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I thought about what I should do with the disc. First things first, find out if anyone had tinkered with the formula. The movements of every scientist involved with the project were tracked, including their time spent and their activities. I should be able to narrow down who’d logged onto the system the day I’d taken downloaded the formula onto the drive.
What could it hurt to use Cobra’s computer systems to check? If it brought us closer to finding out if the Russians were being assisted, then it was well worth the effort. I knew my way around computer systems. I’d been the nerdy kid staying in her room, more interested in science projects and the power of gigabytes than forming lasting friendships.
I studied his systems, turning on one of the computers, surprised it popped up to a regular screen without a passcode. I noticed quickly that the system wasn’t attached to the internet. That’s what the satellite connection was for. I shifted to the console, studying the configuration. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out how to flip a simple switch. As I returned to the computer, I clicked on the internet to make certain it was working.
The security system was activated, the entire system immediately shutting down. I should have known better than to even think Cobra didn’t have tight security for every aspect of his life. I’d either need to confess what I had in my possession or pray that whoever was responsible would be caught.
The thud as a door was closed forced me to jump. No. No. He couldn’t find me in here. I shoved the drive into my pocket, scurrying toward the door. Shit. He was making a beeline in my direction. I slipped out into the hallway, leaving the door to the communications room cracked a few millimeters. Where the hell could I go? I inched toward the end of the hallway, unable to see him from where I was standing. Oh, dear God. What if the person was an intruder? I’d been stupid enough to leave the weapon he’d given me on the coffee table. I knew better.
I held my breath, crowding as close to the wall as possible. Whoever was inside stopped a few feet from being able to see down the hallway where I was standing. Then the person headed upstairs. As soon as the mystery person was on the landing, I tiptoed into the living room, immediately noticing the weapon was gone.
Oh, God. I had to get out of here. I rushed toward the front door, ready to throw it open when I heard a single cracking sound.
“Stay right where you are, princess.”
Relief flooded me hearing Cobra’s voice. As he walked closer, I calmed my breathing.
“Turn around and face me,” he instructed.
I did as I was told, instantly noticing the weapon left behind was in his hand. “You’re back.”
“And if I’d been anyone else, you’d be dead or on your way to an unknown destination. What part about keep the weapon with you at all times did you not understand?”
“I’m sorry. I was coming right back to the room.”
He lifted his head, studying me like a specimen. Then he started scanning the area as he shoved the weapon into his jacket. “What were you doing?”
“What could I be doing?” What a ridiculous comment.
Cobra immediately turned around, heading toward his office.
I didn’t bother following.
When he returned, the look on his face terrified me. He advanced quickly, grabbing me by both arms. “What the hell were you doing in my office?”
“I…”
“Talk to me. How long did you have the satellite feature on?”
“I don’t know. You’re scaring me.”
“I want you fucking terrified, Isabella. How long?”
I thought about the question, fearful of what he would do. “I don’t know, less than five minutes, maybe a little longer.”
“You need to be accurate about this. How. Long?”
“I don’t know! Why is it so important?”
“Because that’s how they could find us, Isabella. If you were on that system for longer than five minutes, then they may already be on their way. You might have just signed our death warrant.”
He allowed the caustic words to linger. I twisted my mouth, my heart racing.
“What the hell were you doing inside that room? I need to know everything.” he demanded.
The second I looked away, he pinched my chin between his fingers, forcing me to look into his eyes.
“Goddamn it, Isabella. What are you hiding? What?”
