by Nadirah Foxx
Then, I remembered my mother’s neighbor. He probably wouldn’t get any justice without someone intervening on his behalf. Did Josh understand that?
“What about the man who had his house broken into in Liberty Heights? I’ll guarantee the police won’t look into the crime. Who will solve his case? Who will get justice for him?”
Josh exhaled loudly. “Did you know I was going to apply to the Police Academy before college?”
“No,” I mumbled, facing my friend. I guessed changing the subject was easier than answering the question. “What stopped you?”
“I realized I didn’t want to have a career requiring me to dodge bullets or worse. Chasing the bad guys is more than just following them and beating up on them.”
Was that a dig at my latest antics?
Josh continued, “Those bad guys fight back. Don’t forget they carry weapons.”
“And?” I said with attitude.
“When you take the oath, Kerrie, you swear to put your life on the line to protect others.” Josh folded his arms over his broad chest and looked down at me. “Are you prepared to do that?”
Without thinking I said, “Yes.” Josh opened his mouth, but it was my turn to finish a thought. “Can’t you see I don’t have a choice? Those bastards took my husband and my son from me. They changed my fucking life!” I took a deep breath and tried calming down. “I owe it to Ryan and RJ to find the bad guys and either put their asses in jail or in the ground. I’m not picky about their final destination.”
Josh’s gaze flicked to the ceiling momentarily. When his eyes met mine, there was a sadness in them that hadn’t been present earlier. “If that’s how you honestly feel, then do it the right way. Use your training. Use your resources. You have a concealed weapons permit?”
“Yes, but I’d prefer not using a gun. There are enough lunatics running around with them. It’s time for a smarter way to take out bad guys.”
I had standards. Yes, I owned a gun, but it was because I worked for the department. Frankly, I’d only used it at the gun range.
“Understood. Then, we find you something else worthwhile.”
Personally, I was a fan of knives. I excelled at the hand-to-hand combat training I’d had with the department. Unless I planned on learning how to throw them, I needed a weapon with range.
Josh unfolded his arms and shoved his hands in his pockets. “Until that happens, I want you to use your brain. Don’t take any stupid chances.”
I nodded.
What the hell did I agree to?
It didn’t matter as long as Josh would stop worrying about me. He deserved better than the role of my fucking guard dog. I’d never been a damsel-in-distress, and I wasn’t about to start behaving like one. My friend could stop acting like my knight in shining armor too. When the killers were caught and punished, I’d help him find someone who could love him. A relationship was a worthier endeavor for Josh.
But I meant what I said about getting justice for my family. I had to find those men. They were cold-blooded killers who wouldn’t hesitate to take someone else out.
If Josh wanted to play by the rules, we would, but they’d be my rules. I’d determine how far we’d take things before we sought outside help—if we called for it. Not because I was arrogant and thought nobody could do the job.
I didn’t trust anyone else to get it right. The system would merely put the culprits behind bars only to release them days later. The likelihood of those assholes serving any real jail time was nil. Punishment in prison was too good for those murderers. They deserved to be killed. Nothing less.
“Thanks,” I said with as little emotion as I could muster. Josh had to believe my rage had passed.
“Don’t thank me yet. I plan to be worse than a gnat in your face.” He stepped toward me. “I will nag you to death. I want details about everything you do. The minute you think you’re above telling me everything, I’ll step in.”
“And do what?” Anger was hanging on for dear life.
“If this shit turns out to be bigger than a local issue, I’ll bring in the Feds.”
More reason for me to hurry up and find the crooks myself.
“Fine,” I lied. “Do you think I can get some sleep now?” I faked a yawn and stretched. “It’s been a long day.”
“Sure,” he responded with a bit of hesitation. “I can work with the footage in the morning.”
“Good.” I started walking with him toward the door leading to the parking structure. “Not before seven though. I’m not sure what time I’ll be up.”
We stopped in front of the smoky glass door. Josh gave me a lingering hug. “Maybe you should have completed the full Academy program instead of just a few classes.”
“Yeah, right. Like I’d follow the rules.” I did the bare minimum required for my position. Becoming an officer wasn’t for me.
He scoffed. “True. Good night, Kerrie.”
“Night, Josh.”
I watched him walk to the moving van before re-entering the security code. Our conversation replayed in my head as I strolled back to the main living area.
Determination propelled forward. I refused to give up no matter how difficult the road might become. Finding those who robbed me of my loved ones merited whatever action was necessary. I was serious about ending Mr. Average and his whole fucking crew. Whether they died as a sentence handed down by the courts or by my own two hands didn’t matter to me.
Frankly, I had no idea what my next step should be. I’d figure it out after I heard from Killian and whatever info Debbie dug up on Captain Stratham.
Deep down, I believed corruption had found its home in Liberty City. Problem was, I didn’t know where to trace the source. It could be in the mayor’s office or with the LCPD. Either way, I’d find its origin and extinguish it before the iniquity took root.
Rather than get ready for bed, I climbed the stairs to my office. It was time for me to get my hands on the video Ryan left behind. Maybe I’d find something useful on it. Something that might help me find answers and punish the bad guys.
