Failsafe
Page 31
“You say that like it’s something anyone can do.” Kade shook his head. “I hate to break it to you, but finding someone with your talents isn’t exactly going to be easy.”
“I’ll make some modifications today to enhance the security protocols. And, of course, I’ll have to come in when you get ready to designate someone else as the system key.”
Jake watched with fascination. Hannah typed away while the other two men alternated between consulting with her and making phone calls in the tiny bathroom. Even though she had admitted to being good at math, she had clearly understated her skills. When she started talking computer code with Kade, it truly sounded like they were speaking a different language.
For the first time, Jake began to understand that he couldn’t offer Hannah everything she needed to find a happily ever after. As much as she seemed to enjoy spending time with his grandmother and helping with the farm’s finances, she was thriving right here. Ace may have been the pro last night when bullets were shooting through the air, but Hannah was the expert now.
He felt like he was watching some sort of high-tech thriller as the minutes ticked by. When eleven o’clock arrived and everyone decided to take a lunch break, Jake spoke for the first time since sitting down in the corner of the room. “Can I ask how you kept all of this a secret from everyone for all these years?”
Ace took a moment before answering. “Our home base was on a modest-sized farm. We fashioned an inconspicuous office in the barn, and Hannah’s dad worked out of it while he hired others to do the farming. No one ever suspected he was anything other than a farmer.”
“Will you do the same thing again?”
“I can’t divulge classified information to you. Future plans are definitely top secret.”
“I understand. What I meant to ask is could you do it again?” Jake held up a hand before Ace could repeat his stock answer. “If Hannah wanted to keep working with this program of yours, could you set up an office for her at my place? Something so no one would know it was there.”
Hannah looked over at him, surprise illuminating her face. “I thought after yesterday you wouldn’t want anything to do with national security.”
“I don’t particularly,” Jake admitted. “But you obviously love what you do. If doing this work will make you happy, I don’t want to be the reason you had to give it up.”
“Maybe the two of you should go for a drive and discuss this,” Ace suggested. “But to answer your question, yes, we could do it again.”
“Come on,” Jake said to Hannah, heading for the door. “Let’s go for that drive.”
“And while you’re at it, bring back some pizza,” Kade called after them.
* * *
Hannah led the way outside, only taking a few steps before turning to face him. “Jake, I was serious last night when I said I’d give this up for you.”
“I know. At the time I missed the meaning behind your words.”
“I don’t understand.”
“You were telling me you had to choose between two things you love. I didn’t realize how much you love what you do.”
Hannah shrugged. She couldn’t deny that she enjoyed the puzzles. She delighted in the creativity of designing new security programs and computer languages. Beneath it all, though, was something else, something she struggled to put into words. “It’s more than the work,” Hannah admitted. “I don’t remember my real parents, but without realizing it, working with my adoptive father, I was getting to know my real father too.”
“This program is your heritage.”
His words struck home, summing up her feelings in a way she had been unable to herself. “I guess in a way it is.”
“I can’t imagine not having Jackson Hills in my family anymore. If keeping this program as part of your life will make you happy, we can make it happen.” Jake motioned to the hotel room door. “Or they can.”
“I love you.” Hannah wound her arms around his neck. “I really do.”
“That’s good, because you’re stuck with me forever.”
She smiled. “I can live with that.”
“Come on. Let’s see if your friends can work out the details.”
Jake opened the door, and Hannah walked back in with a sense of anticipation. “It looks like you won’t have to replace me after all.”
“That’s fine for you,” Kade said, looking a little frustrated. “But what about my pizza?”
About the Author
Originally from Arizona, Traci Hunter Abramson has spent most of her adult life in Virginia. She is a graduate of Brigham Young University and a former employee of the Central Intelligence Agency. Since leaving the CIA, Traci has written several novels, including the Undercurrents trilogy, the Royal books, Obsession, the Saint Squad series, Deep Cover, and Chances Are, as well as a novella in Twisted Fate.
When she’s not writing, Traci enjoys spending time with her family and coaching the local high school swim teams.
Other Books By Traci Hunter Abramson
Undercurrents
Ripple Effect
The Deep End
Freefall
Lockdown
Crossfire
Backlash
Smoke Screen
Code Word
Lock & Key
Drop Zone
Obsession
Royal Target
Royal Secrets
Deep Cover
Chances Are
Twisted Fate