Chapter 57 - Greediness Isn't A Crime

"Alvin, I want the hard disk."

Hearing Bernard asking for the hard disk, Linus looked at his brother. Alvin had asked him to avoid mentioning anything about the hard disk to Bernard so that another worry doesn't add up on Bernard. Now that he brought it up, Linus tried to know why his father was changing the plan, "What happened, Dad?" His voice was cautious as though he knew something was wrong.

"Yesterday, I met Harper Johnsons…" Bernard briefed what happened the previous night and how they had to clean up the security spies in the team. 

Alvin's expression wasn't good. If there was somebody who treated him like family, it was the Collins family. Though he doesn't show it, he was protective of them.

Linus was worried and also enraged. He showed his annoyance immediately, "Why did you let him leave, Dad? It was a bold and open attack." They could have ended the trouble easily by killing Harper.

Bernard looked at his son who hardly gets mad. If he was provoked, he doesn't think thoroughly and deeply. And that's the reason Bernard had to bring Alvin to help him out. Bernard patiently explained to his son, "Linus, if we had killed Harper, do you think his men would let off so many people?" And killing Harper wasn't Bernard's aim. Disclosing Harper's deeds and punishing him by the law was what they should do.

Linus could understand that but he couldn't believe how they were so cool when Harper almost killed his father. While thinking how to tell them it was a serious situation, he suddenly realized he got angry hearing about the attack on his father, whereas Anya had been through worse. His father was prepared for the outcome and she was all alone. He regretted his actions. 

Due to the fork in hand, he naturally tried to eat but sighed. He took his plate and stood up. "You guys continue." He went to look for Anya.

Unsurprised, Alvin and Bernard knew where he was going. Linus was always like that, he accepts his mistake as soon as he realizes it. He doesn't hide his emotions like them hence he often appears brash and reckless. 

Alvin then revealed to Bernard the plan Anya came up with. "Uncle Bernard, I and Anya are going on Johnson's ship." 

Bernard's back stiffened and his expression quickly changed. So many were already in danger, he least wanted to put Alvin in danger.

Alvin continued without letting him interrupt, "Anya will hack the ship network and stop Harper's instruction from reaching his men. Thus she will control the ship and bring the ship back to the country." He wasn't going to take the credit for her work or plan.

Alvin chose to hide the hard disk situation for two reasons. Bernard would tense up and he might get angry at Anya. He was sure Anya wasn't going to give them the hard disk content wherever she was hiding it hence it would also avoid wasting their time on arguing and questioning.

Bernard was surprised to hear Alvin keep it so simple. "Is that possible?" He asked more to himself. The whole group of officers failed to come up with a plan that doesn't risk people's life or alert Harper. 

Alvin meant, Anya will be ghosting the two sides, "Could Anya do it?" His voice has a hint of astonishment and admiration for Anya. He just wanted to confirm Anya's capability as Harper had told him that he would start killing people.

Alvin ate a spoonful before responding, "It's a piece of cake for her." The only trouble is Harper's men on the ship. She had no idea how dangerous it could be on the ship to be alone and she was a woman, beautiful at that. He needs to keep her safe from those eyes falling on her. 

"That's amazing," Bernard said with a hint of relief. He and the officers were thinking of taking the ship under their control while Anya thought of a different and safe way. "I will ask spies to keep a close eye on Harper." The spies he mentioned were the officers trained and working as spies. 

Then Bernard's face fell by recalling, "By the time you two reach, they might kill one or two on the ship." The guests or travelers on the ship might have been greedy and went on a free cruise vacation without worrying about their safety, they weren't criminals. Greediness isn't a crime. The actions of greediness might be a crime.

Alvin knew where the topic was going again. He wouldn't have cared what would have happened in the country, people, or how Harper Johnsons would have lived. Since Anya's life was involved, her efforts to keep the information and people safe are high, he wasn't ready to disregard her opinions which were perfect for the current situation.

"What is the guarantee Harper Johnson would let go everyone after receiving the hard disk?" Alvin questioned Bernard, "Won't he doubt as we must have copied the information?" They couldn't trust each other, "The only choice you have is to bring him down by reducing the damage." His words and intentions were clear and the same as hers.

Bernard was aware of the situation hence they wanted to put on an act of theft. He felt like an idiot for not speaking with cyber security or Anya. A lot of things could have been avoided. 

He recalled another important thing, "By the way, where are Anya's parents and son? Neither the cops nor Harper's men got to know anything about them." The cops were sent to protect them while Harper's men wanted to hold them as hostages. Bernard pondered if Alvin took care of their safety for Anya.

Alvin had a bite of his lunch as he thought about the Owen family. Though Anya managed to clear their track, it is still possible to reach them with meticulous efforts. She didn't tell him about their location when he asked, the video call she was making was untraceable. So he wasn't sure if his men were going to reach the Owen family first or Harper's men. He hoped Harper doesn't reach and hurt the Owen family.

Alvin didn't say anything about these to Bernard. "They are in a safe location." His disinterested tone killed the curiosity of Bernard.

Bernard wasn't sure how and who did that. All he cared about right now was people being safe. Their lunch continued, Alvin turned down when Bernard wanted to apologize to Anya. Bernard had broken Anya's trust and she needs some time to forgive Bernard. 

At last, Bernard nagged Alvin to be safe before he left the mansion.

Alvin made a call and received the schedule and events happening on the ship. Since they were going there as guests, it was better they blend in without raising doubts. They couldn't survive by jumping into the ocean if anything happened. So they better be safe than sorry.

He instructed the housekeeper, Sophie, to take care of Anya's packing, mentioning they might need both summer and winter clothes. Oliver helped him pack his clothes while he arranged for their departure.

He was getting ready when Linus burst inside his walk-in wardrobe and blurted out, "Bro, I got to know where the Owen family is." 

Anya, who had no idea about the new developments, was busy coaxing her son over a video call.