19
A Light in the Dark
When I reached my desk, I found a note from Debbie. I quickly scanned it and learned the official news—Sentinel Security was awarded the city contract. Of course, the mayor’s tech team attached caveats to the agreement. Namely, we had to finish building the hardware and install the software in record time. Although I told the mayor we were finishing up the checklist, he wanted the entire project completed in less than two weeks. I made a mental note to meet with the staff the next day.
The reason I came upstairs was in Debbie’s office. I had to put my emotions on hold and watch the rest of Ryan’s video. I was a little miffed to find her desk locked. Naturally, my mind went to its fail-safe—finding the negative in any situation. Immediately, I tried to figure out what Debbie might be hiding and why. After all, the woman worked for my company. She had no right to keep anything from me. Then, I remembered how my husband functioned. He always made copies of everything.
Returning to my office, I powered up the computer and entered my new access code. Within minutes, I was staring at the files kept on the hard drive. One of them was labeled For the King’s Queen. Those words put a smile on my face as I clicked on it. The file was encrypted, but I suspected the cipher was something familiar to me. I tried the date I accepted Ryan’s proposal.
Within seconds, the file opened, and more documents and pictures were spread across the screen. Instead of clicking on the video, I went to a document titled, Project Triton.
It was a huge file that would take me too long to read through in one sitting. Rather than use up valuable time, I printed out all the documents, shut down the computer, and made my way back to the bunker.
Once in the apartment, I tucked the information beneath the mattress and changed for bed.
◆◆◆
Where’s RJ? I ran from room to room in our house looking for my son. Tripping over rubble, I climbed
the stairs. I have to tell Ryan. Oh my god, Ryan! Ryan!
My eyes snapped open. It was just a dream. No. It was the same fucking nightmare I’d had for weeks. Losing RJ. When I went to tell Ryan, I couldn’t find him either. Still groggy, I sat up and rubbed my eyes. According to my phone, it was five a.m. The longest I’d slept in weeks.
It was too late to get in a decent workout, which was a good thing since my mind wasn’t into it. Thanks to my dream, I felt unbelievably alone. Needing to be close to Ryan, I slipped on a pair of his sweats, and then I recalled the documents about Project Triton I’d printed out. I grabbed them and padded to the kitchen. I had to search a few cabinets to find the coffee. While I waited for the pod to brew, I hopped onto a stool at the counter.
The first few pages were illustrations and diagrams for some sort of one-piece suit. I scanned the images and then flipped over to a document of notes. Project Triton was a top-secret enterprise he had pitched to the military. There were pages and pages of memos and emails about the venture. Lack of sleep and patience prompted me to flip through the sheets.
The words Triton Tech ceased my activity. I grabbed my coffee and went to the fridge. Surprise, surprise, it was fully stocked. There was a note on the top shelf that read—You’re welcome. Debbie. I grabbed a bagel, closed the door, and deposited the morsel in the toaster and went back to my reading.
Triton Tech was a proprietary material developed by Ryan. The revolutionary substance was envisioned for military purposes. The one-piece suit was slated for uniforms. The element could even be utilized for weaponry.
Flipping through the pages, I found Ryan’s personal journal dedicated to the enterprise.
The uses for Triton Tech are immeasurable. At the moment, I feel the greatest benefactor would be the military followed by police departments. I’ll have to run a series of tests to be sure that TT will do all I’ve envisioned for it.
What was that?
I thumbed through the notes until I found records of Ryan’s first tests. Apparently, my husband conducted his own trials. He had success with the substance and then designed a space-age uniform using Triton Tech. There was a checklist of requirements for manufacturing the first prototype. My eyes bugged at the first item on his list—invisibility.
Was that a misprint? No one could become invisible.
According to the documentation, Triton Tech would make anyone wearing the fabric completely undetectable. Not even their shadow would be detectible.
How the hell would that work?
I skimmed over the notes until I landed on…
Items made with Triton Tech would be veiled by deflecting light waves. If successful, TT would remove all visual, infrared, and thermal signatures.
I lowered the paper and went to retrieve my bagel. Making myself a second cup of coffee, I leaned against the counter. What if Triton Tech did work? How could it help me in my endeavors?
Envisioning fighting crime without being seen made me laugh. Honestly, it sounded like something destined for Hollywood or a TV series slated for the CW. There was no way to cloak people, not the way Triton Tech was supposed to do. Maybe by the time cars could fly, the idea might become reality.
I sat down at the counter and chewed the everything bagel. It needed jam, but I was too lazy to fetch it. No. Not lazy. I was too preoccupied thinking about the impossible prototype.
What if it wasn’t beyond the bounds of possibility? When Ryan stumbled upon an idea, he didn’t let it go. If he believed in Triton Tech, there would be a sample. Where would I find it?
I choked down the dry bagel, finished my coffee, and then headed to the shower. My mind raced as I thought over what I’d read. As the water cascaded over me and down my back, I recalled the events the night that Ryan and RJ were shot.
We spoke on the phone while Ryan was driving home.
“Oh, I have something to show you later.”
I was dead tired, but those words perked me up.
“Is it that project you’ve been working on?”
“It is,” Ryan said. I could hear the pride in his voice.
