denied access to her accounts.

Before they could react, the phone rang and Rini answered, immediately handing it to her great aunt. It's Mr. Gardner from the bank, Aunt Alix.

Sandy and Rini waited anxiously as the dignified woman related the events of the afternoon and the suspicious behavior of their visitor. She listened a few moments and then sat down shakily on the dove gray damask love seat, the color draining from her face. Thank you, Gus, she said with resolute air. I am, of course, dismayed by what you reported concerning my checking account. But, I am so very grateful that your security measures for my savings and investment accounts ultimately prevailed. Yes, please keep everything frozen until we can meet later this afternoon to set up new accounts, user names and passwords. Yes, I have already notified the police and will give them your name and telephone number when they arrive. I will remain hopeful that the FDIC insurance will cover most of the loss. I so appreciate your diligence, Gus. Good bye.

Oh, Aunt Alix, Rini cried, her voice quivering. How bad is it?

Well, someone emptied my checking account of several thousand dollars – money intended for the mortgage, property taxes, insurance payments and other monthly operating expenses, she responded, taking the young girl's hand. There were also attempts to tap into my savings and retirement accounts as well as your 529 college fund. Fortunately, all of that simultaneous activity in such a short time tripped the bank's security alert system.

It sounds like your so-called cousin is not a typical con man and thief, Sandy surmised. And he must've had an accomplice in some sort of computer hacking scam, to have done so much damage in so short a time.

Before she could say more, the doorbell rang. Offering to answer it, Sandy strode quickly toward the front door and opened it.

Facing her were two grim patrolmen, clearly annoyed to be making a house call. You Miz Kopley? the older of the two barked. You must have some pull with the Captain cuz he doesn't usually dispatch a patrol car for a petty theft when there's been no break in.

I'm a friend. Alexandra Kopley, who notified the police chief, is in the parlor, Sandy said briskly, taking an immediate dislike to the arrogant officer. It appears that this incident is so much more than a 'petty theft.' If you'll please follow me, we'll fill you in.

Rini and her great aunt stood up to greet the police officers, but before they could speak, the older officer began the interview rather gruffly: Ladies, I understand there's been a theft or some sort of other altercation that your friend here mentioned, nodding dismissively toward Sandy. I'm here to get the facts and to see what the police can do for you. I'm Officer Sam Griffin. This is Jim Bruno who's a rookie and will be taking down your statement. Isn't that right, Jimmy boy? The young policeman appeared embarrassed and took out a pad and pen to take notes.

Sandy and Alexandra exchanged a look that spoke volumes concerning Officer Griffin's condescending attitude towards them and the case.

I assume you're Miz Kopley, ma'am? he said, nodding toward Rini's great aunt. What's your full name?

I'm Alexandra Constantin Kopley, Officer Griffin, she began, and this is my great niece Irina Constantin and our friend Dr. Sandra Troux. Dr. Troux is a detective and rather well-known. Alix clasped Rini's hand tightly to steady her own trembling fingers.

Never heard of you, he said in a disparaging tone. Now, don't you go tryin' to do my job, little lady. This is serious police business, not for amateurs.

Turning back to Alexandra, he said, And what's your husband's name, ma'am?

Officer, I've been widowed for more than five years, but even if that were not so, my husband's name wouldn't be relevant to this case. I'm the one who's been robbed, she said emphatically. I'm perfectly capable of relating the facts.

Good for you, Sandy thought to herself, relishing the officer's well-earned discomfort.

Ah, sorry, ma'am, he said. Can you tell us what happened here and what was stolen?

Sandy listened as Alexandra and Rini recounted the events of the morning, convinced that Officer Griffin wasn't taking them too seriously. She resolved to contact her old friend, Martha Arnold, who was now the State Police Commissioner, if things didn't improve.

You mean to tell me, Miz Kopley, the officer exclaimed, that you let a man you met over the Internet come into your home just because he claimed to be a lost relative? And then you left him alone near your computer and on top of that, you let him hold something you considered valuable? What kind of proof did he give you to make you think he was telling the truth and could be trusted?

It was clear to Sandy that Alexandra was quite annoyed by the officer's humiliating line of questioning and his condescending manner, but she managed to reply rather evenly. The young man presented himself as Stepan Petrovich, a family name. He not only resembled several relatives, but he possessed information that appeared quite authentic. Although you haven't yet asked for a description, she said pointedly, I'll provide it for you.

Turning to the younger officer who was blushing slightly, she described Stepan as in his mid-forties, six feet tall, sun tanned – perhaps from a tanning salon judging from his skin tones – and with a strong, patrician nose and hazel eyes that seemed to turn green-blue and crinkled when he smiled. His round head was smoothly and completely shaven. He wore an expensive Armani blue suit with a white shirt and blue tie. His black shoes appeared to be an expensive Ferragamo Italian style.

