Blind sided, p.11
Blind Sided, page 11
Caihong picked up Ricky’s tea cup and walked it to the breakfast nook. She drew the curtains open for the glorious view of the beach and ocean they had admired each day. She retrieved her tea and placed it on the table as well. “Let’s sit and plan our last day in paradise.” He sat. She called the front desk and placed their breakfast order. She knew Ricky would want the same meal he had eaten each morning they had been here. She set down the handset on the room phone, then turned to him, and softly asked, “If my company authorizes it, could I go with you? I’ve never been to Boston. They have some wonderful architecture and urban design I could really learn from.” Ten seconds ago, Ricky thought he could not love her more. In an instant, one of the most intelligent scientists in the world just proved himself wrong.
Chapter 20: It’s just a suitcase
Caihong opened her laptop while they waited for their breakfast. She logged on to the hotel’s wireless network, then her employer’s VPN. After the automatic security scan completed, she logged into her company’s email server and scrolled through her 137 new emails that came in since she checked two breakfasts ago. She read just the ones she knew to be important, then composed an email to her immediate supervisor. She simply typed in the Re line “May I call you” and in the body “Concerning my return date.” She hit send as Hopena buzzed at the door to bring in the food and morning New York Times. Ricky stood as he had each morning and went to open the door. By the time Hopena had set down the meal and paper, Caihong had her response email. Before Hopena left, Caihong said, “Ricky, I will have a call at 7 am with my company.”
Ricky nodded, not thinking it odd that Caihong would speak to her boss at 1 am in Beijing. He then turned to Hopena.
“The hotel. Does it sell sweaters? Even hoodies or sweatshirts?”
Hopena answered with a broad smile. “Yes, of course. Do you need souvenirs? I can bring a few to you to choose from.”
Ricky smiled, but added “Oh, that is nice of you. But no, I am happy to look through the options you have. What time does the shop open?” Hopena looked at Ricky.
“Sir, ma’am, for such valued guests as you? The gift shop, the entire hotel, is open 24/7. I will meet you there as soon as you would like to go in. Simply text me when you are ready.” As Hopena left, Ricky and Caihong started eating their fruit salads, and Ricky turned on the TV.
He turned on the TV and clicked to CNN. The anchor announced a Department of Justice press conference would start “at any minute now,” it being 6:13 am in Hawaii. Ricky lowered the volume and opened his paper, reading it front to back. He checked his text messages and emails, finding nothing unusual. The ticket Derek promised had arrived. One seat departing at 1:30 pm today. He checked the time on his phone. He had a lot to do in a few hours. He then realized he needed to call his parents to alert them to the change in plans, but he did not yet know if he was going to Boston alone. He let Caihong know he planned on calling his mother at noon, as he had three times on this vacation. She smiled and nodded. With Beijing being 18 hours ahead, that would be 6 am there, and both parents would still be home.
Ricky had still not adjusted to not having multiple tasks on his metaphorical plate, or having such fresh, delicious fruit on his actual one. He sipped his tea, and went to sit in the sun for a few minutes. He read a blurb on the NY Times web page about “highly placed” sources having confirmed a major national security arrest to be announced at 1 pm. That was now just two minutes away, so he went back inside and raised the TV volume a few bars. Caihong had already gone into her room to place her call.
At precisely 7 am local, 1 pm in Washington, Hadley Charles stepped to the lectern in the DOJ press briefing room, flanked by FBI Director Gavin and Assistant AG Seaver. Cameras clicked, lights flashed, the chyron screamed: “Breaking news. Acting Attorney General Hadley Charles to make major announcement.
Charles grasped the edges of the lectern, standing for the first time behind the seal of the Department of Justice. Major press events were not new for her; facing the press was something she had done many times. Doing so as the country’s lead law enforcement officer, of course, would be very different. She would have preferred a couple of days on the job before standing in the bright glare of a press conference. But here she stood, no sweat on her brow, no fear in her eyes.
