Page 69 of Ground Zero
Sheridan moved through the server room, the hum of cooling fans and electronics masking her footsteps.
Morrison lingered near the door, checking his phone with apparent disinterest. But she felt his attention tracking her every move.
The anonymous text had said to check the server room.
But for what?
She scanned the rows of equipment, looking for anything out of place.
These servers ran Blackout’s security systems, communications, and data storage. If someone wanted to hide something or steal something, this would be the place.
Then she saw it—a small external drive attached to one of the servers, blinking steadily.
It didn’t match the other equipment.
The device was too new, too clean.
It had been recently placed.
Someone had left this here for her.
She moved closer.
“What are you doing?” Morrison asked.
“Just making sure nothing has been missed.” She glanced over her shoulder. “What are you doing?”
“Keeping you accountable,” he muttered. “It’s better if no one is alone. That way, no one can get away with anything.”
“I wasn’t aware babysitting was part of your job description. Should I alert Cook that you’re expanding your duties?”
He narrowed his eyes. “Funny.”
Despite her attempt at humor, her stress rose another level. Was she the only one being babysat? If so, she’d put herself in a very bad position.
She pretended to play with some wires.
Then when her body blocked the drive, she palmed it.
Someone wanted her to find this. Now she needed to see what was on it.
But not now.
Right now, she slipped the device into her pocket.
As soon as she had the opportunity, she’d check to see what it contained.
The bookstore, Beach Bound Books and Beans, smelled of salt air, old paper, and coffee. The store’s owner, Tali MacArthur, was a good woman who was married to the town’s former police chief.
Maverick knew he could trust her. However, he didn’t want to put her in danger.
That was why he needed to be stealthy right now—even more so since he’d lost any cell service a few minutes ago. He wasn’t sure if this was a carrier problem or if it was the work of Sigma.
His bets were on Sigma.
The store’s back window provided a perfect view of the pier. Maverick had been watching for ten minutes.
The pier was crowded with fishermen, tourists, and several seagulls picking at abandoned crab bait.
