Page 69 of Protection (Mobsters + Billionaires 2)
“You said he wouldn't budge on the human rights issues, but the woman we caught, the operative, said that the real issue for the Indian government was the safety protocols. The security of intellectual and physical property.”
Understanding brightens his eyes. “The government doesn’t want to have to go up against the Russians to protect the facilities.”
I nod, glad he’s got the lay of the land. “I mean…what good would a private company do against a tactical assault from the Russian military?”
“Probably not much. I mean, I’ve had Ryder working on the India protocols for the servers there, but stopping a physical incursion…where would I even begin?”
“Exactly.”
Mads taps his chin, thinking. “And the Indian government doesn’t want to be seen killing Russian operatives because they do have a few tactical agreements in place with the Russian government.”
I know it’s not the right time but watching a genius work through a problem is thrilling.
He continues, “You know, I hadn’t seen my father in a long time, and he looked… Well, he looked older. And, in retrospect, I suppose it was a more respectful conversation than last time we talked.”
“Do you think he wants to reconcile with you?” I ask, a bad feeling in my gut. “Because he might be using…”
Mads shakes his head. “I didn't get that sense at all.”
I think about it, scrubbing at my unshaven jaw. “This reminds me of my mother. She doesn't like that I'm gay. At all. But she's known I was gay since I was very young, and while I didn't necessarily grow up feeling accepted, I know she loves me in her own way. Like, I was at least well-fed, had good clothes, and went to a decent school.”
“Yep, sounds like me,” Mads says, running his hands through his hair again.
“So this operative, who is probably protecting you because you were nice to her sister—”
“Who’s her sister?”
“Your favorite barista—”
“Cat?”
I nod. “Apparently, being a nice guy put you in the friend category. And she didn't expound a whole lot on the subject, but she was very deliberately frustrating the efforts of the Russian operatives in play.”
“I bet they hate her.”
“Yeah, well, I love her. The whole incident on the subway platform? The Russians were planning to kidnap you because the deal started falling apart.”
Mads’ cheerful expression vanishes, and I want to kiss the smile back on his lips. But now is not the time for that.
“You should know that Olga admitted to cloning your phone. We have to assume the Russians have done the same. We also have to assume they're getting impatient.”
“Shit,” Mads says, rubbing his forehead. “Ryder has been hounding me about my cell phone security for months now. I fought her for most of it but did let her show me how to keep sensitive business information off my phone.”
“Good. It’s probably the only reason they haven’t breached your firewalls. And because all of their avenues are thwarted, they will continue to come after you directly.”
“Well, that sounds horrifying,” he says, dramatically raising a single brow.
I think he’s going for nonchalant humor. He’s not successful.
“It's not great, but you are well protected. Still, we’ve got to assume you’re compromised in a few ways. We need to replace all your electronics—phones, tablets, laptops, even your retinal scanner. Your building is secure, of that I’m certain, but…” I stop myself, knowing this next part is partially selfish.
I think it through again, and I know I’m right about the security implications. And the personal ones.
“Look, I would like you to stay here tonight, and then we need to get you out of New York, probably for the next few weeks. Maybe go somewhere unexpected.”
He nods, and I suppose I should be grateful that he’s taking this seriously, but it hurts to see him so worried.
“I have a couple of properties in my name, but I’m assuming we should avoid those,” he ponders.