“Good afternoon. As I speak, a major arrest with national security implications is occurring in Los Angeles.” At that moment, Charles looked over to the 46” monitor on a high, rolling display to her left. The news coverage by NewsFirst went from fully on her to a split screen. Several blue jacketed FBI agents could be seen exiting a downtown LA office building with a woman who appeared to be about 5 feet 2 inches tall, looking like she could be 15 years old. She did not have her arms up over her face as many new arrestees did; instead she looked calm, defiant.
Charles continued. “Qi Tong Li has just been arrested for spying on the United States of America on behalf of China. She has long-term ties to the Chinese Ministry of State Security, which as you all know has been involved for many years in stealing secrets and proprietary information from many leading US companies. This agency has also conducted numerous hacking operations into federal and state government databases. Qi Tong Li has been indicted on charges resulting from a lengthy investigation into influence operations targeting at least two members of the United States House of Representatives and at least one senior executive at a US defense contractor. While those individuals have been interviewed, they have not been arrested or indicted, so their names will not be released. All of Miss Qi’s activities have been for the purposes of stealing highly classified information used by the United States for its cyber security defense. Therefore, this is a matter of great concern for our national security. That is all I have to say. FBI Director Gavin will give you more details.”
As Charles turned to step back so Gavin could take the lectern, she looked to the monitor again. The chyron below the arrest scene and press conference started displaying tweets from President Richards. “more China hate towards America.” “more China spying” “we will not stand for this treason.”
All of the reporters started shouting questions. On the monitor, in millions of homes and offices in the US and millions more around the world, she could see herself on the right side of the screen, as the left side showed the slow perp walk continuing to a large black van, multiple agents surrounding the alleged spy who showed no desire to hide herself or escape the cameras.
The briefing room pool camera tightened in on Director Gavin as he took notes from his suit jacket, placed them on the lectern, and removed his mask. “Good afternoon. My name is Louis Gavin. The investigation that has resulted in this critical arrest of a Chinese spy has been led by the FBI’s Foreign Influence Task Force under the direction of Curtis Mays, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. This has been a long running, inter-agency operation. The spying charges for which Qi Tong Li has been indicted by a grand jury and now arrested go to the very heart of our national security and national defense.”
Richards kept tweeting, some of which continued to be displayed on the screens millions were tuned in to. #bombChina and #bombWuhan began trending on Twitter.
As Ricky watched, he knew this would only make American and Chinese relations even worse. His mind wandered to hypothesizing what Derek and the Senator could need him for in Boston. Surely, it is not connected to this arrest? Or was CNOVation one of the companies’ whose information was stolen? He did not mind going; he actually felt some relief that he could dive into some serious work, even if just for a couple of days. This trip with Caihong had been wonderful, better than he ever imagined a vacation could be. But not working for two months had him needing something meaty to sink his teeth and attention into. Suddenly, Ricky felt Caihong’s soft left hand on his left shoulder from behind the couch. He then saw her reflection in the television.
“Ricky, I have great news.” He stood, walked around the couch to face her, his back now to the ongoing press conference. “ I’m going to Boston with you.” They embraced. He gushed with happiness. He blocked the news conference, Derek’s call, his boredom of not working from his mind. All he could think now was that they would remain together. Caihong moved her head slightly right to watch the scene unfolding on the TV, this arrest, the FBI Director speaking. CNN also carried on the bottom of the screen a few images of tweets the President of the United States was sending out in real time, although they blacked out the #bombChina and #bombWuhan. He squeezed Ricky tightly, and whispered. “My superior said there is much I can do in Boston to help with my work in China.”
