Cyber Assassin

By Jeffrey Begley

His sister Amber has been kidnapped and now they're after him. Sean Bennett, a twenty-six year old computer genius and hacker extraordinaire, was naive to think he could keep his DECIPHER technology a secret; especially from a brutal influential mobster like Killian Collins. The mafia kingpin sends his goons to pursue Sean in a sadistic game of cat and mouse to forcibly take the prized software potentially worth millions.

In order to survive and get his sister back, Sean must become a killer himself by using the very technology Collins is seeking, as a deadly weapon to destroy him and his financial underworld empire. Sean must become the Cyber Assassin. 

Book length: 99,570 words

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jeffrey Begley
• Release date: Jul 18, 2016
• ISBN: 9781536566420

Jeffrey Begley

Jeff Begley is a rare books dealer, an avid reader and supporter of Indie authors. Like all authors, the inspiration for his novels comes from imagination laced with life's experiences. When he's not writing, he's an accomplished musician and sketch artist. Jeff was born, raised and educated in Indiana. He currently lives in Florida with his family and is hard at work on his next novel. 

Book preview

ONE

––––––––

Sean ran into the foyer and stopped dead in his tracks. His first reaction was one of shock—speechless even. How could he have been so naïve as to think nothing would happen?

His beautiful villa was in ruins.

Amber?...Amber, where are you? Sean desperately called out. Marco couldn't believe the damage either as he sat his luggage down at the foot of the stairs and looked around. Paintings were vertically slashed along their length. The couch and love seat was ripped to shreds with the cushions strewn on the floor. The adjoining coffee and end tables were smashed to pieces.

Sean shouted this time. Amber, for god’s sake are you here?

No answer.

Sean stood there in a daze, not knowing what to think. Meanwhile, Marco panned his eyes back around to the staircase and noticed that even the wood railings appeared to be keyed or scraped with a sharp knife from top to bottom. The top of the stairs was blocked by a huge painting, that lay slashed and cockeyed across the breadth of the stairwell. Sean was so nervous, he was visibly shaking as he clambered over the debris into the kitchen. He fully expected to see Amber lying on the floor in a pool of blood. Marco came up behind him and exclaimed, Jesus Christ, Dash.

Sean jumped. God Marco, I'm a nervous wreck as it is. PLEASE.

Marco didn't take it offensively. He knew Sean had a right to be upset, who wouldn't ? All the kitchen cabinet doors were ripped off the hinges save a couple that barely hung by a screw. The refrigerator was open and beeping to be shut. The island range and grill was completely taken apart as if the perpetrators were looking for something. Pots, broken beer bottles, busted milk cartons, torn marshmallow bags and cereal boxes all littered the floor like a large blanket.  Sean was so irate, he grabbed pot after pot and threw them against the wall as hard as he could. Marco had known Sean his whole life, but never seen him this angry before.

Who could have done this Sean? Marco dared to inquire. Why in the world would they do something terrible like this? I don't understand?

I don't know Marco. I just don't know. Sean snapped. He stood there shaking his head in disbelief, when suddenly they both heard footfalls running down the stairs.     

Amber is that you? Sean called out again as he started to walk that way. He tripped over a toaster and fell to the floor in a puddle of milk. His jaw was set in raw anger as he got to his feet to investigate.

Marco quickly grabbed him by the arm. No wait. he whispered. Did you stop to think that whoever that is may have a gun? It's better to let them go ahead and leave.

But they may have my sister Marco. Sean quietly protested.

Yes, but you won't be able to help her if you’re dead. We have no weapons. Think about it,.. this is so not smart.

Sean realized Marco was right. He was about to go off half-cocked and get himself killed. At this point, he didn't know who they were dealing with, so he wisely squashed the idea. He and Marco quietly moved closer to the kitchen doorway and hid behind the door. Then within seconds the front door slammed and the perpetrator was gone, or so they thought. 

Sean cautiously peeked around the doorway toward the stairs. Assuming it was all clear, he and Marco slowly ventured out from behind the door and made their way back to the foot of the stairs. Sean gazed upwards and frankly admitted, Marco, I'm a little freaked to go up there. I'm afraid I might find Amber dead; I don't know if I can handle that.

