Exploited (Zero Day #1)

by A. Meredith Walters

  My palms were sweaty and my belly erupted in butterflies. The tingling between my legs indicated that I too was thinking about last night.

  “Don’t talk like that here, Agent Kohler, or you’ll get us both into trouble,” I flirted, lowering my lashes just enough.

  I needed to distract him long enough to put the thumb drive in the port at the back of his computer. He wouldn’t even see the root kit installing. It would take only a few minutes.

  But his focus was entirely on me.

  Crap.

  “Maybe you can stay with me tonight. We could stop by your house after seeing Charlotte and get you a bag,” he suggested, still looking at me. The thumb drive burned through my skin.

  “I’d like that,” I said.

  Mason grinned, his eyes warm. “Okay, then.” He sat back in his chair. “I just have to talk to my partner, Perry, and then we can leave.” He stood up. “Are you okay to sit here? I’ll only be a minute.”

  I almost sagged in relief. I nodded, trying not to be too enthusiastic. “Of course. Go do what you need to do.”

  Mason grabbed a file and walked over to a man seated behind a desk only a few feet away. His eyes kept flitting back my way. I would have to be quick.

  I leaned across the desk, the thumb drive between my fingers and quickly inserted it in the USB port. I was breathing quickly; sweat dripped from my brow.

  Mason was still talking to Perry. He handed the other man the file and patted him on the shoulder.

  I checked the time on my watch. Only thirty more seconds before I could remove the thumb drive…

  “What are you doing?”

  I sat back in my seat and looked up at the beautiful blonde looming over me, a scowl on her face.

  I recognized her instantly as the woman I had seen Mason with when he was nothing more than a name on a screen. They had been involved. She was an ex.

  “Excuse me?” I asked, feeling instantly defensive. I tried not to stare at the USB drive still stuck in the back of Mason’s laptop.

  Shit. Shit. Shit.

  “Civilians aren’t allowed on the floor,” she informed me, crossing her arms over her chest. “And what are you doing with Mason’s computer?”

  I gave a nervous giggle. “I’m not doing anything with his computer.”

  The woman leaned over the desk. “I saw you—”

  “Madison, what can I do for you?” Mason had reappeared and momentarily distracted the overly observant blond woman. With her back to me, I reached across the desk again and deftly removed the thumb drive, tucking it back into my purse without being noticed.

  “I was just wondering why you had a civilian on the floor. Especially when I saw her messing with your computer,” Madison snapped, turning to me again.

  Mason frowned. “What is she talking about, Hannah?”

  I opened my mouth to answer but Madison cut me off. “I saw her put something in the back of your computer. Look for yourself.”

  “I was wiping some dust from the port, that was it. I certainly didn’t put anything in your computer,” I remarked, sounding offended by the accusation.

  Mason checked his computer and, finding nothing, let out a noisy sigh. “Madison, seriously, I know you hate me, but leave my girlfriend out of it.”

  “I saw her,” she huffed.

  “Madison, please.” Mason grimaced. Even if I hadn’t known their history, my girlfriend radar would have been going off at the tension that radiated between them. I felt jealousy uncoil in all its nasty glory.

  I stood up, standing purposefully close to Mason, claiming my territory.

  A move that clearly said, Mine.

  “Madison was only trying to be helpful, weren’t you?” I addressed the other woman, who looked as if she had been sucking on a lemon. I slipped my arm around Mason’s waist, angling my body close to his. I pressed a hand to his chest, staking my claim.

  Madison’s eyes flickered between Mason and me, reading the vibe I was tossing her way. She understood the silent female code for Back the fuck off.

  “Forget I said anything,” she spat out, storming off in a blaze of irritation.

  “Sorry about that,” Mason apologized, taking my hand briefly before dropping it and pulling away from my hold. Clearly PDAs were a no-no at the FBI.

  “I’m assuming that was an ex.” I grabbed my purse and waited for Mason to put on his coat.

  “Not an ex. Well, not exactly. There’s nothing really to tell.” He waved goodbye to several people as we made our way to the elevator.

