Something about her mother's cooking and finding a place that came close to matching it.
"How do you feel about Ararat Nights?"I ask casually.
Her head snaps up, almond-brown eyes narrowing."The Armenian place on Summit Avenue?"
"That's the one."
"I love their food," she says slowly."How did you know?"
I blink, suddenly feeling exposed."You mentioned it.Last week, during the hashtag analysis marathon."
She studies me, an curious look crossing her face."Good memory."
"Comes with the digital security territory.”I scroll through the menu."What do you recommend?"
"Their schnitzels are amazing.And the manti—little dumplings with garlic yogurt sauce."
I place the order, adding extra portions of both items plus an assortment of starters that the app describes as "perfect for sharing."
Not that I'm thinking about sharing food with Karina specifically.
It's just…efficient.
"Twenty minutes," I announce, setting my phone down."Shall we take a break or continue torturing ourselves with code analysis?"
"Break.”She leans back in her chair."My brain is starting to see hashtags everywhere."
I stand, stretching again, and move to the windows.
Seattle gleams below us, a city of light and shadow under a clear night sky.
The past week's rain has left everything looking washed clean, expectant.
"You know," Karina says behind me, "I'm still not entirely convinced this is all Duncan's doing."
I turn."The code signature is compelling."
"But two distinct patterns suggests two different actors.What if the second signature is a MacTavish employee freelancing?Or someone with a grudge against both companies?"
"It's possible," I concede."But Duncan has the most to gain.If he can destabilize my position before the board meeting?—"
My phone chimes with an incoming text, interrupting my theory.
CONNOR:Dude.DUDE.Please tell me you've approved this marketing genius.
Attached is a photo of a beer can.
Dark label, minimalist design, featuring the silhouette of a man in a kilt.
The text reads: "Kilted Casanova IPA: Bold, Scottish, and Surprisingly Complex."
"What now?"Karina asks, noticing my expression.
Wordlessly, I pass her the phone.
She stares at the screen, then makes a sound halfway between a gasp and a laugh."Is that?—?"
"Apparently, I'm now a craft beer."
