Texas Takedown

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“Isabelle?” Matt repeated.

“Okay. Basically my life was thrown into chaos a couple weeks ago. I had a theory, and when I proved it, Hank used all his connections, and probably all his money, and got me a spot at the conference not only as an attendee but also as a presenter. It was very rushed.”

“That algorithm you were trying to tell me about?”

“Yes. It’s not the easiest thing to explain if I don’t want to put you to sleep.” She studied his expression so she’d have a baseline to reference if she started to lose him. “Nothing that’s been applied, but there’s the potential.”

“Of underwater drones?”

“Not exactly.” She waved at the river next to them as they walked closer to the stairs that would lead them back to the city streets. “Imagine there was a way to track fish and currents. That it could also be so undetectable that it wouldn’t disturb wildlife. To do that, we’d need the research to enable the drones to mimic the wildlife, right? Swarms of these drones could be for tracking and reconnaissance, not so much for attacking...although I admit, there could be the potential.”

His brow furrowed.

She tried again. “Okay. How about this? Imagine something that could even change currents if you needed it to. Wouldn’t the US Navy find that useful?”

His eyes widened. “Your research could do that?”

She shrugged. “Technology has missed some vital pieces to make it work. Namely the research.”

“And you’ve got the missing pieces.”

“I have at least one piece, but I believe it will lead me to the other pieces.”

“With the funding you’re trying to get this week.” He offered his arm as they ascended the stairs, and she took it. Matt kept looking over his shoulder. She knew he wanted to stay alert and keep her safe, but the constant checking unnerved her. “I’m still upset at the cops’ insinuation this was random crime,” he said. “The ransacked room combined with the attack is too much.”

“I know.” She really hoped he would stop talking about it so her heart rate could return to normal. “But from the police’s point of view, it’s been different people. I don’t even know if my research is connected with it.”

They crossed the street to the hotel entrance. He jolted to a stop at the automatic doors. His eyes widened. “What if someone wants it to look like random crimes?”

Her gut twisted. She could accept that if the man hadn’t tried to stab her. The thought that someone wanted to kill her... Well, her mind wouldn’t let her dwell on that possibility. “We’re jumping to conclusions that I don’t want to explore, Matt.” Or she’d never be able to sleep.

“You’re right. I’m sorry. Listen, I’ll do whatever I can to help keep you safe.”

She looked down at her empty hands. All her personal information was on her tablet and phone, as if her life was spread open for that knife-wielding stranger to see. Assuming he could get past her passwords.

Matt had already done more than she could’ve asked, but right now she needed to contact the credit-card companies and, more important, her boss. “Do you guys have a business computer I can use here?”

He raised an eyebrow. “You can use your laptop. I’ll get it out of the safe.”

“No, I can’t. It doesn’t have a network card. Zero wireless capabilities. For security reasons.”

He folded his arms across his chest. “Security?”

“It’s becoming more common for researchers like me. About a year ago, another research center—a contractor for the defense department—had their data hacked. The sensitive information wasn’t stolen because the equipment they used for that purpose had no online capabilities. Hank took that as a lesson and made sure any of my data was compiled and analyzed only on a laptop without network cards.”

“I never would’ve thought ocean research was that valuable.” Matt whistled. “Well, speaking of hacking, I wouldn’t use our public computers to check on your credit cards. And while I can make your room complimentary, I can’t waive long-distance charges. My place is nearby. You can use my computer and phone. I insist. Stay here, and I’ll get your laptop from the safe.”

Being in debt to a guy she used to have a crush on was not on her agenda for the week. She already owed him for the room. More important, she owed him her life. But when she thought of it that way, using his computer didn’t seem like so much extra.

He approached with the laptop in his hands. “I’ve got it. Follow me.” He turned to walk down a hallway.

She looked around the marbled lobby at the plush couches and sparkling chandeliers. The immense difference in hotels struck her. Cheerful walls the color of lemon cheesecake complemented the navy runner. The only smells came from the coffee shop in the back of the lobby. The thought of enjoying a latte in the morning served as a balm to her—

Her stomach sank. Her wallet was in the hands of that goon. This wasn’t the type of place that came with complimentary breakfast. The conference came with very few meals, and it was only Monday night. Aside from the prepaid awards dinner on Tuesday and a boxed dinner on Wednesday, she was on her own for food. She didn’t have a way to pay for anything.

Her fingers moved to grip her messenger bag but met air. She had nothing. The severity of the situation hit her all at once, as if walls were closing in on her. A shuffle behind her pushed her forward. She wanted nothing more than to be alone. Being among strangers never used to bother her, but a new vulnerability she’d never experienced before made her legs twitch, ready to run.

