Kait shook her head. “Besides following protocol in not altering database records, Nina and I hoped the person who had the machine would see the post and call us.” Kait stared at Becca. “Which means someone deleted it. On purpose.”
Becca ran through possible scenarios in her mind. “Hamid’s been in custody without internet access, so he couldn’t have done it. I don’t think he would have taken it down anyway. It’s in his best interest to locate the computer. Same for Ty. So, who would delete it?”
Kait rested on the edge of the table. “Maybe Bryce or one of Ty’s other friends?”
“It’s possible I suppose, but except for this post, Ty and Hamid have been incommunicado with the outside world. So, how would these friends know to delete it? Besides, they’d likely need Hamid’s login to do it, and I doubt Hamid shared that.”
“Could be the database admin,” Kait offered. “He has access to everything.”
“After what Nina said about Odell’s unwillingness to cooperate, it’ll take some time to prove that.” Becca chewed on her lip as she thought. “What if Hamid is lying to us, and we’re working the wrong angle?”
“You mean Hamid being in on a terrorist plot?”
Becca nodded. “There could be others in the Hacktivist group working with him. They could be using this group to communicate. Maybe Hamid’s post was a warning to them. That’s why it’s been deleted.”
“I see where you’re going, but it doesn’t add up with everything else. We have no indication that he’s involved with a terrorist cell. Jae hasn’t found anything in the Ahmadis’ background check to suggest that, either, and you know how thorough she is.”
“Did you find anything on the Ahmadi family’s computers?”
“No, but that doesn’t mean anything. If Hamid’s active in a cell, he’s probably smart enough not to leave anything behind to implicate himself.”
“You’re probably right.” Becca considered their options going forward. “We should take another run at questioning Hamid and Ty.”
“Couldn’t hurt, I suppose. With your experience with foster kids, you should take the lead. If any of us could get him to talk, it would be you.”
“The only downside I can see in talking to Hamid is that we’ll need to ask pointed questions about terrorist activities,” Becca said. “His parents could freak out and lawyer up. Instead of moving the case forward, we’ll be left with nothing to go on and limited access to the teen.” She was silent for a moment. “I guess it’s a risk we’re going to have to take.”
BECCA CLEARED HER throat and waited for Hamid to look at her. She sat across the conference room table from the teen while his mother watched. Surprisingly, Sulyard had agreed that her work with foster kids did make her the best person to connect to the teens. She’d started with Ty and that interview had gone well. He’d been very cooperative, but she’d learned nothing new. Hamid, however, had thus far been a bit surly.
“Look at me, Hamid,” she finally said when he didn’t respond to her last question. “I’m interested in the post you made to the Hacktivist site from your house. The one you created when you were supposed to be using the bathroom. Tell me about that.”
Guilt flashed on his face. “I didn’t say anything bad. I promise. Just that you guys were breathing down my neck and asked for the computer back.”
“If it was so innocent, why did you delete it?”
He shot a quick look at his mother. “I didn’t.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Tell the truth, son.”
“I am. I didn’t delete it. I couldn’t. You guys wouldn’t let me touch a computer.” He huffed a mirthless laugh, then held out his hands and mocked a nervous tremor. “See. I have withdrawal symptoms.”
Becca glared at him. “This isn’t funny, Hamid.”
“Okay, geez. I get it.”
“Do you?” Becca leaned forward and gave him a look she used on kids who’d used up all but their last chance. “Do you really get that if we don’t resolve this soon, a terrorist attack could happen? In addition to lives lost, you could be charged as an accessory to the crime?”
“Is this true?” The words shot out of Mrs. Ahmadi’s mouth as she clutched her chest.
Becca nodded. “Especially if Hamid isn’t forthcoming and helpful.”
Mrs. Ahmadi grabbed Hamid’s wrist. “Do not fool around like this. Tell her everything she needs to know.”
