Page 28 of The One for Forever

And for some reason, a hint of discomfort slides down my spine. I shift in my seat and take a sip of water from the glass in front of me. I’m probably just unsettled about Quinn’s security.

With that in mind, I text a bit with Max, updating him on our investigation into the mystery witness, as well as my plans for the trial team’s security at the courthouse. He’s handling some other matters, but he assures me he trusts me to take care of this. Good thinghetrusts me, at least. Since Quinn seems to have no issue ignoring my advice.

It doesn’t take long for Sylvie to get the burner set up. She returns to the conference room and hands Quinn the device. “This might look like a regular iPhone, but it’s loaded up with software by yours truly. Completely untraceable to any outsider, but it’s connected in real time to our Bennett Security network. Every single call and text gets uploaded to us, along with any data we can pull about the sender. “

“But they can’t do the same to me,” Quinn says. “Perfect.” Her thumbs move over the keyboard on her device, and the image of her screen projects onto the larger flatscreen on the wall.

Text bubbles appear.

This is Quinn Ainsley. I got a note with this number last night. Are you the one who left it?

A couple of tense minutes pass. I find myself getting up to pace across the length of the conference room. But just as Quinn opens her mouth to say something to the rest of us, three dots appear. We all go quiet, waiting until the reply comes in.

Yes. Thanks for writing me. I was worried you might not.

Who are you?

Can’t say yet. I know the cloak and dagger is dramatic, but it’s necessary.

I can assure you any communication between us will remain confidential for now. But I need to know who I’m speaking with.

I understand. But this could be dangerous. For both of us.

What kind of danger?

I think you’ve already seen hints of it. But it could get far worse.

What the hell is that supposed to mean? It sounds like he’s implying a threat. “Sylvie,” I say, “are you getting anything to pin down this person’s identity or location?”

Sylvie frowns at her laptop. “Unfortunately, no. It seems our witness has some protection of his own. VPN and a wicked firewall. But keep going, Quinn. My programs are running in the background. Don’t worry about that.”

Quinn nods and goes back to typing.

I never doubt Sylvie’s abilities. But it still makes me anxious for this person to have a direct line to Quinn. Even if it’s purely through text messages at this point.

Do you mean the threats my office has received? Or the people who accosted me last night?

All of the above. Amber has put the word out to her minions, through indirect channels of course, to target you.

Why me?

Because you’re young and beautiful and full of promise. Like Amber used to be. Your district attorney knows it too. You’re going to be her secret weapon at trial. When Amber testifies, you can get up there and ask the hard questions. Get under Amber’s skin. And the jury will eat up every moment. Isn’t that how it works?

“The guy is trying to manipulate me,” Quinn says.

Lana tilts her head. “That’s probably true. But he’s not wrong about your role in the trial.” We all glance over at Lana, and she shrugs. “Anyone who sees Quinn in the courtroom knows she’s a force to be reckoned with.”

“But I think Quinn’s also right that he’s angling for something,” I say. “What does he really want?”

Quinn thinks for a moment, and then types again.

I’m just doing my job. Which includes searching for the truth. You said you have evidence for us. If you don’t give me something, I’ll have to assume you’re not serious.

Damn right, I think. I’m proud of her for not being distracted or swayed by flattery. Even though it’s well deserved in Quinn’s case. I have no doubt she’ll be fantastic at trial.

I keep pacing and then pause beside her, watching as she awaits the source’s response. I feel the need to stay close. Even if this person can’t reach through the phone and touch her, he could still harm her. It’s my job to keep that from happening. I hate the thought that I might not be able to.

Quinn looks up at me. “Wish he’d hurry up,” she murmurs.

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