Well, there's only one way to find out. Marco said. We've come this far, we might as well see it through.

Sean closely studied the top of the stairs for shadowy movement, before climbing up the steps to the second floor landing. Okay Marco, you ready?

Marco nodded. After you my friend, you're the tour guide. You know your house better than I do. They mounted the stairs, cautiously crouching down as they went. Sean carefully peeked over the top step and strained his ears to detect even the slightest of sounds. The silence was deafening save the sound of his own breathing. Sean started to get up, when Marco nudged him in the ribs.

What now? Sean quietly spat in annoyance.

Marco pointed ahead. What if someone’s hiding in the bathroom or closet, just waiting for us to show, so they can blow our brains out?

Sean shrugged. I'll take my chances then. You're welcome to stay here until it's safe. Unless I'm all shot up or dead, I'll let you know when it's all clear, okay?

There was absolutely no way Marco was going to play it safe and wimp out like a coward. No way dude, I'm right behind you.

Sean waited a couple more minutes for good measure, then rose to his feet and looked around. Blood was all over the tile floor and it appeared as if Amber had been dragged down the hallway. Oh my god Marco, they've killed her! Sean declared as he cautiously followed the blood trail past his bedroom to Amber’s. Marco peeked around Sean’s shoulder and noticed the remnants of what was once Amber’s Victorian era motif.

Now it was a pile of broken collectibles, ripped embroidered pillows and beheaded dolls. There was still no sign of Amber or even what happened to her. Finally, the blood trail ended at the end of the hallway into the office. Sean was a little hesitant to look as he could just imagine Amber laid back on the computer chair with her throat slashed. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath and faced the doorway.

He opened his eyes.

There was a lot of damage and blood, but no Amber.

Where in god’s name is she? Sean shouted to the ceiling. His office looked like a scene from the Godfather. Blood was everywhere—on the floor, on the desk and all over the chair. Sean started to get that dreadful feeling he was never going to see his sister again.

Marco came up from behind him, noticed all the blood and thought the same thing—Amber’s dead. Marco didn't know what to say. What do you say in this situation he wondered? The blood loss alone probably killed her he reasoned, though he would never voice that opinion. Marco was about to say something, when he noticed what looked like a sleeve attached to the computer and asked, Sean, what's that attached to your computer?

Sean threw his hands up in frustration and stepped over a broken office chair to get to the back of his desk. What he saw next would haunt him forever. There, taped to the monitor screen was Amber’s blouse. It had blood all over it with a ransom note attached. Sean cupped his hands as if he were praying and exclaimed, Oh thank god!

What? Marco prodded. What are you looking at? Sean didn't answer, so Marco stepped over the office chair and looked for himself. He couldn't believe it either. What the—is that Amber’s  blouse?

Sean nodded.

Marco then read the note out loud: Give up DECIPHER or your sister dies. Sean leaned over and looked at the computer screen. It appears someone has tried to hack into my mainframe and failed Marco. Marco started to feel uneasy. At this point, he just wanted to head back to the airport and get on the next flight back to Boston. This was not a promising start to his vacation, not in the least.

That was his first thought; his second thought was one of suspicion—of Sean. What in god’s name is Sean into he wondered? Drugs, the cartels? Money laundering or maybe bad gambling debts? All sorts of vile possibilities ran through his mind. On the other hand, Sean could be totally innocent and in some real trouble here. Marco quickly dismissed all the accusatory thoughts as mere conjecture anyway. In a surprising move Sean slammed his fist on his desk and looked at Marco evenly. Amber’s gone and it's all my fault Marco.

I don't understand Sean, you want to tell me what's going on?

Sean nodded and started to unzip his pants.

Wait, are you crazy? Marco protested. What ya think you're doing?

Sean held up his finger to indicate—hold on a minute. Then he finished unzipping his pants, reached into his briefs, pulled out a little baggie containing a microchip and flash drive and held them in the palm of his hand. They're after these Marco. This is my secret software I code named: DECIPHER.

