“Have you made any progress at Veridian?” Holly asked.
Cody picked up a bottle of water and took a sip. “I’m on what they call the DDI team. The Deep Dive Initiative is one of the most secured and top-secret ventures within Veridian. A woman on the team put together a pretty good dossier on me and the other new recruit, Paul. I believe my cover is safe. If she knows of my connection to the Sinclair family, she didn’t divulge it. I suspect they are doing some illegal surveillance. I’ll know more next week and will report back.”
Lila’s eyes widened. “I’m one of Veridian’s attorneys. I’ve been in meetings about Veridian acquiring other companies but at no time have they discussed they were being pursued.” She paced the length of the room. “As their attorney, I have a duty to protect the company. Now that I have knowledge that Cody, one of their employees, may be smuggling out secrets, what am I supposed to do? I could get disbarred.”
Reid nodded. “This is why we didn’t want you to know. But now that both your lives have been threatened, we don’t want either of you to be in the dark.”
“I can’t worry about my career.” Lila ended her trek through the room next to Cody. “I’ll always have a place in my father’s company. If Veridian is as powerful as you say, and Lance gets his claws on that technology, he will be unstoppable. It’s time to fight fire with fire.”
Cody nodded. “I agree.” As his gaze met Lila’s, his heart lurched. He’d screwed up before, but he’d do anything to keep her from being hurt again. As images bombarded him of a teenaged Lila being tossed into a van, he clenched his jaw. Never again. He purged the image, knowing full well it was never far from mind. “Before we continue, I want to apologize for throwing a fissure into our group.” He exhaled. “Lila and I talked, and we’ve decided to put our past behind us for the sake of this mission.”
“I’m sorry, too.” Lila steeled her back. “We never should have put this team in the middle. Our personal troubles belong on the backburner.”
“Thanks, guys.” Reid smiled. “Lila, review what you know about Lance’s case and HTP’s role, please.”
“The attorney of record for Lance was his personal counselor, Archie Williams. We know Lance’s legal team was led by a former HTP attorney, also Archie Williams, who died of a heart attack three years ago. Most of the other attorneys on his defense team, at least those known to the public, are either retired or dead, but there are others including those in the Justice Department who helped grease the wheels to keep any charges from materializing. Maybe the person Jack met with gave him the files, hoping he’d bring them to light or he consulted this person for more information. Although I can’t prove it, I’m certain Jack wasn’t corrupt. I believe he found out who at HTP was helping Lance and that got him killed.”
“Seems plausible,” Justin said.
“If you’ll flip to the last page, you’ll see a handwritten note.”
Paper rustled as everyone turned pages.
“Who is this Garvin Jennings person?” Marissa asked.
“Lila and I did some research on Garvin Jennings,” Cody said. “We believe we’ve located him right here in Texas, on the outskirts of Dallas.” Cody explained how they found Jennings. “We need to talk to him.” He glanced out the rear patio door, before turning back to the group.
Adam exhaled and leaned forward. “I’m not comfortable going in blind. We don’t know anything about Jennings. News regarding a baking award isn’t enough.”
“I agree,” Reid said. “We can’t take unnecessary risks.”
Lila’s gaze shifted from Reid to Cody. “If Jennings is the person Jack met with, I can’t believe he would tell me to find him only for it to be a trap. I believe we have the evidence that the state and Feds failed to use.”
“Adam, is there any way you can get more information about Jennings?” Holly asked.
“I’ll see what I can find. I’m looking forward to delving into this file.” He tapped the folder.
Marissa scooted forward on the sofa and eyed Lila. “I don’t mean to be a wet blanket, but do we know this evidence is solid?”
“I believe it is, but everyone needs to weed through the documents. Authenticated transcripts are included showing Lance told someone to plant the bombs in Carson’s lab and also gave the go-ahead to abduct Carson’s friend.”
“My sister will learn she can’t run from me. I am the Grand Commander and she will obey,” Carson read the passage then sucked in a breath. “He’s so evil.”
