“Could be.” He grinned.
“We need her cooperation.” She met his gaze and held it. “So this is how the rest of my questioning is going down. You’ll go over to Mrs. Ahmadi to apologize. Then you’ll excuse yourself to step outside before you do any more damage. I’ll try to convince her that all we want is for the two teens not to pay for what they believed were harmless pranks. Then I’ll call Kait to come babysit Hamid like Becca is watching Ty and I’ll go get that cache. You got that, or do you need me to repeat myself?” She planted a hand on her hip for emphasis.
His lips curved up in one of his dazzling smiles. That familiar warmth rushed through her body. Heaven help her, she almost returned the smile. Almost, until she remembered she was peeved with him. “You think this is funny?”
“Far from it.”
“Then why the smirk?”
“I’ve only ever gotten to see fun Nina. Never work Nina. She’s so forceful and in charge.” He moved closer, the foot of space between them now a few inches. “It’s kind of hot.”
She rolled her eyes and planted her hands on his chest to push him back. “Listen to work Nina and wait outside.”
He gave a mock salute, and the side of his mouth tipped up in that same adorable crooked grin that made Nina almost forget how much he’d hurt her.
Thankfully, he had no idea that her stomach was flip-flopping over him. He headed back to the family room and Mrs. Ahmadi. “I’m sorry, ma’am, if I offended you. I simply want what’s best for my little brother, the same as you want what’s best for your son.”
He sounded truly contrite. If Nina didn’t know she’d made him apologize, she’d have actually believed it. But then, Quinn was always very good at making her believe him. Even when he’d said that he wanted a future with her. Trouble was, he couldn’t be trusted not to change his mind.
“I think it best if I take a break and let the three of you discuss this without me,” he added.
Mrs. Ahmadi nodded, and her anger seemed to drop a notch. Quinn exited without another word.
Nina smiled at Mrs. Ahmadi. “Why don’t we sit down and discuss this?”
Mrs. Ahmadi sat next to Hamid on a traditional sofa in a vivid blue color. Her hair was covered in a traditional gray hijaab, and she wore basic black slacks paired with a powder-blue tunic. She watched Nina warily.
Keeping her smile in place, Nina settled in a club chair across from the pair. “My first goal here is to recover the laptop, but I also want to make sure Ty and Hamid’s lives aren’t ruined by this incident. I can only help Hamid with your cooperation.”
“I don’t know.” She bit her lip. “You could be trying to trick me.”
“I can see why you might be wary of me, Mrs. Ahmadi, but I’m honestly not trying to trick you. I want to solve our security issue, yes, but I’m also here to help. Hamid and Ty did something stupid because they let their teenage rebelliousness get the best of them. They shouldn’t have to pay for it for the rest of their lives.”
“Agreed, but how will you help Hamid?”
“The computer theft falls under the jurisdiction of local authorities. But if he’s cooperative in recovering the laptop, and he hasn’t logged in to the computer, I can make recommendations to the locals not to press charges.”
“They will listen to you?”
“Can I guarantee it? No. But my experience says they will likely listen and act accordingly.” At least she hoped they would.
“Then what is it you wish to do for which you need my approval?”
“First, I will try to recover the laptop. If Hamid has been truthful and provided the right GPS coordinates, we have a much better chance at finding it.”
She faced her son. “Tell me you have told the truth in this matter.”
“Geez,” he said crossing his arms. “Don’t go all frantic on me. I told her the truth.”
“We will talk about your disrespect later.” She swung her gaze back to Nina. “I hope this attitude he has taken lately won’t make him seem uncooperative.”
Nina offered a reassuring smile. “As long as I find the cache, his belligerence won’t be a factor with me. But I suggest you convince him to lose the attitude before going in front of a judge or talking with other law enforcement officers.”
“I can assure you he will be dealt with.” She cast a quick glare at Hamid, then looked back at Nina. “What happens now?”
