Gray looked directly at me as if daring me to argue. “Lexi, you need to be close enough to the lab to access their Wi-Fi to hack in, and we’re not going to be in the woods doing it in the dark and cold. So, I recommend that I drive us right up to the lab and park in the parking lot. If we’re worried about getting caught on the camera, you’ll fix it, right, Lexi?”
“Right,” I confirmed. “And I like that idea, Gray.”
“Well, I’m not staying behind,” Gwen said. “I’ll need to monitor the comms to make sure everything is working.”
“We’re all going,” Basia said quietly. “We’re a team. Besides, Barbie might need our support if anything goes sideways. The more hands on deck, the better. So, one for all and all for one. Rah, rah. Let’s not argue about it. We’re all in.”
I blew out a breath as I looked around the room. The plan wasn’t foolproof, but it was sound, and I trusted the ability of my friends, including our new team member, an investigative reporter.
And tonight, trust mattered as much as skill.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Lexi
“Gwen, can I borrow your phone?” I asked.
Gwen set down the bottle of water she was drinking and handed it over. I pulled up Angel’s number and pushed the call button. She answered on the first ring.
“Yo, what’s up, Gwen?”
“It’s Lexi. You busy?”
“Why are you using Gwen’s phone?”
“It’s a long story,” I said. “But my question remains, are you busy?”
She snorted. “I’m a hacker, not to mention a student. I’m always busy. But for you, I’m available 24-7.”
“Good, because I need a favor,” I said, keeping my voice even. “And I need you to say no if this crosses a line.”
There was a pause. “That’s not how you usually open conversations.”
“It’s not,” I said. “But this is an important ask. Regardless of whether you say yes or no to this, it must stay quiet. No screenshots. No bragging. No telling anyone, not even people you trust.”
Angel snorted softly. “You just described my entire personality. I’m in.”
I chuckled despite myself. “Wait until I tell you what the job is.”
“Fine. What’s the job?”
“After I access a back door I created in a private security system, I’d like you to help me monitor real-time access and keep the cameras in a loop or frozen. I may also need to call on you and that fancy AI software, too.”
“Cool. For what? An altered camera video?”
“Potentially,” I said and then corrected myself. “Probably.”
“Aren’t you supposed to be partying with Gwen at her bachelorette party in Atlantic City?” she asked.
“I am. I was. We are.” I sighed. “Anyway, it doesn’t matter. Something came up and we’re dealing with it.”
“Whatever you say. So, what will you be doing while I’m monitoring the security and the cameras?”
“As things go down, I’ll be busy with the door alarms and guide duties for someone who will be on the inside,” I explained. “I’ll need you to help with reconstructing logs and time stamps and make it look like nothing happened.”
“Easy. You going to give me something actually difficult?”
“Let’s just see how you do with this assignment, Einstein. But if it’s that easy for you, I’ll give you another assignment you’ll really enjoy.”