Lila reclaimed her spot on the sofa. “There’s also the curious reaction to Jack’s death from some of the HTP partners.” She explained Mr. Talcott’s repeated warnings to keep her mouth shut, and Hilary offering her legal services. Lila even described the photo of Lance in Steve Dorman’s office.
“How was it when you saw Lance at the benefit?” Holly asked.
“Shocking, like a gut punch,” Lila said.
“I want Lance to pay for what he did.” Carson massaged her temples as if warding off a headache. “He killed the woman who was more like mother to me than my own. He came within seconds of killing my friend, and he blew up my lab. Aunt Vivian almost killed Marissa and Justin; Reid, and everyone else was threatened by Ivan, and now Lance. His wife just had a son. I have no doubt Lance will pass on the principles of The Order to his son. We have to stop this pattern of evil. Please be careful everyone.”
Cody pushed off the wall. “I agree with Lila—it’s time to put our plan, Operation Chaos, into action. We need to put pressure on Lance and every member of The Order we can find. Expose them and watch them squirm.”
Chapter 19
As night fell, the men checked the outside integrity of the house again while the women drifted together in one of the bedrooms.
Marissa sighed as she ended a call to her mother. “I miss Isabella, but my parents love having her under their roof.” She swiped her phone for the latest photo of her two-year-old. Everyone gathered around the photo of the beaming toddler sitting on Justin’s lap. Lila couldn’t help but smile at the beautiful child who had Marissa’s green eyes and Justin’s light-brown hair.
The women discussed their jobs, married life, and weddings for the next several minutes. Lila listened but had no frame of reference. Entering that stage of life didn’t seem in the cards for her.
Carson nudged Lila. “I saw the way Cody looked at you. Have you guys had a chance to talk?”
Lila sat on the floor and leaned against the bed “Not really. He tried. I thanked him for getting me out of the lake. I wasn’t ready to talk. It was a humiliating time.”
“He’s definitely grown from a boy into man.” Marissa grinned.
“It’s obvious he still loves you, but how do you feel about him?” Holly plopped on the floor beside her.
Was it obvious? “Maybe we can be friends, but nothing more than that.” Lila changed the subject to Carson and Adam’s upcoming wedding. Thankful the women eased back into talk of dresses and cake flavors.
Minutes later, they quieted when a knock interrupted their conversation. Lila unfolded herself from the floor and opened the door. Her heart hitched when she faced Cody.
“Thought you may want these for tonight.” He handed her two nightlights, one in the shape of star and the other resembling a cat.
Lila’s mouth dropped opened as she stared at the nightlights then shifted her gaze to Cody. “Thanks.”
He nodded and disappeared around the corner.
Lila shut the door and turned.
“Aww,” her friends said in unison.
Marissa had a hand on her heart. A sappy grin splayed across Carson’s face, and Holly nodded in approval.
“Shut up.” But Lila couldn’t stop a tiny grin from erupting. She hoped her friends didn’t see that her heart had opened for Cody—just a little.
Lila sat up in bed, grimacing as the expected soreness lit into her. After massaging her shoulders and rolling her neck, she climbed out of bed. She’d also expected nightmares
to challenge her sleep, but thanks to exhaustion she’d slept without any terrifying intrusions.
After a quick shower and change, she ambled into the kitchen, she found Cody and Adam huddled over their laptops, coffee cups in hand.
“You look more rested this morning,” Adam said.
“I am.”
Cody glanced up. “Morning. Coffee is ready. I went out earlier and bought bagels and muffins. Help yourself.”
“Thanks.” She crossed the kitchen and poured a cup but with a shaky stomach she refrained from taking anything to eat. Seconds later, voices filled the kitchen as everyone else filed into the room.
With plates full, they gathered around the kitchen table with some sitting at the nearby island.
Adam placed his coffee mug on the table. “Cody and I did some digging into the Garvin Jennings here in Texas. Turns out he is a retired attorney who worked for HTP.”
