It took half the time to get to his house than it used to, and sure enough, the movers were already at work. Zach gave a nod as he made his way into the house. He really should be paying attention to what they were packing and what they weren’t, but he was way too amped to care.
“This came for you,” one of the men said, handing him a package marked with the seal of the FBI. The box originating from Quantico.
Zach ripped open the package to find a new tablet. They had been promising him one. He pressed the “On” button to find all of his files from the last two weeks already preloaded. Great. He could go down into the basement, get in one last workout before they flew back east and caught up on his reading.
Trying not to care that this might be the last time he went down those stairs, Zach made his way to the basement. The crew had pretty much packed up everything but the stationary bike. That was okay. That was all he wanted, anyway.
Zach propped the tablet up between the handlebars and started cycling. Maybe he could load his music from the cloud. Sure enough, it only took a few touches to the screen. He popped in his earbuds as Ratt began to play.
“Hey, sexy,” a very familiar voice purred.
“Hey there, yourself,” he answered with a broad smile.
* * *
Ronnie soaked in Zach’s every feature. It had possibly been the longest two weeks of her life. She watched as his head bobbed from side to side as he cycled hard. But what in the hell did you say to the guy you fibrillated?
“You are certainly looking better than the last time I saw you.”
On-screen, Zach’s strong hand came up to his breastbone. “Yeah, you could have warned me exactly how badly that was going to hurt.”
“Or what?” Ronnie said starting off playful but getting doubtful toward the end. “You wouldn’t have done it?”
He stopped cycling and stared straight into the camera. “I would do it again right now if I had to.”
It was her heart’s turn to flutter. Ronnie’s cheeks blushed as she felt his stare. Even though he was half a world away, she could still remember the heat of his embrace. Damn the stupid United States Government! How long would it have taken them to figure out that Ronnie was on their side—well at least regarding the Hidden Hand?
They didn’t have time to have Ronnie arrested or Zach investigated and up on charges. They needed to be chasing down the Hidden Hand—ASAP. So convincing the CIA, FBI, and probably NATO that Zach was going to arrest her was the only way that they could make sure he was in the position to head up the Hidden Hand task force.
And she, of course, had to play the part of the selfish hacker, only out for herself.
“So, what have you been up to?” Zach asked, getting serious about his cycling again.
“Oh, you know,” Ronnie said, leaning back in her chair. “Running around the world, tracking down clues that you leave us in dead drops. Developing a truly untraceable point-to-point communication device capable of video conferencing.”
Someone cleared his throat behind her. She turned to find Quirk’s hand on his hip while the other hand held a paint can. “You developed an untraceable what?”
“Fine. We developed—” Quirk’s glare made her correct herself again. “Quirk developed, with very minimal help from me, your tablet.”
Her assistant was apparently satisfied that credit had been given where credit was due, and returned to painting the walls pure white. And somehow he had talked the pilot into helping. Ronnie left the two men in overalls to their task.
When she turned back to the screen, Zach was watching her intently. “Are you sure you didn’t leave something out?”
Ronnie frowned. Did he know about the pesticide consortium she was going to hit next week?
“Nothing about a stash of plague vaccines finding their way to the front door of the World Health Organization?” Zach coaxed. “And a check for nearly three billion dollars to fund vaccinating underdeveloped countries? The Francois Foundation? Sound familiar?”
“Oh, yeah,” Ronnie said biting her lip. “That.”
“What happened to your island, Miss-I-Hate-People?”
It turned out that wanting to be left alone was only fun if it was your idea, not because the rest of the population had been wiped out.
“So I went on a little shopping spree for pharmaceuticals?” Ronnie joked. “A girl’s gotta be true to herself.”
But Zach didn’t seem like he was buying her flippant attitude. He knew her that well. “Francois would be proud, Ronnie. I can’t think of a better way to honor him.”
Tears sprang to her eyes. This was not how this was supposed to go. And not just because it reminded her that she had spent nearly every last penny creating the fund. It reminded her of why she needed to forgo her island paradise.
Luckily, the music, if you could call it that, gave her a reason to change the subject. “Tell me that isn’t Ratt playing?”
“What? What’s wrong with ‘Round and Round?’ ”
“Um, just about everything.”
As Zach tried to defend his dubious musical taste, Ronnie moved the window of the streaming video to reveal her desktop. The golden symbol from the Hidden Hand’s castle glistened. She still had no idea what it meant. Which was why she put the gilded script where she could stare at it every day.