Matt turned and made eye contact with someone behind them. “Can I help you?”

She looked over her shoulder. The man, dressed in a black short-sleeve polo, tan pants and a baseball hat, spun on his heel with a wave. He walked away.

“That was weird.” Matt watched the back of the man until he was no longer in sight.

“Really? It seems to have become the norm.” And she didn’t know what to make of it.

“Maybe he forgot something.”

She nodded. She wasn’t sure, but he kind of looked like the man who had been across the street from the hotel, watching her with a newspaper in his hands, sans his jacket from before.

Matt’s eyes locked on hers. His concerned gaze drew her a step closer, and she realized how desperate she was to be comforted. The man could give the best hugs, if memory served her right. She blinked. What was she doing? She took a step back.

He straightened. “We’re here.” He took out a real key, not a card, and unlocked a door with an embossed plate that read Director of Operations.

The door swung open to a gorgeous suite, or in this case, apartment. Gray tile floor instead of carpet reflected the light from the chandelier. Past the entryway, an Oriental rug complemented the silver couches with teal cushions. She spun around, taking it in. A kitchenette peeked behind a half wall, and an open door to the left revealed a king-size bedroom complete with sheer curtains surrounding it, almost like a canopy. “Are all the rooms like this?” She tried to keep the eager grin off her face. This was luxury.

“Not to this extent or size, but similar.” He pulled his own laptop out of the cherry desk and entered his username and password. “I’ll give you privacy to make your calls and check your accounts.”

He walked behind the kitchenette wall, and she almost called him back—which was ridiculous. She could handle being alone. She dropped into the leather desk chair. After she pulled up each credit-card company and froze the cards, she dialed Hank’s number.

“Isabelle,” he exclaimed before she could say a word. “I’ve been trying to reach you for the past hour.”

“You have?” She leaned onto her elbow and rested her tightening forehead against her palm.

“Yes. We were hacked today. I wanted you to know before the conference gossip got to you. I’ve already assured the conference organizers that it will in no way affect your presentation.”

“Hank, listen—”

“I told them the research is uncompromised, and you’re the only one with access to it. That seemed to appease the board members. They’ve had so much interest in your topic, they’ve bumped you to a bigger venue. You’ll be the keynote for Friday morning.”

Isabelle blinked a couple of times, trying to process. That was huge. “Someone is after the research.”

“I know, but I’m telling you, they didn’t get it.”

“Hank, I mean here. Men have been after me.” She relayed the events of the past few hours. Hank remained quiet, but she could hear his breathing grow ragged. “It’s okay, Hank. They haven’t succeeded.”

“I’ve dipped into my retirement.” Hank’s voice shook softly. “I can’t send you money. I’m tapped out. I should’ve never sent you there. I don’t know what made me think I could do this.”

Isabelle’s heart squeezed. She was the reason. He’d hired her to work straight out of college. She’d talked him into upgrading his technology and insisted she could put the small institute on the map. And he’d believed in her. If the institute failed, it would be her fault.

“Come home, Isabelle. We need to keep you safe.” He cleared his throat. “I’ll figure something else out.”

“No, Hank. I’m fine. Don’t worry.” She fingered the diamond heart hanging from her neck. Her chest heated at the thought of letting him down. She’d had no idea he’d taken personal financial risk. He’d seen the potential in her. She couldn’t let it be for nothing. “The cops think it’s likely random crime. I’m in good hands. I promise.”

The words were technically true, even if she didn’t believe them herself. Hank had inherited the private research center several years ago. While he didn’t have the academic background to research himself, he had a love for all things ocean. He shared that passion with the community by offering a donation-only aquarium and tide-pool tours. She’d almost refused his offer to hire her since he also was her uncle. But having family in the place she settled down was so appealing.

When he’d hired her, he’d bent over backward to help Isabelle in any way he could to pursue any hypothesis she wanted. The way he’d believed in her endeared Hank to her like a second father.

“Oh. Random crime? Good,” Hank said. “I mean, crime is not good, but that makes me feel better. Are you sure you’re okay? You have enough money to last the week?”

“I’ll be fine.” Somehow she would be, even if that meant living on the remaining granola bars and gummy bears in her suitcase. “Good night, Hank,” she said tenderly. She hung up and lifted her gaze.

Matt stood at the kitchen entrance, holding two mugs, his face ashen.

