Royal Hacker (White Hat Security Book 2), page 10
I flung open the doors and pushed my way through the reporters, not caring if I hurt them. My only thoughts were on Patty and getting her back inside. I grabbed her around the waist and flipped her up into a fireman’s hold. Right when I was about to turn around, Brock was at my side. He swooped down and picked up Lemon.
John had cleared a path for me and Brock to get back into the building. The reporters continued to ask questions:
“Why are you hiding who you are?”
Another reporter with a high-pitched voice asked, “Have you heard from Bridget Ross?”
They kept hurling questions at us as I ducked into the building. Brock was right on my heels.
When we entered the building and were away from the reporters, I flipped Patty from my shoulders so I had her cradled in front of me. When I looked down at Patty in my arms, she had tears running down her face.
“I… just…” Patty was crying so hard she couldn’t get her sentence out.
“It’s okay.” I kissed the top of Patty’s forehead and headed toward the elevator.
“Lemon still needs to go potty. I wanted to breathe for a second and take Lemon outside. Why are they here?”
“I will take her for a walk so she can use the bathroom,” Brock replied before I could even ask him.
I walked over and messed with Lemon’s ears, and Patty leaned over to give her a kiss on the head. When Patty was done giving her kisses, I headed for the elevator to take her back upstairs.
I could still feel Patty crying. “I’m sorry I caused an issue,” she whispered.
“It’s okay, pixie. We have to be more careful when it comes to the media. They are on a witch hunt at the moment and would do anything to get this story. They will settle down in a few weeks. We need to come up with a new strategy.”
When the elevator door opened, I strode into the dining area, where everyone was still working on a game plan. Neal was the first to jump and run to Patty to see what was going on. I might have growled at him, which caused Patty to chuckle under her breath.
“I’m fine. I got a little scared when the media attacked me in the courtyard. Let’s come up with a plan to nail this fucker and call it a day.”
“I think we might have an idea. John and I are going to go with you to Black Hat tomorrow. You will work from my office until we get one ready for you. Once you’re settled in at the office, I will head over to Sam’s office to work on finding this fucker. He gave us a timeline, and we need to figure it out before we hit that date. John will also stay with you at the office. Brock needs to help me with a few things.” Neal’s plan didn’t sound too bad.
“I would come over and help you settle in tomorrow, but the media might have a heyday with me walking into Black Hat Security, with the claims of espionage and everything. I could send CJ or Sophie over to spend the day with you. Wait—I have a better idea. Alex, let Jessica work remotely for the next week, so she can be with Patty,” Bridget said, giving Alex a pointed look.
We all decided that Patty would go in with Neal, and when she was ready, Neal would head over to my office. I planned on picking Patty up earlier in the day. I didn’t know how I would get any work done when all I was going to do was worry about her.
Once we had the game plan set, everyone left. Patty looked exhausted. “What do you want me to order for lunch? I think we can have something delivered and then set out on the patio to get fresh air.”
“I want this all to be over and my life back so we can move on with ours. I’m not hungry.” Patty shrugged.
We ended up spending the remainder of the evening sitting on the patio, watching the sun set over the ocean.
Chapter Sixteen
Patty
The week had flown by, and I was having a hard time concentrating on the code in front of me. All I could think about was my dad arriving the next day—and we still hadn’t found my stalker. Sam repeatedly told me to let my dad know I was in danger. But if I told Dad about the stalker, I would also have the royal guards watching my ass. I already had way too many babysitters.
The problem was Dad would definitely find out about the stalker on his own. He would go off on me for a few days about how irresponsible I was being and insist I return to Shialia with him. At least Sam would be there to back me up on the not-moving part. I hope.
The stalker had upped his email game to sending me one every day. We had everyone working to figure out who he was. I hadn’t told anyone, but I was scared out of my mind. When Sam stopped by the store to pick up supplies, I snuck in and bought a burner phone to stick in my theft-proof purse that wrapped around my waist, in case something went wrong.
Jessica was getting more freaked out also as each email got a little creepier than the one before. Sam tried locking me out of my account so I wouldn’t see what the creep sent me. I needed to know, though. Maybe I could figure something out. It was like a drug.
After opening the last email, I wished I’d listened to Sam. The stalker had gone to a new level.
From: B. Waterville
Sent: Friday, April 21, 2017
To: Patty Beckett
Subject: I can’t stop thinking about the old days.
My Dearest Patty,
Why do you keep going against my will? I asked you to stop seeing that abusive man you seem to have attached yourself to. I really didn’t want to expose you to the tabloids. But I thought if you saw how the world would see him, you would leave him.
You know we are meant to be together. My plan is coming together. It will only be a few more days, and we will be united forever.
Your one and only,
Waterville
Even though the tabloid story had died down a little, I was worried what my dad would say when he found out that my identity had been leaked to the world. I pulled up the news station on my computer to see if the police had somehow found the fucker. The only thing on the front cover was a story about a missing kid. There were no news updates, which brought back the feeling of dread.
