Conscious Revenge Page 15

  Hacking into the technical side of their very ingenious method of cheating the punters was a different matter. At every stage, they had set up passwords. “That’s the interesting part,” Paul said, “we are expert at cracking codes by now with all the practise we’ve had.”

  “I wish I had your confidence,” I said, “we are not dealing with two bit programmers here, you know,”

  “You worry too much,” he said as he opened his laptop to begin the task.

  “When we are able to access the software, our main problem will be centred round not having a live system to run our checks against,” I explained, “we will have to intercept the program, during a time when gambling is in full swing.”

  “Tricky,” Paul said, “what if we fail, how will we know?”

  “I could always try to intercept the security system,” I said. “That way, we could watch what happens.”

  “It’s a bit risky, isn’t it?” Paul said. “How will we know when the change has taken place?”

  “I’m sure we will hear the uproar when one of the big players has a massive win, but it’ll depend on how clear their cameras are.”

  “Good point. If no one wins, then it’ll be back to the drawing board, so to speak,” replied Paul.

  Sunday was running into Monday before we knew it. I had work in the morning, so I suggested we wrap it up for now and get some sleep.

  “Just one drink,” Paul said, “helps to relax me.”

  “Any excuse,” I replied, but then I felt the need too, so we had a couple of beers and reflected on our progress.

  “I’m very impressed,” Paul said, “at this rate we should be up and running, if everything goes well, in a couple of weeks.”

  “Let’s not be too confident just yet,” I retorted. “We are only halfway through the financial meltdown, let alone the gambling fiasco,” I said.

  “I have the utmost confidence in our hacking abilities,” Paul said, as we settled comfortably into our chairs.

  Other than work, I had so many things going on in my head and on top of it all, Julia from the real estate office rang to confirm that the contracts for the house were ready for signing. On the one hand, I was excited and on the other, I wondered how I would find time to go to Grand Cayman to sign. I would also have to arrange a money transfer, for the balance of the $1.5 million I had agreed to seal the deal.

  “One step at a time,” I told myself and began once more to count eggs and chickens for Andy, ‘Oh joy.’

  During my lunch break, which I would normally skip, I transferred via my laptop the balance of the purchase price into Julia’s holding bank. It would be easier to move from there when the contracts were signed. I decided at the same time to check the current balances of all three of my accounts. I hoped the interest had proved to be as good as the bank assured me it would be, in which case there should be approximately $5.6million in each account.

  One of the accounts would be short by 2%, which was for the deposit and now by the remaining balance of the purchase price I had just made. I would give Paul the details of the house money I had transferred out, as this would be deducted from my 60% when we came to settle our agreement.

  One more of my working days was over and I made my way home along the beach. Things seemed somehow calmer during this time of day. What would I do without this wonderful place to enjoy? Joseph suddenly came into my head and I wondered how he was? I hadn’t had time to visit him and Tamsin recently. I made a mental note that the next opportunity I had, I would join them at the bar. I felt really homesick for Lorna and the children again. They would love this place. I had to stop myself reminiscing as it made me sad. At the same time, I was more determined than ever to work as hard as I could to get them back.

  Paul was just standing on the veranda looking out for me with a big smile on his face. Must be good news, I thought to myself.

  “Hi!” he shouted. “Glad you’re back. It’s good news. I have the security camera images on your laptop. It’s great fun watching the staff coming and going. They must be getting ready to open the casino as they are working really hard. I hope they are well-paid for their trouble.”

  “I doubt it,” I said, “usually the only people to get rich from this sort of operation are the people at the top, in this case the Wests.”

  “Let’s hope we can do something to even things up a bit,” Paul laughed.

  “All in good time,” I joked, “all in good time.”

  I continued to work on the Finances, putting in place what seemed like more computer jargon than I had written in a long time, the good news was I was almost done, I had only to tackle the bank transfers. ‘Only’ I thought, there’s nothing easy about intercepting banking transactions, as well I knew, moving someone else’s money into different bank accounts was at the heart of all the trouble I had made for myself, I shuddered at the thought of ending up in the same shaft as the Wests had put me down before.

  Paul and I agreed that we would wait until a quiet time in the Casino before we tried out our scam. It would be difficult to work out when we should do it. “The best way,” Paul said, “is to wait until a likely punter comes to the table we have chosen looking to win a fortune which, under the present circumstances, he would lose, then switch on our program and see if he wins.”

  “If he does,” I said, “then we know our data works, if not then we would have to start again.”

  “Sounds like a plan,” Paul agreed, “we can only hope the punter gives us a clue if he wins. If the croupier isn’t privy to the West’s plan, the chances of our scam being found out until the coffer’s start running out were small. If they do suspect something, it will take time for them to discover what has happened, by that time we can switch the program off one table onto another.”

  “Timing is everything if we are to succeed. I think we should disrupt the financials first,” Paul said, “once we have sent the virus to the first server, we can monitor the success online.”

  I suggested, “Give it a couple of days and send the next bug to the other server. We could probably repeat this just giving them time to sort out the one before we send the next one. We must be cautious of repeating it too many times. Their team will be trying to find the source of the problem, so we will have to stop before they discover our location.”

