Page 12 of Saved from Deception

“As you can see, there are many deepfake generators available, a lot of them free. Although to make videos that have a high level of realism, it’s likely the person is using a paid generator.”

“So, anyone can do this?” Charlie stares at Leo, horror etched across her face.

Leo frowns, hesitating, clearly struggling with how much to tell her. “It’s probably someone with an above-average level of tech know-how. Once I start looking into the source, it will give me a better idea of exactly how knowledgeable this person is.”

Charlie leans forward in her chair. “What are the chances of finding this person quickly?”

“I can’t say, Charlie. Not yet.” Leo’s face creases in apology. “But I’ll be honest with you. If that’s what you want.”

“Yes.” She sucks in a breath. “I’d rather be prepared for the worst than stick my head in the sand, hoping for the best.”

Leo sighs. “Given the wide distribution, the sheer number of the videos, the quality—my guess is this person knows how to hide themself. That doesn’t mean I won’t find them. It just may take some more time.”

Her jaw clenches, all her features tightening. After a pause, she says, “Okay. Now I know. So what else should I expect?”

“I’ll be taking care of the protection side of things,” I tell her. “Anytime you need to leave the apartment, I’ll be escorting you. The grocery store, work, the gas station—”

“Do you think I’m in danger?” The last word wobbles a little.

Holding her gaze, I keep my tone gentle. “You’ve been harassed, Charlie. Physically assaulted. That alone is cause for protection. And I don’t want to think that someone could try to hurt you, but I can’t afford not to. Not when it comes to your safety.”

Fear darkens her eyes, and she hugs herself. “Oh. Okay.”

Her family and friends really suck.

“We can go over the rest of the details when we come back,” Leo says as he shuts his laptop. “We’ll take a couple of days to prep and be back here on Wednesday for the duration.”

“So, you’ll be staying here the entire time?” Charlie’s eyes sweep around her apartment, little lines of worry appearing on her forehead. “Not that I mind. But… my place is small. And you guys are so… well… I just don’t want you to be uncomfortable.”

“It’s okay, Charlie.” I give her a smile and a little wink. “Leo doesn’t fit anywhere. He’s used to it.”

Leo snorts. “True. But seriously, don’t worry about it. We’ve slept in some pretty terrible conditions. Your apartment is just fine.”

After another five minutes of exchanging numbers and deciding what time we’re going to arrive on Wednesday, Leo and I are headed back out the door. Charlie looks slightly less stressed than before, and there’s a little more light in her eyes. She still has a tremendous weight on her shoulders, but now we’re here to help carry the burden.

Opening the door, Charlie smiles at both of us, her gaze lingering on mine. “Thank you so much for this. You’ll probably get tired of hearing me say it, but this is honestly the first time I’ve felt hopeful in weeks.”

Stepping into the hallway, Leo inclines his head. “This is what we’re here for. And we’re happy to help.”

“Absolutely.” I echo Leo’s words, truly meaning them as I look into her eyes. “I’m really happy to be able to help.”

We’re all standing in the hallway now, Charlie next to me and Leo on the opposite side of the hallway. I know it’s time to say goodbye, but I’m hesitant. Thinking of Charlie going back into her apartment, all alone, looking at those videos and wondering who would do that to her, crying…

I just feel crappy about it. But there’s no reason to stay. Leo glances at his watch and lifts his chin at me in a silent question—are we ready to go?

Yes. And I’m sure Leo is eager to get home so he can spend some time with Georgia before he has to leave. I’m just about to tell Charlie goodbye, that we’ll see her soon, when a man comes down the hallway toward us.

He looks to be in his late-twenties, has kind of that frat-boy thing going on, popped collar and skinny khakis and sunglasses propped on his head. As he sees us, his expression of self-importance shifts to something more sinister.

As he passes by us, he pauses, turning to Charlie, his features twisting into a sneer. “Bringing your work home with you, Charlie? I hope you made sure to add soundproofing in there. Wouldn’t want to disturb the neighbors, would you?”

She flinches, all the brightness in her eyes dimming at once. Her eyes bounce from this douche to Leo and then me, pink rising in her cheeks. This asshole.

I’m pulling her against me without thinking, looping my arm around her waist, instincts overriding any rational thought—all I know is I need to protect her from this. Charlie may not be in physical danger, but she’s being hurt, just the same.

Leo growls at the douche, and my gaze goes deadly. “Go away,” I snap, “and don’t speak to her again.”

After glancing at both of us, the asshole wisely realizes that any more words may end up in the permanent removal of his tongue, and darts away. He looks back once from the end of the hallway, his smug expression replaced by one of fear. Good.

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