Lila furrowed her brows. “I searched the files and never saw Jennings on our roster of attorneys, past or current.”
“I can’t explain that, but we searched the Texas bar database and there he was.” Cody closed his laptop. “We couldn’t find a phone number but we have an address.” Cody folded his arms over his chest.
“I should be the one to talk to him. I’m an HTP attorney and perhaps that connection will facilitate conversation. And I think I should go alone,” Lila said.
A chorus of disagreement hit her.
Reid held up his hand. “It’s too dangerous for you to go in alone.”
“I’ll go with her.” Cody stood, ambled to the counter, and plucked a blueberry muffin off the platter. “Too many people could spook him.”
“Agreed. But give Adam and me another day to look into this guy. We want as much intel on him as we can find before we play this card.”
“I don’t want to miss work today, but I can leave this afternoon,” Cody said.
“Lila, are you up for this? You suffered a concussion, and I don’t want you pushing yourself.” Justin eyed her from across the room.
“I’m sore but my head is good.” Lila turned to Cody. “What about you?”
“I’m good.”
Two hours later, Cody placed his right hand on the biometric screen and lifted his eye to align with the retinal scanner. His credentials verified; the thick door slid open. As soon as he stepped into the hive, he winced as the knocking on his skull started. Every cell inside him screamed something about this place wasn’t right.
“Hey, if it isn’t the DDI’s own superhero,” Sher said with a grin.
Cody wrinkled his forehead and ignored her. He wasn’t in the mood for snide comments.
“Green! Rick and Tally want to see you,” Paul said with a smug smile. “They’re waiting in Rick’s office.”
Cody suppressed a groan as he trudged toward Rick’s office.
“Come in.” Rick waved him into a chair.
Tally sat in the other chair, her long legs stretched out in front of her. She didn’t look up and instead focused on the papers in her hand.
“I trust you had an enjoyable time at the benefit.” Rick painted on a grin that screamed fake.
Warning alarms blared inside Cody. “Yes, it was a nice affair. I’m glad to help with the charity. I’ll return the tux this afternoon.” Cody waited for the niceties to end.
“Good. And no problem on the tux.” Rick sat back in his chair. “How’s your arm?” He nodded to the bandage.
Rick didn’t ask how he’d been injured. His question implied he already knew. “Just a few stitches. I’ll live.” Rick was going to have to work for whatever he wanted.
“Good.”
Tally straightened. “So, you’re a hero, I suppose.”
Cody lost patience with the conversation. “Why did you want to see me?”
“We know you saved that woman who went into the lake.” Tally rejected beating around the bush, as well.
“Yeah. So? Some asshole caused the accident. I was there. I helped. What’s that got to do with my job here?” Hot blood boiled inside him. Had someone been following him, too?
“You are part of a highly specialized team. We don’t want our members maiming themselves or worse.” Rick folded both hands on top of his desk.
“I’m fine.” Cody wiggled his fingers. “I have no problem using the keyboard.” Cody scooted up. “Am I under surveillance? I don’t recall that in any of my employment documents. Perhaps I should contact an attorney.”
Tally faced him, her eyes as black as Moby’s hair. “Don’t fuck with us, Green. We’re extremely powerful. We just happened to catch the accident on one of our satellite feeds. Your license plate scanned in and alerted us. The news media was at the scene, plus everyone posts pictures.”
“Don’t fuck with me either.” Cody stood and shoved his hands in his pockets to keep from reaching across the desk and slamming them both against the wall. “What I do on my own time is my business. I don’t give a damn what kind of intel you have access to. If you can’t give me privacy, then I walk.”
“We live in a connected world,” Tally turned her attention to a stack of papers on the edge of Rick’s desk.
Rick shrugged. “Relax, Green. We’re on the same side.” Rick unfolded his fingers. “Get back to the hive. We have a special group project going on today. I think you’ll like it.” He grinned and leaned back in his chair.
Fifteen minutes later, Sher stood in the center of the hive. “I’m co-leading the experiment today. Case studies are on your desks. Rick says be ready in thirty.”