  “If there was nothing to tell, then why are you acting like there is?” I asked, following him into the empty elevator. I sounded bitchy. I couldn’t help it. I remembered watching the two of them go into her apartment building, hands all over each other. The memory of his mouth on Madison’s made me want to puke.

  Mason took my hand now that we were alone and kissed it. “You’re jealous,” he deduced with a grin.

  I rolled my eyes. “No I’m not.”

  Mason tugged me closer, our chests pressing against each other. He kissed the tip of my nose. “Yes you are.”

  I shrugged but smiled. “Okay, maybe a little.”

  Mason leaned down, his lips so close they brushed against mine when he spoke. “That’s really hot, Hannah.”

  I chuckled and pushed him back playfully. “You’re such a guy.”

  He put his arm around my shoulders. I let myself fold into his side, enjoying the feel of him. “I’m your guy,” he murmured in my ear.

  I thought about the thumb drive in my purse.

  I was a horrible, horrible person.

  —

  We drove first to a pizza place downtown and ordered two pies. One cheese—Charlotte’s favorite—and one meat lover’s supreme for Mason and me.

  “Will Charlotte be able to eat this?” Mason asked. “Will the nurses allow it?”

  “It’ll be fine. We can bring her treats now and then. She’ll be so excited to have pizza.” I was still unsure if bringing Mason to see Charlotte was a good idea. But it was too late to back out now.

  “You said she was in a car accident with your dad?” Mason took the pizzas and carried them out to the parking lot. I unlocked the doors and we got in. Mason set the boxes on his lap, the smell of pizza filling my car.

  Do I tell him? Do I lie? How much truth do I give him?

  Why not try most of it?

  “Yes. My family lived in Midlothian. My dad was taking Charlotte to a doctor’s appointment. It was raining heavily, from what Mom told me. I was away at college when it happened. The road had just been repaved but the materials that were used shouldn’t have been. Apparently the contractor had tried to cut costs by using a subpar tarmac. The road literally broke apart. Dad hit a bad piece of road and spun…” My words faded away.

  “I’m so sorry.” Mason squeezed my hand and I appreciated it. Talking about the accident was always hard. Time didn’t change that. I knew Mason understood.

  “My dad was killed instantly. Charlotte suffered severe brain and spine injuries, which is why she has to live at the Appleton Center now.” I pulled into the parking lot of the residential facility and turned off the engine. “I almost flunked out of school. It was a really dark time for me.”

  Mason leaned over the center console and kissed me softly. “You’ve been through a lot, Hannah. I had no idea how much. You’re a strong woman.”

  “I don’t know about that,” I scoffed, secretly pleased at the compliment.

  Mason kissed me again. “I know it’s hard for you to open up. To tell me things. But I’ll take care of your stories. I can promise you that.”

  “I know you will,” I said quietly, resting my forehead against his, our breath mingling.

  After a few minutes I backed away. “We’d better get that pizza in to Charlotte before it gets cold.”

  Cory, the night nurse on duty, looked up as we entered and gave us a wave. She noticed the pizza and smiled. “Charlotte’s in for a tre
at tonight.”

  “I hope it’s okay,” I said, feeling a bit awkward with Mason beside me.

  Cory’s eyes widened fractionally at the sight of Mason. “You’ve never brought anyone with you before. Are you going to introduce us?”

  Mason and I exchanged amused looks. “Cory, this is Mason Kohler, my boyfriend.” I felt warm all over.

  My boyfriend.

  It was nice to say. “Mason, this is Cory, one of the nurses here.”

  Mason, balancing the pizza boxes in one hand, held out the other for Cory to shake. The older woman was all silly smiles and batting eyelashes. Mason seemed to have that effect on everyone.

  “You can head on back. Charlotte’s had a pretty good day. Your mother’s been here since the afternoon and was able to take her out to the garden for a little while.”

  “My mother’s here?” Shit. That wasn’t good. Things were still strained between us after her impromptu visit a few weeks ago. We had spoken on the phone weekly but I hadn’t seen her.

  And my mother was a talker. I knew that she would grill Mason. She’d interrogate me. I hadn’t told her I was seeing someone. This was not going to go well.

