Torn (Jay Gunner, #1) by Gerald Greene Read Free Book Online

simple. Once logged in using the encryption software, if meaningful data appeared, I would see the word “ready” in bold red print. All I had to do was follow the link.
    Another clickable link was for messages. Unread messages would appear under the title “new”. That was it. As Brian said it was simple. The special software did the work of keeping everything in order.
    I became alarmed when I discovered top secret documents stuffed into the briefcase. I didn’t have a security clearance. Even if I did, possession of such documents would result in arrest. No wonder Brian was always on edge.
    There was a copy of a letter from President Obama to Attorney General Eric Holder. The letter authorized wiretaps and other invasive spying devices on Americans suspected of terrorism. The authorization did not mention probable cause, or the need for court orders or warrants.
    Government documents demanded Google, Facebook, Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and others make phone data available to the government. Data on telephone conversations, emails, downloads, and surfing made every American subject to spying.
    I was not pleased to have these documents. I realized the danger of having top secret documents in my possession, but didn’t want to destroy them. They were important documents. The government seemed to willfully disregard the rights of Americans. Brian must have felt the same way to take on the US government.
    As Brian forecast, all hell broke loose. Thursday afternoon I saw his photo on the front page of The South China Post. That evening breaking news of the spying story appeared on CNN International. An article published in The South China Post said the NSA, FBI, and the CIA spied on millions of Americans living in America and elsewhere.
    Agencies were disregarding legal requirements of obtaining court orders or having probable cause. The story appeared on major wire services and TV channels and blasted all over the world.
    Friday morning Joy, usually a cool, steady person, became agitated. “Jay, did you see last night’s paper? And again this morning? The spying story is already on CNN. I’m glad I broke off with that guy. I’ll never talk to a strange man at Starbucks again. Brian wasn’t kidding around. I guess he was working for NSA.”
    “Joy calm down. You’re no longer with Brian.”
    “I don’t know how I could’ve been so foolish. It’s so terrible. The US government spies on American citizens and the world. Then an NSA employee goes public with classified top secret information. In my opinion, it’s all bad.”
    Joy was more upset than I’d ever seen her. Tears were trickling down cheeks.
    I reminded her, “I’m sure it’ll get worse. Brian forecast Washington’s outpouring of rage and condemnation would be intense. He knew he would be cast as a traitor, and a no good ungrateful villain.”
    Joy wiped away tears and said, “Brian warned me some awful things would appear about him. I’m confused. I know the US government must fight terrorism, but I wonder if spying on everyone is the way to do it.”
    I said, “Every important government does it. It’s the new normal.”
    Joy said, “Maybe so. But I still don’t like it. Just look at the attacks on Brian today. Just like he said would happen. A lot of important people are defending NSA.”
    “Yeah, but some attacks would be funny if the issue weren’t so serious. One Senator said Brian was a high school dropout with a history of personal problems and a complete failure. If true, the Senator didn’t consider what that means for NSA hiring practices. I can’t believe the agency would give top secret clearance and pay $200,000 a year to someone they considered a flunky.”
    Joy said, “Formal education or not Brian is a brilliant guy. I do wonder about his judgment. I just don’t see a sound exit strategy. In Hong Kong whistle blowers don’t fare well. I expect the same is true for America.”
    Joy moved back to her computer and brightened as