I check all log files once more and verify the timestamps. They all fit.
As a final act, I let an extension of Zeus collect data on every incoming and outgoing data stream. It matches the packages with what was logged with the tower, and then I see it.
Ten minutes after Jared’s estimated time of death, a 100-gigabyte package had been transferred and not logged.
There you are, I say in my mind, as I make a snapshot of it and save the sequence. I browse further and repeat the same action to keep the exact spot hidden, because as of this moment, anyone in Jared’s team is guilty until proven otherwise.
“Anything you found?” asked the Head of Security.
“Nothing of relevance. Looks clean so far,” I say, and add, “I thought there was something, but it turned out to be a dead end. Iguess it was an OD after all. I’m also going to invoke clause thirty-one of his contract to copy and wipe any company data, just so you know.”
“Of course,” he says, and lets me be.
My chance to copy the entire system and then wipe everything that might be there.
Two hours later, I walk back outside with Doug. I don’t let anything show on my face before we are in the car.
“I found something,” I say the moment the door shuts. “Someone logged in, transferred data, and manipulated the files very professionally. I only caught it because I could access the tower's transmission protocols through Zeus. As of now, his team and everyone are suspects. Jared was murdered, and someone accessed his systems. I was right.”
“Are you telling the cops?”
“No. I couldn’t find the data he had on me. I can’t risk it.”
“What if he bullshitted you?” said Doug, as he glances briefly at me through the rear mirror with his intense blue eyes.
“No, I saw the photo. He had something.”
“Any chance you didn’t catch a single photo?”
“Zeus' facial recognition would’ve. I am quite sure someone took it, someone who knew what they were looking for and what they’re after.”
A queasy sensation spreads through my stomach area. I cannot have those pictures appear anywhere, and yet I know what will happen. Someone knew, and someone came after them. Jared had probably made a million enemies over the past years; one of them might have finally snapped.
“Anyway, I made a copy of everything. I am going to find out who that was.”
“That’s a job for the cops, Lil.”
“And risk finding the person who took the evidence? Absolutely not. I am not going to prison for it.”
“Could be framed, AI-generated, whatever. We can make a story out of that, I’m sure that bulldog of a lawyer you pay will find a way out of it,” says Doug. “But leading a murder investigation?”
“It’s liability,” I say dismissively. I will not discuss the matter further. After everything that happened today, I shouldgo to sleep and start fresh tomorrow. Only if it weren’t for the part of me that wants to release the tension I feel in my body. I grab my phone automatically.
My thumb hovers over her name.Mae.It’s been a year since we ended whatever thing that was, and now?—
I really shouldn’t do it, it’s not going anywhere.
I press the name anyway.
“Yes?” asks Mae as she answers the call.
“It’s me, Lil,” I say.
I’m an idiot.
“I know it’s been a long time?—“
“It has,” says Mae with her beautiful, calming voice. “I can’t really talk right now, I’m at my girlfriend’s, we’re about to go out.”