  Mason gave me a strange look, picking up on my change in mood. Cory nodded. “I think they’re watching a movie.”

  I sighed. It was too late to leave without looking like a jerk, so I gave Cory another smile and led Mason down the hallway toward my sister’s room.

  “My mother doesn’t know I’m seeing anyone,” I told him before we went inside. I could hear the television and the low murmur of my mother’s voice.

  Mason frowned. “You haven’t told her about me?”

  I shook my head, putting my hand on his arm. “I told you we aren’t close. There are certain boundaries I keep with my mother that are necessary. It has nothing to do with you or our relationship,” I assured him. Mason opened his mouth to say something, then clearly thought better of it.

  I kissed him quickly. “I promise you it’s about her, not you.”

  Mason nodded. “I get it. Parents are tough. You don’t need to explain.”

  I squeezed his hand. “Thank you.”

  He made caring about him so easy.

  I pushed open Charlotte’s door and walked inside. My mother, who was reclined in the chair beside my sister’s bed, looked up as I entered.

  “Hannah! What a lovely surprise!” she exclaimed, getting to her feet to greet me.

  I gave her a hug, bracing myself for the moment she noticed Mason.

  “Who is this?” she asked immediately, indicating Mason, who stood, still holding the two pizza boxes, just inside the door.

  “Mom, this is Mason Kohler.” I took a deep breath. “My boyfriend.”

  Mom’s eyes widened and then she frowned. “I didn’t know you had a boyfriend.”

  “Yeah, well, I do.” I walked past her and leaned down to kiss Charlotte’s cheek. “How are you, sis? Cory says you’ve had a good day.”

  Charlotte’s facial muscles spasmed as she attempted to smile. “Good. I’m happy to see you. I want to meet your boyfriend.”

  Mason put the pizzas down on the small table and held out his hand to my mother. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Whelan.”

  My mother shook his hand, holding it for a moment. “You must be a very special man if my Hannah is letting you into her life. I was starting to worry she’d always be alone. She doesn’t let people in very easily.”

  “Mom, can you please not make me sound like some crazy misanthrope?” I groaned. Charlotte laughed. A halting, broken sound, but it was beautiful. I grinned at my sister, rolling my eyes in sibling camaraderie.

  My mother tutted under her breath but didn’t make any more embarrassing comments. I held my hand out for Mason, who came to stand beside me.

  “Charlotte, this is Mason.” I squeezed his hand. “Mason, this is my sister, Charlotte.” My voice cracked. My eyes felt wet. I wasn’t sure why I was getting so emotional. Perhaps bringing Mason here had been a bad idea.

  Mason sat down in the chair beside Charlotte and took her hand ever so gently in his. “I’m happy to finally meet you, Charlotte. Your sister talks a lot about you.”

  Charlotte’s green eyes sparkled, the one true sign of life in her face. Her mouth quirked in a caricature of her former smile. “She lies a lot. Don’t believe anything she says.”

  Mason laughed, but my stomach twisted. Charlotte’s words hit too close to home for my liking.

  Mason gave my sister his complete attention and she seemed to be enjoying it. “It was all good, Charlotte. I promise.”

  “You’re very handsome. I can see why Hannah likes you,” Charlotte said in her halting voice, a devilish glint in her eyes.

  I snorted. “You’re trying to make me uncomfortable, aren’t you, Char?”

  “Well, she’s only speaking the truth.” Mason mugged, grinning wide. He still held on to my sister’s hand.

  My heart could barely contain the joy I felt watching him with Charlotte.

  Bringing him here had definitely been a bad idea.

  I thought of the root kit I had installed on his computer. Of all the lies I told him every single day.

  How could I do this to a man who so willingly opened his heart to me? A man who sat with my sister and spoke to her like a person, not an invalid?

  What was wrong with me?

  For the first time, being Freedom Overdrive didn’t feel like a positive thing. It felt like a burden.

  “We brought pizza, Char. You hungry?” I asked, needing to stop the train of thought I found myself on.

