Page 14 of Hacker Identified

I poured us each a glass of wine before I sat down across from her. "No, but I didn't know what you liked or didn't like."

"So, you ordered the entire menu?"

"This isn't everything they have to offer, so if you want something else, I can order it from room service."

"I think this twenty-course meal is enough."

I nodded. "Before we talk about your planned escape, I want to tell you how beautiful you look. I understand the complete change of appearance, but you were stunning with your curly brown hair and no makeup. Do you like the new color?"

Hannah poked her fork into the Caesar salad and took a couple of bites. I didn't rush her. The marriage license office didn't close until midnight.

"Yes. Thank you, Darlene showed me how to cover my scar, so if I stay, I'll make sure to do that before we are seen in public."

Early on, I had learned from my sister to be careful when commenting about makeup. Except I wouldn't lie to Hannah or hold back.

"She did a nice job, but I hate that it covers up the freckles on your cheek and your scar." She went to open her mouth, and I held up my hand. "That is my opinion. I won't say shit I don't mean, and I expect the same back. Before I discuss the plan, you want to tell me why you tried to leave without a word to me?"

Even with the layer of makeup, Hannah's cheeks turned a deep red.

She stabbed at her salad for a while before she answered. "I panicked when I caught a glimpse of Sophie's laptop."

Sophie could have a million different things on her laptop, but I think I knew what she'd hacked into. I grabbed a fry from one of the plates and popped it into my mouth.

"And what did Sophie say when you asked what she was doing?"

Hannah set her fork down on the table. "I didn't ask. When I was leaving to come back over here, I spotted the video feed from my apartment and someone inside. Which made me think you sent someone to my house."

"I did."

Her mouth dropped open. "That's all you are giving me?"

"No." My phone vibrated on the table, and I glanced down to see Angie's name flash on the screen. I figured it was news about the plans they pulled. She could wait. I tapped the decline button.

"These short answers are annoying." Hannah paused when another call came through. "You need to get that? Seems like Angie needs you."

I bit my lower lip to stop the smile. When she said Angie's name, it almost sounded like there was a hint of jealousy.

"Nothing matters but you. Everything else can wait. We will discuss your apartment soon, but let's start with your phone. We were able to ID the man who snatched it from the sidewalk. Art is supposed to be en route to retrieve the device."

"You think he will be able to recover it?"

Art's specialty was terrorist interrogation. He’d spent ten years in special forces before joining the secret service. He never spoke about his time in the military or the months he worked at the Black Hole, a prison for the worst men and women. I didn’t tell Hannah any of that.

"Yes. Now the next part is going to be hard—please don't be mad at Sophie. I told her not to tell you anything. My goal was for you to have fun and not stress about everything happening."

Hannah pushed her salad bowl to the side. "My life is in shambles. They tried to distract me, but I can't just forget about what is happening. I really want to know why you sent someone to my apartment?"

"I wish you would eat more first."

"Spill it."

"Twenty minutes after my announcement to the press, Tray Gibson was in a serious car crash. He's out of intensive care, and I hired a couple of men to stand guard outside his room."

"Oh no…This is all my fault," Hannah whispered.

"Come here." I opened my arms and waited until she sat on my lap. "We don't know if the accident had anything to do with you. For starters, the timing was too quick. Neal has a few calls out, but we think the wreck is linked to one of his other cases."

Hannah relaxed against my chest and rested her head on my shoulder.

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