Chapter 21: … a suitcase with a bug
Ricky and Caihong headed to the gift shop to pick up a few warmer items. Hopena smiled and welcomed them, and showed them a few sweaters, hoodies and long sleeve shirts emblazoned with the hotel logo they might consider. As they browsed, Kaimana, the hotel concierge, arranged for Caihong’s seat on the flights and for them to sit together in business class. They would depart at 1:30 pm for San Diego, change planes, and arrive in Boston tomorrow mid-morning. He also got them a nonstop flight to Beijing on Wednesday morning, October 14. Kaimana then walked into the gift shop to hand Ricky and Caihong their flight itinerary and boarding passes. Caihong noticed his employee name tag, and thanked him by name. “What does your name Kaimana mean?”
He answered. “The power of the ocean.”
Caihong responded. “A beautiful name, and so fitting for being so close to the ocean.” Kaimana smiled. He then explained how he had arranged for a town car to take them to the Lihue Airport at 11:30 am, but could make it earlier if they wished.
They finished their shopping, accepting Hopena’s suggestion of adding a hotel suitcase for their new purchases. Ricky and Caihong went back to their suite to finish packing as Hopena rang up their purchases and added them to their bill. As instructed she added a $50 tip for herself. She then took the new clothes and suitcase into her manager’s office. Hopena knew he was off today. After checking around to make sure no one was coming in, she made a small incision in the lower section of the suitcase. She then taped a small tracking and listening device inside. These would record conversations and track movements, but were not powerful enough to broadcast, which was good since any broadcast coming from a suitcase might be detected by TSA airport security. Hopena sewed the small incision and covered it with matching black tape. She felt along the edges of the inside several times, assuring herself that she had placed the device precisely on the interior support rods. Even if they ran their hands along it, they would only feel the supports. She removed the price tags and folded their new clothes neatly into the suitcase. She checked the hallways twice, then returned to test the devices she had just installed. Working perfectly she assured herself. The tiny battery would power these bugs for seven days.
Hopena then wheeled the suitcase to their suite, and knocked. Once allowed in, she feigned a confession that she had found a small tear while packing the suitcase, so she had the day manager take $25 off the purchase price. She offered to show them the tear that she personally mended. Ricky said no need, we trust you. Caihong then took Hopena’s hands in hers, looked her in the eyes, and said “Hopena. It’s fine. After all, it’s just a suitcase.” Hopena felt an unexpected chill from that brief exchange.
As she turned to leave their room, Hopena turned back and said, “I will have the bellman here in 15 minutes. Your car will be waiting for you, and I will meet you in the lobby to see you off. It has been my pleasure to serve you, and I do hope one day you will return.” By the time Hopena closed the door behind her, FBI Agents Zena Smith and Booker Jones were sitting in their unmarked and unremarkable car in the hotel porte-cochere, several car lengths behind the Island Rides town car that would take Ricky and Caihong to the airport. These agents knew they would be handing the subjects off to the Boston field office once the flight departed, which was fine with them. All Smith and Jones had to do was follow them to the airport, ensure they boarded their flight, and that it took off.
Ricky called his parents from the town car. Caihong had suggested that he do so in order to have a more private conversation. Both parents were up. The town car arrived just at noon local. The FBI agents maintained their position a few car-lengths back. After the town car pulled away, the FBI agents pulled into a secure parking spot in front of the airport. The TSA agent in charge of parking security waived them to go inside after seeing their badges. Ricky and Caihong cleared security at 12:15 pm. Smith and Jones flashed their creds and walked through the lane reserved for flight crew after their subjects had retrieved their carry-on items.
Once Ricky and Caihong sat down at their departure gate, Smith and Jones grabbed a table in the food court. They glanced up at the large TV screen. The airport had installed two screens in this food court, one displaying NewsFirst and the other CNN. The agents sat nearer the NewsFirst screen, and positioned their chairs so they could also surveil the subjects. They looked up, and watched the crawl advertising a special two hour edition of the O’Day Report, with it coming on air at 7 pm Eastern, rather than O’Day’s usual 8 pm time slot. They checked their watches. It was now 12:50 pm local, the anticipated time for business class passengers to board. Smith and Jones each watched Ricky and Caihong gather their possessions and board.