“I’ll arrange for one of my colleagues to come over and supervise Hamid. Sort of a house arrest. Effective immediately, he’ll need to be restricted from using any device with access to the internet.”
“What?” Hamid’s voice shot high. “No way. I can’t live like that. I mean . . . what will I do?”
“Is this really necessary?” Mrs. Ahmadi asked.
Nina nodded. “I have to be sure he can’t access files stored in the cloud or on any websites where he’s posted this cache and could make changes. Or even try to remotely delete files from his phone or computer. If we can’t do it this way, then I’ll have to request a warrant and take him into custody to be sure he doesn’t have access.”
Mrs. Ahmadi gave a firm nod. “Then that is what we will do.”
“But Mother,” Hamid cried. “No computer. For how long?”
She clasped her hands together. “Until this woman says you are in the clear. Then, maybe I will continue the policy to keep you out of trouble.”
“So what am I gonna do then? You let my stupid heart condition keep me from doing anything and the computer is all I have,” he grumbled, and Nina could imagine he’d lodged a similar complaint many times.
“Your father will be the final judge of this.” She frowned at her son. “For now, you will listen to me.”
He jumped up. “Next, you’ll tell me I can’t even go to the bathroom alone.”
“Don’t be disrespectful, Hamid. You’re free to use the restroom.”
“Then may I go to the restroom?” Sarcasm rang through his words.
“Go, and see that when you return, your attitude is gone, or I will let Agent Brandt arrest you.” Mrs. Ahmadi curled her fingers into a fist, then quickly opened it, as if she was afraid she might strike her son.
“Before you go—” Nina held out her hand for Hamid. “I’ll take your phone.”
He frowned and didn’t comply.
“Give Agent Brandt your phone,” Mrs. Ahmadi commanded.
He slammed it on Nina’s palm and marched out of the room. Nina secured it in a Faraday bag that she’d had Quinn retrieve from her car while they were waiting for Mrs. Ahmadi to arrive.
“What is that bag?”
“It’s called a Faraday bag. The mesh provides electromagnetic shielding so wireless transmissions can’t be received.”
“Meaning, Hamid can’t access it,” she said, sounding sad. “I don’t think he’d try to do that after your warning, but I’m not sure about him anymore. He’s recently taken an attitude with authority figures. I often wish we hadn’t come to America. In my country, this would not be tolerated.”
“Has his behavior changed in any other way?” Nina asked, thinking about his room. The posters, especially those of Marilyn Manson, the dark colors—all traits of a youth who could be heading down a road that led to crime. Or it could be innocent, and he simply liked that kind of music. She couldn’t be sure at this point.
“Changed in what way?” his mother clarified.
“Has he become secretive? Withdrawn? Moody?”
“Not secretive, but he is far more moody and withdrawn.” She bit her lip while twisting her hands together. “As he said, he has a heart condition that keeps him pretty sedentary, so he’s always spent a lot of time alone in his room on the computer. I don’t think that has increased, but I don’t know. I do know he likes to talk back and buck our rule
s. This you have witnessed.”
“Typical teenage behavior.” Nina smiled, though she feared his mother might be sugarcoating things, and Hamid might be involved in something much more serious. Perhaps even getting involved with a terrorist cell? The possibility, slight as it was, urged Nina to get moving.
“If you’ll excuse me,” she said. “I’ll call my associate.”
She stepped into the foyer and arranged for Kait to babysit Hamid. After she promised to arrive in less than twenty minutes, Nina went back to the family room to tell Hamid. His mother sat in the same position, her expression a mixture of frustration, but Hamid hadn’t returned.
“Where’s Hamid?” Nina asked.
“I imagine he’s still in the restroom.”
“Does he usually take this long?”
“Honestly, I haven’t been paying attention, so I don’t know.”
Nina chastised herself for not escorting the kid to the bathroom. “Is there another computer on this floor?”
“My husband’s office, why?”
