“Oh, crap,” Rae says.
“Grant planted fake data, linked to everyone’s log-in, and… it was accessed this weekend.”
“This weekend…” Rae looks at me, all the luster gone from her eyes. “Seriously. Sam wouldn’t do something like that.”
“It came from her computer, hon. Her log-in.” Dorothy’s expression is pure compassion. “She admits that she took it home when we’ve expressly told everyone not to.”
“The data was released,” I tell her.
“On the internet?”
“On the dark web.”
“He’s lying,” Rae says to Dorothy, who’s already shaking her head.
“I’m afraid not. What Grant’s done has saved the company, Rae.” Dorothy stands and walks over to take her hand. “Remember my son-in-law? Well, Dane’s using what he considers poor security protocols as the perfect excuse for a power grab.”
“But the company’s yours.”
“My daughter is also a shareholder. And there are investors. Dane’s been working on Rachel to hand him the reins. Then he finds a data breach…”
“It’s why I’m here. The supposed breach. The first one. He claimed he found it on the dark web, said you had security issues, and it was time for Dorothy to step down.”
“He’s been saying I’m inept for the past couple of years now. But with this breach, I asked Grant to come in and help.”
“And I requested that the staff come into the office,” I add. “And that Dorothy tell no one about my actual role.”
“Grant is here to keep Dane from taking over my company and…” She looks at me, obviously thinking about Dane’s latest announcement. “Outsourcing every single job overseas.”
“What?”
“He’d fire you all.”
“He can’t do that!” Rae turns to me.
“He could. But I have yet to find a single security issue. The protocols are solid. Your team was irreproachable.” I exchange a look with Dorothy. “I don’t believe there was an actual breach. Until now.”
“Sam wouldn’t leak anything. She wouldn’t know how.”
“She wouldn’t have to.”
“What?”
“She’s been taking her laptop out of the office.”
“We’ve all done it.”
“Not right now, you don’t. Not without authorization. I’ve drummed it into you.”
“She’s had personal stuff come up. Maybe she missed security meetings or didn’t read emails.”
“Accessing the network without the VPN.”
“Oh, come on. Everyone makes mistakes.” She turns to Dorothy. “Is that all? You cannot possibly fire her over something that everyone’s probably done at some point. Did you warn her first?”
Dorothy’s sigh is long and heartfelt. “She’s been purposely bypassing security, Rae. The firewall, the VPN. There’s no way it was an error.”
“No.” Rae folds her arms over her chest. “I don’t believe you. That’s ridiculous.”