Alongside the screen, an IM box scrolled. No matter what she and Quirk tried, the script couldn’t be stopped. They had changed monitors, video cards, and cabling, but each time they rebooted her computer, the symbols scrolled down the edge.
Whether Ronnie liked it or not, the angels were still talking to her.
# # #
Afterword
Thank you so much for reading Encrypted! I hope you loved reading it as much as I loved writing it.
If you enjoyed Encrypted, I would love to ask you a little favor. Go back to wherever you purchased this book (Amazon.com, etc.), and please leave an honest review.
Authors live and die by their reviews. The few extra seconds it takes you really helps us authors out!
If you use Twitter, Facebook, or Goodreads, it would also really help me out if you let everyone know why you enjoyed Encrypted as well!
* * * * *
About the Author
I started out like most authors. I had a story in my head that would not shut up! LOL!
And since I love sitting around thinking up ways for my characters to have amazing adventures, the story for Encrypted bubbled to the surface. And if you know me at all, you know my love of all things tech. Add in my desire to blow things up (on paper, of course), and voilà! You have Encrypted!
If you would like to connect with me, check out my Contact Information section. Or for a quick Tweet, you can find me under @craftycmc (for my personal account). And of course, this book would not be in your hands if it were not for the unwavering efforts of the Indie Book Collective @indiebookIBC.
Looking for more of Encrypted? Look for a Ronnie/Zach short story in the upcoming Indie Book Collective Thriller Anthology… Bullets, Brass, and Babes. Also watch for Book 2 in the Robin Hood hacker trilogy, Cipher, to hit bookshelves in Winter 2012.
Can’t wait until then for more nail-biting action? Check out my other books below!
* * * * *
More from Carolyn McCray
If you loved the history, thrills, and excitement of Encrypted, you should check out my #1 Bestseller in both Men’s Adventure and War, 30 Pieces of Silver.
Be warned, however, that 30 Pieces of Silver is an EXTREMELY controversial historical/religious thriller. Please be sure to read the warning on the Amazon page before purchasing!
Unabashedly controversial, 30 Pieces of Silver has been described by NYT Bestselling author James Rollins (author of Devil Colony) as…
“Part minefield and all roller-coaster ride, here is a story as controversial as it is thrilling. Hunker down for a long night, because once you start reading this book, you won’t be putting it down.”
And the prai
se doesn’t stop there…
“Even as I write this, I find I can’t do justice to the scope and breadth of 30 Pieces of Silver. It is cinematic in its ambition and execution, taking the reader on a well-thought-out and well-written journey.”
The Word Zombie
Book Reviewer
“If you are looking for an action-packed, archaeological thriller, then look no further than Carolyn McCray’s 30 Pieces of Silver. I cannot say enough good things about this book! I started reading this book and found myself taking it everywhere I went just to finish it. McCray has you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.”
The Pen & Muse Review
Book Reviewer
We could go on and on. However, it is probably best if you sampled some of 30 Pieces of Silver for yourself. However, be forewarned! The ending is so controversial that New York would not put it into print! #youhavebeenwarned
To purchase or read a sample of 30 Pieces of Silver on Amazon, click here…
* * *
Torn Apart by History
Bound for Eternity
Set in ancient Rome, Fated is told from the perspective of Brutus in the months leading up to Caesar’s assassination. Fated has the feel of HBO’s Rome, only with a unique McCray twist.
But don’t believe us. Here are just a few of the reviews for Fated…
“From Carolyn McCray comes a historical romance that will leave you hoping that for once, fate will be kind. You will be gripped from the first page to the last, caught in a love that spans eons and an ancient political intrigue whose consequence still reverberates today. This is truly a masterpiece that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.”
Emma Gilbertson
Reviewer
This Writer Bites Back
“If you love historical romances with a fantastic paranormal twist, Fated is for you. Set in ancient Rome, Fated is the perfect blend of suspenseful and sultry. Truly a great read. The paranormal aspect sneaks up on you like an asp in the night, hidden until it grabs you by the throat. You will never look at Brutus—& Caesar’s assassination—the same way.”
Amber Scott
@amberscottbooks
Best-selling Author of Irish Moon
“I was enthralled by this book—enthralled by the time period, the romance, the characters, and the historical events unfolding … Kudos, Ms. McCray!”
Tessa Blue
@TessaBlue
Author of Children of the Lost Moon
“Fated is full of suspense. It does not let go … As usual, Ms. McCray’s style and writing are brilliant.”
M. Koleva
To purchase or sample Fated, simply click here.
