“Because it takes some suspicion off her. Everybody who knew my father wouldn’t have believed he left me with nothing. But the trust just took care of my schooling until I finished college. My stepmother isn’t stupid.” Ella sounds more thoughtful than angry, which is good.
I nod. “As I understand your plan, you’re trying to find a valid will. In the meantime, you’re hacking into the TimeGem Moments server. At least, you’re trying to do so.”
Now her eyes gleam. “Yep. Sylveria is actually pretty good at charging the diamonds that help power the servers, but our true connection is with citrines, and she can’t touch those. They’re mine. If I can get into the system, I might be able to attack the diamonds, leaving TimeGem completely vulnerable and in need of the citrines.”
As a plan, it’s good. And criminal. “They have to know you’re coming.”
She nods. “I know. But there’s hints of a fifth player making a move soon, and I’m covering my ass by adding to the rumors.”
My eyebrows rise. “So is there really a new social media company gaining traction?”
“Definitely. There are ghost rumbles across all four companies, meaning someone is conducting research, and we’ve all been hit with attacks and several viruses. So far, nobody has traced the accounts back to a source.”
Fascinating. “I’m worried about your safety.”
“I’ve moved my computer base several times, and very few people know where I live. Plus, any time I’m out with Alana, bodyguards are everywhere. Something tells me good ole Alexei isn’t too far from ordering guards on you.”
I roll my eyes. “Please. I’m his lawyer. He’s probably already moved on to another woman.” The thought shouldn’t hurt, yet my chest aches. I need to wake up and get a clue.
Ella stands. “When I finally find the real will, we’ll want to move fast with filing suit.”
“Of course. I have the documents ready to go, including the preliminary injunction to freeze TimeGem’s activities until a trial conclusion.”
Her sneakers are silent on my antique rug as she heads to the door.
“Ella?”
She turns.
“When you attack the servers, you’re not infecting the diamonds with a virus that’ll kill Sylveria, are you?” It’s a question a criminal defense attorney should never ask. But she’s my best friend.
Her delicate jaw hardens. “No. I want to win this one in the courtroom.” She winks. “Besides, I’ll only kill for you or Alana.”
A chill skates down my spine because I know she’s telling the truth. I take a deep breath. “Ditto.” So am I. Perhaps I can understand the family structure of the mafia.
She quietly exits, and I return to drafting a document for a sale of a car dealership that I’ve been ignoring for too long. The parties are both currently in the Bahamas, but they’ll return soon.
After a couple of hours. I’m done.
I’ve had it with waiting for Alexei, and I’m just about to leave my office when Lillian Sokolov appears in my doorway.
My paralegal rushes up the hallway. “I’m sorry. I didn’t see anybody come in.”
“That’s okay. It’s after seven, Eloise. Go ahead and go home.” I cock my head and stare at Alexei’s stepmother. “What, no kidnapping today?”
Her smile doesn’t reach her sad eyes. She’s dressed in a too tight but lovely pink Chanel suit with Manolo Blahniks and enough diamonds to choke a horse. Her hair looks limp today. “I said I was sorry about that. I really am, but it was kind of fun to be the bad guy.”
That’s surprisingly understandable to me. “You didn’t need to get so pretty on my account.” I push an unopened stack of bills away. I don’t get paid until Friday.
Lillian takes a seat across from me. “I want to avoid another trial for Alexei if possible,” she says, crossing her legs. “Tell him if he pleads guilty and serves ten years, I’ll turn Hologrid Hub over to him when he’s out.”
“I don’t believe you.” Has Hendrix sent her here with this silly offer?
She blinks. “I’m telling the truth. I’m unable to charge the amethyst crystals strong enough for our servers. And sweet Hendrix? He works hard, and we’re keeping running, but he’s not going to get any better.”
I steel myself against her pleading look. “You mean while Alexei is alive.”
“Maybe, maybe not.” She shakes her head. “There’s no guarantee that the death of either of them will lead to more strength for the remaining one. It may work, it may not. But it’s not worth it.” She sets her bag down on the floor and leans back. “Do we have a deal?”
