Page 67 of Shallow Remains

“The last time was a few weeks ago.” She paused. “I can find out the source of the original IP address before it was changed by the VPN, and…”

“And?”

She exhaled. “I still have an encrypted key with a new login to hack into the central database.” The government one with all kinds of security on it. “It’s on a thumb drive at the cottage. I’ve been saving it, just in case. But the second I use it, it’ll be flagged. Someone with access and top secret clearance would have to clear the breach for me, or…” She’d go to prison. For a long time.

“Let me make a call. Send me what you’ve got, and I’ll get back to you. Don’t do any more digging until you hear from me.”

“Who are you calling?” He still had a lot of contacts in the intel world, but no longer had a security clearance. As far as she knew, anyway.

“A reliable source. Send it and sit tight.”

“Okay, bossman.” She didn’t know what he had planned, but she trusted him and his judgment.

With nothing else to do for the moment, she started looking into ways to streamline Lachlan’s website and reservation system. She was deep into a testing phase three hours later when Blaine called back.

“My contact’s going to take care of it.”

Maddy blinked. “Take care of…scrubbing the breach?”

“No. Searching the database for us.”

“Do they have the clearance to do that?”

“Not exactly. Let’s just say they’re familiar with all the security protocols involved and will make sure they cover their tracks.”

His vagueness was killing her. “Who is it?”

“I can’t tell you.”

“Oh.” She chastised herself for the little sting the rejection caused. Told herself it wasn’t a reflection of the trust level between them. He was protecting the person involved. “Will they be able to do it soon?”

“Within the next couple of days. I’ll let you know as soon as I hear from them.”

“Thank you.” Guess that would have to do. “Now what?”

“Like I said, you sit tight. Unless you’d rather come here? Xanthe’s away for a couple days. It’d just be us.”

“No, that’s alright. I’m fine here.” She was counting down the minutes until Lachlan walked through the door. Planned to surprise him when he did.

She could sense Blaine’s concern in the pause that followed. “How are things…with you guys?”

“Good. He’ll be back tonight after his trip.” She couldn’t wait to see him. And to cash in that raincheck she couldn’t stop thinking about.

THIRTY-FOUR

Lachlan had never been so impatient to get back to Whalebone Cove Marina. He was at home on and in the water. Being out there recharged him and brought him peace. But today he’d been obsessively checking the time while the hours dragged past with excruciating slowness until he could finally turn the boat around and head for home—and Maddy.

There was no barking when he dropped his gear outside the back door. Mae must have picked up the dogs.

When he walked in, the smell of something rich and delicious filled the air. He found Maddy setting the table in the eating area just off the kitchen, and his heart swelled at the sight of her. She wore a low cut green V-neck sweater and a snug, knee-length skirt that hugged her hips and thighs and left her calves bare.

“Hey,” he said when he unstuck his tongue from the roof of his mouth.

She lifted her head, and the way her face lit up was like the sun appearing through the clouds after a storm. “Hi. How was your day?”

“Long.” He felt too grubby to touch her when she looked so polished, the dried salt spray on his skin rough and gritty. He needed a shower first. Unless she was up for joining him again, and he could make good on his promise. “I couldn’t stop thinking about you.”

Her cheeks flushed a bit. “I couldn’t stop thinking about you either.”