Page 86 of Riptide
“Exactly,” Cara added quickly. Once they made sure Blaire was out of commission, they’d figure out a way to point the authorities in this MT’s direction.
Tom’s monitorsreflected in Reagan’s wide eyes. “So now we wait."
On one of his monitors, a progress bar crept forward. Cara couldn't look away.
Sixty percent. Seventy. Eighty.
"Her system's fighting it," Tom muttered. "She's got seriously good security."
Piper scoffed. “So what? You’re better, dad.”
Tom grinned, clearly pleased. “Yeah. I am baby girl.”
Ninety percent.
Ninety-five.
The screen flashed red, then went black.
"Huntress is down." Tom leaned back in his chair. "It's over."
For a moment, nobody spoke.
Then Piper let out a whoop. "We did it! We actually?—"
Cara's phone buzzed.
Then again. And again.
She looked at the screen. Blaire.
Something's wrong with my system.
Did you do this?
Meet me. Now. The parking lot behind the hardware store on Fifth. 20 minutes.
"That was fast," Reagan said grimly.
Another text:
Don't make me come find you, Cara.
No emojis. No performed sweetness. Just cold demand.
"She thinks you did it," Wade said.
"She doesn't know what to think." Cara stared at the messages. "She's scared and angry and she needs someone to blame."
"You can't meet her," Piper said. "Not alone. Not at night in some parking lot."
"I have to." Cara was already reaching for her jacket. "If I don't show up, she'll be certain I'm behind this. At least if I go, I can play innocent. Act just as confused as she is."
"It's a risk," Reagan said.
"Everything's a risk." Cara met her eyes. "But we just destroyed her weapon. She's got nothing left but suspicion. If I can sell this, convince her I'm not her enemy... I can still work this con."
"Then maybe she'll focus on finding whoever she thinks really did it," Tom finished.
