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SEVEN

“She’s in,” Shephard’s voice crackled through the SUV’s speakers. “Just past security.”

“Good.” He was back at the clubhouse, watching the security feeds he’d tapped into the night before, and he could see her every move. “Any issues?”

“Not that I can see. They just got on the elevator.”

I exhaled slowly, rolling my shoulders. “How does she look?”

“She’s steady.” A pause. “Focused.”

That was Tallie. She had a fire in her. It burned low and steady—a quiet determination that even her father couldn’t smother. But I knew her well enough to know that her nerves were right there on the surface, reminding her that things could take a turn at any second.

“They just made it to the office. He’s taking the tape off now.”

“Anyone else on the floor?”

“Just a security guard and some guy working in a corner office.”

I stared up at the row of windows that stretched across the second floor. One of them belonged to Tallie’s father, and at that moment, she was up there with Detective Joyner, searching forthe code. I knew he was a cop and should’ve been more than capable of keeping her safe, but I hated that I couldn’t be with her.

Grim sat next to me in the passenger seat, and he was drumming his fingers against his thigh in a slow, steady rhythm. Like typical Grim, he was solid and unshaken. He wasn't much for talking, but he didn't need to be. He was there to step in if things went sideways.

“Tallie just went in. Joyner is standing at the door watching.”

“Can you see what she’s doing?”

“No actual cameras in the office. Client privilege and all that.”

“Damn.” I clenched my jaw. “I don’t like this.”

“She’s good. No one on the floor is moving.”

Another long, agonizing pause.

“Hey!” There was no missing the excitement in Shep’s voice when he announced, “She just got the drive put in.”

“That’s great. You gonna be able to access the computer now?”

“Should be. I’ll check as soon as she gets out of there.”

The streets were starting to get busy with morning traffic, and it had me on edge. It was a reminder of how little control I had over how this all played out. While I was pleased that she’d gotten the drive put in, I was ready for this thing to be done.

A few more minutes passed, and then Shep announced, “Alright, they’re headed for the door.”

“She got anything with her?”

“Not that I can tell. Just got on the elevator.”

I held my breath until I heard him say, “Okay. They’re out and coming your way.”

“Good deal. Appreciate your help, brother.”

“That’s what I’m here for. I’ll see you when you get back to the clubhouse.”

“Sure thing.”

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