“I know. It’s just hard. This is the longest she’s been away. The apartment feels very empty.”
At least, if anyone is listening in, this sounds genuine. It’s true I am worried about Lottie, but I know she’s having a great time. Her calls and messages are saying as much. It’s also important she spends time with her mother. I may not be Darra’s biggest fan, but Lottie is her daughter, and it’s important they forge their own relationship.
Jules shoots me a sympathetic look.
“Take the time to enjoy yourself. Meet up with friends.”
I nod, not wanting to point out that fifteen years of prioritising Frazer Cyber Security, alongside alienating my friends to conceal my secret, has left me with few remaining.
I smile. “Maybe I’ll do that. I’ll be back in an hour. I just need to get some fresh air.”
I get out my phone and dial Lottie’s number.
“Hey, Dad,” Lottie says.
“Hey sunshine, how are you?” I ask.
Jules looks across and mouths.
“Take as long as you need. If there’s an emergency, I’ll let you know.” She shoos me away with her hand and a warm smile. “Go.”
I return her smile and head for the elevator, continuing my conversation with Lottie, my phone pressed to my ear.
“Elijah.”
I turn at the sound of my name.
Todd is walking towards me.
“Hey, sweetheart, I’ve got to go. Enjoy your class this afternoon...love you too.”
I turn to face Todd, my heart thumping.
Is it Todd?
He’s been with me since the beginning. Could he be the saboteur?
“I’m just heading out,” I say, holding the elevator door. I try to force my shoulders to relax as he joins me.
“Did you see my memo? Testing is complete. We’re good to go. The teams are in place for this weekend, ready for the first rollout.”
We never let everything roll out at once. Too dangerous if there does happen to be an issue. Easier to only have to back out a couple of sites, not everyone.
“Great news,” I say, trying to add an influx of enthusiasm.
I have to trust Pen and the code we changed last night. That it will hold up to whatever this person has planned, that we haven’t missed anything. Not knowing their target is killing me.
Is it a particular client?Or is it me and my firm they want to bring to its knees? Hold me to ransom.
“You look knackered,” he says, turning to face me. “You been burning the midnight oil more than usual? We’re not getting any younger.”
He chuckles to himself.
“Didn’t sleep great,” I tell him. “Lottie is away with Darra.”
I use Jules’ excuse as it fits the narrative.
“Ah, I’m sorry, man. It must be difficult. Divorce and children are never easy. Seems to be the hardest on the guy as well. Custody going to the mum most of the time.”
