Page 33 of Cause of Action

“Because you’re beautiful, naked, and in my pool. What man wouldn’t stare at that? Who are you, Morgan Ashley, and where did you come from?”

I stayed in the water, my head only above the surface.

“You know I’m from New York.”

“Are you really, though?” He swam over to me.

“Yes.” I narrowed my eyes at him.

“So, your parents live there also?”

“My father is dead, and my mother took off when I was eight. She resurfaced six years later when she finally got her meds straightened out.”

“Her meds?”

“She’s bi-polar. She thought she could return and fix our relationship, which worked for a while. Then she took off again.”

“Do you talk to her?” he asked.

“Here and there, but not too much. I prefer it that way, and she knows it. She lives in Maine now in a cute little Cape Cod home with her husband, Phil, who is a doctor. I met him once. He seems like a good guy.”

“And your father? How and when did he pass away?”

“Fourteen years ago. I was sixteen. He had a massive heart attack at home, and it was too late by the time the paramedics got there,” I lied.

“If you were only sixteen, who cared for you?”

“My Uncle Louie. He’s not really my uncle, but he was my dad’s best friend. He was always around and helping out after my mother disappeared.”

“Tell me where you learned to hack. Because I don’t know anyone who can do the things you do.”

I needed to tread this conversation carefully.

“I guess you could say I was born with it.” A smirk crossed my lips. “My father was a technical genius. So, I guess I inherited it from him.”

“I see.” He sounded unsure if he believed me.

“I’m guessing you didn’t go to college?”

“I went to college.”

“Where did you attend?”

“Harvard.”

His eyes filled with surprise. “Harvard? What did you study?”

“Computer science and computer engineering with a minor in psychology.”

“Wow. That’s impressive. Damn. I had no idea I was sleeping with a Harvard graduate.” He smiled. “I have afriend who went to Harvard. His name is Miles Bradshaw. Perhaps you know him.”

My belly twisted in a knot.

“I never heard of him. I wish I could say I knew every student who attended Harvard, but I don’t.”

“Ah, that’s too bad. You would like him. He’s a great guy.”

I needed to turn this conversation around and fast.

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