His smile faltered and fear filtered into his eyes. She’d finally gotten through to him. He now understood the seriousness of his situation.
“Did you delete the post?” Becca asked again.
“No. I swear.”
“Did you ask someone else to do so?”
“No. I haven’t talked to anyone.”
“Well, the post is gone.” Becca rested against the back of the chair, hoping Hamid would think she’d relaxed, when in fact she had no intention of breathing easier until they had the computer back and the culprit behind bars. “So who do you think could have made it go away?”
His gaze darted around the space as if searching for a logical answer. “Maybe someone hacked the database and stole my login information. Someone like Ty.”
“Ty hasn’t had access to a computer either.”
“Then I don’t know.”
“Anyone else know your login? Like some friends in the Hacktivist group who have the same goals as you.”
“I’ve never shared it with anyone. Never. I promise. And I didn’t write it down. My computer hasn’t been hacked. I’m sure of that.” He drew in a deep breath. “That leaves one person. The administrator for the Hacktivist site. Yeah, it has to be him . . . whoever he is. Or it could even be a she. I don’t know. But yeah. It’s him. Or her. Ask them.”
He made a good point, but Becca wouldn’t stop there. “Tell me about your friends, Hamid. Who do you hang with from this group?”
“No one.”
Not believing him, Becca raised her brows. “Absolutely no one in this group is your friend?”
“Not really. I mean I talk to them at the Meetups, but that’s all.”
“What about other groups you’re involved with?” she asked, being purposely vague.
“I don’t belong to any other groups.”
“None?”
“No.” He glanced at his mother.
Becca leaned forward. “Hey, I get that having your mom here might make you less likely to tell me everything, but I need you to forget about her and answer my questions truthfully.”
“I am telling the truth. I’m not part of any other groups.”
“Not online or in person?”
“No. None. I swear.”
“What about the members of the Hacktivist group that you just talk to, then? Any of them have radical political views?”
“We don’t talk politics, so I don’t know.”
“No mention of how you can help further the cause of a radical group bent on paying the U.S. back?”
“No,” he shouted. “Terrorist. Is that what you’re getting at? I’m not one. I don’t know any.” He looked at his mother. “Mother, please. You have to believe me. I would never do this. You know that, right? You can’t let them get away with saying I did. Please. Do something.”
She nodded solemnly. “I think it is time we contact an attorney.”
Just as Becca had predicted. Unfortunately, the interview had ended too soon and she still wasn’t sure if Hamid was lying.
QUINN WATCHED Nina from across the table. In the background, Ty’s fingers clicked across his keyboard, but the noise didn’t seem to distract her. Her head was bent over the list from Odell, her laptop sitting nearby. Three colors of highlighters were scattered around her work. At her precise and measured movements, Quinn resisted sighing. He wanted to rip that infe
rnal list from her hands, rush out of there to hunt down the suspects, and knock on doors until he found the computer.
Not Nina. She’d created a plan of attack, then had run it by Becca and Kait. Only after that did she divvy up the list for her team to begin calling the Hacktivist members. Then she’d started investigating Hacktivist members she’d deemed high priority. When she’d strike out on one—as she had many times—she placed a neat little checkmark next to the name and moved on.
Quinn would have slashed through them with a thick marker. Nah, he wouldn’t even have done that. He would have quickly reviewed the data, made a short list of suspects, and paid them a visit to intimidate them into talking. He’d suggested as much to Nina, but she wouldn’t waste a moment going to the wrong location. Instead, she’d waste hours planning it all.
Okay, fine. Maybe both of their approaches wasted time, but at least he wouldn’t be sitting here twiddling his thumbs while Ty moved closer and closer to a prison sentence.
The door swung open, and Sulyard stepped into the room. Pressed and starched even after a long day, he headed straight for Nina.
“A word,” he said and stepped to the far side of the room.
Her gaze wary, she joined him by the door. Quinn couldn’t hear their conversation, so he moved closer to eavesdrop without remorse.
