Page 101 of The Five Year Lie
That’s true, of course. But he’s also a nervous genius at the moment. Because ten long minutes tick by before he gets another response from TheBoss.
TheBoss:Done. Went even better than I expected. Visual confirmation that it’s going to work.
Brainz keeps his expression impassive, but inside he’s pumping his fist.
Brainz: Well done. So you’re on your way downtown now?
TheBoss:Yes. ETA 5 minutes. 10 with parking.
Brainz: Got it.
TheBoss:Just hope that was necessary. It’s a little too cloak-and-dagger for me.
Ah, there it is—a moment of uncertainty. But that’s okay. What’s done is done.
Brainz: It won’t blow back on us. You wanted insurance, right? This is the only way to buy it. And I know you’re going to enjoy this next part.
TheBoss:You bet I am. Lock the kid out now. I’m OMW.
Brainz: Roger.
He pulls Drew Miller’s profile up on his terminal and edits his permissions.
Brainz: Kid’s profile locked. Get into position.
TheBoss:Will do.
TheBoss:This will be very satisfying.
Brainz: Not as satisfying as punching the guy in the throat. But it’s something.
TheBoss:LOL. Pretty violent for a nerd.
He has no idea. But it’s better this way.
34
ARIEL
Monday morning again. Tension headache. Clingy Buzz. And Maddy in a blinding white skirt, reminding me once again to buy the watermelons.
“Got it,” I insist.
“Good work!” The pitch of her voice is like a knife through my head. “We’ll gather at eleven tomorrow to set up.”
Tomorrow?Hell.
“See you then,” I say with a tight smile. Then I open my phone and set a reminder for tomorrow.Borrow the car, buy ten watermelons! Set up @11.
This is Buzz’s last week of preschool until September. My schedule is about to shift into summer mode, when I work even fewer hours and spend more time with Buzz. Lazy days at the wading pool and ice cream cones.
If I don’t crawl out of my skin first.
Everyone at the office is grumpy. The network is still laggy, and there are a lot of closed-door meetings about the weekend attack.
Zain has barely come out of his office at all. When I text him for a coffee break, he replies that he is too busy. I press him.
Ariel: Are you sure? I went downstairs and fetched your favorite coffee mug. The round one with the stupid joke about binary.
