Chapter 26

I work to get through the firewall and the infosec code. I do not allow myself to think of what will happen if Jackson come back before I've succeeded. Or if I can't get in. Or if they don't let Mémé go. I only see the characters on a screen. A puzzle to solve. Sixteen minutes later, I'm in.

No time to celebrate. I grab the thumb drive and insert it into his port. "I'm sorry, Jackson. I'm so fucking sorry. It auto-launches, code unfolding before my eyes with lightning speed.

I get up from his chair, pick up my things, and walk swiftly out. I don't acknowledge his secretary. I travel down the hall, like I'm headed for the bathroom, and slip into the stairwell. Eight stories then a parking lot, and I'll be in my car. Except I already know I've been had. They're not letting Mémé go. How could they frame me if an old lady is telling a story about being kidnapping?

So I just committed another felony act and destroy the old company I've ever admired for nothing. Worse I've destroyed whateve