Page 33 of A Soldier's Temptation
“Around that time, I caught him at the computer in my office. He said he was just leaving me a note. I asked why he didn’t just send a text or call, he said he’d hoped to see me too. But I didn’t believe him. And after he left there wasn’t a note anywhere. I didn’t notice anything wrong with the computer and it had been locked down so I figured it was okay. The FBI said he’d attached a device that recorded my keystrokes. It was on the back of the computer console under the desk and I never saw it.”
“When was that?” Chase asked, he sounded half distracted but from the clickety-clack of the computer keyboard he had to be taking notes.
“I think about six months before the FBI arrested me. I’d been thinking about breaking up with him. I’d even talked to my friend Shira about it. But before I had a chance it all blew up.”
A low whistle came over the phone. “Holy shit, stole classified information for over six months?”
“Yes, that’s what the FBI thinks. He almost got away with it. I was lucky he was an idiot or he’d have made it to China and I’d never been cleared.”
“If the information came from you, how did they figure out it was him?” Chase asked.
“While I was in custody they searched our apartment. They found a false wall in the back of the closet with a couple of flash drives and a computer. Thank God his fingerprints were the only ones all over them.”
“Eventually, they probably would have figured it out. Someone would have done a deep enough dive into his background and realized they’d made a mistake. But you’d have spent too much time locked up before they figured it out. Did he have the same access you did?” John said.
“No, not any top secret or even secret clearance. The FBI is convinced that’s why he pursued me. So he could get access to my computer.” Explaining the nightmare she’d lived for the last year made her sick to her stomach. How could she have been so naïve?
“Chase, Ari is exhausted and she looks about ready to fall over. You should have plenty to start with. We can pick this up tomorrow.”
“Yes, I’ve got plenty. I’m sorry if I pushed you too hard. You’ve sure as hell been through hell and back. My team and I will get to the bottom of this with Riot’s help. Just stay strong.”
“Thank you. I really appreciate it.”
“Night. Riot, I’ll call you in the morning after Alex and Rock have had a chance to do some digging.”
“Thanks, I appreciate it. Say hi to Faith for me.”
“Will do.”
John disconnected the call and wrapped his arms around Ari. She’d been pacing back and forth across the living room. With him behind her and Mr. Darcy in front, it was like being cocooned in happiness. She’d be lying if she didn’t admit she liked it.
“Do you hate me now?”
“Why would I hate you?” John turned her in his arms and tipped her chin up to meet his eyes.
“Because you spend your life fighting to keep our country safe from people like me, people who expose our secrets to foreign countries.”
“You didn’t do any of that. The asshole Chen did. He picked you for a reason, your clearance. They should never have hired him in the first place. A solid background check should have set off all kinds of flags. You did nothing wrong.”
“But…”
“Nope. Let me ask you this. Did you ever leave your computer unlocked?”
“No.”
“Did you give him your password, or leave it where he could find it?”
“No.”
“Did you ever bring classified information home on a non-government computer?”
“No.”
“Then you did nothing wrong. He could have added that device on anyone’s computer, but you had the information someone wanted. Now we have to find out who wanted it.”
“Do you really think Chase’s team can find out who is behind all of this?”
“If there is anyone in the world who can, it would be them, especially since the FBI’s cyber team seems to be clueless for some reason.”
