Chapter 3 The Recipe With The Spicy Chiles
Ironside's Office 11:30 am
"Morning" Fran Belding called out as she entered the room.
"And what do we owe the honor of a visit from our Homeland Security Division this morning?" the Chief called out.
"That I've missed you?" Fran gave the Chief a hug, then went over and poured a cup of coffee for herself. She gestured with the pot. Ironside shook his head negatively. Ed waved his mug in her direction, as did Mark. Grinning, she walked over and filled them.
Just like old times," she said, sitting down after replacing the pot, carefully crossing her legs so that her skirt wouldn't wrinkle.
"You miss my coffee that much?" Mark asked.
"I keep telling you Mark, it's the company more than anything else I miss." Fran replied.
"I've played poker with you before," the Chief said, "and you want something. Spit it out Fran."
"I see you're not on your computers, so you know what happened."
"Someone hacked our files last night or early this morning." Eve said angrily. "They got all our case notes."
"The entire SFPD system was hacked either late last night or early this morning. They broke through the firewalls and have looked at or copied possibly all the department files."
Ironside looked at his former assistant. "That explains why you're here. More than one investigation has been compromised."
"Uh huh. It's very possible."
"Well, what and who do you need?"
"Can't I have stopped by just to have had a cup of coffee with co-workers?" Fran replied.
"No. You need someone or something."
"Eve"
Eve looked at her. "What do you mean you need me? I'm not a hacker. I barely understand computers enough to turn it on and type a report."
"You've probably got a heck of a story if you need Eve to work for Homeland Security." Ed said
"I do Ed, it goes like this. Whoever hacked the department last night has access to a great deal of information about us and our cases. Fortunately, my office, Homeland Security, got spared because the Feds provide our server, technology and storage." Fran opened a manila file taking out a picture of a fit looking thirtysomething man with dark hair swept back from a widow's peak hairline and a definite Slavic look about him.
"This is Rezko Lenard. He's an art collector and wine aficionado, and is listed as the science and culture attaché for the Romanian Government."
Eve looked closely at the picture. "Good looking guy."
"Actually, this is what he really does for a living". Fran slid a sheet of paper out of the folder onto the round oak table.
Mark picked it up and read it aloud. "Works for SRI, which is?"
"The Romanian Secret Service", the Chief finished. "Fran, how did you find this out?"
"I've been undercover for the past two months Chief, working in an art gallery on Market that Mr. Lenard frequents. He has a drop box there. FBI's been stretched thin doing surveillance since 9/11, so that's one reason local departments are getting more involved. We know the turf better than they do and the money and equipment they give us doesn't hurt either. Lenard's main job for the consulate has been money laundering which he does mainly through art sales at the gallery. He also is their main technology person."
"That would explain why he's in town." Mark chimed in
"The Fed's want to bust the guy at the gallery, but we found out that Rezko has some bank accounts that aren't connected to the Romanian government. Lenard's been selling malware, spyware, software, viruses and Trojans to the highest bidder for their own purposes. I think he likes it here and doesn't have plans to return to Bucharest when he's done with his tour of duty.
"Graduated top of his class in computer science at the University" Ed mused, looking at Eve.
He's very, very good at hacking." Fran continued. "It's possible that he's responsible for the recent spate of cyber-attacks at several boutique banks in the city in past months. With this morning's attack, Commissioner Randall wants to make sure that he is our man and if he isn't, maybe he'll lead us to the actual hacker." Last month, we got the authority and were able to plant a bug in his apartment. The information we've gotten has been useful. Department of Homeland Security was ready to step in and take the case over, but now with this, Chief Hernandez and Commissioner Randall feel it's personal and needs to be in-house. We need to step up the pressure, which means I need to step out of the relationship I've developed with Mr. Lenard, and that's where Eve comes in."
"How personal was this relationship?"
"Aww, you still care about who I go out with Chief? You're sweet. It was personal, but not that kind of personal."
"What kind of danger would Eve be in?"
"He doesn't have a reputation for violence, but I suspect he's got the training."
"Who would her handler be?" asked Ed.
"The Chief"
"Why me? What else is going on Fran? Why can't you use your own team? Tell me everything and don't leave out any detail, no matter how small." Ironside demanded.
"We may have a secure computer system, but someone in the department is telling tales out of work. I'm concerned that Lenard might find out who I really am. That's one reason I have to find someone different to step in before my cover's blown, because it will be, if it hasn't already. His game is information gathering and I've worked too hard to blow this case because of some damn idiot looking for a payday. " She shook her head angrily.
The Chief looked at his team. "Ok, so you think we can help you find stop Lenard and the money laundering operation and help you find the mole."
"I've got a bottle of Woodford Reserve Bourbon riding on it."
"I want that and more."
"Not that Chief. Anything but that…"
"I want your dad's recipe for poker night chili".
She paused a moment. "Ok, it's yours."
And I want that bottle of bourbon, regardless." Ironside smiled broadly, sensing the victory he'd achieved.
"Done." She pulled the bottle out of her huge purse and handed it to him. "Consider this a down payment." Fran laughed. "You get the chili recipe when this is over."
"You taught her well Chief" Eve grinned. "So Fran, tell me why this gentleman will prefer blondes.