Page 48 of Enticing the Fixer

“Kinsley, I’m impressed. You’re a solid businesswoman. I’ve dealt with previous data breaches, and their response was haphazard at best. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not naïve enough to think that you care more about my bottom line than I do, but your response restores my confidence in your father’s business. Your business.”

Heat covers my cheeks. Mrs. Langley has been a customer of my fathers for years. Her support means a lot. Not everyone has been as excited to keep working with us after my dad died. “Thank you so much. I appreciate it.”

“I’ll talk to you later.” All the hostility has disappeared from her voice.

“You’ll receive an email with all the details. It will be in a secure link with a separate email, including your user ID. You’ll be prompted to set a password and unique image.”

“Thank you, Dear. That’s fantastic.”

After I hang up, I spin in my chair.Thank you, Leo.I have no idea what half of what I said means, but if it works, we’re good.

I rise from the chair and scan the horizon. In the distance, an airplane banks to the left as it prepares to land. The sky is overcast, giving the atmosphere a dreary tone.

Behind me, the doorknob twists, and Valeria says, “I saw that you were off the phone. Is it safe?”

“Yes.” I spin on my heel. Her head is poked between the door jamb and my office.

“Can I come in?”

“Sure. I’ve got a few reports ready for you to send.” I brush my hand over my skirt.

She snaps the door shut and marches across the floor with her heels click on the tile. “Was Mrs. Langley satisfied with the company’s plan to mitigate the problem?”

“Yes, she was pleased.”

Her shoulders sag as she sighs, “Perfect. I’ve fielded several calls and emails this morning. Hiring someone to monitor the client’s data and to help restore any credit issues was brilliant.”

“Thank you.” It’s kind of nice to have someone say something nice about how I’m running thigs. “Now, if we can figure out who’s responsible.”

She shuffles her feet in front of my desk. “Do you think you’ll be able to?”

Leo’s image flashes into my head. The man is a miracle worker. I might not know him well, but if I had to guess, if he makes his mind up about something, it’s going to happen.

“Yes. Yes, I do.”

Her eyes widen as she clasps her hands together in front of her. “How?”

“How isn’t important.” I pick up two folders from my desk. “What’s important is that we will discover who’s behind the data breach and prosecute the person or persons responsible.”

I have no doubt that Leo will move mountains to discover the IP address of the computer the culprit used. From there, he can monitor surveillance and discover who had access to that terminal.

Once he puts two and two together, he’ll have his suspect, and I can rid myself of one of my evil forces. Next up is the board of directors. Shit. And the missing money. How do I keep forgetting about that episode of the shitshow?

Chapter Twenty-Two

Leo

After two hours, I’ve programmed new firewall protection for Kinsley’s entire operation and dodged Carla’s advances more times than I want to count. She’s like a rat terrier jumping around the feet of someone walking down the street.

I could have installed the firewall in thirty minutes–that’s how persistent she is. Thankfully, she’s left for lunch. I shut down my computer and walk over to Keith’s office. The administrative assistant’s desk remains empty for the second day. I’m beginning to think Shannon is a figment of everyone’s imagination.

After I knock on the doorframe, he jumps and grasps his chest. “Shit, man. I didn’t hear you.” The scent of cinnamon and fir trees fills the air. Interesting combination for late summer.

“Sorry. Next time, I’ll wear louder shoes.”

“Right.” The tips of his ears turn red. He’s an older, slender man with dark hair graying at the temples. I’ve spoken to him a couple of times today but have not had a lengthy conversation. Now’s my chance to find out a little about office politics.

“So, what’s the deal with Shannon?” I lean my bicep against the jamb.

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