Page 35 of Knight

“Your completelyinnocentshop-bought phone triggered a cascade failure in my security systems.” He waits, clearlyexpecting a reaction, then sighs at my blank look. “Someone just usedyouto compromise everything I’ve built.” His attention shifts back to the door.

“But I didn’t?—”

“Know?” His laugh is sharp enough to cut glass. “That’s what he was counting on. Please, tell me more about how you didn’t mean to carry a digital bomb into my home. I’m sure that will fix everything.”

A weird electronic shriek pieces the air, and I jump. Knight tenses at the sound, face paling.

“Whatisthat? Is something wrong with your computer?”

“No, it’s throwing a party.” His words drop like acid. “Those are clearly noises of celebration.”

The room is getting warmer. More strange noises emerge from behind the door. Whining, grinding, and noises that sound like expensive things breaking. Knight paces between me and the door, and I get the distinct impression he can’t decide where the biggest threat is.

“Why is it so hot in here?”

“Because my systems are under attack, and everything is overheating. Would you like me to adjust the thermostat? Maybe put on some music. Hell, let’s make margaritas. I’d hate for you to be uncomfortable.” The words are delivered through gritted teeth.

Another crash makes both of us flinch. He takes two steps toward the door, then stops, looking back at me.

I can almost see him calculating the risks of what he should do.

“Can’t you just unplug everything?”

The look he gives me should kill me where I stand.

“What a fucking brilliant idea. Why didn’t I think of that? Would you like to explain that strategy to the three backup systems and offsite servers, or should I? Maybe we could writethem a strongly worded email, asking them to please stop being compromised.”

There are more crashes, more electronic sounds. The temperature keeps rising until sweat runs down my back. Knight’s expression turns darker with each new noise, and I’m hit by the realization that I’m seeing something that very few people see. This man is losing control of his world.

“How can a phone do this? It’s just aphone.” I try to keep my voice steady, but it shakes anyway.

“It’snotthe phone, it’s what he put on the phone.”

“He? Who?”

“The person who trained me.” A muscle ticks in his jaw. “Someone who’s supposed to be dead.”

“Have you tried?—”

“If you suggest turning if off and on again, I swear to fucking god, Iwillgag you.” His voice carries a sharp edge.

There’s the sound of something else breaking behind the door.

“Who ishe?” I don’t even know why I ask. Maybe because knowledge feels like armor, even if I don’t know what it means. And keeping him talking seems like a good idea.

“Victor Nash.” The name comes out like a curse. “And apparently, he thought it’d be a great idea to announce his resurrection by destroying everything I’ve built. But please, keep asking questions. I’m sure it will help immensely.”

There are more crashing sounds, more weird electronic noises I don’t understand. Knight’s fingers clench and unclench at his sides, the only sign that he’s not as calm as he sounds.

“What happens now?”

“Now?” His attention splits between me and whatever crisis is unfolding behind that door. “Now I have to figure out what kind of game he’s playing. Andyouget to watch, since I can’t risk letting you out of my sight until I know what role you playin his plan.” He lets out a breath. “Although, watching you try to understand what’s happening might actually be more painful than losing my systems.”

“I didn’t playanyrole in whatever is happening.”

“The phone you brought here says otherwise.” His smile is all teeth and no humor. “But please tell me again how you’re just an innocent bystander. I find your complete ignorance of the situation fucking fascinating.”

Fear crawls up my spine at the bite in his tone. A little over twenty-four hours ago, I thought I was meeting someone who could help me find my brother. Now, I’m trapped in an apartment that’s making sounds like it’s tearing itself apart, with a man who seems to be slowly losing his grip on his world and maybe his sanity.

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