Page 149 of Shadowed Vows: Ghost
I shoot him a warning glare. "What did you find?"
I nod at Cole, my mind still buzzing from the encounter with Alina. "Alright, what have you got?"
Cole's eyes dart to the door Alina just exited, a hint of amusement in his expression. "Well, I know my assignment was to analyze the tech mogul's security requests, but I stumbled onto something else while digging into Steele's operations."
My interest piques. "Go on."
"I found some encrypted communications suggesting someone called 'Echo' has been systematically hacking Draven's systems. They're good—really good. But they've left just enough of a trail for me to track them to the Sacramento."
I lean back in my chair, processing this new information. "Interesting. Any idea who they are or what they're after?"
Cole shakes his head. "Not yet. But whoever it is, they were causing Steele some serious headaches and seem to be harassing whoever's left in his network. Could be a potential ally... or a major threat."
I tap my fingers on the desk, weighing our options. "We can't risk leaving an unknown player in the game. Especially not one with that level of skill."
A plan starts forming in my mind. I reach for the intercom. "Asher, I need you in my office. Now."
While we wait for Asher, I turn back to Cole. "Good work. Keep digging. I want to know everything you can find about this 'Echo'."
Cole nods and starts tapping away at his tablet. A few minutes later, Asher walks in, his face impassive as always.
"You called, boss?"
I gesture for him to take a seat. "We've got a new priority target. Cole, brief him."
As Cole explains what he's found, I watch Asher's reaction carefully. His expression barely changes, but I catch the slight narrowing of his eyes—a sign he's intrigued.
When Cole finishes, I lean forward.
"Asher, I'm redirecting you from your current assignment. I need you to track down this 'Echo' in Sacramento. Find out who they are, what they know, and eliminate the threat."
Asher raises an eyebrow. "Eliminate? Are we sure that's necessary?"
I understand his hesitation. We don't take termination lightly. "For now, your primary objectiveis intelligence gathering. But be prepared for any scenario. This hacker could have information that puts our entire operation at risk."
He nods, accepting the assignment. "Understood. When do I leave?"
"As soon as possible," I reply. "Cole will send you all the intel we have. Keep me updated on your progress."
As Asher stands to leave, a thought occurs to me. "And Asher? Be careful. Anyone who can hack Steele's systems like this isn't to be underestimated."
"Never do," he responds with a hint of a smirk before exiting the office.
I turn back to Cole. "Keep monitoring the situation. If you find anything else, I want to know immediately."
Cole nods, his fingers already flying over his tablet. "On it, boss."
As he leaves, I lean back in my chair, my mind racing. This 'Echo' could be a game-changer. But I'm confident Asher can handle the situation, whether they're an asset or a liability.
forty-four
Epilogue : Alina
"Honey, are you sure you're safe? This new job of yours sounds... intense."
I pace across the sleek hardwood floors of the penthouse, my phone in my hand. Mom's voice cuts through the speaker, filled with concern, but also curiosity.
Biting my lip, I choose my words carefully. "I promise I'm okay, Mom. The security firm is legit, and I'm learning so much."
