Page 3 of Hard Wired

In fact, she liked to handle most things from behind a screen.

Max stood up from his desk, staring down at her from his full height. “You’re going to install Crane’s system, and that’s final. But I’ll make it up to you. You decide what that will take. A bonus, extra time off? Some new gadget you’ve been wanting? Done. But I’m finished with this conversation. I don’t want to hear from you on the subject of Crane until the assignment is finished.”

Sylvie left Max’s office, shaking her head. Why had she bothered arguing in the first place? Max Bennett always got what he wanted.

* * *

Sylvie went downto her corner of the workroom. She had three massive screens on her desk, positioned so they created a cozy alcove. She checked her email, then sent off instructions to several people on her team so they would stay busy while she was gone.

Sylvie had worked at Bennett Security for the last three years. Most of the time, she loved her job. She’d gotten testy upstairs about the more basic aspects of installing their systems, but she always felt gratified to provide safety and security to their clients.

Sylvie was Max’s unofficial right hand in their company. He trusted her with their most sensitive and difficult assignments, whether it was pouring over crucial video surveillance, working her contacts in the state and federal law enforcement agencies, or using her hacker skills to find answers no one else could provide.

For the most part, their clients were West Oaks elites. But Max donated his time to help the larger community as well, like consulting with the police on cases, or funding non-profit services. Usually, his pro-bono projects served more sympathetic characters than a crime boss like Dominic Crane.

Ugh. Why did her kryptonite have to be sexy bad boys? Why couldn’t well-adjusted accountants turn her on?

Priyanka, Sylvie’s brand-new assistant, appeared at her desk. “I got your email. We’re going out in the field?”

“Don’t get your hopes up. It’s just an install.”

Priyanka puffed out her lips. “Boo. I was hoping one of the bodyguards would be coming with us.”

“Oh, one will. We’re going to Dominic Crane’s house. Max owes the guy a favor.”

Priyanka’s eyes widened. ”This is so exciting. Do I have time to run home to change?”

Sylvie narrowed her eyes at the girl. Priyanka was twenty-two, a recent grad from college. She knew how to code, and her grades suggested she had an eye for detail and the patience for research. But so far, she seemed a lot more interested in her male coworkers than in learning everything Sylvie had to teach her.

“Definitely not. You look fine.” She decided to do Priyanka a favor and not insist they wear the Bennett Security polos most techs sported on house calls. Even Max had known better than to suggest it to Sylvie. “Just pack up. We’ll be leaving within the hour.”

Sylvie checked their log of current assignments. A few of the bodyguards were out of the office today, but Tanner wasn’t busy. Excellent. He was her top choice.

She found him downstairs in the gym, where a lot of the bodyguards liked to hang out while awaiting their next project. Tanner was currently grunting underneath a barbell loaded with huge iron plates. She saw his eyes land on her in the mirror. Sylvie waited until he finished his squat and the bar landed with a crash on the rack.

“Hey, Sylv. What’s up?”

“I’ve got something for you today. Want to come with me to Dominic Crane’s house?”

“That asshole? Please tell me we’re escorting him to a federal holding facility.”

“No such luck. Max wants me to install a system at his place. So Crane’s Syndicate buddies can’t off him like they want.”

Tanner shrugged one shoulder. He was one of the biggest guys on the team, a former Navy SEAL around six-five, with shoulders that spanned twice the breadth of Sylvie’s. He had a bushy beard to match, as well as an unruly mop of curls on his head. Tattoos covered his arms and shoulders, one of the things he and Sylvie had in common. They went to the same artist in L.A.

Tanner was also one of the most laidback guys Sylvie knew. He didn’t even look askance at Max’s orders.

“Whatever. If Max says so, then I’m there. When do we start?”

“As soon as you shower and get dressed. I just want to get this over with.”

Maybe the gods would smile upon her, and she wouldn’t have to see Crane at all.

---