Page 23 of Critical Alliance (Rocky Mountain Courage 3)

But Mackenzie couldn’t stop thinking about the timing.

Deadly attacks...The warning she’d received made his death all the more suspicious. But she needed more information—and she needed to stop the attacker.

Whoever you are.

Now was the best time to use her skills. Snoop around someone’s digital secrets. Mackenzie’s cybercriminal past had driven a huge wedge between her and her family, but those same previously ill-used skills would help her now.

She pulled the office chair out and across where they’d found Rowan’s body and sat down behind the desk. Ignoring the chills cascading over her, she imagined Dad behind the same desk before he died.

She booted up Rowan’s desktop computer and faced the expected biometrics-required login. She could bypass it, depending on the password management software. She chewed on her bottom lip, her palms sweating.

She hadn’t done anything like this since—

The lights came on, and a pang shot through her chest. She sat unmoving.

Nora crossed her arms, years of accusations and suspicions swirling in her gaze. “Just what do you think you’re doing?”

Mackenzie wasn’t a kid anymore, and she shouldn’t shrivel under Nora’s glare. “I’m logging on to Rowan’s computer. What does it look like?”

“Old habits? You think because he’s gone that you can just...”

Mackenzie stood. It was time for her to do her part in mending their conflict. “No, Nora. Please...”

Tears leaked down Nora’s tired and worn face, and she brushed them away. “Carson is coming over soon. I don’t want to fight with you.”

“I need to talk to you. Can you put him off?”

“He’s been out of town because his mother was in the hospital. His flight landed in Bozeman a couple of hours ago, and I miss him. I need to see him.” She swiped both hands along her cheeks. Nora shook out her long tresses, primping in preparation for Carson. “This has all been too much. I’m so sorry that you got here at the worst possible time. I’m sure you’re probably ready to go home.”

There it was again. That fear skittering across her sister’s eyes. Mackenzie’s throat constricted. Trying to send a silent message that Mackenzie simply couldn’t read?

“I don’t want to fight either. I’ll help in any way I can.” Mackenzie approached her sister. She had to mend the broken relationship—if time would let her. She hugged Nora, and together they sobbed.

Dad died years ago.

Now Rowan.

It was just the two of them.

So much change was happening too fast that neither of them were ready for. Nora stepped away. “I need to freshen up. I don’t want him to see me like this.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t check with you first before trying to log on.”

Nora offered a half smile—struggling, fighting against the grief. “I doubt you could get past his security, even with your skills.”

“Maybe not. Nora ... I...” Was this the right time? Would there ever be a right time? “I need to talk to you about something. It’s important.”

“Please, it can wait. We can talk as much as you want, but I’m not sure I would make a good listener right now.”

“You don’t understand. I need to tell you before it’s too late.” Mackenzie injected a threatening tone to get her sister’s attention.

Nora’s hand quivered as she pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. She shook her head and whispered, “Go home. It’s not safe here.”

“I can’t go. I came here to help.”

Nora stared at Mackenzie for a few heartbeats. Without words, she gestured for Mackenzie to follow. Nora led her through the kitchen, out onto the porch, and down the long steps outside.

She hadn’t gotten the chance to tell Nora about the shooter.