Shattered Veil (Astoria Royals Standalone #2)

PROLOGUE

January Broadcast Message

on all Dark Web Channels:

I ceman claims responsibility for the large-scale ransomware attack last week that brought financial markets to a halt, grounded airplanes, and darkened social media during the holiday season, igniting global outrage and panic not seen since the recent pandemic.

This stunt netted Iceman millions in ransom money.

Before any copycats sharpen their claws with opportunistic bad ideas, take note: the UN has created a new task force and will hold a symposium next week in Sydney, Australia.

It’s Invite Only to top global firms and a few renowned, heavily vetted technical experts.

The goal? Not to find Iceman. He’s a ghost and possibly a consortium of Iron Curtain hackers banding together to wreak havoc across the globe. They’re probably pissed off from the incessant Artic weather, lack of female company, and raw fish.

It’s rumored that the notorious and elite cyber sage known globally as Maverick—yes, the irony—will be walking among us next week under his alter-ego, whoever he may be.

Watch your backs, hackers.

Together, this global elite power unit will work to reverse-engineer the ransomware code and destroy Iceman’s life’s work, so citizens of the world can get one good night’s sleep.

Until the next tragedy strikes.

See you Down Under...