* * *
If you enjoyed the twists and turns of Encrypted, you might want to try Carolyn’s #1 Best-seller in Police Procedurals and Hard-Boiled Mysteries written under her pen name, Cristyn West… Plain Jane: Brunettes Beware.
In the words of New York Times best-selling author James Rollins (Altar of Eden and Devil Colony)…
“Wickedly macabre and blisteringly paced, PLAIN JANE marks the debut of a thriller for the new millennium. Brash, funny, terrifying, and shocking, here is a story best enjoyed with all the lights on. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!”
#seriously #youhavebeenwarned!
Click here to purchase or read a brief sample from Plain Jane on Amazon…
* * *
If you are in the mood for more serial killer catching, Carolyn also has All Hallow’s Eve: The One Night it’s BAD to be Good, written under her pen name, Cristyn West.
People are being martyred, but not for their faith. Instead, the deaths are part of a serial killer’s sick game, as he chooses his victims by their names … and then kills them in the saints’ grisly manner.
What people are saying about All Hallow’s Eve…
“Scary and smart, All Hallow’s Eve is perfect for anyone who wants to read a horror story that makes them think. From the intricate psychopathology of the serial killer, to the hair-raising tension, to the skewering of pop culture, All Hallow’s Eve is simply a great read.”
Your Need To Read
Book Reviewer
“Even in her horror novels, Cristyn West still brings her amazing ability to create believable characters that you love to root for. All Hallow’s Eve is no exception. Thank you, Cristyn, for writing such intelligent horror! Still scary, but so great to read.”
Amber Scott
Author
#1 Romantic Fantasy - Irish Moon
“Beautifully written and masterfully executed. You will keep guessing until the end who could have planned such a horrific night! Do not read this while alone in the house!”
ParaYourNormal
Book Reviewer
“Cristyn West does it again. After her international best seller, Plain Jane, Cristyn brings to life another thriller that takes you to the edge and beyond. Not for the faint of heart, All Hallow’s Eve is macabre, yet still manages to be heartfelt. But with people dying in the manner of the saints, we knew the body count would be high, and Ms. West did not disappoint!”
ThrillersRockT
Book Reviewer
To sample or purchase All Hallow’s Eve, click here.
* * *
If you like dogs, you are going to love Carolyn’s book, Pups in Tea Cups: Tales of “Littleness” Overcoming BIG Odds!
Diminutive dogs. Tiny terriers and petite poodles. These miniature canines are leaping straight from the teacup... and right into our hearts.
And with their small size come some unique quirks and challenges. Dr. Carolyn McCray, DVM, takes us through tale after heartwarming tale of these teensy terrors and their almost unbearable cuteness. So snuggle up with a warm blanket and read these Tales from the Tea Cup and discover how “Littleness” can overcome BIG odds!
Praise for Pups in Tea Cups…
“Pups in Tea Cups is an amazing, heartfelt collection of stories sure to pull on the heartstrings of any dog lover. Truly an inspiring, touching, and immensely enjoyable read!”
Amber Scott
Author
Irish Moon
“Being a veterinarian, Dr. Carolyn McCray has been at the heart of many a true story where ‘Littleness’ in the form of Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Poodles, Pugs, and many more, have changed people’s lives, even saving a few. I reread many tales just to be able to laugh and even cry again. I can’t imagine a better book for any dog lover out there!”
Elena Gray
Author
WidowMaker
“As a veterinarian, I could completely relate to all of Carolyn’s stories. The joy and sometimes heart-wrenching moments. She had me laughing and crying at the same time. I couldn’t recommend this book more to anyone who loves dogs, not just the Tea Cup variety!”
Ken Herman, DVM
“This book is ... a view of the charms and challenges of living with the tiny tyrants that toy-dog owners adore.”
Lori Drouin
Professional Dog Trainer
“I read Pups in Tea Cups cover to cover in one sitting. How could I not? I loved each and every tale, whether it was silly or touching. All I can say is ... if you love dogs, you MUST buy this book!”
Kelli McCracken
Author
What the Heart Wants
To purchase or sample Pups in Tea Cups, simply click here.
Copyright Information
This book is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents, places, and dialogue are drawn from the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Encrypted
An Off Our Meds Project/published by arrangement with the author
FIRST EDITION
Copyright 2012 by Carolyn McCray
All rights reserved
Kindle Edition
No part of this book may be use
d or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
Any inquiries can be made to:
3524 South Star Lake Road
Auburn, Washington 98001
Or email Carolyn here…
Acknowledgments
So many people contribute to any book that it is hard to list them all. However, I intend to try!
Encrypted: An Action-Packed Techno-Thriller Page 39