Page 63 of The Atlas Maneuver

“Katie,” she said. “It’s Kelly.”

“I was told the Japanese had you.”

“They did, but I managed to escape.”

“Let me come get you.”

“That’s not possible.”

“Why are you doing this?”

“Because I don’t agree with what you’re doing.”

“It was your idea.”

“No, that’s a lie. I wanted to help countries off the gold and dollar standard. Not provide you with a way to manipulate their economies. You’ve lost all sense of right and wrong.”

“Come back, and we can discuss it. Work something out.”

“We’re beyond that. Somebody tried to kill me yesterday.”

“It wasn’t me,” Katie said.

And she heard the shock in her voice.

“I know. It was the CIA. They’re going to purge us all. You included.”

“I can take care of myself. When did this bout of conscience come over you?”

“From the least to the greatest of them, everyone is greedy for unjust gain, and from prophet to priest everyone deals falsely.Jeremiah 6:13. Then there isA faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who makes haste to be rich will not go unpunished.Proverbs 28:20.”

“I never knew you were religious.”

“I’m not. But sometimes the Bible can be instructive. What I am is an American. Loyal and true. Years ago, I did everything that was asked of me. We all did. And we created something marvelous. Now you’re going to weaponize that into something monstrous.”

“Does your newfound conscience also include returning the millions of euros you’ve been paid?”

“I consider that compensation for my services, and the risks I’m taking right now.”

“Amazing how you rationalize your own participation, but condemn the rest of us. Like I said, this whole thing was your idea.”

“I never intended anything like you’re planning. I believed inthe revolution bitcoin could create in the world, taking central banks out of the mix. I wanted people to be independent and free with their money and investments.”

“Bitcoin can still do all that. And more.”

“It’s themoreI have a problem with. Look, Katie. We were friends. Close ones. I cherished that. I still do. So I called to tell you that you have a spy in the bank. When I was with the Japanese I learned they know all about the Atlas Maneuver.”

CATHERINE WAS STUNNED.

Secrecy was vital to success. The full extent of the bank’s reach in bitcoin must remain limited to a precious few. All of who stood to greatly profit from the venture.

“You told them?” she asked.

“They already knew. Like I said, they have a spy on the inside.”

For some strange reason she believed what she was hearing. “Tell me about the Japanese.”

“Her name is Aiko Ejima. She’s PSIA at the Basel consulate, and is remarkably well informed about your business.”

---