“How did he get her away from the hospital?”
“He had a very clever plan.” Ash refused to say more. He wouldn’t risk Portia learning about Taryn’s involvement.
“Is she okay? Is she safe?”
The concern in her voice was so surprising, it had to be sincere. He hadn’t expected that from the woman who’d held Hope’s well-being hostage to get what she wanted.
“She’s fine.” He added, “Thank you for asking.”
“You need to bring her back to the hospital. Who knows what being away from there could have done to her condition.”
“That’s not necessary.” He shook his head. “She’s getting medical attention and isn’t any worse for the brief time she was in his care.”
Portia stared hard at him. “How did you find care for her so quickly?”
When he didn’t answer, she sighed. “You had contingency plans. Of course, you did.”
Ash didn’t move, barely even breathed. Portia was incredibly astute. Giving her any additional information could endanger the two most important people in his life.
“You and your sister were both free. Why come back?”
Ash had been asking himself that from the moment he’d walked through the building’s front door.
“We have unfinished business,” he said finally.
The Ice Queen was back and her smile didn’t reach her eyes. “I’m glad you recognize that.” She leaned back in her chair. “Explain to me why you helped a known criminal break into my network. Make it good and maybe I won’t toss you in the cells for very long.”
Ash shook his head. “You already know why. He kidnapped my sister. I would have done anything for her freedom.” He paused and collected his thoughts. “I always have.”
“What does that mean?” Portia leaned forward. She’d definitely picked up on his word choice.
This was it. Confessing could change his life forever. It wasn’t too late to keep silent.
Except it was. He had to do this.
Ash blew out his breath slowly. “Since the night Hope and I were captured, I’ve been trying to find a way to free myself from your family’s clutches.”
“Yes, your file was quite clear about your escape attempt.” Her tone was snappish.
His lips curled into a not-quite smile. “Yeah. I stopped trying when my sister’s life was threatened.”
Portia paled. “I had nothing to do with that.”
“I know.” That hadn’t stopped him from blaming the entire Tremaine family. All two of them. “Your father was in charge then. I don’t know if the orders came from him or if someone in the cybersecurity department thought it up. But you know what an effective leash my sister’s presence provided.” He pinned her with a stare.
Portia squirmed slightly before returning to her upright posture.
Ash felt a glimmer of satisfaction. It probably wasn’t smart to antagonize her right before confessing to ruining her life, but he couldn’t help it. She may not have threatened Hope’s life at the beginning, but she’d willingly used his sister as leverage.
“Once escape was off the table, I thought maybe I’d be able to blackmail my way out.”
Portia’s mouth dropped open. He’d surprised her. Not what he’d expected.
She recovered quickly. “How?”
He gave her a questioning look. “Your system is filled with secrets. I’m a hacker.” He shrugged. “Uncovering them is what I do.”
Had he said too much? Ash had no idea how to break this next part to her.
