Page 73 of Rescuing Sophia

A picture forms in my mind.

“It can’t be.”

But even as I try to deny it, I know. Deep in my gut, I know.

With shaking hands, I pull out my phone and dial Ethan’s number. Jenna watches me intently, concern etched on her face.

“Ethan,” I start, my voice steadier than I feel. “I know the source of the breach.”

“What do you mean? What have you found?” Ethan’s voice is tense on the other end of the line.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation I never thought I’d have to have. “It’s... it’s Sophia. She’s behind the breaches.”

“Sophia?” By the tone of Ethan’s voice, he doesn’t believe me.“That’s a serious accusation. What makes you think that?”

I run a hand through my hair, pacing as I speak. “A few days ago, I lost my badge. I didn’t report it because…” I pause, embarrassment coloring my words. “Because Sophia told me it would probably show up, and I didn’t want to get ripped by the guys. The very next day, it showed up under the bed.”

“And you’re just telling me this now?” There’s an edge to Ethan’s voice.

“I know, I know. I screwed up. But that’s not all.” I swallow hard, forcing myself to continue. “I just found out from Jenna that Sophia’s been calling out sick from work for the past couple of days. But she’s been leaving the apartment with me every morning like normal.”

The silence on the other end of the line is deafening. When Ethan speaks again, his voice is low and serious. “Blake, are you absolutely sure about this?”

“No.” The word tastes bitter in my mouth. “But there are too many coincidences. The timing of the breaches, her lying about being at work, my missing badge... It all adds up to something I don’t want to believe but can’t ignore.”

Ethan takes a deep breath. “Okay. Here’s what we’re going to do. I’m calling Mitzy right now. We need to track every place your badge has logged access during those 24 hours.”

“Agreed. I’m heading back to the apartment. Sophia’s not at work, and I have a feeling... I need to check if she’s there.”

“Be careful, Blake,” Ethan warns. “If your suspicions are correct, we don’t know what we’re dealing with. Don’t confront her alone if she’s there.”

“I won’t.” I run a hand down my face, feeling like shit. “I’ll call you as soon as I know anything.”

I’m off the call before he can say anything else. The need to confirm my suspicions, to find some evidence that I’m wrong, drives me forward.

“I’m coming with you.” Jenna steps around the counter, determination in her stance.

Before I can protest, she’s already on her phone. “Carter? It’sJenna. I need you to meet us…” She pauses, then continues. “Me and Blake. It’s about Sophia.”

I turn to leave, nearly colliding with a customer entering the shop. The bell chimes again as I push through the door, the cool air hitting me like a physical force after the warmth of the café.

Jenna and I leave The Grind, the cheerful atmosphere now feeling like a distant memory. Jenna fills me in as we walk.

“Carter’s going to meet us halfway,” she says. “He was already in the area.”

True to her word, we spot Carter about halfway to the apartment. His face is a mask of concern as he jogs up to us.

“Blake? What’s going on?” Carter’s eyes search mine, worry evident in his expression.

I give him a quick rundown as we continue toward the apartment. By the time we reach the building, Carter’s face is a mixture of disbelief and shock.

“There has got to be more going on.” He shakes his head, trying to figure this shit out. “Sophia would never?—”

“I no longer know what she may or may not have done.”

My hands shake as I fumble with the keys, the lock finally gives way with a soft click.

“Sophia?” My voice echoes in the quiet apartment, hope and dread warring in my chest.

---