Like many of the rooms they’d already explored, this one had a desk with a computer. One of the older, cheaper models. There were also two narrow cabinets stuffed with folders, most of them stained and discolored.

Counterintuitively, the computers here had rudimentary passwords and almost no advanced security features. This lax attitude to digital security contrasted sharply with their extensive investments in physical security.

Perhaps that was it. The extensive physical security measures, combined with the fanatical devotion of their followers, had convinced the HAVA leadership that they were immune to internal leaks.

Or maybe there was simply nothing worth leaking on the premises.

That’s the conclusion that seemed increasingly likely to Ruban.

Closing the door behind him, he swiftly moved to the desk and took a seat. His fingers flew over the grimy keyboard, jolting the monitor awake.

Leaving the computer to Ruban, Ashwin strode over to the cabinets at the back of the room. He yanked open one of the cabinet doors and dove into the disorganized mess of folders, eyes darting across the documents as his fingers flicked through them rapidly.

“Well, at least they keep the taxes in order,” Ashwin muttered derisively after a few minutes. “That’s all we have here. Just tax documents, going back only about five years. Two thumbs up to the accountant, I suppose.”

“What kind of taxes?” Ruban asked, without taking his eyes off the screen.

“Property taxes, mostly. And a few utility bills.” Ashwin flicked through another folder. “All of it being paid through a single company—”

“Is it TeleTrax Inc.?” Ruban interrupted, his fingers moving faster on the keyboard.

“Yes,” Ashwin said. “Have you heard of it before? Did you find something?”

“As a matter of fact, I have heard of it.” Ruban’s voice was grim. “Back when we first started investigating HAVA. The name TeleTrax came up a few times when we were trying to trace their funding sources. It wasn’t the biggest donor or the most frequent. But the name stuck in my head. Why?” He drew in a deep breath. “Because last year, TeleTrax donated more than seventy percent of its annual revenue to HAVA. Not profits, mind you. Revenue. And apparently,” he tapped the keyboard a few more times, turning the monitor slightly so Ashwin could see the screen. “They're on pace to outdo themselves this year.”

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Ashwin stepped closer until he stood directly behind Ruban’s chair. Placing a hand on the backrest, he leaned slightly forward to examine the screen. “What kind of company can keep the lights on while consistently donating more than half its revenue each year?”

“Well, apparently they’re telecom providers,” Ruban said. “With operations up north. But I’ve never heard of them. And you’d think I would have, if they’re successful enough to donate seventy percent of their revenue without feeling the pinch. Especially considering the heavy overheads of the telecom sector.”

Ashwin nodded. “Can you find out who currently owns this building? Because if it’s TeleTrax—”

“It’s not,” Ruban interjected, eyes flitting across the document he’d pulled up on the screen. “From what I can tell, TeleTrax is only meant for funneling payments. This building was part of a project that came to a halt about six years ago due to investor disputes. A year later, it was sold at a loss to a diagnostics manufacturer called Zelix Enterprises.”

“Diagnostics?” Repeated Ashwin, frowning.

“Yeah. This one apparently has its headquarters in Ibanta,” said Ruban. “Never heard of it, as you might expect. The company’s got a one-page website that hasn’t been updated in the last three months.”

“They can’t afford to maintain an up-to-date website,” Ashwin murmured. “But they had the funds to buy up distressed commercial real-estate in Ragah?”

“And what might an Ibanta-based diagnostics company want with a half-finished commercial complex in Ragah?” Ruban snorted his reply. “The less asked about that, the better.”

“So, Zelix owns this building. But, for some reason, the property taxes are paid through TeleTrax.” Leaning over Ruban, Ashwin chewed thoughtfully on a strand of his own hair. “Can you look up when these companies were incorporated? Either or both of them.”

“Already done. Less than six years ago, for both.” Ruban turned slightly in his chair to flick Ashwin’s nose. “And am I not feeding you enough? My grocery bills are through the roof, all thanks to you. And here you are chomping on your own hair. That’s disgusting.”

Obediently, Ashwin blew the hair out of his mouth. “Well, clearly there’s a connection here. And if we can find what ties these two companies together—”

Ruban held his phone out to Ashwin. “Scan all the tax documents you’ve found. Even if it doesn’t seem relevant. Any piece of paper with the name TeleTrax on it, I want it here.” He tapped the phone before handing it over. “I’m transferring everything on this computer to an external drive. Not much on Zelix, but time's running out. I want to give the second floor a quick search before we have to leave.”