“Are you up for the challenge?” Paul said, opening his energy drink. “I know I am.”
I hate that guy. Cody shot him a glare then continued to his desk. He couldn’t fathom what today would bring, but something told him to pay attention.
Moby scooted in, patted Cody on the shoulder, and then disappeared behind his desk.
Their primary desks were separated from the hive and included privacy walls. However, the desks within the hive were all open, lending to their group activities. Cody hated it already.
“Everyone, we need intel on subject SY324. You have twenty minutes.” Rick strolled into the hive and pointed to a countdown timer which appeared on a massive wall-mounted monitor.
The loud ticking created a visceral feel of a countdown to doom.
Cody booted up his computer and spent five minutes studying his first case study. His fingers flew over the keyboard. As he collected data, he dumped the info into files. SY324 lived in Oklahoma City. He was forty-seven years old, married twenty years, with two children. Cody’s pulse kicked up and perspiration beads dotted the back of his neck. Gathering information on people didn’t sit right with him, but he considered that maybe the subject consented to this invasion of privacy or better yet, this was a completely fabricated person created for the purposes of testing Veridian systems.
When the timer beeped, Cody had a complete picture of SY324 from the number of times he attended church, how much he gave in donations, and the last time he went out for dinner to the type of lightbulbs he used in his bathroom. Cody hit the Send button and his report appeared on the huge monitor, along with everyone else’s.
“Pretty good,” Moby mumbled, eyes glued to the screen.
Rick glanced over the documents. “Print out your reports. I’ll collect them by the end of the day.” He assigned twenty more test subjects, and over the course of the three hours, they collected page after page of intimate data. Rick glanced over the material and within seconds, he said, “TG808. Sher.”
She cracked her knuckles and attacked her keyboard.
Everyone turned to the monitor to observe the action.
Cody had no idea what to expect. He hoped TG808 didn’t exist.
“What’s your target area?” Rick hopped up on the table, his feet dangling.
Sher reviewed the data on TG808. “Idiot has a smart home. Furnace is about to malfunction.”
“Good choice,” Rick nodded.
> Sher and her small fingers flew over the keyboard as everyone observed the numbers on the jumbo monitor. The screen split into two sides. One side showed the data from the smart home, including room temperature, security alarm status, which lights were turned on, what appliances were in use, water usage, and more. The other side displayed the subject TG808, an Arizona man currently lying on the sofa in a modest looking home. Suddenly the monitor indicated the furnace had clicked on. The temperature rose from seventy-one degrees to seventy-six within minutes. They watched as the temperature continued to rise. When the heat reached eighty-one, the man stirred.
Cody shifted in his seat. What the hell did this simulation have to do with anything? Were they out to prove Veridian ruled? This kind of intrusion and manipulation of an apparent civilian disturbed him. There had to be a law against this.
Paul leaned forward in his seat, a smile plastered across his face.
The heat climbed to eighty-four degrees, and the man popped up. At first, he appeared disoriented then he swung his legs to the floor. He wiped a hand across his forehead, jumped up, and then approached the thermostat. Cody observed him crinkle his forehead as he adjusted the setting.
“Crank it,” Rick said.
Grinning, Sher carried out the command.
The number climbed to eighty-seven degrees, and the man continued to make attempts to correct the system. At ten in the morning outdoor Phoenix temperatures neared ninety degrees heading for a high topping one hundred. The man had to be in extreme discomfort.
Sher increased the temperature until it reached ninety degrees. The man stripped off his shirt and threw the garment on the floor, frustration seeping in. When the thermostat wouldn’t budge, he phoned a heating and cooling company. His conversation came through on audio. The man groaned when informed that they wouldn’t be able to service the unit until the next day. “I’m burning up. The freaking heat is on and won’t shut off!” He tried opening the windows, but Sher had them locked down. After watching the man make several attempts to open the windows, Sher released them. As soon as the man opened the windows, his security system detected a breach and the wail of alarms commenced.
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