Broken Glass (Glass Complex Book 1) by John Hindmarsh Page B

into the bank.
    Steg and Tziksis followed the clerk inside the bank to a waiting elevator. The doors hissed their closure and the banker pressed a series of buttons. The elevator descended and Steg counted floors as the indicator lights flashed at each passing of a sub-level. Eventually the elevator stopped, jerking softly to rest at the fifteenth sub-level. A florid-faced, self-important banker was waiting when the elevator doors eventually opened.
    “Sir,” he addressed Steg, ignoring the alien, as they moved towards an indicated office. “We have checked our records and verified that we are able to do business with you. I’m Mr. Aloysius McWhimple, a senior over-director.”
    Steg ignored the banker and stepped across to the banking terminal on the desk. To the banker’s astonishment, Steg busied himself at the desk. He keyed in codes provided by the Complex and examined display after display in silence.
    “Sir—uh—I think—” quavered the banker.
    Steg frowned. “I trust that you realize a number of your activities are in conflict specifically with your delegated authority and indeed with the Bank’s charter?” Steg was almost more amazed than the banker. He had no idea what had prompted his access of bank records. “I’ve examined just your activities. I daresay this is an endemic issue, across all the bank’s senior management.” He turned the display towards the banker. It listed a series of banking events and transactions. “All with your approval or initiated by you.”
    The banker sat at his desk, claiming one of the visitor’s chairs. “But—but—I –how did you know?”
    “Never mind. The details are all there.” Steg had the same question of himself. Had the Complex known of this fraudulent mismanagement of the bank and planned for his discovery of the infractions? “I represent the shareholders, and have their full authority.” He keyed in another code and sequence. He again turned the display towards the banker. “See?”
    “Why, yes. We can assemble a board meeting immediately. I can offer my resignation. You will not make formal charges, I trust? I have—a wife, children“
    “We—my principals—are prepared to waive the malfeasance and your private account drawings—well, some of them—as long as you provide your complete cooperation. Some things—information—you can help me obtain. Your—er—transgressions will not be made public if I receive your full cooperation. However it may be necessary for you and, of course, for some of your fellow managers, to take early retirement.”
    The banker brightened. “Yes sir. What do you need? How can I help you“
    “I need some information from bank files on some clients.”
    “But—but sir, the bank cannot give out confidential information.”
    “That applies only to those who do not have the authority that I hold. I act on behalf of the shareholders—with their full authority—and you can think of this as a shareholder audit. I’ve enough information to have you brought before the Bankers Guild. The charges would not be minor, with penalties including prison and fines. The fines would wipe out your wealth, even the funds you’ve hidden. Providing information to me is a minor issue, as I am sure you understand?”
    “Yes, yes, I understand. Tell me what you need to know.”
    “I assume you have Imperial Fleet officers as bank clients?”
    “Indeed. We have a special arrangement—”
    “Good. I want names, rank, personal details and full account data. I want to explore and discover who takes bribes, who gambles, who has a mistress, and so forth. As quickly as possible.”
    The banker scurried away, thankful he had an excuse to leave the office. Shortly after his hurried exit a tray of refreshments was brought to the office. Steg and Tziksis sat in silence as they waited for the return of the banker with the information Steg had requested. The little alien had not spoken since they arrived at the bank and Steg was