“I’m guessing Hamid’s bucking that authority again,” Nina replied and went in search of Hamid.
His mother trailed behind. “I wish I could say he wouldn’t do something like that, but I don’t know anymore.”
Nina found him sitting at a large mahogany desk, his face hidden behind a monitor, his fingers flying across a keyboard.
She marched into the room and jerked his chair back. “What part about ‘no computer use’ don’t you understand, kid?”
He peered at her, no remorse in his look. “Since you took my phone, I wanted to ask if anyone found the computer. And if they had, I wanted to tell them to give it back.”
“Not cool, kid, not cool. Thanks to this foolish stunt, I’ll not only be taking your computer into evidence, but now I’ll seize this one, too. I’m sure your father won’t be happy about that.”
“She’s right,” Mrs. Ahmadi’s chilled voice came from behind, making Hamid sit up straight. “When your father learns that his computer is gone, in addition to what you’ve done, you will likely never see a computer again.”
If they didn’t recover Ty’s computer from the cache—God forbid—she’d confiscate all computers in the house anyway. But she didn’t tell Hamid that. Better to let him feel the seriousness of his offense.
Mrs. Ahmadi jerked her head at the doorway. “Now into the family room where I will be watching your every move. And don’t even think I won’t be trailing you to the restroom next time where you will leave the door open.”
His mouth dropped open for a moment. “But Mother, I’m sixteen. You can’t—”
“I can and I will. Now march.”
He slunk along behind his mother. Nina turned her attention to the monitor. Just as Hamid had said, he’d logged on to the Hacktivist site to post an update asking for the return of the computer. He’d said the FBI wanted it and it was a matter of national security.
His message brought home the possibility of someone actually possessing the computer and logging in to the NFL for nefarious reasons. That couldn’t happen. Not on her watch. She had to get moving and locate the cache before terrorists were given the freedom to travel in America and all of the country’s worst nightmares became reality.
Chapter Eight
QUINN BREATHED deeply until his lungs could hold no more air. He felt free after changing out of that crazy suit. What had he been thinking putting it on? He hadn’t worn the stupid thing for years. The way it fit wouldn’t have fooled anyone into thinking he was a professional salesman anyway.
He shrugged into a fleece-lined waterproof jacket and leaned against his car, keeping an eye on Hamid’s house. He wished Nina would get out of there. She might be an agent. She might be in a house with just a boy and his fit-to-be-tied mother, but Quinn wasn’t comfortable leaving her inside. It was like leaving a teammate behind on a mission. He’d never do that. No SEAL ever had.
A gust of wind pummeled his body and drew his eyes to the overcast sky. A storm was rolling in from the coast and rain was moving in fast. If Nina didn’t get out here soon, they’d get soaked trekking up to the cache and it would be dark. Even so, they’d make the trip. No matter the weather or time of day, Quinn was going up there. In fact, he could go up there now. Without Nina. He’d memorized the GPS coordinates when she’d confirmed them with Hamid and considered taking off without her. Several times. He was a take-action kind of guy. Move ahead and achieve his goal. Nina, on the other hand was a thinker. She’d take her time, plan, then plan again. Maybe a third time.
Quinn recognized the need for planning. Without it, his team would never succeed in their missions, and he followed the plan of action once made. At least, most of the time. But he didn’t like the downtime, standing around waiting for the plan to be prepared. Still, he wouldn’t leave Nina behind. She knew the sense of urgency in getting to the computer, which meant whatever was going on inside that house right now was more important.
A black SUV rolled slowly down the street, then parked outside Hamid’s house. Quinn came to his feet, ready to help Nina if needed. Agent Kaitlyn Knight opened the door. Quinn stood down but prepared himself for her anger. She was not only a fellow teammate, but one of Nina’s best friends. Along with Becca, she made up the trio Quinn often called “the three musketeers”.
