Page 35 of False Flag

“Well, he does own the internet.”

“So he would have everyone believe. He’s made some good investments, but he’s not the brains.”

“What is he investing in this time? The podcaster or the politician?”

“Good question. On the surface, it looks like the podcaster, but I have no doubt that the VP is his primary target.”

“Dare I trust the Wi-Fi on the island?”

“Oh hell no. Don’t log on to the network with your personal computer unless you want Osborne to have all your data.”

“Same with my phone, I assume.”

“Exactly. No conversation will be private. I’ll call Raptor and see if they can round up some goodies for you, but I don’t know if they’ll be of any use.”

“Like the spy kit you gave to Rand before he went to Malta?”

“Yes. Mini drones and other bugs made by Leah. Plus some devices you can use to swipe data from other computers.”

The excitement of getting to play with gadgets that belonged in Q’s workshop was drowned out by the terror of actually having to infiltrate Gerard’s office to access his computer.

This was the real deal, not a game.

If she was caught playing traitor, it wouldn’t just be a paintball in the side this time.

Chapter Twelve

The next days were a blur. If anyone had told Staci she could move out of an apartment on three days’ notice, she never would have believed them. She wondered more than once if she should just let her lease, which expired at the end of the month, go month-to-month, but the rent was being raised already, and the fee for month-to-month was an additional two hundred on top of that. She’d been planning to move as soon as she found a new apartment. This way, she was paying for a storage unit, but not a hefty rent for an apartment she didn’t intend to return to.

She was far more tearful than Fezzik when it came time for goodbyes. After exploring his new home, he enjoyed a dish of his favorite wet food treat provided by Vicki, then promptly turned his back to Staci and stepped out of reach when she tried to pet him one last time before leaving.

“We can FaceTime,” Vicki said.

Staci swiped at her wet cheek and let out a small laugh. “Probably not, but we can try.” She met Vicki’s gaze. “I can’t thank you enough for taking him. I wish I knew when I’d be back. If you get sent on a job⁠—”

“It’s fine. I’m not cut out for the field.” Before Staci could ask what that meant, Vicki deflected. “Jake didn’t look happy on the bus ride home Sunday. Where were you?”

Staci decided to deflect too. “So, what’s up with you and Teague Collins? Did you hook up with him?”

Vicki crossed her arms. “He’s not my type.”

“That’s not an answer.”

“Jake is awfully hot.”

Staci laughed. “Stalemate. Fine. Fezzik is the only male worth keeping around anyway.”

“Truth.” Vicki opened her arms and gave Staci a tight squeeze. “You be careful, okay? Campbell is dangerous.”

Vicki was the first person to express that opinion. “Campbell? Not his followers?”

“Oh, they’re dangerous, sure, but in a different way. Campbell’s rise was purchased. He didn’t earn his spot as the number one podcaster. He was made. And I think it was Osborne who pulled the strings. He had his techies manipulate the algorithms to put him in the position he’s in now. And Campbell knows it.”

“You think this expedition is payback? Osborne finally collecting a return on his investment?”

“If he magically finds Mu on Osborne’s property, it would be quite a payoff. But also, Osborne is dirty enough to use violence if he doesn’t get his ROI. I think Campbell is scared.”

“Which is what makes him dangerous.”