* * *

She was taken. Figured. Why it bothered him so much, he couldn’t pinpoint. But the love on her face was undeniable. He wouldn’t ask about this Hank guy, though. He had no right and no reason. Isabelle was just a friend and would remain such. She’d be out of his life once again in a week.

He cleared his throat. “I made you some hot chocolate.” He set the mugs on coasters on the coffee table in front of the couch.

Her eyes lit up. “Sounds perfect.” She sat down on the cushion next to him.

“You can take it to the desk if you have more calls.”

“No, I think I’m okay for now. Thank you.” Her face transformed at the sight of the mug. “Whipped cream and...” She tilted her head. “Cinnamon stick?”

He nodded. “It’s a recipe one of our restaurant chefs passed on. You make the cocoa from a dark chocolate bar with cinnamon and sugar to taste.”

“Oh? You have close friends within the hotel?”

The way she said friends made him smile. Was she trying to sniff out if he had a girlfriend? “Yes, I suppose. But I don’t blur the employer-employee relationship.”

Her eyebrows furrowed. “No, of course not. I wasn’t implying—” She leaned forward to pick up the mug.

“But I don’t judge people who do.” He shook his head slightly. Why did that have to slip out?

Her hands froze in midair. She regarded him with a curious look on her face. “I guess it’s different for me. The institute has practically turned into a family business.” She pulled the mug up to her lips and took a tentative sip. “Oh, Matt, this is delicious.” She leaned back into the cushion.

“Family as in future husband, then?” He clamped his jaw shut. Why couldn’t he let this go?

She laughed, and a puff of whipped cream floated to the coffee table. “Sorry.” She leaned forward and used a napkin to wipe it up. “No. Hank is my uncle. I’d do anything for him. I try to separate the family from the business, so I don’t call him uncle, but he’s made the place feel like home.” She twisted to look at him directly. “You know, I’ve always dreamed of getting to settle down in one place without having to move.”

Matt did know. When asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, the answer would always be, “I don’t care as long as I don’t have to move.” Apparently she found the career to match her brilliance, and he couldn’t help but be happy for her.

She took another long sip. “Hank even invited me to spend Christmas with his extended family. It’s been so nice.” Whipped cream lined the top of her lips. He reached over and brushed it off gently with his thumb. He yanked his arm back at the realization of what he’d done. Her eyes widened and her lips parted, but she said nothing.

“Sorry.” He tried to form a joke about good customer service but decided it was best to move on. He bent forward and grabbed one of the napkins. “Here you go.”

She blotted her lips with it. “I guess when you’ve spent as much time as we have together...”

She never finished her sentence. Matt really wanted to know the rest of her thought, but he didn’t want to focus anymore on his faux pas. He took his own drink of the cocoa, taking care to make sure the whipped cream didn’t leave a mark on him. “Let’s talk about tomorrow.” He needed to change the subject before the heat in his chest made its way to his cheeks. “Can you access the conference schedule online?”

“Yes. Why?”

“Let’s figure out where you might be vulnerable. To avoid moments like today.”

“You’ve done enough, and—”

“Isabelle, humor me.”

Her blue eyes hit him. The intensity in her gaze disarmed him, and he felt sure for half a second that she could see his very thoughts. She smiled, and he fought the urge to ask her a million questions about their years apart, to experience the same connection they’d once shared. Isabelle stood and brought over the laptop, typed an address into the browser and pointed at the screen.

Their shoulders touched as she settled back into the couch cushions. The ends of her hair brushed against him, and he remembered how she used to lean her head on his shoulder and tell him all about her day at school.

This Isabelle sat rigid, though. “So, as you can see, I’ll be inside the conference center for the entirety of the day.”

“Except for lunch.”

“Well, yes, but I wasn’t planning to leave the building.”

Matt pictured the conference area in his mind’s eye. Attendees would likely flock to Rosario’s or the Amaya Deli, but Isabelle had no wallet, so she wouldn’t be joining them. If he offered room service for breakfast and a sack lunch from the restaurant for lunch, he felt sure Isabelle would refuse. But he couldn’t let her starve. Matt made a mental note of what time the conference started to ensure his staff would deliver both before she left.

Transportation was another problem. Taxis were expensive. While he could afford a few out of his personal funds, he kept to a tight budget so he could pay off his student loans faster. But what he didn’t have in cash, he could access through his network of connections. Both times, Isabelle was attacked on foot. So if she had the advantage of wheels, maybe that would be enough, especially if he knew the drivers. He’d start making phone calls as soon as he said good-night.

“So, aside from the employer-employee relationship, do you have friends here?”