Page 57 of Riptide
"Perfect," Tom said. "You're not asking her to do anything illegal. That's exactly what she wants to hear."
Ten minutes passed. Then Tom's monitor lit up.
"She's searching again. Deeper. Corporate HR, hotel networks, car rentals." His fingers flew. "She's tracking Miranda's movements."
"Is she using the program?" Reagan leaned close.
"Yes. Watch—" He pointed at scrolling code. "That's automated. The program's doing it for her."
"Which means I can start building the backdoor." Tom's smile was sharp. "Every time she accesses it, I get deeper. Six to eight hours, I'll have full access."
Cara checked her phone. 2:47 AM. "I have to check in with Blaire in the morning. Act normal. Keep her focused on the money I supposedly don't have."
Piper held up her phone. "She posted an hour ago: 'Working on a challenging case tonight. Some people are good at hiding... but I'm better at finding. '"
"Let her brag," Cara said. "Let her think she's winning."
Wade looked at Cara. "You keep Blaire focused on the blackmail. Daily check-ins. Act scared and compliant."
They dispersed. Tom to monitors, Piper tracking social media, Wade on security.
Reagan touched Cara's arm. "Sleep more. Real sleep."
"I don't think I can."
"Try. Tomorrow's going to be long."
At the door, Cara looked back at her team working through the night.
Thank you,she prayed.Please keep them safe. Please let this work.
Upstairs, she lay in bed staring at the ceiling.
Somewhere out there, Blaire Mitchell was hunting a ghost, thinking she was in control.
She had no idea the prey was hunting back.
17
Diane was supposedto handle the early morning prep, but Cara hadn’t been able to make herself stay in bed, staring at the dark ceiling. By the time Diane arrived, she had the baking started. She emerged from the kitchen with the last tray of almond croissants just as Diane let herself in the back door.
Diane immediately took them from her hands. "I've got this. You look dead on your feet."
"I'm fine?—"
"You're not." Diane's voice was kind but firm. "Go sit down. Drink your coffee. I can handle the counter."
Cara wanted to argue. This was her bakery, her responsibility. But the truth was, she couldn't handle everything. Not with Blaire's deadline ticking down. Not with the team's plan in motion. Not with the constant fear churning in her gut.
"Thank you," she managed. "Really. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Diane smiled. "You'd probably collapse from exhaustion. Now go. Rest for five minutes before the rush hits."
Cara retreated to the office, sank into the chair with coffee in hand. Through the doorway, she watched Diane greeting the first customers with easy warmth. Everything under control.
Thank you, Lord,she prayed silently.Thank you for Diane. Thank you for Reagan finding her. I don't know how You knew I'd need this help, but You did. Please keep her safe from whatever's coming.
The pause, the small moment of gratitude, grounded her. Reminded her she wasn't completely alone. Even in chaos, there were good things. People helping without knowing the full story.