  Thank goodness the weekend is here, I can now concentrate on intercepting the bank transfers and redirecting the money to Switzerland.

  The account in the West’s name took a bit of creative thinking but, with the internet and the signed welcome letter they gave us on the cruise ship after removing their words I wrote a letter any bank would accept as legitimate.

  “Let’s hear it for the scanners,” Paul said, “was that scanners or scammers.” Now it’s down to me to fax the letter from our bank’s fax machine to complete the deception. I confirmed to Paul that I’d keep a close eye on the account in Switzerland and when I was happy enough money was in there to satisfy the fraud squad, I would make that all important phone call reporting money laundering, anonymously, of course.

  The trial for the casino scam would hopefully be completed in time for the following weekend Paul, working full-time with me working every night well into early morning was reaping its rewards. We would have everything in place in the time scale we had set ourselves. It wouldn’t be long now, before the West’s would start wondering what had hit them.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  I explained to Paul I would have to drive onto Cayman as the contracts for the house were ready for me to sign. “I will get back post haste,” I told him. The least amount of time I was away at the moment, the better.

  “That’s okay, old boy,” he said, “take your time. I have everything in hand.” He made a shushing action, as if to say, I can do this on my own now.

  “You were always too big for your boots,” I laughed.

  The journey to Grand Cayman wasn’t the usual leisurely one I normally make getting there and back as soon as possible was
all I could think of right now. It was great that I was signing for the house as this was a major step to achieving my goal. I would ring John Lattimar on the way to find out how the work on the house was coming along. I hoped he didn’t need any more signatures as I have too many fish to fry as it is.

  Luckily, he said everything was going according to plan, the men were extremely good at working together, the gardeners he had set on had begun at the back of the house removing unwanted bushes and planting out according to the drawings. It would be some time before the swimming pool could be tiled but the hole was ready. “It is just a matter of time as we were still waiting for the delivery of tiles you wanted from Italy. I have checked with the shipping agent and he assured me that they would be delivered on the next shipment,” he explained.

  “That’s great, John, good work. I will be up as soon as the project I’m working on is complete,” I said, then hung up feeling like I was really getting somewhere at last. It was the best feeling ever, just a matter of time now before Lorna and the kids would be back in my arms.

  Julia met me in the car park and welcomed me with a hug. “Great to see you again, especially under the circumstances, the Worthington-Clays are really happy that it’s you moving into their former home,” she said.

  I suggested to Julia that, should they wish to, I would be happy for them to come to the house when it’s completed. I am grateful to them for allowing me to begin the restoration with only the deposit in place.

  “They trust you,” Julia said, “although they had a hard time getting their solicitor to agree even with your assurance that money was no object.”

  “I can’t thank them enough, it has helped me greatly in getting my family back with me sooner rather than later,” I said. “You will thank them for me, won’t you?”

  With all the pleasantries out of the way down to the real reason I was there, my solicitor had read the contract and I was ready to sign. “I have transferred the remaining money into your holding account,” I said to Julia, “all I need to do now is to give the go ahead for the money to be transferred directly into the Worthington-Clay’s bank, then all the transactions will be complete and I will officially be the new owner of ‘Pascal Mansion’.”

  “Sounds wonderful,” Julia agreed.

  On the way back, I couldn’t help laughing to myself. I was actually beginning to believe my own lies, Bill Pascal from Pascal Mansion, millionaire egg and chicken counter,’ I burst out laughing. Good thing I was on my own in the car, the very thought that I was now becoming someone else in a sort of metamorphosis was unbelievable to me let alone anyone else. I would stop for a drink, “Just the one,” as Paul would say. I needed to celebrate at this moment, and would let nothing stand in the way of the positive feeling I was experiencing.

  I was close to the beach bar frequented by Joseph and Tamsin. As they had previously been on my mind, I decided to ring Paul and tell him to get ready. “I will pick you up in twenty minutes as we are going out on the tiles,” I said. I was sure there would be no objections as far as he was concerned.

  “What’s up?” he said, naturally thinking there was a problem. Why else would I be inviting him out?

  “No problem,” I said, “just thought it would be nice to celebrate as I am now the proud owner of Pascal Mansion.”

  “Are you joshing me?” he replied.

  “No, I never josh about mansions.” I couldn’t stop laughing. “Seems like you’ve got a head start on me with the drinks.”

  “It’s just what the doctor ordered, after the hard work I’ve put in today while you’ve been gallivanting,” he said.

  “See you in five,” I said, and headed for the condo.

  Paul was dressed up to the nines. I could tell he was up for a long night out. We had both worked hard and needed to let our hair down. “It would do us both good,” he assured me, meaning we don’t really have to have an excuse, just do it.”

  Joseph was there when we arrived. I put money on the bar. “Drinks all round,” I said. In his deep Caribbean accent, he replied, “Ok, which bank have you robbed?” A bit too close to home, me thinks! Paul and I decided best not reply to that one.” Joseph turned to the bartender, “Where’s the music? Can’t drink rum without music you know, it’s against my religion.” From that moment on, I knew we were in for a really great time.

