“Where do we start?” Nina asked.
“I don’t think his personal network is connected to the Paraskia infrastructure or the internet at all. Most likely, it’s completely isolated,” I said.
“He’s paranoid,” Nina confirmed, not sounding surprised. “So it would fit the profile to keep his most sensitive data on a closed system.”
I ran a hand through my hair. “Then we need physical access.”
Nina was quiet for a moment, considering. “I might know a way.”
I looked up, hope flickering. “How?”
“After Grey took you…” Nina hesitated. “I studied the compound layout obsessively. There’s a maintenance tunnel that connects all the main buildings, including Grey’s villa. The security is minimal because few people know about it.”
“You’re serious?” I stared at her. “You’d take me there?”
Nina’s expression hardened. “Yes. But we need to move fast. We need to be back within the hour.”
We gathered Nina’s laptop and tools from her room, which she stored in a crossbody bag she slung over her shoulder, before she checked the concealed weapon at her ankle.
“Just in case,” she said, catching my glance. “I have no idea how good Grey’s personal guards are or how far they’re willing to go.”
The entrance to the maintenance tunnel was hidden behind a panel in a utility closet. Nina led the way, moving with silent confidence through the dimly lit passage. Somewhere in the distance, the rumble of thunder was muffled but still audible even underground.
“The storm’s getting closer,” I whispered.
Nina nodded. “How much time do you think you’ll need once we’re in?”
“Depends on his security systems. Twenty minutes, maybe thirty.”
“The runway will take at least an hour to clear. We have maybe half an hour before we file out,” Nina said, her voice barely audible. “You need to be quick.”
We reached a junction, and Nina held up a hand, pointing to a small security camera mounted in the corner. With practiced ease, she climbed up on a pipe, reached up, and disabled it.
“Won’t they notice?” I asked.
“The tunnel system runs on a separate security network. By the time they notice, we’ll be long gone,” she assured me.
After several more turns, Nina stopped at a metal door. “This should lead to the tunnel leading to Grey’s villa. Stay close and follow my lead.”
The tunnel was pitch black but straight. I looked to the left, and there was light at the end. Nina turned right, and I stumbled behind her. I was really not built for this hands-on spy shit. I couldn’t even say how far we’d walked when Nina opened another door and slipped through. The utility room was dusty and filled with cleaning supplies. Nina cracked the door, peered out, then motioned for me to follow. We moved through a service corridor. Twice, Nina pulled me into alcoves to avoid detection even though only a few staff members were present. Even though there wasn’t a single guard.
Finally, we reached the door to Grey’s private office—which I recognized immediately.
We entered, and the room still screamed power and control, with its dark wood paneling and view of the ocean and rows of books.
At least this time, we were the only ones inside.
“Stand guard,” I told Nina, then went to the computer on the desk.
Grey’s personal setup was state-of-the-art, with security features that would make most government agencies jealous. But just my luck it was similar to the Paraskia’s. “This isn’t too bad, but it will take some time,” I muttered.
Nina locked the door, then positioned herself next to it. “Work fast. I don’t like how quiet it is.”
Sweat beaded on my forehead as I bypassed layer after layer of security. Grey might be a monster, but his cybersecurity was impressive. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I broke through the final firewall.
“I’m in,” I whispered and began downloading files systematically.
I worked methodically, copying everything that looked important—financial records, operation details, personnel files. Then a folder caught my eye, labeled simply “Mariella.”
