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Kennedy
Security guards fell in around us when we passed through the gate. Lila didn't even have to say a word. We went from a gun on us to several.
What felt like a death march, we went up the brightly illuminated driveway and back into the house.
"This is nice," Ice said as though we never stepped foot in the place. "It could use a little more red."
No one answered him. I gave him a glance to suggest he not provoke anyone, but Ice was going to be Ice. He almost seemed to be enjoying himself. No one said he was completely sane.
We were taken to the office. It felt like days ago Mannix fucked me on the desk which Samuel Bell now sat behind. It had to be him, because no one else would dare to sit there. The resemblance to Lila was obvious. They both had dark hair and eyes that seemed to see right through me. He looked as though he could eviscerate my soul with a glance.
I managed to hold his gaze without wavering. I wasn't going to show any sign of fear or weakness. The moment I did, he'd exploit it. Still, it was difficult to avoid being intimidated. He was clearly used to getting exactly what he wanted when he wanted. He reminded me of Mannix, Ares and Leo. Ruthless, determined and powerful.
Right now, he held all the cards.
He turned his gaze to the evil twins and his frown noticeably increased in depth.
"Hunter and Parker helped us catch these two," Lila said quickly. For the first time, she seemed slightly rattled. Only slightly. Her chin was still raised, defiant. "She's the one who put the virus in the computer."
"Are you certain of that?" Samuel Bell spoke for the first time. His voice was deep, gravelly.
Now Lila seemed uncertain. "Do you know who she is—"
"I know precisely who she is." His voice was low, but she stopped speaking the moment he started. "Kennedy Knight. Stepdaughter of Leo Cassani. Computer science major. Gymnastics coach and owner of her own gym." He nodded for Hunter to put me down.
Thankfully the flooring under my feet was carpet, and I managed to contain a wince.
"Then you know I'm harmless," I said. "I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you don't mind, we'll get out of your hair." I gestured to Ice.
Bell ignored me and turned to Ice. "Isaac Miller. You have an interesting reputation yourself."
Ice grinned. "Thanks. I try. It would suck if anyone thought I was boring."
That was something no one could ever accuse him of being.
Bell looked unamused. He turned back to me. "If I hadn't needed a file tonight, that virus might have gone unnoticed." He looked at his screen and nodded. "I can see it at work. Deleting my files and corrupting my system. Can it be undone?"
I considered how to answer that. In the end I decided on honesty.
"Yes. And also no. I can stop it from making things worse, or deleting anything else. It may be possible to recover some, even most of the deleted files, but it would take time. And someone who knew what they were doing."
"You," he stated.
I shrugged. "I know how the virus works. I could disable it faster than anyone else." I was banking on him believing me. Other people might be able to fix it faster, but unless they were on the premises, it would take precious time to get them here. I was his best bet. If I was inclined to help him.
He nodded. "Do it." He looked past Lila to one of his security guards. "Take Mr. Miller downstairs. See to his injuries, but restrain him."
He returned his dark gaze to me. "You understand what happens to him is up to you. One toe out of line and he'll lose one of his feet. Try to screw me over and he'll be missing other, vital body parts. He'll wish he was dead."
Any normal person would be scared at being threatened like that, but not Ice. He was actually grinning. Only he would be excited at the prospect of being tortured and mutilated. I was almost certain he wasn't putting on an act so I'd feel less pressured and scared. He was still smiling as he was led from the room.
"I understand," I said evenly. "I'm going to need access to your computer."
Bell stood and gestured for me to sit in his chair.
I grimaced at the warmth as I sat, but leaned forward and focused my attention on the screen. The virus worked faster than I anticipated. If I had to guess, I'd say at least thirty percent of his files were toast.
"Yeah, this might take longer than I thought."
