Page 25 of Shadowed Hearts: Frost
I check the conference registration again, and there it is—confirmation of his attendance, listed under the credentials I created for his invitation. My stomach does a little flip. In less than seven hours, I'll see him again. Not behind a counter, not through a screen, but face to face.
I pull up the conference schedule, my eyes tracking to the cybersecurity panel where I'll make contact. Three experts discussing threat detection and prevention—the perfect backdrop for our meeting. I've memorized their backgrounds, their published papers, every detail that might come up in discussion.
Sleep is impossible now. The familiar hyper-focus takes over, my brain racing down multiple paths simultaneously.
I need to be ready. For Asher.
seven
Asher
Afternoon light pours through the convention center's glass ceiling. Too much light, too many shadows. Perfect cover for anyone watching me. I keep my pace relaxed while my eyes track each face, each corner, each potential ambush point.
My tailored jacket conceals both my weapon and my true purpose. I adjust my tie, the movement natural enough to avoid suspicion. The Bluetooth earpiece nestled in my ear connects me to my team.
"Perimeter check," I murmur, appearing to adjust my collar while speaking to no one.
Jax's voice comes through, low and clear. "East entrance locked down tight. Still hunting our digital ghost, but damn—half these guys look like they code in their sleep. Should I check who's got the most energy drink stains or just follow the trail of Cheetos dust?"
I suppress the urge to roll my eyes at his commentary. Classic Nitro. Always trying to ease tense situations with humor.
"Current position gives me seventeen seconds to any exit," I respond, pausing at a display showcasing quantum encryption technology. The irony doesn't escape me.
Here we are hunting a hacker at a cybersecurity conference. Like looking for a needle that keeps moving through the haystack.
Cole's calm voice cuts through my thoughts. "Digital signature detected in the network, similar pattern to yesterday's breach. They're probing the conference system."
I quickly punch in a specific response pattern on my device. Three short, one long. Acknowledged, proceeding.
I navigate between clusters of tech executives, nodding at appropriate moments in their conversations while my eyes never stop moving.
"Our target knows we're here." I keep my voice low and barely move my lips, knowing my earpiece can pick up my voice through my skull. With the background noise of the event, no one should be able to hear what I'm saying. "This is deliberate. A challenge."
"Or a trap," Jax adds. "Either way, fun times ahead."
"Maintain position."
Something about this hacker, this "Echo," feels different. Most targets run when they sense us coming. This one is running toward us, leaving breadcrumbs, playing chess instead of hide and seek.
Refreshing.
The thought surprises me, and I immediately shut it down. Misplaced respect for an adversary is dangerous.
I drift toward a quantum encryption display, appearing interested while securing visual coverage of three entry points. To anyone watching, I'm just another tech enthusiast.
Cole's voice suddenly sharpens in my ear. "We've got an active intrusion into the security system. Someone's accessing the camera feeds. East quadrant. They're here, Frost."
The hair on my neck rises. Not fear. Anticipation. I turn toward the east section, maintaining my cover as an interested attendee while my gaze methodically sweeps each face.
"Moving to intercept," I murmur, charting the most efficient path through the crowd toward the panel area.
My body shifts into hunter mode. Shoulders relaxed, stride purposeful without drawing attention. I nod at a passing executive, maintaining my cover while mentally calculating distances, escape routes, and optimal positioning.
"I'm repositioning to the west exit." Jax's voice is in my ear. "If they run, I'll cut them off. Try not to scare them away with that charming personality of yours."
The panel setup appears standard; rows of chairs facing a raised stage with presentation screens. I take in my surroundings. Three primary exits, with approximately seventy seats arranged in a semi-circle, and fourteen people already seated.
The stage offers no cover, making it a poor defensive position. I opt for the third row, off-center, which provides clear sightlines and multiple exit paths.