They didn’t like the term, but it fit. They were swashbucklers of the cyber variety, and they lived the motto of “one for all and all for one”. He oughta know. When he and Nina split up, Kait and Becca had both given him an earful. Despite the reason for their tongue-lashing, the memory made him smile. He liked strong women who gave as good as they got, and this trio could hold their own with anyone.
He knew he was right when Kait slid out from behind the wheel and glared at him. She was the same height as Nina, but she was leaner, without all of Nina’s wonderful curves.
She took a step, then stopped and frowned. “Does Nina know you’re here?”
“Good to see you, too, Kait.” He didn’t bother hiding his sarcasm.
She slammed her car door before planting a hand on her hip. “You didn’t answer my question.”
“Nina knows I’m here. In fact, she’s the one who told me to wait for her. What are you doing here?”
“If Nina wants you to know that, she’ll tell you.” She started for the sidewalk, then turned back. “I get that Ty needs Nina right now, but don’t mess with her, Quinn, or you’ll answer to me and Becca.”
“I don’t plan to do anything but get Ty out of this jam. Then I’m headed back to California.”
“See that you do.” She swept her gaze over him, making him feel like dirt, before she walked to the front door.
The way she’d treated him should tick him off, but he respected her loyalty more. Everyone on his SEAL team would do the same thing in her place. Plus he appreciated the fact that Nina had friends looking out for her best interests. God knows he hadn’t done that. If he had, she wouldn’t be so upset with him. He’d give anything to go back and fix it. He’d still choose to stay on the team—he could do nothing else—but he’d do a better job of listening to her concerns and make sure they parted amiably.
The door whipped open, and Nina stepped outside. He waited for her to glance at him, but she turned to speak to Kait for a moment. When Kait closed the door, Nina rested her head against the wood.
Quinn’s alarm bells clanged. Had something even worse happened inside, or was she tired from the interview? Or maybe she needed to fortify herself before looking at him.
She lifted her head and ran a hand over her hair as she turned. The curls sprang back up as always. Despite the tension, he smiled. She’d never been able to tame the crazy curls. She pulled her hair back for work, but by mid-morning, the curls always sprang free from even the strongest pins.
She lifte
d her shoulders into a hard line, as if heading into battle, and crossed the street.
“I was surprised to see Kait,” he said the moment she stepped close enough.
“I called her to keep an eye on Hamid while I check the cache.”
“You mean ‘we’.”
“‘We’ what?”
“We check the cache.”
She arched a brow. “You may be used to taking charge on the job, but you’re a civilian where I’m concerned. And the last thing I need is a civilian tagalong.”
“I get that. Honestly, I do.” He smiled at her, hoping to disarm her mounting frustration. “I’m not trying to be difficult. I promise.”
“But?”
“But it’s late. You won’t reach the falls until dark. You don’t likely have the right equipment. I do. Besides, I’m not letting you go up there alone, so get it out of your pretty little head.”
“Letting me?”
“You know what I mean. No one should hike alone at this time of day.” He gestured at the darkening clouds. “Especially not with a storm coming.”
She planted her hands on her hips. Took a few steps, then turned to stare at him. “I suppose you might be useful to have along.”
“Ouch.” He mocked receiving a knife to his chest to lighten things up. “Thanks for your vote of confidence.”
“Just don’t get in my way,” she said as if he hadn’t spoken. “I’m in charge, and you’ll do as I say.”
“Sure,” he replied, but if things went sideways up there, he had no intention of taking a backseat. “My car is better equipped to handle the road. I should drive.”
She frowned at him. “If this is the way you intend let me lead, you might as well stay here.”
“Geez, Nina. Lighten up. It’s just a suggestion. If you want to take your car, we’ll take your car.”
“I suppose, it wouldn’t hurt to let you drive.” Her forehead knotted. “I need to grab my Go bag and different shoes.” She held out her hand. “I’ll take your keys.”
Web of Shadows Page 8