Everyone was at Blackwood, working on my case, except John, who was stuck babysitting me for the day. Since my identity was out in the open, I’d been working at Black Hat Security for the past week. I’d pretty much taken over Neal’s office. The view from Neal’s office on the twenty-seventh floor overlooked downtown. I could see the ocean off in the distance to the east.
The security in the building was extremely high tech, and even though Neal had given Sam and his team access to the video feed, Sam had made me promise that morning that I would text him every hour. Once I finished sending the text, I tried to concentrate on the code in front of me again.
Neal wanted me to get more acquainted with working at Black Hat. So, I was running the show while he worked with Brock. Once again, the alpha Doms were making the decisions without my two cents.
When Neal’s desk phone rang, it startled me. “Hello?”
“How’s my pixie doing?”
I wanted to break down and say, “Come get me. I need you.” All the things going on were starting to be too much. Being cooped up was one of the things I hated the most. That was why I never wanted to live in Shialia.
Instead, I put on my big-girl panties. Well, figuratively, since Sam liked me to wear those things that have no material to them. It might have been more comfortable to wear no underwear than the thin piece of string he liked. “Fine. Working on some code and taking over Neal’s office. How are things going for you? You know I have skills that can help.” I wished they would let me be there. I was close to calling a cab and going to Sam’s office. I would need to ditch the bodyguard outside the office door, though.
“We have no new leads. You’re too close to the case, and I don’t want it getting you more upset. We have Neal here, helping us. I have some exciting news.”
With everything going on, I was ready for any information that wasn’t depressing. It seemed like only horrible news had been delivered lately. I felt like dyeing my hair black to match my mood. “What’s the good news?”
“I will be there around five to pick you up. We’re going out to eat at Roy’s and then spending the night in the club.” Sam knew Roy’s always put me in a positive mood.
“You had me at Roy’s, then you added the club. Are we going to play, or are you going to keep making me watch, and then we go back upstairs?”
I’d spent the last few months learning everything I could about the lifestyle. For some reason, Sam would never play with me at the club. I was getting self-conscious, thinking he was embarrassed by me. He kept saying he didn’t want to share our sessions with others.
“No, I think it’s time we play. I ordered some new toys I want to try tonight. Then we can relax and enjoy our last night together before your father gets here tomorrow.”
“How about you bring those toys over to Neal’s office now, and we can try them out. I don’t want to sit here until five, waiting. Please come rescue me. I’m so done with working for the day.”
“It’s only a few hours. Don’t leave that office. I will be watching you. We still don’t know when he will strike. His last email said it would be tomorrow. I don’t want to take a chance.”
“Fine, I will sit here and run my company while you guys have all the fun.”
Sam chuckled on the other end. “Bye, my pixie.”
“Bye.”
I sat at Neal’s desk for a couple more hours, playing with his True Genius puzzles. I told myself I would spend the rest of my time figuring out the simple problem, but a new idea came to mind.
Just because Sam said to stay put didn’t mean I had to. Last time I checked, I was an adult who could make her own choices. Maybe if I looped the camera in the office, I could use Neal’s private entrance to run across the street and grab a bite to eat. Nobody would see me go, and I would fix the cameras when I got back.
I tried to use my username to access the cameras and received a not-authorized prompt on the screen. Using Neal’s ID, I was able to log into the program. I put all the cameras in Neal’s office, the back elevator, and my exit on an hour loop. No one would be able to tell I was gone without looking really closely. If I wasn’t back in an hour, then they might think something was up.
I tiptoed toward Neal’s door and looked out, hoping John hadn’t heard the click on the other side. I also wanted to make sure no one walked in. I had all my bases covered, except for the monitor on Neal’s elevator. Shit… it might be easier to take the stairs.
I then put all the cameras in the back stairwell on a loop. This is a lot of work for some Reese’s chocolate dessert and a sandwich.
Really, I was tired of having someone on my butt every waking minute, and I wanted fresh air. I grabbed my purse and left my regular cell phone behind. I also added a timed text to send to Sam every hour in case I stayed at the shop a little longer.
If something happened, I had my burner phone on me. I also had a feeling they were watching the signal on my iPhone.
As I opened the door at the back of Neal’s office, I held my breath, hoping no alarm would go off. I was relieved when nothing sounded. Slowly, I walked down the stairs. That would be the biggest challenge—I was on the twenty-seventh floor. Maybe I should have taken the elevator. When I tried the door to get back into Neal’s office, it was locked. Well, that sucks.
Twenty minutes later, I was finally exiting the building. I’d learned a couple of things on the long-ass walk down the stairs. For someone who’s being stalked, the stairs are as creepy as they seem in the movies. Also, I needed to cut back on the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and work out more. Well, I will cut down on the creamy, delicious morsel as soon as I have one more chocolate treat from the deli across the street.
The line at the deli was short, but I still wasn’t ready to head back to work. I was sure my camera loop would still have everyone fooled.
It felt good to be alone for a second. I was still scared, but the amazing sandwich I ordered was sure to relieve all the stress I’d been feeling lately. It was the daily special: an Italian club on cheddar bread. The lunch was taking away the stress of the day. If the sandwich didn’t fix my issues, chocolate cake with Reese’s inside it surely would. To finish off the meal, I had a cup of hot cocoa.