Marco reluctantly took them from his hand and studied them closely. God dude, you actually keep these in your crotch? That's sick man. What's so darn important about these that you can't keep them in your pocket, or even a safe deposit box at the bank? Jesus, we’re not in danger are we? I mean,..we’re not going to get shot at are we?

No, it's nothing like that. Sean assured. I'm not into illegal stuff, if that's what you mean? Sean reached out, grabbed the software back from Marco and inserted the baggie back into his briefs. Marco appeared to be a little freaked out and repulsed by the whole crotch thing so Sean elaborated, It's like this Marco, the information on this software could be extremely dangerous in the wrong hands. I can't entrust it to anyone, so I always keep it in the safest place I know. I'll explain the whole thing later on. Right now, I think we need to leave. Obviously, we can't stay here.

Marco had a solemn face. He really felt bad for Sean, and for Amber as well. He was no stranger to tragedy, having lost someone himself. As a loyal friend he tried supportive.  Dude, I am so sorry all this has happened to you. We’ll get Amber back someway somehow, don't you worry. Sean didn't seem too convinced. He just had this faraway expression, as if his mind was a thousand miles away. Marco stood there for a moment and noticed a set of French doors toward the back of the office. In an effort to bring Sean back to reality he asked, What's out there Sean, a balcony?

Yes, a rather large balcony that overlooks a killer atrium. Amber likes to go out there and read before going to bed.

That's cool. Marco said as he peeked through the curtains. Hey that's funny, he observed, there's a man down there by the gazebo in dark fatigues. I can't quite make it out, but it looks like he's holding a gun—look out!

Marco dove to the floor.

In a split second, the French doors exploded like a bomb raining down shards of glass daggers on an already littered floor. Sean and Marco scrambled for cover as continuous bursts of gunfire shot through the shattered opening. Both watched in horror as cacophony of bullets chewed up the walls and ceilings. A new jolt of fear shot through Sean’s body, as he and probably Marco realized this was no dream. No, this was no Hollywood movie set; this was as real as it gets. They might just die right here, right now.

Sean and Marco locked eyes for just a moment, the same desperate thought running through their minds. They needed to get back to the stairs and get out of there. Marco started slithering like a snake on its belly as he traversed his way through the floor debris over to Sean’s position. Sean was already in motion toward the stairs as Marco followed his lead.

Finally, both laid flat at the top of the stairs. You ready to make a run for it? Sean said shakily. He could see the reflection of his own fear in Marco's eyes. The unrelenting barrage of bullets was coming closer and closer. Certain death was only a few feet away now.

They would be trapped in the line of fire, if they hesitated any longer. There was no time to lose. They made their move and ran down the stairs as fast as they could. Sean got to the foot of the stairs first and leaped over Marco's luggage. Marco was not so lucky as he had forgotten his bags were there, inadvertently tripped over his luggage and went tumbling into the living room. Panic seized him as he quickly got back up, crouched down low and fled through the front door down the steps.

TWO

Marco was shocked to see Sean laying on the sidewalk underneath the passenger side of the Hummer. He cursed. He just couldn't believe what he was seeing. Jesus Sean, what are you doing?

I'm changing my oil. Sean replied sarcastically. What do you think I'm doing? I'm certainly not down here for my health. I dropped my keys as I was getting them out of my pocket. Marco reacted by frantically pacing back and forth. Within a minute, which probably felt like an eternity to Marco, Sean shouted, Got it! He quickly shimmied himself back out from underneath the vehicle and pushed the remote. Then, he ran around to the driver’s side and they both jumped in. Sean was so nervous and shaky, he accidentally dropped his keys on the floorboard.

Come on, come on, come on. Marco urged panic stricken. Sean quickly recovered the keys and turned over the engine. Unfortunately, for no apparent reason, a little Fiat had parked too close in front of him. Sean had no choice but to back up, pull forward, back up again and then nose out into traffic. He was almost finished with the maneuver, when two men in black fatigues and ski masks came out from behind the building with REC 7 assault rifles in hand. Go, go, go! Marco yelled.

