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Chapters (83)
  1. Cover
  2. ALSO BY TOM CLANCY
  3. PRINCIPAL CHARACTERS
  4. 1
  5. 2
  6. 3
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  83. What’s next onyour reading list?

From yesterday’s work session, Paul had learned that Bai had a fast metabolism and was nearly ravenous by the time lunch rolled around. Paul pushed on with his mundane accounting work until he could hear the boy’s stomach mewling like a drowning cat.

“We have a problem,” Paul said.

Bai’s attention was fixed on his laptop screen. “I’m sorry, did you ask me something?”

Paul turned in his squeaking swivel chair. “I said, there’s a problem.”

Bai’s eyes snapped up. “Problem?” He slammed his laptop shut.

“Yes, a problem. I can’t do my job if I can’t connect my laptop to the mainframe.”

“It’s not possible. You know the security protocols.”

“It’s not possible for me to do my job if I don’t.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m finished doing my preliminary survey. Now it’s time for me to do my formal examination of your records.”

“I thought that is what you were doing.”

“No. That was only a survey—an overview. To give me the thirty-thousand-foot perspective. Now I need to drop down and hit specific targets.”

“But why do you need to connect to the mainframe with your laptop?”

“That’s where my accounting software is located.”

“That’s not possible, sir.”

“That’s why we have a problem.”

“What kind of software do you use?”

“Analytical software.”

“We have CaseWare IDEA analytical software already installed on our computers. If you don’t know how to use it, I can show you.”

“IDEA is an excellent program and I’ve used it many times. But I prefer my own software.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s mine. I wrote it.”

Bai blinked a few times, his face blank with confusion, his brain stuck in a continuous logic loop. Finally he blurted out, “I’m sorry, it’s just not possible.”

“Then how else am I supposed to be able to download all of these data sets?”

Bai shrugged.

“Oh, I have an idea,” Paul said. “You can load all of the data points I need by hand into my computer within the next twenty-four hours. It’s probably not more than half a million numbers. And of course, you can’t make a single mistake while you do it. Would that work for you?”

“You’re not serious.”

“How else can I get the data into my laptop?”

“Let me speak with Mr. Fairchild.” Bai exited the office and headed across the suite to Yong’s office. Through the glass partition, Paul watched the two of them speak. A few moments passed and Yong glanced up, glowering at Paul. Paul waved meekly. Yong rose and crossed the suite, entering Paul’s office with Bai in tow.

Paul remained seated.

“Please explain your problem again, Mr. Brown?”

“Please, call me Paul.”

“The problem?”