“Let them investigate,” I continue.
“Let them dig.”
“They’ll find the network eventually.”
“That’s the idea.”
The woman tilts her head.
“You’re inviting them inside.”
“Yes.”
“That’s dangerous.”
I look back at the wall of maps.
At the dozens of small towns now quietly connected through systems no one outside the network even realizes exist.
Rescue teams.
Supply chains.
Information pipelines.
All ready for the day they’re needed.
“Every system requires pressure testing,” I say.
“And Boone Grant?”
“He’s the test.”
The screen switches again.
A live camera now.
The cabin where Boone and his team are staying.
Night has fallen.
Lights glow through the windows.
Inside, shadows move.
Six people.
Talking.
Planning.
Exactly what they should be doing.
The woman watches the screen carefully.
“That team could cause problems.”
“Yes.”