The large display board listing arrivals and departures showed their flight to San Diego would take off on time. Smith and Jones clinked their empty coffee cups, a sense of relief that this utterly boring babysitting chore was nearly at a merciful end. They looked back up at the screen and could see Abel Dinsley as O’Day’s featured first hour guest.
As O’Day’s show began, he gave his usual over-the-top introduction. “An attack on the very heart of our country by China. Corruption at the highest levels. Corporate espionage that threatens every man, woman and child’s safety. Tonight, we will discuss this shocking arrest of another Chinese spy with national security and Asia expert Abel Dinsley. But first, a report from Analise Simmins on location from the site of this arrest in Los Angeles. Analise.” The screen then cut away to the front of the Los Angeles federal courthouse where Qi Tong Li would be arraigned in a short while.
Smith looked back over at the San Diego departure gate at 1:10 pm, having heard the boarding announcement for passengers needing additional assistance. She held her empty coffee cup up. “Refill?” Jones nodded his head, both knowing coffee would always be on the house for FBI agents at any airport food venue. Jones kept both eyes trained on the line for departures starting to form. Everyone had their masks on as required by airport and airline policies.
O’Day made another vitriolic speech about how awful, despicable it was that China kept spying on us and stealing our most valuable secrets. “Is there anything, anything, they won’t do to advance their own evil agendas?” Richards, Clark and Fritzy watched together from the residence, dinner being served in the presidential personal eating area. Steaks tonight. Not just any steaks - Kagoshima A5 Wagyu Ribeye Steaks, a gift from the Japanese Prime Minister during his recent emergency visit to the White House. With the US – China relationship in the toilet, Japan wanted to make sure not only that its status was preserved, but to try to improve its position as a US trading and financial partner. Richards continued talking, spewing, even while chewing the $150 steaks. Clark and Fritzy took their time to enjoy these fine specimens of meat, perfectly cooked to medium rare. They had both learned to tune Richards out, listening to him only after they had subtly planted in his head what they wanted him to think, making sure he got the message.
By 1:20 pm in Kuai, the San Diego flight was fully boarded. The gate agent made the “final call” announcement. Jones looked at Smith and indelicately announced, “Gonna go take a piss.” He walked past the gate they had been watching, and went over to the floor-to-ceiling window to make sure their subjects hadn’t somehow escaped the plane and were running along the tarmac. After finishing his business, he stood, arms folded, on the brim of the passenger waiting area, and watched the plane back away from the gate, turn, and line up for take-off. Three minutes later, he observed the flight speed up, nose up, and exit skyward. He turned, gave Smith a thumbs up, and walked back over to her at the food court. “Glad that boring ass babysitting is over. I’m off duty at 2. Gonna go spear fishing. You?”
Smith stood, stretched her back, and answered. “Target practice.” She tossed Jones the car keys. He knew she did not mean going to the firing range to work on her gun skills. She meant going to the airport bar to deploy other talents to pick up a business man on his way out of Paradise. Her line of choice was, “yeah, you’ll miss your flight. There’s always another flight. But you’ll never get another opening like this.” Today would be the ninth out of ten times she’d end up in the airport hotel, and not alone.
Chapter 22: Cuba, quiero bailar la salsa
Charles did not really have much time to prepare for her FISA hearing. The press conference only ended at 2:07 pm on Sunday, October 11. She returned to her office, spooned down a Siggi’s vanilla yogurt. As she finished, Clark entered. “Let me tell you why we have a strong ally in Judge Torres. He’s our dream judge – he hates Janson and loves Richards. He had a good, long history with Farraday, and as far as he knows, Farraday quit for the reasons we put out: that he recently discovered his own father has an advanced medical condition, and he left to spend his father’s last few quality months helping to care for him. Turned out that part was true – his father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.”
