The Greatest Enigma

2. Cypher

E paced up and down the small room from which he worked. His laptop was connected to another in an English police station but only his name showed on their screen. He was working with the police and secret services worldwide to track down an unkown killer. People were dropping dead all over the world. E was the worlds greatest detective and had contacted the police to aid them when he'd heard of the mysterious deaths. They were getting nowhere fast but one of the FBI agents working under him had recently snuck into a powerful business building and stolen a laptop that E believed contained valuable information regarding the case, which the general public had dubbed "Enigma".

The laptop had three passwords. Very suspicious. No-one on the task force knew how to open it.

"Paul". E's voice was warped and sounded nothing like him. Just another means of protecting his identity. Doing what he did, he couldn't be too careful. Some people disagreed with his ways of doing things. He was confident and systematic. He had never failed a case yet. The criminals who he put in prison conspire against him; spreading rumours about his harsh methods.

"Bring me Cypher" The task force paused. With good reason.

"With all due respect, . I-I don't think that's a very good idea" Paul stuttered.

"We have no choice. Cypher is our only hope of getting into this laptop and right now this business is the only lead we have".

"Yes. Of course. Right away". E waited patiently whilst Paul and two others hurried out of the room. They were anxious. That was understandable. Cypher was a criminal mastermind notorious for his advanced computer skills. E had helped the police to locate and arrest Cypher just a few months ago. He had avoided the CIA for months before and so the police force were reluctant to let him out. Regardless, Cypher was able to hack into any computer network in the world so he would surely be able to unlock the laptop and retrieve any important clues or evidence inside.

Cypher strutted into the room with a sense of purpose. He eyed E's computer curiously before grinning at the screen.

"Need my help with a case do we?"

"Unlock the laptop, Cypher". E spoke calmly through the laptop speakers.

"What's in it for me?" Cypher asked with a slight cock of his head.

"I was afraid you might say that", E sighed, "If your assistance in this case aids in the capture of the infamous Enigma then your freedom is an option we will consider". The entire room leaned in at that sentence.

"But E!". "You can't", the shouts of the police force were predicted.

"Silence" E said, calm as ever. The shouting ceased and everyones attention turned once more to Cypher; a blissful grin stuck on his face. E cleared his thoat. An unmistakable sound, even distorted through the laptop. With a quick shake of his head, Cypher set his black briefcase on the table and opened it. He pondered for a moment over the content of his case before selecting a small device consisting of a box with a single button attached to a USB lead. After plugging it in, he grinned and looked around; as if making sure everyone was watching his moment of glory.

"Get on with it" E said to him. Cypher pretended to pout as he pushed the button with his thumb.

A small box popped up on the screen "DISABLING SECURITY SETTINGS", 64%, 65. The loading bar filled up surprisingly fast and the computer started logging on. Cypher looked smug as he unplugged the box and carefully placed it back in its custom-fitted space in the interior of the case.

"Jarvis", E called and the elderly man who had carried his laptop into the police station appeared instantly. "Please escourt Cypher back to his cell until we need him again" The old man nodded once and swiftly took Cyphers arm. Cypher called over his shoulder as he was dragged away by the man who was strong for his age.

"You know where I am if you need me again!" Cypher grinned.

"I may just take you up on that offer..." E muttered darkly.