Still, something about HeartSync nags at me. The amounts are too large, too regular. Whatever service Morrison's purchasing, it's not your typical judicial bribery.
My laptop chimes.
Success!
Not complete access, but deeper than I've gotten before. My pulse quickens as new directories populate on my screen.
I'm close. So damn close I can taste it.
A sharp knock at my door startles me.
"Fee? Sweetheart, are you ready?"
I glance at the time on my screen. Shit. Our dress shopping appointment is starting in twenty minutes.
"Coming, Mom!"
I quickly save my progress and encrypt the files. The HeartSync servers will have to wait. Another knock, more insistent this time.
The wedding comes first. But after the wedding, I'm going back to cracking HeartSync wide open.
Present day…
My quest to understand this man sent me down rabbit holes of encrypted servers and shadowy transactions, Morrison, HeartSync, digital ghosts that led everywhere except back to Anton. And now here he is, finally giving me the answers I've been searching for.
I stare at Anton's hand covering mine, feeling the warmth of his skin against my knuckles.
Anton's phone vibrates. He looks down at the table where his phone is. Then his eyes lock onto mine with an intensity thatreaches somewhere deep inside my chest. No words, no touch, just that look that strips away everything.
The phone vibrates again. He takes my hand from his chest, kisses it, and releases it. Then reaches for the phone.
"Connor Quinn," he says, answering with professional formality that's such a contrast to the heat still simmering in his eyes.
"Yes, sir. Fee is safe. She required six stitches for a foot laceration, but she's otherwise unharmed."
I watch Anton's face shift into business mode, though his free hand stays on mine.
"I understand your concern, but we don't have complete intelligence on today's events yet." Anton's voice remains respectful but firm. "The nature of the attack and potential ongoing threats haven't been fully assessed."
Dad wants me to go to Providence with Moira.
"You have my word, sir. Fee's safety is my priority." Anton's eyes find mine again, something protective and possessive flickering there. "Yes, sir. She's right here."
Anton extends the phone toward me. "Your father wants to speak with you."
I take the phone, feeling the weight of inevitability settle over me.
"Hi, Dad."
"Jesus, Fee. How bad is it?" His voice carries that particular strain reserved for moments when his daughter's blood has been spilled because of family business.
"I'm fine. Anton took care of everything."
"Lorenzo's expecting you tonight," Dad continues. "Moira's excited to see you, and Providence is more secure than anything we can offer in Chicago right now."
"Dad, I'm worried about leading whoever did this straight to Moira. She's pregnant. What if—"
Dad sighs. "Sweetheart, Lorenzo has forty armed men on his property at any given time. Motion sensors, thermal imaging, the works. A fucking army couldn't get close to that estate without him knowing about it three miles out."
