Page 11 of Code Name: Tank
He crossed the concrete floor, past the skeleton crew managing the remaining operations. The reduced activity in what should have been a bustling manufacturing environment was unsettling—a direct result of the funding shortfalls that had forced Apex to cut shifts and delay production schedules.
“What did you find?” he asked, positioning himself where he could see my screen without Dr. Rainier overhearing our conversation.
“The theft methods are similar to Titan, but more sophisticated,” I replied, aware that facility personnel moved in and out of the area regularly. “The timing is more exact, the amounts better calculated. I’ll need more time to completemy review, but this is definitely the same thieves—they’ve just gotten better.”
Tank looked at the screen, his expression guarded despite what I knew he was seeing. “Understood. How much more time do you need?”
“A few hours for thorough documentation.”
Dr. Rainier approached with her tablet. “I have those transaction records you requested, Mr. Abrams. Though I should mention we’ve discovered some troubling accounting irregularities in the past forty-eight hours that our accounting department flagged.”
“What kind of irregularities?” Tank asked.
“The transfers are happening in real time now,” Dr. Rainier said, showing us her screen. “We discovered three more unauthorized transactions just this morning. Whoever’s doing this isn’t waiting weeks between thefts anymore—they’re hitting us daily.”
Tank and I exchanged concerned glances. “Daily?” I asked.
“The pattern has accelerated dramatically in the past seventy-two hours,” she continued. “It’s like they’re rushing to extract as much as possible before we catch on.”
My mind raced with the implications. “Could you provide us with those transaction records and authorization logs?” I asked.
“We’d appreciate reviewing the timeline of this escalation,” Tank added smoothly.
“Of course. I’ll have everything ready within the hour.”
After Dr. Rainier left, Tank moved closer. “They’re not just getting bolder...”
“They’re operating under a deadline,” I said grimly. “Something’s forcing them to accelerate their timeline.”
I glanced around to ensure we weren’t being observed. “Tank, if they’re rushing to extract maximum funds before moving to the next phase...”
“Then, we might be looking at the final stage of whatever they’re planning.”
The restof the afternoon passed in a blur of interviews and document reviews. I spent the next three hours examining what I’d found, keeping my work discrete, and speaking in generalities when facility personnel were present. Tank moved between departments with equal caution, gathering personnel records and conducting interviews without revealing the true scope of our concerns.
The oppressive Texas heat made every moment outside the air-conditioned facility uncomfortable. Sweat gathered at my hairline within minutes of stepping onto the tarmac, and I was looking forward to the cool autumn air of the Adirondacks. The thought of Kane Mountain’s crisp September evenings felt like a promise of relief.
By eighteen hundred hours, we’d wrapped up our work and were alone in the rental car heading back to the hotel.
“Okay,” Tank said as soon as we’d cleared the facility parking lot. “What did you really find?”
“The theft methods are more advanced than what we found at Titan. Same perpetrators, but they’ve refined their approach since the first theft.”
“Meaning?”
“The timing shows careful planning.” I pulled up my notes on my tablet. “Tank, they hit Titan first to test their methods. This theft at Apex is the improved version.”
His hands tightened on the steering wheel. “They’re learning from each deployment.”
“Refining their approach with each target.”
“How long have unauthorized transfers been affecting Apex’s accounts?”
“Based on the transaction patterns, at least three months.”
Tank was quiet for a moment. “The unauthorized transfers Dr. Rainier mentioned?”
“Almost certainly how they’re accessing our funds. Someone with high-level authorization codes.”