  Everyone began to dance and it wasn’t long before Tamsin made an appearance, I mean ‘an appearance’. When it comes to dressing up, she is a master, every colour of the rainbow and a dress short at the front, flowing with frills at the back. Her body knew exactly how to move with the music. Both Paul and I were mesmerized. “What you two staring at,” she laughed, “get on the floor and I’ll show you how it’s done.”

  Paul’s eyes nearly popped out of his head. I gave him a nudge, “I saw her first,” I laughed.

  “That’s as may be, but you’re spoken for, in case you need reminding.”

  As it happened, I didn’t. Every waking moment, Lorna was in my head. “Touche,” I replied and moved over to let him begin the lesson. As the night went by, we were following Tamsin’s lead, getting drunker and dancing faster. I could feel my head begin to spin. “Must sit this one out,” I said.

  “Tiring are we?” Paul said.

  “Just need a minute to regroup,” I said and walked back to the bar. Joseph, bless him, had another drink ready for me. “What makes you bad, makes you better, my Mom used to tell me,” he said.

  “I don’t believe a word of it. One more would be the ruin of me,” I laughed, and began to dance some more. Good job I had parked the car in a lot some way from the bar as there was no chance I would be able to drive home. I would have a job to walk if I didn’t sober up a bit. I may need to carry Paul the way he was performing.

  I arrived early on Wednesday, making up an excuse to Andy that later on, I had to check in with the Care Quality Manager at the care home. I had in reality been given a six monthly appointment, not three as I just told Andy when I asked for the afternoon off. I was sorry I lied to Andy but was anxious to be home for the camera trial on the roulette wheel.

  Paul was happy that everything was in place so, as soon as I arrived, he switched on the link to their security cameras using my laptop. We were amazed at how clear the picture was. We could move around looking at each moving picture as they appeared in four squares on the screen. All we had to do was wait for a potential ‘High End Gambler’.

  As you can imagine, being on a cruise around Grand Cayman there were many very rich and famous people having a great time. I began to wonder if Paul and I might one day dare to take part in the frivolities. Not only the on-board passengers were allowed to gamble, but when the ship anchored, day pass passengers were also allowed on-board. ‘Maximising the cash potential’ was the name of their game.

  We both sat staring at the screen the waiting was unbearable. Just as we began to think it would never happen on the table we had set up along came what looked to be a Texan loaded up with chips. Paul jumped up, “We’re on” he shouted and began to operate the signals leading to the table. The Texan sat and began to spread the table with chips Paul suggested that we leave the first two spins to operate as the Wests had intended after that Paul would intercept, altering the signal to do the opposite to how they had set it up. I felt the sweat sitting on the back of my neck. Although I was confident in Paul’s ability to pull off the scam, I was still very nervous. Paul’s eyes were fixed on the performance the table was producing and after a second spin of the wheel he began to work his magic, “Watch very carefully,” he said, “I need to make sure this time he wins on the square that has the largest amount of chips on, the ball must also land on the correct colour.”

  We were both holding our breath, the third spin was done and just as Paul had predicted the Texan jumped up in the air and cried “I’ve won, I’ve won,” it had worked. Our only concern now was if the croupier had knowledge of how the wheel should have behaved. It didn’t look as if he did as
he seemed genuinely happy for the Texan, with that thought we high-fived again.

  We couldn’t keep our eyes off the table, it was fascinating to watch. Soon there were more and more people gathering to see how the Texan was doing we were also intrigued. “Maybe we should change it back for a while,” Paul said, “we don’t want to make it too obvious at this stage.”

  I agreed, “If this is to work long-term, we must stay vigilant.” Switching it back at this stage was going to be hard as we were enjoying the West’s getting their just deserts.

  “Never mind,” Paul quipped, “as soon as we are confident everything works to plan we can move to another table. I will write a small ‘add on’ that will alternate four wins and one loss, just to keep them on their toes,” he quipped.

  “Brilliant,” I said, jumping up and down. “This needs more than beer. I have prepared for either scenario,” I said, “champagne for success and whiskey for a ‘hiccup’,” I laughed.

  “Let’s break open the Champers,” Paul shouted, there’s nothing like the feeling of success.

  Chapter Thirty

  Lorna

  The weekend came around faster than I had thought. There was so much to prepare. I had to take the children to Mom’s which meant packing everything under the sun. “Don’t forget my Nexus,” Katie called downstairs.

  “Have you packed the books you want to take to Nana’s?” I called back.

  “Will do,” she replied. They are both so grown up now. William would be so proud. It seemed to take forever getting the car packed. You would think they were going for a week, not just a weekend. I was still having reservations wondering if I had packed the correct clothes for the weekend. I wish I had a clue what Brandon had in mind, ‘or maybe It was best not to know’.

  I quickly put any idea of a romantic interlude out of my head, although I’m sure it will be firmly implanted into his. I made a decision to let him down as gently as I could, although it may be difficult this time as I had played the William card so many times before I am running out of ideas. One thing I am certain of, there is no way will I sleep with Brandon until it felt right so I must try harder to think of a reason not to.