While enjoying the hot cocoa, I was trying to place the man behind the counter. He kept his head down when he was making my drink. I knew I recognized him from somewhere. I couldn’t place it. When I get back to Neal’s office, I’ll hack the cameras and do facial recognition on him.
Too many calories later, I was ready to head back in and start doing some work. I knew the door to Neal’s office was locked, so I decided to take the elevator back up. Not sure if it was from the carb overload, but I started to feel extremely drowsy. I needed to make it back to the elevator and up to Neal’s office. My feet started to stumble as I made my way across the busy street.
When I made it back to the building, I contemplated how to get back up. I chose the elevator. They would know I’d left, but since I was back to the building, I didn’t think Sam would be too mad. I’d made it back unharmed, maybe really tired and feeling a little drunk, but nobody had kidnapped me. Why would the guy kidnap me in broad daylight, where everyone could see? Those boys need to stop being so paranoid and let me live a little. I’d proved I was able to go out for lunch by myself.
I walked into the corridor leading to Neal’s parking spot, which was next to the elevator to his office. At least the stairs had led to the street. The parking garage added an extra layer of scariness.
I almost felt like I was in a horror movie, about to be kidnapped. Everyone talking about the stalker was getting me a little too paranoid. I clicked the button for the elevator to come get me. As the numbers slowly counted down, I concentrated on not falling asleep. Not paying attention to my surroundings and watching the ridiculous numbers go down, I didn’t hear the person walking up behind me before he stuck me with a needle. Before I had time to scream or finish my last thought, the lights went out.
Chapter Seventeen
Sam
I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. I pulled up the video of Neal’s office and watched Patty work for a little while. She was sitting in Neal’s chair behind his large oak desk. She seemed to be in a trance. I watched for a few more minutes and decided I wasn’t going to get anything done. It was around four o’clock, so I headed to get Patty a little early.
On the way over to Neal’s office, the feeling of apprehension got worse. I knew if something was off, Brock would have called me immediately. The last time I’d had that feeling, I was stationed in Afghanistan a few weeks before I retired.
My unit was sent in to rescue a squad of captured soldiers. The rescue mission went without any hiccups. All the captured soldiers were in poor shape from being tortured for a week. On our way back to camp, I had a strange feeling of trepidation.
Before I could open my mouth, the convoy in front of us blew up. The Hummer had driven over an IED. We spent another hour under attack from terrorists who’d been alerted by the blast. We ended up losing half the captured soldiers.
Shaking my head, I came back to the present. I was riding the elevator up to the twenty-seventh floor, where Patty was. Trying to shake the sick feeling, I watched the numbers slowly climb. Much to my frustration, the elevator stopped frequently for more passengers.
Mary, Neal’s administrative assistant, was sitting at her desk when I walked into the room. She looked up from her computer with an inviting smile. Mary had to be in her early twenties. She was close to six feet and had the body of a model. If I had to guess, she only consumed salads. Her blond hair touched the middle of her back. Patty told me Neal was training her to work in the digital forensic department. During her downtime, she handled Neal’s administrative tasks. Mary didn’t look like the typical IT nerd. None of the women I’d met in the field ever looked like a typical IT nerd, though. John was parked on a chair next to Neal’s office doors.
“Good afternoon, Sam. Are you here to see Patty?” Mary asked.
“Yes, I’m breaking her out for the day. John, you can head home.”
“That’s good; she hasn’t been out of the office at all today. I haven’t seen her in a few hours.” Mary scrunched her nose. It seemed to dawn on her that wasn’t normal. It sure as hell didn’t seem normal to me. Patty can’t go an hour without another cup of hot chocolate.
My feeling of panic hit a new level. I walked up to the doors to Neal’s office and grabbed the handle. It was locked. Why the hell would she lock the door? I knocked while calling out her name.
I was met with silence. When I looked over my shoulder, Mary was heading toward me with the keys. Thank God, she had a key to Neal’s office. The solid oak doors would have been a bitch to break into.
Mary handed me the key, and I hurriedly unlocked the door. It swung open to an empty office. I walked toward Neal’s bathroom to find it empty. The computer was open, and it looked like she had the surveillance software open. The Hello Kitty mug on the desk was empty. Her pink iPhone was on the desk, with a missed call from me and three from Neal.
The phone rang again, playing The Big Bang Theory theme music. Neal was calling again. I assumed he had the same feeling I did.
“Hey, Neal,” I answered the phone, trying to hold back my anger.
I could hear commotion in the background before Neal’s voice came across the line. “Please tell me she is sitting in front of you.”
Grinding my teeth at the frustration of not knowing what was going on, I spit back, “No, tell me where the fuck she is, and when did she leave the office?”
Neal mumbled something about wanting to tan her hide. I was going to do more than tan her hide. She won’t be able to sit for a week after I find her.
“I was watching the feed, and something felt off. For the last few hours, she hasn’t left the office. I know she couldn’t last that long without hot chocolate or going to the bathroom. I’m looking at the video, and she is still sitting in my chair,” Neal stated with frustration.
