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“Can we back up? How did you know about his plans?”
Sir Galahad bounced around. Jumped high. Flicked his sword back and forth. Julian must have been typing or hesitant to share. Then, finally, the reply popped up. “I intercepted an encrypted message. Someone is trying to offload tech—classified drone technology—and destroy the facility where the tech is developed. I recognized his signature.”
“It didn’t take much for you to connect the dots and know it was Hanstech.”
“He said he would come back for you. For us. Well, he got me ... almost.”
“And what about you? Do you want revenge for what I did? I talked you into going to the Feds. That decision changed my life in a lot of ways. Some not so good. I’m sure it was the same for you.”
“I don’t want revenge. I was young and reckless. We both were.”
“But you’re working on the dark web now...” You’re still reckless.
“Let’s keep this between us. But I’m working for the Feds.”
What? “You mean...”
“I infiltrate and pass on intel.”
Jealousy spiraled through her. She’d wanted that opportunity too—to work for the government and thwart cybercriminals. The DSS wouldn’t have her.
“Which agency?”
“That’s all I’m saying.”
“That’s fair. Did you pass on this intel to your agency?”
“I did. Months ago. The Feds weren’t acting on the information fast enough, if they acted on it at all, and I couldn’t wait for them any longer. I felt this was too personal to you, so I found you and handed off the warning. I couldn’t risk any digital trail. The QR code was the only risk I took.”
“And you paid a price. Thank you, Galahad. But Nebulous 2.0 is here in Montana. He physically threatened my sister. I feel like I’m in over my head.” If she could admit that to anyone, it was Julian.
“Be careful. I’m not sure I should have warned you. It only sent you right into harm’s way.”
“You don’t think he would have found a way to get me here? My brother’s dead. I would have come for that. I can see my sister is traumatized. I just don’t know what I should do next, beyond finding the missing drone.”
“Not missing. I have the location.”
She gasped. “You do? How?”
“It doesn’t matter. But if he gets to it first, then he’ll complete his deal.”
“Do the Feds know this?”
“I don’t know. But they have a man on the inside.”
“I’m going to need those coordinates.”
“Doesn’t matter. You can’t get to it.”
“Just give me the coordinates. I’ll worry about getting to it.”
“This was never about the drone, Mackenzie. It was about protecting your family. Let the Feds protect their secrets.”
Sir Galahad said the words, but the coordinates still came through. Mackenzie copied them.
“Those coordinates are in Indianapolis,” he said. “And once we’re done with this conversation, I’ll delete our conversation in the gaming log files. It never happened. But if you need to connect again, I’ll be watching and waiting.”
Nora rushed into the living room from the sliding glass door at the side of the house, smelling of horses and tack. Her eyes were bright and contained none of the fear from last night. “Carson’s here!”
