Texas Takedown. Heather Woodhaven
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