Page 9 of Hacker Beloved

“Kat is glued to her kids all the time…well, until a case that interests her comes up. Then my nieces and nephews go to my parents' house. You will hear us complain about her, but I will deny these words ever left my mouth. My brother and I served together and started AA Security, but I would choose Kat to have my six on any mission, even over my twin. In time you will learn about Kat’s background, but for now, let’s talk more about what that fucker said.”

"All this sounds like a lot, and you are having more people from your company help. I think we should really discuss the cost," I said, tears threatening to spill from my eyes. Nobody had ever been this kind to me or wanted to help me before.

Asher’s hand shot out and grabbed mine. "I told you from the start this is free.” His thumb caressed the side of my thumb.

CJ nodded, taking her other hand in his. His touch was gentle and reassuring. "Antonio and Asher take cases pro bono all the time. They overcharge the government and celebrities to keep the bills paid. Furthermore, Kat likes you, and if we would even think of charging you, she would feed us to her pet gators in her backyard." CJ chuckled.

I couldn’t hold back a giggle. “I only talked to Kat a few times. I know you’re joking, but she would seem like someone who might have pet alligators.”

“He’s not joking. My sister-in-law has gators living in her backyard.” Asher ran his hand through his hair. “But we can talk about Kat later. Tell me what else happened.”

"He wore a mask the entire time and had a black box over his mouth that altered his voice,” I said.

Asher popped the last bite of his sandwich into his mouth. "So the killer could be a woman," he said, his voice firm.

"There is only a fifteen percent chance it’s a woman. We could ask Jessica for more statistics, but I think woman killers use poisons more than knives." CJ countered.

I had tunnel vision when researching, assuming the killer was a man. “You’re right, but the people who’ve died didn’t die from stabbings. The original death was a heart attack. That’s why the police never investigated. Wouldn’t that point toward a woman?”

CJ leaned forward. "Yes and no. I’m trying to figure out the right way to say this without it sounding bad."

“I love it when you stick your foot in your mouth,” Asher smirked.

“You’re close to five foot eight with beautiful curves.”

Asher burst out laughing. “Honey, let me save you from yourself. From the report I read, a male was murdered, and he was well over two hundred pounds. Let’s say this killer took the other victims to the same location he took you. Even if the person moved the vehicle close to the door, it’s a long way to carry a body.”

“So, you’re both saying I’m too fat for a woman to carry, and it has to be a man?” I bit my lip from smiling.

CJ’s eyes widened, “Those words never left my mouth. For the record, I think your body is perfect. Times like this are why I prefer to sit behind the computer. Then I can’t put my foot in my mouth.”

“She’s teasing you,” Asher said. “What else can you tell us about him?”

The image of my parents' death flashed through my mind. “He knew about my childhood and claimed to have information on my sister. Links to my past aren’t easy to find.”

“You grew up in southern California. Wanye and Raine Solace are your parents, and they still live in the house you grew up in. You didn’t have any brothers or sisters.” CJ recounted my life as if he was reading from a report.

“That’s not completely correct.” I kept my gaze on my half-eaten sandwich. For years I’d told the story of my childhood, but nobody believed my story about the night my parents died. “Wanye and Raine adopted me. When I was eight, my parents were killed and my sister, Jasmin went missing. But if you read the police report, it’s not the same description of what happened that night. The officer swore my baby sister was killed by my father before killing my mother and himself.”

“The background on you has medical records and birth records linked to a California hospital,” CJ paused. “I've seen faked identities, and yours is close to perfect. Foster care doesn’t dish out new identities like that.”

I shrugged, not understanding everything that happened all those years ago. “The only thing that changed was my last name,” I replied.

Asher crossed his arms over his naked chest. “Tomorrow CJ will dig into your past. Maybe this person left a breadcrumb when they researched your life. Or when they looked into your sister. But it’s getting late, and we should all head to bed.”

“Wait. Breadcrumbs like Hansel and Gretel,” I asked as I held up my hand.

CJ chuckled, “you don’t need to raise your hand to ask a question. Breadcrumb as in a digital trail on the internet.

“Oh, I guess that makes more sense. I need to head home tomorrow and get my equipment. He said I had to run a new podcast with a case he chooses, or I would get punished.”

“Asher can run to your house to get your stuff while we stay here and do research.”

“It would be easier if I go with you. I know what I need,” I countered. There was no way I would let a man dig through my underwear drawer and pack for me.

Asher ran his hand through his hair. “You need to listen to every word I say. Going home tomorrow is dangerous as fuck.”

With a deep sigh of relief, I released my breath. For a second, I thought I would have to argue my case further. “Thank you.”

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