“Been a long day,” Sulyard said. “All of you are looking beat.”
Odd. Small talk? Or even odder, this guy caring about how they were doing.
“We’re good.” Nina pulled her shoulders back, and her gaze sharpened.
“It’s time to take a break. For everyone. Cut the kid loose for the day. Send everyone home.”
Her mouth dropped open, but she quickly recovered. “Why? Ty’s still willing to work.”
“We run the risk of being accused of enslaving a minor.”
She glanced at Ty, a fondness for him evident in the way her eyes softened. “I didn’t think of that. I’ll send him back to the hotel.”
She’d given in far too easily as far as Quinn was concerned. He’d have argued the point because Sulyard’s argument made no sense, especially with his mom there. Maybe if they’d brought Ty in without her, but not this way. Sulyard had to know that, too.
Quinn appraised the guy. He clearly had a hidden agenda. Did he have additional information about Ty and didn’t want him around as they worked on it? Was an arrest imminent?
“You head home, too.” Sulyard’s tone was no-nonsense. “Get some rest.”
“But, sir,” she argued forcefully this time. “No one else is going home.”
“No one else has the emotional tie to this case that you have, and emotions take their toll.”
Sulyard was right. Emotions did take a toll. But everything Nina had told him about Sulyard said the guy wouldn’t do this. Plus Quinn’s gut said he wasn’t sincere. It sounded more like he was reciting a prepared speech.
“I can keep going,” Nina offered.
“Go home, Brandt,” he said firmly. “It’s not optional.”
She nodded, her shoulders sagging a bit.
“Before you even think about taking work home with you, don’t. Leave everything as is. I’ll have someone else take over.”
A guilty expression flashed across Nina’s face. She’d been planning to bring her work home. Of course she was. She was dedicated to helping Ty. She’d proven that since Quinn had barreled into her life. His heart warmed at her tender concern for his brother. He had the urge to pull her into his arms and hug her. It was the last thing he should do in that room. The last thing he should do anywhere.
“Are we clear, Brandt?” Sulyard asked.
“Yes,” Nina replied.
“I’ll send someone in so you can brief them on your progress. Then I want you out of here.” Sulyard departed as quickly as he’d arrived.
Nina crossed over to Ty. “I suppose you heard that.”
“What?” Ty looked clueless as usual when he was wrapped up in his computer.
Quinn watched as Ty and Nina talked and was jealous of the easiness between them. She accepted him for what he was. A computer nerd. She didn’t try to change Ty. Quinn had. Big time. And Ty had pulled away from Quinn, just like Quinn pulled away from his father. Doing things his father couldn’t abide. Skydiving. Parasailing. Mountain climbing, skiing. The list was endless. All things he’d first gotten involved in because dear old Dad hated them.
Sure, Quinn liked the activities, but why? Because they were fun, or because they took him as far from his father as possible and proved he hadn’t turned into the old man? And what about Ty? He excelled in computers, but did he really like them or was he running, too? Quinn had never asked. He needed to talk to him about it. Start respecting the kid’s abilities and do a better job of respecting his choices. He’d try. Starting now.
“Let’s head back and take a dip in the pool,” he said to Ty. “I’ll show you some fun tricks I learned in BUD/S.”
“But I’m almost done here,” Ty complained. “Just a few more hours and I’ll find the right fix. I can feel it.”
“Sorry, taking a break isn’t a request, bro,” Quinn said.
Ty frowned. “I just don’t get it. I’m making good progress and stopping now is insane.”
Quinn agreed. Nina’s expression said she did too. But she was a good soldier. Like he was. Take orders from your superior and act on them. It’s what kept the organization ticking along like a well-oiled machine.
Nina planted her fake smile on her face. “It’s what ASAC Sulyard wants, Ty, so it’s what we’ll do.”
