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“Okay, my take is they’ve had some success hacking, but they haven’t penetrated the most current data involving the vaccine itself.”

Slash tapped his screen. “Looks like penetration happened during the nightly backup. It’s possible some data could be compromised and we just don’t know.”

“Yes, but the system in the rainforest appears to be untouched, so I think they’re safe for the time being. I didn’t find any evidence of a back door anywhere. How about you?”

“None.” He scrolled through some data. “And there’s no evidence of deep internal compromise. However, just like you mentioned, there’s been low-level entrance in some areas. This means while they may not have access to the most important data, they might be aware of logistics, including the location of the final phase. They may also know of the discussion with the Brazilian government regarding approvals, timelines and final deployment.”

“We’ve got to let Hayden, Lilith and Tim know. I’ve also discovered this.” Slash moved his chair closer to me so he could see my screen better. “Some data fields in an older file were compromised, and some data altered.”

“Altered?” He looked puzzled. “Why?”

“I’m leaning toward the theory that they want Vaccitex to fail. Screw up their research just enough to make things fall apart without being overly obvious about it.”

“Again, I ask why?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe because they’re close to developing their own cure?”

He mulled over my theory. “Which means huge money to whomever discovers the vaccine first and can execute successful trials.”

“Exactly. Unless you’re a small nonprofit organization not looking for profit, but to changing the world for the better.”

We considered that for a moment and then turned back to our screens. Protecting Vaccitex had just become even more important.

Chapter Fourteen

Lexi

“Do you feel confident your team and Tim can handle the operation in New York while you’re in Brazil?”

Slash asked the question while sitting on the corner of our bed as he took off his shoes. I stood next to him, unpacking my suitcase that lay open on the bed, dumping dirty clothes into the laundry basket. “Not a doubt in my mind.” It was the truth. Tim was more than capable, and I trusted my staff. I’d personally trained them, and felt one hundred percent confident in their abilities.

Slash tossed his socks in the basket and leaned back on the bed, resting on his elbows. “It was a lot for them to digest in such a short time. However, I was impressed with how quickly they managed. You’ve trained them well.”

Our trip to New York had passed in a blur. We’d spent long hours patching holes, setting traps, beefing up security and installing safeguards—basically laying the groundwork so my team could easily step into a protection role as soon as they arrived. We had only a twelve-hour crossover with my team, so I had to bring them up to speed quickly, efficiently and sometimes brutally. They’d absorbed every task and challenge I’d thrown at them, which was why I was certain they could handle the job.

“Thanks, I appreciate that.” I’d worked hard to nurture and encourage their talent, and was proud of it. The fact Slash acknowledged it meant a lot to me.

“Then on to the rainforest we go.”

I threw the last dirty shirt into the basket. “So, what exactly do I have to pack for the rainforest?”

The last time I was in the jungle I hadn’t exactly packed for it. Although I’d survived my time there—barely—I had no intention of traveling through the jungle unprepared like that ever again.

“You can wear your earrings, but be aware that as soon as we’re in the rainforest, the GPS feature won’t work. I’m working on a new prototype to change that, but it’s not ready yet. You can take your watch. It’s waterproof, right?”

“Yes, but I have no intention of swimming.”

He laughed. “Rainforest, remember?”

“Good point.” My cheeks heated. I needed to get seriously focused on travel. If I forgot something important, I’d be miserable. “What about my phone?”

“Take your cell for calls, texts and photos when we are in the towns of Manaus and Coari, but it will be useless in the rainforest, except for photos.”

“Good to know,” I said. “What else?”

“We have to be prepared for the heat and humidity, as well as an aggressive array of insects, animals, reptiles and a lot of rain,” Slash replied. “That being said, we need to pack as light as possible as the chartered plane Vaccitex is flying us on will certainly have weight restrictions and will already be transporting equipment and supplies for the lab.”

I put a hand on my hip. “That’s too vague for me to handle. Whatexactlydoes that mean in terms of what I put in my suitcase?”