Techno Crazed (Hacked Investigations) Read Online Free PDF Page B

the lock simply ignored the acids. His own ward prevented any technology from working properly inside the lock without first disengaging the ward. His backup wards would repel any other regular force.
    Paranoid? Oh, yeah!
    Ian sighed with relief and stepped away. As long as they were using normal methods, he was perfectly safe. The fire escape and windows had similar-style warding on them, allowing them to remain protected against burglars.
    He went to the living room, where Bernard sat on the coffee table, overly happy at the frustration coming from outside. Not only did his curse inflict frustration and negative emotions by his mere presence, but he was sensitive to others’ emotions and utterly enjoyed feelings of annoyance, frustration and despair.
    “Come on, Bernard, you don’t need an emotional high,” Ian said, nudging the gnome gently.
    “Please. You rarely give me a decent fix. Those out there are like the police burning a huge pile of weed next door to a rehab clinic. Besides, I put up those wards with you. This is my reward. Actually… let me get a little closer.” Bernard dropped onto the carpet and inched toward the door.
    Ian grimaced at the gnome and took Rich’s ID and the banking chips Hannah had left on the end table. He sat in his office with its pile of electronics and computers. Once he figured out these chips, maybe they could decide on a plan of action. He placed Rich’s ID chip near an RF reader and let his magic do the work.
    Within moments, his computer had a perfect copy of the chip’s contents on the hard drive, and most of it had been analyzed. Browsing the binary data, he tried to find messages Rich might have left in the normally unreadable areas of the chips.
    Here and there, familiar door codes and access information to servers popped out. The irony wasn’t lost on him. The binary jokes in the chip pointed to MAX Home Security as a two-sided company. On one hand, they were strict and brutal, enforcing their policies and protecting their customers with zeal. On the other hand, they were too lax to change access codes to doors and servers on a regular basis and tended to cycle over similar codes when they did reset them.
    He changed the chip and went over Rich’s banking information. Beyond regular gas purchases, rent, groceries, and a few adult-rated sites, something stood out at him. Every Thursday, Rich ate at a local Japanese teahouse. That wasn’t his type of place. He’d known Rich to eat a steak or hamburger and lasagna from a nearby Italian restaurant, but he always drank coffee. Never tea.
    He leaned his head into his palms and sighed. “What did you get yourself into?” Staring back at the computer, he printed out the information for Hannah. He picked up the ID chip and took another look. It still had something in it he just couldn’t put his finger on.
    Hannah walked out of the bedroom and crossed her arms under her breasts. “What’s that noise?” Her voice was sleepy and quiet.
    “People trying to break in. Come over here. I checked out Rich’s chips. I’d like to go over them.” Ian frowned at Hannah’s stunned face. “What’s wrong?”
    Hannah shoved her hands through her hair. “Breaking in? Shouldn’t we get out of here? Why didn’t you wake me up?” She looked around at the somewhat quiet scene. Bernard sat, eyes half closed, staring at the front door and humming to himself. Then there was Ian, lounging in front of his computers, unalarmed by someone trying to get into his apartment.
    “There is a ward on the door. They can’t get in. Besides, you were fast asleep when I got up. I didn’t want to bother you. We’re perfectly safe here. We have food, water, and a very happy gnome. Anyway, read through this. I’ll go make us something to eat.” Ian stood and walked toward the kitchen.
    Hannah grabbed his arm and stopped him. “Wait. What if they do get in? And what’s a ward? I don’t understand.”
    His eyebrows drew together. What was