  Charlotte’s mouth worked in her excitement. “You brought pizza?”

  Mason carefully put her hand back on top of the blankets and got to his feet. “Hannah said cheese is your favorite, so we got a large. She warned me you could really put it away,” he said with a chuckle.

  “I love cheese pizza,” Charlotte exclaimed as loudly as she could.

  Mom and I both laughed. “Well, let me go get some plates. I’ll be right back,” my mother said, heading out into the hallway.

  Things were good.

  Too good.

  It would hurt when they all fell apart.

  Chapter 23

  Mason

  Watching Hannah with her sister was eye-opening.

  I had been seeing this woman for over a month and only now felt like I really knew her.

  Watching someone with their family gave you incredible insight into the secrets of their heart.

  I had known that seeing Hannah and Charlotte together would hurt. That it would remind me of the relationship I was missing. But it also made me happy. Happier than I could remember being in a long time.

  Because seeing the love in Hannah’s eyes was worth all the pain I might feel.

  I was lucky to be privy to this softer side of Hannah Whelan.

  “This is good pizza,” Charlotte said, her mouth covered in sauce. Hannah patiently wiped her face before feeding her another bite.

  “Remember to chew carefully,” Hannah reminded her.

  Charlotte’s mouth twisted in a way I had come to realize was her attempt at a smile. “I’m not a baby.” Her voice was halting. The inflections out of sync. A little garbled and slurred.

  Her body had failed her but her mind was still active. Still alive.

  “I know you’re not. I just don’t feel like doing the Heimlich maneuver,” Hannah replied, winking at me.

  “Let me fill up your cup,” I offered, taking Hannah’s glass.

  “So what exactly do you do, Mason? I wish I could say that I knew things about you, but I don’t,” Mrs. Whelan said, following me to the sink in the corner of the room and waiting as I filled Hannah’s glass. The surprise of my existence was clearly not appreciated by Hannah’s mother.

  Hannah was talking with her sister, but she watched us out of the corner of her eye. It was obvious she didn’t like me talking to her mother. Their relationship was labored, that much was apparent. I
could understand contentious parental relationships.

  “I’m an FBI agent,” I told her.

  Mrs. Whelan snorted. “Seriously, what do you do?” she asked again, not believing my answer.

  I pulled my badge out of my pocket and handed it to her. Her eyes widened and she turned to Hannah. “You’re dating an FBI agent?”

  “So he’s cute and a badass,” Charlotte mumbled around a mouthful of pizza. She started to cough and Hannah immediately sat her up and patted her on the back as if she were an infant. She rubbed up and down, smoothing her sister’s hair back from her face. I brought over the cup of water and handed it to Hannah, who put it to Charlotte’s lips.

  “I told you I didn’t want to do the Heimlich maneuver, Char. I wasn’t kidding,” she scolded good-naturedly.

  “Charlotte Ann Whelan, you need to be more careful,” Mrs. Whelan fretted, going back to her daughter’s side.

  “I hate it when she uses our full names,” Hannah mumbled, rolling her eyes heavenward, and I laughed softly.

  “It’s a lovely full name, Charlotte,” I told Hannah’s sister, who seemed pleased with the compliment.

  “How long have you been an FBI agent? Do you go after bad guys? Is it like CSI? I love that show!” Mrs. Whelan fired question after question, not giving me much of a chance to answer them.

  “Mom, stop it. You know nothing’s like what they show on TV,” Hannah snapped, annoyance on her face.

  “It’s okay, Hannah. I don’t mind the questions. But she’s right, Mrs. Whelan, nothing is ever like it is on TV. Most of the time it’s pretty boring.” I took a bite of pizza and sat back down in the chair beside Hannah. She took my hand and squeezed it briefly before turning back to her sister.

  “Abe always liked those FBI shows on television. He would have been tickled that Hannah was dating an agent. If you think I ask a lot of questions, just be glad Abe isn’t around,” Mrs. Whelan went on, a tender, sad smile on her face.

  “Abe?” I asked.

  “Our dad,” Charlotte piped up. “His name was Abraham Lee Whelan. He was into computers like Hannah.”