Sean dropped the gearshift in drive and floored the big V-8. The tires bit the pavement, launching them forward into the sluggish traffic. Marco looked back over his shoulder. The two men scrambled into a dark blue sedan and gave chase. That's just great, they’re following us. Marco announced. What do we do now?

Sean threw his hands up in the air and off the steering wheel. I don't actually know Marco, I've never been chased by armed men before. Maybe I can lose them?

In this big red tank? Marco quipped. I don't think so. It's not the most clandestine of vehicles you know. Probably not the most maneuverable either. It's a good thing we’re not robbing a bank, we'd make lousy criminals. Marco glanced back at the blue sedan again. Uh,..I don't mean to freak you out, but they’re gaining on us.

I know, I know! Sean barked while he continued at high speed down a one-way street weaving in and around traffic. Drivers angrily honked horns, shook fists and gave the finger as Sean passed them by.

Marco lightly chuckled. I guess they give the finger in Spanish the same as they do in English. Marco noticed a traffic light up ahead and warned, Sean, that light up ahead is turning red you know. He looked over at Sean and repeated, Dude, the light is turning red, what are you doing?    

Sean ignored the warning and went even faster. The split second they entered the intersection, another car from the side street pulled out. Look out! Marco yelled as the big Hummer’s massive front steel bumper clipped the front left quarter panel of the car sending it careening into a light pole. Marco looked back to see if the people were alright. It looks like they’re okay Sean. Man, this is crazy. Sean looked in the rear view mirror and noticed he hadn't lost his pursuers. Marco reported for a second time, Another red light coming up ahead.

I know Marco. Sean acknowledged. I don't have any choice, I'm sorry. He sped up again as they raced through the intersection unabated this time.

Marco looked back just in time to see the pursuing sedan fishtail through the same intersection barely missing a truck by inches. Those jerks are persistent Sean, I have to give them that. Marco scouted ahead and observed no intersections for a few blocks. They had a reprieve for at least a minute or two. Marco had to ask, What are we going to do Sean? We can't outrun them, and we sure can't out maneuver them either.

What are they doing now? Sean inquired.

Marco looked back over his shoulder. They're right on our tail. What in the,..what's that guy doing? Oh my god, I don't believe this. The man on the passenger side was leaning out the window with an assault rifle. Jesus he's going to fire. Marco yelled. Before Sean could respond, the rear window exploded in glass shards. Sean and Marco both ducked down for cover. Sean looked over the steering wheel just enough to keep on driving. Marco quickly suggested they swerve back and forth through traffic, so the gunman couldn't get off a clean shot. The gunman was struggling just to stay in the car, never mind trying to manhandle the heavy assault rifle he was trying to fire. Out of the clear blue, Sean asked Marco an odd question considering the dire situation they were in.

What did you call my Hummer a few minutes ago, a big tank?

Yeah, so what? No sooner had the words rolled off Marco’s tongue, when it clicked with him as to what Sean had in mind. Are you serious dude? You’re really going to do that?

Yes Marco, it's the only way to end this. Now buckle up and brace for impact.

Marco quickly complied when he noticed they were coming up on another intersection. Sean put on another burst of speed, obliging the sedan to do the same in order to keep close behind. He glanced over at Marco. You ready to do this?

Go for it man. Marco nodded with a nervous smile. Sean looked up at the oncoming traffic light. His apprehension was escalating by the nano-second. The intersection was now only a block away. The light turned from green to yellow then red. Marco closed his eyes and braced himself. The instant they entered the intersection Sean slammed down hard on the brakes. The big Hummer's tires screeched in protest as it's forward momentum was stalled. The driver of the sedan was too close behind to have time to react. Within seconds the pursuing sedan smashed squarely into the back of the Hummer's thick reinforced steel bumper.

The gunman was ejected with such force out the passenger side window, that he was hurled head-on into the windshield of another car. Sean immediately hit the gas again, leaving the would be pursuers and the smoldering wreckage behind.

THREE

Sean drove on in silence while they both waited for their heart rate to return to normal. Finally after several blocks, Sean decided it was safe to pull over and calm down. He shut off the engine and collapsed over the wheel in relief. Shoo, that was a close one Marco. We almost bought the farm dude.

