Page 109 of Death Wish

He shook his head. “It’s the third one. The first two were developed for military use. They made copies of the programs before they delivered the originals to the military, made a few changes and sold the program to our enemies. The programs were classified. Now, the feds will have to fight it out among themselves to figure out who gets first crack at Boudreax and Westlake.”

“Huh.”

“One thing I know for sure.”

“What’s that?”

“They’ll never get out of prison with all the crimes the feds have on them.”

“Good.” Didn’t hurt her feelings. They were a menace to society.

“The program Sophie uploaded can’t be used?”

“Without my authorization codes, the program will self-destruct and wipe out the computer to which the program is downloaded. I have a copy in my cloud so the feds can use it as evidence. I also sent copies of the program and all Dragon Alley’s computer files to Zane.”

“You covered all the bases.”

After everyone else exited the jet except for Sam and her husband Joe, Jesse stood and scooped Simone into his arms.

“Need a hand?” Joe asked.

“I’ve got it. Thanks, Joe.”

“Listen to Doc Sorenson,” Sam advised Simone. “He’s cranky but the best trauma surgeon around. You’re in expert hands with him and Jesse.”

“I will. Thanks for everything, Sam, especially the card.”

“I look forward to hearing from you.”

Jesse descended the stairs with Simone cradled in his arms. “What was that about?”

“Sam gave me her contact information in case I wanted to talk.”

“She doesn’t offer that information to many.”

“Why not?”

“Security, and she’s protective of her privacy.”

“That’s nothing new. You all guard your privacy. I’m honored that she trusts me with her phone number.”

One of Sorenson’s men opened the back door to a large SUV. “Need help?” he asked Jesse.

“I’ve got her.”

A nod. “Your gear is in the back.”

“Boudreax and Westlake?”

“In the hands of the feds.”

Simone breathed easier. At least they didn’t have to worry about the DA vice president and her boyfriend anymore. Now, if her ex-boyfriend was that easy to deal with, life would be grand.

The journey to Dr. Sorenson’s clinic didn’t take long. Jesse carried her into the clinic.

Simone glanced around as he took her down a long, well-lit hallway to a treatment room. Along the way, she heard dogs barking and cats meowing. Even a few birds talking and chirping.

Puzzled, she looked at Jesse. “Animals?”

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