Page 6 of Wired Strong

“It’s not a joking matter, unfortunately. The task force that’s digging into Security Solutions, looking for evidence that we’re involved with this computer vigilante called the Ghost, has crossed the line into harassment. I’ve been warned that they might take me into custody in order to leverage the fugitive they’re after. Just—keep me prisoner somewhere to try to force him to come for me.”

Her father’s frown was fierce. “Who’s bothering you? I want their names and badge numbers.”

“That’s not important. What is important, is that I need to be sure I’m protected, especially now.” She touched her belly. “I was wondering if I could move back in with you during the months that Momi and Armita are on Kaua`i. I can keep a security detail in the Pendragon Arches apartment next to us when they’re in town, but I want to be extra careful right now, and I feel secure in your apartment.”

Sophie caught an unguarded expression on her father’s face—it looked a lot like guilt, or relief. “Of course, darling.Mi casa es su casa.”

Sophie smoothed her own expression into a neutral mask. Why would her father feel guilty or relieved? She was about to invade his quiet apartment by re-occupying her old room, and bringing two large, rambunctious dogs along with her. “I really appreciate it, Dad. I’m happy to pay rent.”

The ambassador flapped a hand. “Ridiculous. I won’t hear of it. How soon can you come?”

The rest of the dinner passed with conversation about when and how she’d return to his penthouse apartment and her room there; Frank’s semi-retirement was not proceeding rapidly, but he swore he’d try to be in Honolulu when she was at his place. “I want to be a part of this new baby’s life, from the very beginning.”

She’d take his words at face value. She really couldn’t afford to probe for the mixed emotions her father no doubt had about her situation; feelings she continued to deal with herself. “Thanks so much, Dad. You’re always there for me.”

A flash of that expression again, quickly hidden. “Of course.”

Sophie went on. “Furthermore, I’d like to volunteer to be your plus-one at any diplomatic dinners or events you have coming up. I want to be seen on your arm—that’s the safest place I can be, right now.”

Her father’s smile was genuine this time. “Excellent. I happen to have a fundraiser dinner at Iolani Palace coming up, and I’d love to show you off.”

Sophie’s presence in his apartment was no doubt going to interfere with the ladies he spent time with, but Frank didn’t seem to mind—and Sophie couldn’t afford to worry about that. “I’ll come to your place tomorrow, Dad, and we can figure out where everything goes.”

Chapter Five

Raveaux

Day 2

Private investigator Pierre Raveauxfollowed Kendall Bix into the Security Solutions’ CEO’s office. The president of operations seated himself at the small round conference table. The CEO, Sophie Smithson, sat behind her executive desk in the corner. When she looked up at them, Raveaux saw puffy dark circles under her beautiful brown eyes. Three months after her fiancé’s death, it still looked like she was crying herself to sleep every night.

“I’m not interested in any new cases,” she told Bix sharply. “I’ve got my hands full dealing with this FBI multi-agency probe.”

“We need to carry on with business as usual.” Bix was calm, assertive, and well-groomed, as always. He opened a slim laptop. “Trying to anticipate the task force’s moves is driving us all nuts. Staying busy with a new case will keep our minds off of whatever shenanigans they’re dreaming up to capture the Ghost. We need to keep working.”

“I disagree.” Sophie clicked her mouse a final time. Raveaux noted her crisp white button-down shirt, worn over a pair of stretchy black dress pants with pearls at her ears—she looked fresh and professional, even though her eyes were tired and sad. She joined them at the table. “What do you think, Pierre?”

“I get to have an opinion?” Raveaux felt that unfamiliar tug to his mouth that meant he’d almost smiled. “I’m growing a bit stale on the Jack Reacher novels. Another case to take my mind off the tourists cavorting in my backyard would not be amiss.”

“Cavorting. I like that.” Sophie’s dimple made an appearance. “All right then, since Pierre is in favor of us taking another job, let’s hear what you’ve got for us, Bix.”

Bix harrumphed. “This is strictly a white-collar job; nobody’s going to be getting their hands dirty or fleeing a volcanic eruption on this one—but it’s sensitive. Needs a diplomatic touch and tech skills. This is why I want my two senior investigators to work it, since there will likely be a need for forensic computer investigation. The client is actually waiting down in my office, hoping to meet with the two of you.” Bix turned the monitor of his laptop, so that they could see the logo of one of the premier privately funded schools in Hawaii. “Are you familiar with Kama`aina Schools?”

“Somewhat. They specialize in delivering college preparatory education to primarily Hawaiian children,” Sophie said. “They’ve got deep pockets that aren’t filled by parents—the schools are funded by a land trust created by the Hawaiian monarchy at the turn of the century. Those funds come from the lease fees of major properties owned by the trust in downtown Honolulu.”

“Correct so far,” Bix affirmed. “This new client is an independent auditor who has been hired by the Board of Directors for Kama`aina Schools. The board suspects there has been some kind of embezzling of the trust.”

“Why are we working with the auditor and not the board?” Raveaux straightened the pleat in his slacks and cocked an ankle over one knee, settling in.

“The endowment funding the schools is in the millions of dollars every month. The bookkeeping is overseen by a very well-respected accounting firm. Until recently, if there were any concerns, they were kept tightly under wraps and dealt with between the board and the firm. Recently, though, one of the board members with a background in accounting has made enough fuss to get an independent audit approved. That auditor has come to us on her own initiative to ask for help.”

“That is unusual.” Sophie reached back to pick up her electronic tablet off the corner of her desk. Her fingers flew over it as she made notes. “Why would the auditor want to work with a firm like us? We don’t specialize in forensic accounting.”

“I think we should let her present that herself, but the two of you have the unique skills we’ll need to assist her in this audit. One of you should work directly with the auditor and interface with the players in the case—Raveaux can play that part nicely. Sophie, you can run computer analysis on everything our intrepid investigators get access to and bring in. Between the two of you, you should be able to provide our client the support she’s looking for.”

“Call the client to join us,” Sophie said. “My curiosity is piqued.”

“Your wish is my command, boss lady.” Bix gave an ironic lift of his brow.

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