“C’mon, bud.” Quinn rested a hand on Ty’s shoulder. “Let’s do as they say. I, for one, am dying to get out of this room.”
“I should have known you’d follow the company line.” Ty shrugged off Quinn’s hand and stood.
“Now, son.” His mother stepped forward. “Agent Sulyard is doing what he thinks is best. It’s our responsibility to honor that.”
“Best for who? He offers me this deal, then reneges when I get close. I haven’t given them anything yet that will secure the database. That’s sure not good for me.”
His mother took a deep breath and blew it out slowly before smiling at Nina. “Thank you for giving Ty this chance to clear his name. I’m hoping he can come back tomorrow to finish his work.”
“I’m guessing that’s Sulyard’s plan. That is, if we still need Ty’s help by then. I’ll ask to make sure and give you a call.”
Ty and his mom went to the door.
Quinn didn’t move. “Are you going to be all right?”
Nina seemed puzzled. “Why wouldn’t I be?’
“Because you don’t want to go home. You want to stay right here in the thick of things.”
“I’ll do as I’m told.”
“Don’t you find Sulyard’s decision kind of odd? I mean, why cut off valuable resources in a critical investigation?”
She scrubbed a hand over her face. “I can’t begin to know what he thinks sometimes.”
He moved closer so Ty and his mom couldn’t hear. “I’m trained to read people like you are. But you’re too close to the situation to see the nuances of Sulyard’s expressions. He’s got an agenda, and it’s not to make sure you and Ty get the rest you need. I suggest you talk to Becca and Kait before you leave. See if they can shed some light on the situation.”
She seemed to contemplate his statement, then she gave a firm nod. “Thanks for mentioning it.”
He wanted to take her hand, but he settled for meeting her gaze and holding it. “We may be butting heads, sweetheart, but I still have your back. You can count on that, no matter what.”
Chapter Eighteen
NINA WORKED HER way through the dimly lit parking garage, the space eerily quiet in the dusky night. Unease settled
over her like the shadows cloaking the cars.
Stop it. No one was out to hurt her. At least not physically. But she was smart enough to listen to Quinn and see Sulyard had an agenda. One she suspected didn’t bode well for her. He clearly wanted her away from the investigation for the remainder of the day. She’d tried to talk to Becca and Kait about it, but they were nowhere to be found. Had Sulyard gone as far as isolating her friends so she couldn’t contact them? If so, he’d cut Nina off at the knees. No access to her friends made life so very difficult.
Enough.
They were just busy. Simple as that. She was letting the darkness and gloom of the garage get to her. She shook her head and strode toward her car, the staccato of her heels reverberating through the space.
“I wondered if you were coming.” Quinn’s deep voice came from the shadows.
She jumped, and her heart clutched. “You scared me.”
“Sorry.” He was standing at alert, his body ready to react to any danger, the muscles taut, his focus riveted to her. “I didn’t think it was a good idea to stand around where everyone could see me waiting for you.”
Was his cloak-and-dagger behavior really necessary? Or was he thinking like a SEAL on a covert mission to bring some excitement to a day that anyone could see had bored him to death?
“Why are you waiting for me?” she asked, hoping to find out.
He lifted a powerful shoulder in a shrug. “With everything that’s going on, I just wanted to make sure you got home okay.”
“I appreciate your thinking of me,” she said, as she was touched by his consideration. “But don’t you think you’re overreacting to this whole Sulyard thing? He may be up to something, but the only danger I’m in is falling asleep at the wheel on my way home.”
“You can play it down all you want, but my gut says it’s a good idea for me to see you home.” The tension in his shoulders and neck intensified, making her anxious. “I always listen to my gut.”
“Again, I appreciate the concern, but I’m fine.”
He moved closer and took her hand. His gaze softened. This tender, yet instinctive response to protect her nearly made her invite him to drive her home. But tomorrow would come, and he would go back to his team. The last thing she needed was to be alone with him at her house.
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