And don't forget his sunglasses, Aunt Alix, Rini chimed in. They were Armani designer glasses, and you had to ask him to take them off. And he wore that pretentious gold ring with a cross on his left pinky finger that he kept twiddling.

Er, and the jewelry he stole? Griffin asked, now rather uncomfortable. What sort of trinket was it?

Rini, Alexandra said, now clearly annoyed. Please unlock the top draw in my secretary and take out the envelope labeled 'Insurance Papers.' You'll find a photograph of the pendant for the officer.

The necklace in question, Officer Griffin, she continued, is an original Fabergé egg pendant that was designed 100 years ago especially for my grandmother who was a royal Russian princess. It's made of 18-karat gold, enameled with purple lapis and accented with a large emerald at its center. Aside from an assessed value of more than $100,000, I consider it to be priceless. It was one of the few valuables smuggled out of Russia when my grandmother and mother escaped the Revolution. It belonged to the two women dearest to me as I was growing up, and I wear it always close to my heart. It's definitely NOT A TRINKET!

Before the police officer could put his foot into his mouth any further, Sandy interjected. Well, I hope it's clear now that we have a case of grand larceny, not petty theft, in addition to what? Embezzlement? Cyber hacking? Of course, you have the name and phone number of the bank vice president who has probably already called in the FBI cybercrime unit to investigate. All you have to worry about is how to catch up with the fleeing Stepan and the pendant.

Yes, and shouldn't you put out an APB or something for the car? Rini added.

That's right, Rini, Sandy responded. Officer Bruno, please make a note. The car was a late model black Lincoln limousine. I noticed a significant dent in the right front fender when it nearly hit my car. And what was the license plate number, Rini?

LVL and four numbers, 9473, were clearly visible. But there was some mud covering two more numbers that I couldn't make out, Rini answered.

Ah, OK, good, thank you, ladies, Officer Griffin said, waving them away with his hand. We'll file our report and get right on it. And don't you worry – someone'll call you and keep you informed.

As he walked to his patrol car, Sam Griffin scowled and muttered to himself: Just two measly weeks to retirement and what do I get? A jewel heist and high tech caper, complete with advice from the Grand Duchess Anastasia, Gidget and Angela Lansbury! Shheeze...

Inside, the three women looked at each other and just shook their heads in amazement. I know you have many questions, Dr. Troux, Alexandra said. Perhaps, we can take a walk through my garden while I tell you my story.

Just then, the phone rang. Alexandra answered it and looked immediately alarmed. Misha, Elena, don't talk so fast, she said. What's wrong? Are you hurt? What? Robbed? The Romanov brooch? When? Call your lawyer, Mr. Johnson, and then call the police. Let me know what's happening. Try to remain calm. The important thing is that you're both safe.

She turned to an astonished Sandy and Rini. My dear cousins were robbed of another family heirloom at the same time we were. The man claimed to be a long lost Romanov cousin – Stepan Petrovich!!! How is that even possible? They live an hour away, in the next county!

2 An Identity Revealed

MY DEAR COUSINS – ROBBED! Why is our family suddenly being targeted? Are we in danger? How can this thief be in two places at once? Rini flung herself on her Aunt Alix and wrapped her in a fierce hug. Rini was even more distressed than her great aunt. She depended on her for everything. To see the usually serene and centered woman so dismayed by this unexpected message and the events of the morning really shook her. Don't fret, darling, her aunt said soothingly. I'm sure we'll learn more later. Now we need to deal with what has happened here today.

I agree, said Sandy. Let's adjourn to the garden for a change of scenery, and perhaps some new perspective.

Sandy walked with Alexandra to a Lutyens garden bench. The elegant woman sat, grateful for a moment to collect herself. She was more shaken than she cared to admit. Purple asters and orange butterfly weed flanked the bench. A graceful, sloping lawn lay before it, running down to a meadow studded with late blooming wild flowers. A silver trunked copper beech stood tall and majestic behind the bench, its drooping branches arching down cloaked with reddish bronze leaves like a canopy for a royal throne.

Why don't we sit here for a few minutes? Sandy unzipped her black leather waist pack and pulled out a handful of tissues and a small dark blue glass vial. She sprinkled a few drops of aromatic oil onto a tissue. Placing the anointed tissue in Alexandra's still trembling fingers, she urged her to breathe deeply. It's lavender oil. It'll calm your nerves and sooth your soul.

Alexandra breathed in deeply, cupping the tissue in her hands. Soon color pinked her cheeks, the strain in her face relaxed, and she smiled faintly. I do feel better. Of course, you wouldn't know, but my Grand-mere was a devotee of lavender. She had lavender oil sprinkled in her bath. She also had a favorite recipe for ice cream that used lavender. It was the most delightful color as well. And she always had lavender sachets tucked away among her personal linen. She walked in a cloud of this most delicious fragrance.

Alexandra Kopley smoothed her slim, slightly worn gabardine skirt, straightened her back, lifted her chin, and then said, as if speaking to herself. "Grand-mere would disapprove of any