I stood beneath the shower for a few minutes as reality hit me. He was going to show me the prototype. Ryan had planned on returning to Sentinel to pick it up. That meant it had to be some place he could easily reach. It wasn’t in the bunker. Most likely, it was upstairs in his office.
Turning off the water, I reached for a towel and hurried from the bathroom. Quickly, I dried my hair and then pulled it into a ponytail. My clothing would be a bigger issue. Most of my clothes were still packed, which meant a ton of wrinkled garments. Luckily, I found a pair of jeans and a sweater and slipped on my sneakers.
When I sat down at my desk, it was still early—just after seven. I assumed I was alone. I was wrong.
Within seconds, my office door popped open, and Debbie stepped in. She wore a scowl, and her eyes narrowed when she saw me.
“Morning, Debbie.” Her expression deepened. “Is there something wrong?”
“You tell me.” She dropped a tablet on the desk and sat down. It was queued to Ryan’s video. “Is this what you were looking for?”
It was my turn to assume the pissed-off look. Rather than deny anything, I simply said, “Yes.”
She pushed her glasses up her slender nose. “Have you forgotten I keep an eye on everything? If anyone steps into these offices, I know about it. When someone tries to open my locked desk, I get an alert.”
Interesting.
I no longer had to appear pissed. Sitting taller, my eyes bore into Debbie’s. Technically the office and all of its contents, including her desk, were mine. I could remind her that the entire building belonged to me. But something told me her practices had been condoned by Ryan, possibly even encouraged. My husband had a fucking blind spot for people he liked. If his assistant was up to no good, he would have missed it by a mile.
Then again…
He wanted that woman on his team. She’d passed whatever protocols and tests he’d established. Debbie Scott was good enough for Ryan. Correction. My husband trusted her judgment. If I wanted to keep her on mine, I might have to make some allowances. Either that, or risk the competition swiping her up.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” I said. “Anything else?”
She crossed her legs. “I could ask you the same thing.” My assistant studied me for a moment. “I get that we don’t really know each other. I also understand you might find it hard to trust me. But know this. I only have your best interests and whatever benefits this company at heart. I would do nothing to jeopardize either.”
I nodded. Maybe I could give a little. “I’m sorry for trying to get into your desk.”
“Apology accepted.” Debbie pushed to her feet. “I’m guessing you found the files for Triton?”
“I did. How would you know that?” The fact she knew my actions didn’t sit well with me. “Those files are encrypted.”
“Who do you think encrypted them?” She smiled. “When you’re ready to look at the prototype, let me know.”
Debbie walked out, leaving me dumbfounded. Clearly, Ryan trusted her with the project. Although I had my issues trusting others, I would have to put my faith in the young assistant. Either that or forget about Project Triton.
Which might include forgoing justice for Ryan and RJ.
Not an option.
◆◆◆
Josh arrived a little after nine o’clock with coffee and donuts. He dropped everything off in the conference room and then came back to my office.
“Morning, Kerrie.” He plopped down on the sofa and closed his eyes.
I got up and took a seat beside him. “Are you okay?”
“I am.” He yawned. “Didn’t sleep much last night. I couldn’t stop worrying about you.”
Shit. His inane concern for me had to stop. It wasn’t as if anything would change with us.
“Josh.”
He cracked open an eye and glanced at me. “Don’t say it. We’re friends. I’
m good with that. Okay?”
Nodding, I asked, “What had you so worried?”
“The possibility you were doing something unbelievably stupid.”
Ordinarily, I would have loved that Josh knew me so well. He always anticipated my needs. He knew how I’d react—or not react—to events. But things changed the night my family was killed. The circumstances forced me to see life differently. To do things differently. Having my best friend so closely attuned to my every move wasn’t advantageous. It was one thing for me to risk my neck, including anyone else wasn’t acceptable.
“Not happening,” I lied. Telling him about Project Triton wasn’t possible. Not yet.
“Good to hear.” He opened his eyes and exhaled. “Jared’s still in town.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah. The dude doesn’t know how to let go. He showed up on my doorstep last night. Between worrying about you and dealing with him, I didn’t get to bed until late.”
“I’m sorry.” No, I wasn’t. Maybe if Josh gave Jared what he wanted, sleeping would come easier.
“Don’t be. I told him I wasn’t interested, and if he showed up again, I’d call the cops.” He stretched. “Let me get some coffee in me, and then I’ll meet with Debbie.”
“Sounds good. I have to convene with—”
My assistant popped her head in my office. “The team working on the City Center Project is waiting in the conference room.” She glanced at Josh. “I moved your coffee and donuts to my office.”
“That’ll work. We need to go over some footage.” Josh stood and followed her out.
I pushed to my feet and headed down the hall.
It was time for me to do more than hold the title of CEO. Facing the staff was something I should have done sooner. From the questioning expressions spreading around the conference room, it appeared I’d waited a tad too late.
“Good morning, everyone. Let’s get down to business. If we want to keep the City Center Project, we have to step up our game.”
Heads nodded and people began tapping on their tablets. They all began speaking simultaneously. My job was to listen and expand on the ideas mentioned.