“It’sThe Tailor,” she says.
I can’t make out the words on the other end, but I freeze as Pen looks at me. Her gaze locking on mine.
“It’s a chance I’m willing to take.”
She sighs and pinches the bridge of her nose.
“I understand, but we don’t really have a choice…Yes, I’ll deal with the consequences… Fine, just check out what I’m about to send you.” I go to open my mouth, but she holds up a hand. “And do it fast.”
She swivels in her chair and puts down the phone before returning her attention to me.
“Who was that?” I ask.
“No one of importance to you,” she says, not quite meeting my gaze.
“Pen, don’t bullshit me. You notified a third party? We’re talking about my company?”
“Fine.” She inhales, and I wonder if she’s trying to figure out what she can get away with telling me.
Instead, she surprises me with, “My handler.”
Her tone, neutral.
“What do you mean,your handler?” I say, my body temperature rising at her words.
I scan the room, hoping to find answers, half-expecting someone to emerge from the shadows and reveal it’s all a sick prank. A stitch-up.
“Long story and not one I’m prepared to go into right now. Maybe never,” she says, her voice suddenly sounding tired. “We need them. You need them. Some of these code changes are live, installed at your client sites. Next week’s release will add the finishing code and allow all the other changes to be activated.”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
She turns to me, her face a hardened mask. An expression I don’t recognise.
“Look at the date stamp, Elijah.” She points at the list of changes. “This latest code change unlocks the door.”
CHAPTER 21
PEN
Iwatch as my words sink in. The colour leeches from Elijah’s face. I reach over, and his eyes move to where my hand grips his. A warmth spreads where our skin touches and I swallow past the constriction blocking my throat.
His gaze meets mine.
“It’s okay, we can fix this,” I say, wanting, no needing to pull us back into a place we both understand.
“Pen, if the code changes are out there. All my clients are vulnerable.”
He withdraws his hand, running it through his hair.
I miss our connection, but I’m also relieved. We don’t need any complications. We’re in a charged environment, with our emotions running high.
“Do you trust me?” I ask.
Elijah’s eyes lock on mine, the steely determination I recognise from the past appearing, making me smile.
“There he is,” I say.
“What’s the plan?” he asks before adding. “I take it youdohave a plan?”