Sean, I have a confession to make. Marco said trying to break the tension. So far, this vacation has been totally lame dude. What I want to know is when are we going to do something exciting, out of the ordinary?

Sean was finally able to relax somewhat and played along. Yeah, I guess I do lead a rather lame and boring life. I'm really sorry it has been uneventful for you so far. Maybe things will pick up soon. They both chuckled at the rhetoric. But was it just rhetoric? The sound of sirens in the distance would prove otherwise.

Things were going to pick up alright, just not in the way they expected. Marco turned serious for a moment. Seriously Sean, I don't mean to complain or anything, but those guys back there were trying to kill us. I bet they were the ones who trashed your villa. I'm sure they had something to do with Amber’s kidnapping. Jeez, do you think Amber’s alright?

I hope so. Sean said his voice dripping with doubt. I am concerned about all that blood. As far as defending herself, they have the slightest clue as to who they're dealing with. Amber has a black belt in karate you know. Besides, as long as I have the DECIPHER software they won't kill her.

Well even so, I hope they get caught and strung up by the— Marco paused and strained his ears to listen. Hear that my friend? That's sirens in the distance and I betcha anything that's the police arriving on the scene to arrest them on the spot.

I certainly hope so. Sean admitted in a sorrowful tone. I just hope and pray I didn't injure or kill someone back there.

Yeah,..I hope we didn't either. Marco agreed. But listen, we didn't ask for any of this to happen. Those jerks back there are responsible, not us. You gotta believe that Sean.

I know,..I do. Sean glumly admitted. But I would still feel bad about it.

Marco felt the same. Of course you would, I know I would. Sean glanced over at Marco and could tell he was nervous by the way he was fidgeting with his seatbelt. Are you nervous Marco?

Marco shrugged. What? No I'm okay, why?

Well, it's just that I've known you since you were seven, and it seems like you're a little freaked out right now. Marco  completely ignored the implication and observed, Is it just my imagination, or are those sirens coming closer?

Hmm,..I think you're right. Sean noted in a calm tone. Not even two minutes had gone by, when Sean caught sight of several La Guardia police cars in his rear view mirror.

They kept advancing with flashing lights. Maybe they're after those guys back there. Marco optimistically suggested.

Yeah, it could be. Sean said as his heart rate began to rise again. The lead cruiser screamed by and slid to a screeching halt three car lengths in front of the Hummer, blocking the street. Three more police units pulled up within one car length just behind the Hummer.

What’s going on? Marco wondered. This whole time they were after us, and we weren’t the ones with the guns?

This is got to be some kind of mistake. Sean proclaimed. Officers immediately emerged from all four vehicles, guns drawn. Sean looked out the window and couldn't believe all this was really happening. Are you kidding me? God, this is getting ridiculous.

Well dude, I guess you weren't kidding when you hoped things would pick up soon huh? Marco observed. Sean noticed one of the officers had a loudspeaker in his hand. He understood the Spanish coming from it: Salga con las manos en alto! Marco glanced at Sean for interpretation. Okay, what are they saying Sean? Marco had a pretty good idea, but wanted to hear it anyway just to be on the safe side.

They told us to come out with our hands up. Sean translated.

That's what I thought they said, and I didn't even have to speak Spanish. See Sean, I am getting the hang of this language stuff. Sean reluctantly took the keys out of the ignition and slipped them in his pocket. He and Marco slowly exited the vehicle with their hands up.

Two of the officers cautiously approached, grabbed Sean and Marco's hands behind their backs and handcuffed them. A third officer (obviously the one in charge), came and stood before them. He looked to be in his fifties with a salt and pepper crew cut and a trimmed mustache to match. Sean noticed close up he had signs of chronic acne. His face was noticeably scarred and pitted like craters on the moon’s surface. He spoke in a commanding basso voice as he read them their rights—in Spanish. He then asked if they understood those rights.

Sean nodded.

Marco did not.

