“And I can play my magic on the cameras. If someone checks the feeds, they won’t see you.”
Catriona looked at Liam, who seemed to agree with the plan. “It’s the most direct route. I’ll call home and tell them what’s happening. We don’t have time to bring more people in, but Sam and I can handle it.”
Catriona knew the stern look that accompanied his protective attitude, and she was having none of it. “I’m going too.”
“No fucking way. It’s too dangerous. What if there are goons or hired guns there? We’re going in blind.”
“That’s more reason why I need to go.”
Liam was about to rip her determination to pieces when Devin coughed. “Sorry to interfere, but the thing is, if you can access the white tower, you’ll need someone with enough computer skills to see if there’s any salvageable data on it before turning it off. Catriona is the best one for that. Unless one of you has knowledge beyond the on and off button.”
“No fucking way. I need to make that call, but you’d better find a chair here, angel, because you’re not coming with us. And you!” He pointed at Devin. “I need to know what you require to access the white tower.”
“Liam!”
When she tried to grab his hand, Liam turned and pushed her firmly against the wall, one hand on her hip, the other twisted in her hair. “Angel.” His mouth took hers in the most possessive and fiery kiss she’d ever imagined. Just as she opened her mouth to him, he moved back. “I won’t have you in danger ever again. I won’t survive if anything happened to you before you return to the convent. You’re too precious to be lost to this world.”
Her heart skipped in her chest. It had started as a declaration of love before Liam had shut down any hope of being together by referring to the convent. It was clear that his mind was set, and this was a goodbye kiss. She was glad for the wall when he released her because she doubted her legs could hold her up.”
Sam and Liam left, and before she could run after them, Devin gestured her toward the computer with a smile.
“Come here, Catriona. Let me show you how to enter the Pedway from here. The entrance is at the bottom of my main parking lot. If you take the car, it will take you only a few minutes to reach it.”
The hacker’s words weren’t making any sense. “Didn’t you hear Liam? He said I can’t go.”
Devin huffed. “Don’t worry. I’ve locked your friends in the elevator. They won’t go anywhere until they accept that you’re going too.”
Stunned, and somewhat amused, she didn’t know what to say. Devin continued. “As they’re cooling their heels, I’ll give you some important information. I know you only understood half of what I was saying earlier, but it’s more than what the guys do. Even on the phone, if there’s a chance to get to the white tower, I won’t have the luxury to coach anybody. So, you’re the only one that can do it. Liam and Sam must understand it. And they will.”
Before she could react, he reached around one of the computer towers on the desk and retrieved what seemed like an oversized USB key. “Find a way to plug it in, and it will start a fast download automatically. I’ve configured it to search for keywords about Finch, as well as other search words that Lazarus gave me. It’s no guarantee, but it would be nice to have.” As he put the device in her hand, he went to a small cabinet and gave her a box. “I’m guessing you didn’t come armed. Call me old fashioned, but I’d prefer you had something to defend yourself with if need be. Keep that in your pocket. It’s a high-powered taser. It won’t kill, but at least you’ll have time to flee.” Devin seemed to hesitate before requesting her cell phone. He flipped it open and typed a few keys. “I’ve entered my direct number. I wasn’t going to give it to you because it’s complicated, but if you need the cavalry, I may be able to send it to you. Not the police, but people who are as trustworthy and discreet as they are deadly. But only if you request it, Catriona.”
Stunned by his generosity, Catriona wasn’t sure what to say. “Liam will throw a fit if I go.”
“Most probably, but I get the feeling you’re more stubborn than you appear, especially to get what you want. And there’s a chance that same persistence may help you find what you seek. There’s something about you, I can’t put my finger on it, but I sense you need to be there, despite what Liam thinks or says.” He hesitated and gave her an amused look. “And if there’s a higher power needing you there, I prefer to be on the good side of whoever is pulling the strings, if you know what I mean.”
