Mark Pryor - Cyberian Affair

“You’re amazing. I don’t know whether to call you Vyper or Prixster. Sure, this’ll help a lot. At least for people who use Facebook.”

“I have Google, Twitter, and Amazon, too. They all sell marketing data. Most of their clients are not tight on security. I have been collecting it for a couple of years. All the data is in the computer room.” She pointed to the spare bedroom. “You can access it from your laptop.”

The possibilities made Niko’s head spin. Nearly everyone who went on the internet used Google or Facebook—or both. And everything was recorded—from their first naïve years online. The amount of data available was mind-boggling.

For the last two weeks, Niko had been digging for clues to identify Zatan, but he came up with very little. He’d been doing this the hard way. Everything he learned was recorded on the one-page document displayed on his screen.

Niko turned his laptop toward Vyper. “I think this hacker works in the Siberian ‘research firm’ financed by Sokolov. How much can you find on him?”

Vyper tapped away on her keyboard, then shook her head. She typed some more. Finally, her fingers stopped, and she turned the screen so Niko could see it. “I can only find his Google searches—all originating from the dark net. The oldest one is from four months ago.”

“Amazing.” Niko hadn’t expected to find anything on the mysterious hacker. “I’m sure there’s a lot more information on normal people. Most of them pay no attention to security issues, but Zatan does.” He scanned through the report. “Interesting. Even these few searches tell me something about him. This hacker probably created the Zatan persona four months ago. The problem is, even though he speaks English, I’m sure he spends more time on Russian sites.”

“Like Yandex and mail.ru? I have those, too, although I do not speak the language. Marko requested it.”

Niko scooted closer to her. “Marko thought of everything. Since I know Russian, we can do a search.”

Vyper typed something into her computer. “I will show you how to search the databases.” The TV on the wall turned black, ending the network news program. The image of a computer screen appeared on the right side of the TV. “Each side is set up as a remote display. Project your laptop to the left side.”

Niko located the settings and selected it. Now his screen was projected on the left, with Vyper’s on the right. Following her directions, Niko ran the Russian search tool. The same program appeared on Vyper’s side of the TV, except everything was translated to English.

Her mouse pointer moved to an empty box. “Here’s where you enter Zatan. I have no idea how to do that with Cyrillic letters.”

He typed “Затан” and hit ENTER. A few seconds later, a report filled his screen—much more than the meager list of Google searches from the English database. It appeared to go back only four months, but it still represented a wealth of information about the mysterious hacker.

“I could spend days going through everything here.” Niko scanned through the sections of the report. “We’re still missing a lot. This guy must spend most of his time on the dark web—hacker stuff, black market… well, you know. I don’t suppose it shows up here.”

“No dark websites.”

“Okay, I think there’s enough here to develop a detailed psychological profile on him. If I learn enough, I’ll be able to con him into doing anything we want. Well, not quite anything —but I could get him to share information, maybe even trust your software.”

“You mentioned profiles,” said Vyper. “There are computer models that do the work for you.” Her screen changed to a list of files. “The one on the top is supposed to be really effective. It was used to micro-target voters with political ads—our election, Brexit, some others.”

Niko felt like he was drinking from a fire hose. “That model will create the psychological profile I need?”

“They call it psychographic. It is not my area of expertise. You understand people better than I do.”

He couldn’t believe the wealth of data and tools at his disposal. “I’ve got my work cut out for me, but you certainly made it easier.”

“If you learn the names of associates, or if you discover any of his previous internet identities, you should search for them as well.” Vyper started to rock. “We have to get to Sokolov. Stop him. Ruin him.”

Niko took her hand. “We’re going to get this guy. He’s going to pay for Marko’s death.”

Vyper’s eyes began to water.

“What’s wrong?… Are you okay?”

She wiped her eyes. “I miss Marko. Especially tonight.”

“What did you and Marko do on Christmas Eve?”

“We played video games.” She wiped away a tear and smiled. “I always won.”

“You got video games? I’m pretty good. Know why I chose the name Niko?”

“Of course— Grand Theft Auto . You think you are good? You will learn why I am called Vyper.”

Niko sat next to Vyper, studying his computer screen. “Here’s a job I could do. They’re looking for a programmer. It’s contract work, all online. No need to go to an office. I don’t think they’ll report my income to the IRS, either.”

“Why are you looking for employment?” Vyper set her laptop down. “Taking down Sokolov is a full-time job.”

“I’ve been living in your home for nearly two months, eating your food, and spending money from Marko’s bank card. It’s not fair to you, and the bank card won’t supply cash forever.”

“I do not understand,” said Vyper. “I told you, money is not a problem. I manage the cash Marko kept off the books. Most of it came from Sokolov. The bank card will not run out.”

“You manage his money?” Niko walked to the kitchen. “That doesn’t matter, I still need a job. I can’t put a deposit down on an apartment using cash from a bank card.” He grabbed the bread, lunch meat, and a paper plate.

Vyper stood and turned to him. Her head moved slowly back and forth. “An apartment? Why leave?” She pressed her hand against her cheek. “We work well together.”

“I don’t want to impose any more than I already have. I’ve overstayed my welcome.”

She came closer. “I want you to stay.” Her hazel eyes began to water. “Please don’t go.”

Sadness and desire gripped Niko. He set his plate down and gently rested his hand on her shoulder, resisting the urge to embrace her. “I won’t leave you. I—”

Vyper reached out and wrapped her arms around his waist. She pressed her head against his chest and squeezed him close. “I am glad.”

For a second, surprise froze him in place. Then his hands met at the small of her back and he pulled her close. Her hair had a faint scent of coconuts. Her soft breasts pressed against him.

Niko stroked her hair and tucked a strand over her ear. He pressed their hips together so she could feel his arousal.

Almost immediately, Vyper released her hold and stepped back, an awkward smile on her face. “I will have a sandwich, too.”

Damn. I spooked her.

Niko moved to the kitchen table, blocking her view of the bulge in his pants.

Her eyes never left the plate while she made a sandwich.

“Are you sure you want me to stay?” asked Niko.

She looked at him and raised an eyebrow. “I thought we agreed. Did you change your mind?”

“No. I just thought… uh… we held each other… I didn’t mean—”

“We are friends. I needed a hug.” She grabbed her plate and headed to the couch. “I want to see the news.”

Niko sat next to her as the news anchor teased about an upcoming official briefing on the recent attacks at two government facilities. Then the show broke for a commercial.