The officer repeated the question again, and once more Marco didn't answer. At this point, the officer just assumed Marco was being an uncooperative punk. So he shoved Marco up against the car, slapped him up the side the head and knocked his Celtics hat off. All his fellow officers broke out in laughter. Sean quickly spoke up in Spanish. Please Sir, my friend here doesn't speak Spanish. The commanding officer grumbled, then spoke in English. After re-reading Marco his rights, he again posed the question a third time: Do you understand the rights I have just spoken to you?

Yes Sir, I do. Marco replied clearly shaken. He shot Sean a hard look. This is just great Sean. I've spent my whole life in the states and you know I've never been in trouble. Now thanks to you, I'm being arrested and I've only been here a few hours. This is just—

Ca’llate! the commanding officer barked in a officious voice, as they were shoved into the back of a police car. The unit was an ancient looking Fiat with old worn vinyl and dirty carpet that smelled a combination of dog odor, cigarette smoke, vomit and bleach. It smelled so bad Sean and Marco thought they were going to gag. To make matters worse, the back door and window handles were removed, so they couldn't get any fresh air. They couldn't voice their complaint either, as there was a plexiglas panel that separated the arresting officers from the arrested. Marco kept shifting positions to get more comfortable. How do they expect us to sit in this position?

They don't Marco, that's the whole point. 

You mean they deliberately want us to be uncomfortable? Just what kind of country do you live in Sean? Which reminds me, what did that commanding dude say to me awhile ago after he slapped me around?

Sean snickered. You really want to know?

Marco nodded.

Okay, remember you wanted to know. He told you to shut up!

Marco became indignant. Shut up huh? Who does he think he is anyway? I have my rights. I'm an American. Listen Sean, were not some drug taking, pimp prostituting drunken low-life thieves for them to treat us this way. Marco paused then added, We don't even know what we’re being charged with do we? I know what this is; this is racial profiling. They've arrested us because were Americans. I've seen it on that T.V. show: locked up abroad. You know what they do don't you? They throw you away in some dark dingy labor camp for years, before your family can ever get you out. Sean couldn't help but laugh. Marco didn't see the humor. What's so funny? I don't find this amusing at all dude. We may be in some serious trouble here.

Relax Marco, I'm sure it's all just a big misunderstanding. 

Oh, you mean like Amber and your apartment?

That's a low blow buddy. I didn't intend for any of this to happen, especially to Amber. By the way, it's not an apartment, it's a villa. Sean corrected.

Oh, well excuse me for being politically incorrect. What I want to know, is when are you going to tell me what this whole thing is about? You've got me involved in all this, so I think I deserve to know what's going on.

You do deserve to know Marco, and I promise I will tell you everything. But not here, not right now. Let's get out of this mess first, okay?

Whatever dude. Marco said as he stared out his window in disgust. He couldn't believe all this was really happening. Several hours ago he was sitting at home in Boston drinking a Samuel Adams and watching a Red Sox game with his dad. Sure, he was totally unhappy and undeniably depressed out of his mind; but at least he wasn't being shot at, chased or arrested. In that instant, Marco realized he’s just feeling sorry for himself. Sean was a victim of circumstances just as much as he was, if not more. So he did the right thing and apologized. Listen buddy, I'm sorry okay. Blame it on the jet lag.

I'm sorry too, Marco. I wanted this to be a perfect vacation, instead it's turned out to be a nightmare.

Marco chuckled. Well at least you don't live on Elm street.

Yeah, isn’t that the truth. Sean agreed with a laugh, while he looked out his window mentally torturing himself trying to make sense of all this madness. The traditional who, what, when, where and why was haunting his soul; eating at his brain. No doubt his flood of questions would be answered in due time. Some answers he suspected, others answers would shock him.

Upon closer examination, Sean noticed where someone had previously blew snot all over the window. All he could do was lay his head back and close his eyes.

FOUR

Killian Collins glared at Luis Garcia. Where’s my money Luis? I loaned you five thousand Euro two weeks ago and now with interest, you owe me eight thousand. That was the agreement was it not?

Luis was shaking and sweating profusely as he nervously pleaded: Please Sir, I beg of you,..don't hurt me please! I will get your money. I just need a little more time.

Unfortunately, Luis didn't quite realize who he was dealing with. According to the software community, Collins operates a very successful technology business in Barcelona with satellite offices throughout