The Enigma Source

Wolfgang was a strong, dignified gentleman with graying hair that was always groomed perfectly, not too long nor too short. Up until the last few days, he typically dressed early in well-fitted suits that enhanced his tall well-balanced physique. Lately, he remained in his dressing gown following breakfast then often returned to his suite to read or rest. Bowen had mentioned his growing concern to Jacob and Petra that morning just as they were leaving for work. Jacob was a bit concerned with his grandfather’s health as he was getting on in years, but his mind was still quick, and he was familiar with this situation.

Petra and Jacob had been singularly focused on Chesterfield, who had absconded with millions over the course of his scam. They had originally surmised Chesterfield had distributed his take to several banks, including one in Hong Kong, during his last actions in Panama before his death. As Petra and Jacob continued to hit one dead end after another with each of the banks, they decided they needed to ask the master. Along with his genius for finances, Wolfgang might be able to provide some additional direction or avenues for them to continue their pursuit of the funds. To date, they figured they had traced a mere ten percent of the funds. They hoped Wolfgang might suggest some additional avenues to check to get a better handle on the millions attributed to Chesterfield’s scam.

Bowen smiled as he welcomed Petra and Jacob home. They each had assigned suites in the chateau, but tended to stay in Jacob’s as the fireplace was larger. Though the furnishings in his suite were heavier and definitely more male, the rich brownish tones were to Petra like sliding into a pair of comfortable Italian loafers. Bowen had worked as the butler, valet, and companion to Wolfgang since he was a young lad. Not only did he know everything about the interworking components of the chateau, but he also managed the staff. His hair was graying, but his posture was perfect, putting him slightly taller than Petra, as he inclined his head to direct them to the library after taking their outer wraps.

“Jacob, your grandfather is in the library sipping some cabernet and reading the current newspaper. He ate very little today and didn’t take his normal walk. If he doesn’t shake off this cold complaint, which he voiced again during breakfast, I would appreciate a recommendation from you that he needs to see his physician.

“I have asked Cook to prepare his favorites for supper and she can serve in an hour’s time, if you wish.”

Jacob nodded agreement with a slight smile and a concerned look as he clasped Petra’s hand and entered the library. Wolfgang was indeed sipping wine and looked up with a half-smile at their arrival.

“I could pour for you, my boy, but it would be far easier on both of you to take care of it, if you don’t mind. I am a bit light-headed, perhaps too much wine with so little to eat.”

Petra moved toward Wolfgang to sit as close as possible and held his hand near her cheek. “Wolfgang,” she asked with some concern, “are you warm enough? Your hands feel like ice cubes.”

Wolfgang nodded and replied, “It’s the seasons changing, my dear. Perhaps Jacob will start a small fire to warm the room.”

Jacob moved to the fireplace and lit the already set fire. Jacob brought the drinks over to them and began his request. “Grandfather, we are having a hard time tracking the funds. We used the programs you suggested ICABOD was familiar with, but we have not had any real hits at this point. Is there a special variable we should be using to increase the effectiveness?”

ICABOD had so many programs in its library and an array of data sources far superior to any other supercomputer. Quip had designed ICABOD, yet it had almost been brought down by Wolfgang as he had used ICABOD to build some complex search analytics programs which were used to grab huge amounts of data with no throttle on processing power. As a result of this almost disaster, Quip had modified the ability of ICABOD to expand space during complex routines.

Wolfgang smiled and slurred slightly as he commented, “That is one really smart system, that ICABOD.

“No special variables are needed, other than to point ICABOD to search destinations that maintain confidentiality, as well as those that are not controlled by governments. I was reading something earlier I meant to set aside for you and thought that perhaps Chesterfield had invested in some Blockchain venture. There are so many of those springing up and then failing. Perhaps Chesterfield invested in this sort of arrangement and lost everything. He would never have kept the cash in a safety deposit box or the like, so I think that avenue would be useless to focus on at this point. And precious metals for that amount would weigh far too much.”

Jacob thought for a few moments and then agreed, “Wolfgang, I think you’re onto something. Petra, can we do some modifications to the search for Blockchain and let ICABOD work while we have supper? I’m suddenly famished.”

Petra nodded and went to access her laptop from the adjacent room.

Jacob extended his arm and said, “Grandfather, let’s proceed to supper. I know that Cook was busy making your favorites. I can smell the cobbler from here, which I know comes after the roast beef, but if you want it first, I won’t tell.”

Wolfgang half smiled, shakily rose and latched onto Jacob’s arm. Then he slowly walked toward the dining room, meeting Petra.

“I added that criteria and will check how it ran after supper.” She reached for Wolfgang’s other arm and leaned into him. “Wolfgang, you are so crafty! I think that will help get us to the next level.”

Wolfgang started to nod his agreement, when he gasped and groaned.