Page 63 of King

I scroll through the security program until I find the separate monitor, rolling off data about who is connected and where from.

I watch it for a moment, the text constantly moving over the screen.

Movement. Patio 3. 11:23pm.

Movement. Kitchen. 11:23pm

Movement. Hallway. 11:24pm

I scroll up through the notifications until my throat tightens. There, this is what I wanted to see.

Connection. Internal, home network. Unknown device. 11:01pm.

That must have been me. That’s the time I connected to the system.

I scroll up further and my eyes lock onto the text.

Connection. External, unsecured network. Private. 10:14pm.

I click on the line of text.

The screen blinks next to what looks like an IP address.

Active.

Active.

Active.

Who is it?

Is Giovanni at home? Or is he out somewhere and watching the cameras as well?

How do I find out?

I have the confirmation right in front of me - but I don’t understand what it means.

I swipe my hand across the phone to take a screenshot of the IP address and connection information.

Then I bite at my lip.

If I take it to Giovanni, he will know I have this program installed. If it’s his connection, I’ve blown my cover and I won’t get a chance to find another connection.

He’s already angry with me.

This isn’t enough to prove anything.

I need more evidence. Evidence that can’t be questioned.

With a huff of frustration I throw my phone onto my bed and groan loudly. I need a break. I need a distraction. Something to clear my head.

Outside in the garden the evening air is crisp and cold against my skin.

It’s dark and peaceful and for a moment I close my eyes, taking a slow, deep breath. This is what I needed. Fresh air, a brush of cold to remind me that I’m alive.

My feet make no sound as I walk barefoot through the garden until I’m standing next to the massive swimming pool beneath Giovanni’s balcony, right outside his bedroom.

I turn to look up at the balcony - he’s not there.

---