Page 78 of Hard Wired

“I do understand something about messed up childhoods.” Max ran his fingers through his hair. “But if you’re vouching for him, then I’ll take him at his word.”

“Thank you.” She hadn’t realized until now how important it was that Max see the real Dominic, the way she did.

“But we need a plan of our own. What about those Russian hackers the Syndicate has working for them? What about everything we discussed before, about how they wouldn’t stop coming after us?”

“I’m going to reprogram the Syndicate’s malware and install it on my computer myself. But it’ll have a stowaway along for the ride. When my supposedly stolen data goes back, I’ll be able to infiltrate them myself.”

“But if their program is on your machine, how will you keep them from accessing all of Bennett Security?”

“Because it won’t truly be my computer. I’ll create a decoy, set up to look like the real thing. And they don’t know our protocols. I’ll make them think that our system is so over-the-top secure that they can’t get access beyond just my device. My decoy machine will have plenty of fake info to keep them occupied. It only has to fool them for a little while, long enough for me to get what I need on the Syndicate and for Dominic and his loved ones to get into a safe house. By the time the Syndicate realizes I’ve fooled them, our whole operation will be complete.”

“Who’s arranging the safe house transfer?”

“Lana and the Feds, I assume. Once they know Dominic will testify. But I’d appreciate if you helped.”

“I’ll talk to Lana and coordinate. I’ve already got guys on Dominic’s younger brother, keeping their distance as you asked. But if there’s any other way I can help make sure the Cranes get to safety, then I’ll do it.”

“Thank you, boss.” Sylvie couldn’t help herself. She went around his desk and gave him a hug. It was definitely a bad move according to those sexual-harassment videos, but she figured Max would understand where she was coming from.

He patted her on the back. “So you and Crane? I really didn’t see that coming.”

She laughed. “Neither did I.”

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