Page 25 of Critical Alliance (Rocky Mountain Courage 3)

“What do you want me to do?”

“I want you to trust me, Nora. Trust me enough to bring me into the company to look in your system. Trust me enough to tell me what’s going on.”

Nora stared at the brook, the sounds of the flowing water the only noise. Why was she hesitating?

Mackenzie had hoped for a new kind of relationship with her sister. She would be the one to reach out. After all, she’d been the one to hurt them all—something she’d yet to forgive herself for. And yet she was asking that of others. And now, all that was left was her sister. Mackenzie wouldn’t let anything stand between them now. Time was short. Life was fragile.

“Look, I was a kid back then. I made a mistake. You can’t really hold that over me forever. Not like Rowan...”

She wished she hadn’t brought up his name.

But she needed her sister to listen. Mackenzie needed—and wanted—Nora to work with her on this.

Nora looked up. “I know, Mackenzie. I’m glad you’re back, but I wish it could have been under much different circumstances. We’re sisters, and I have never stopped loving you. I never held any of that against you. Please forgive me for not being stronger. Not being able to have more influence on Rowan. He never should have said those words to you and sent you away.”

Nora’s searching gaze held hers again. In her sister’s eyes she saw confusion and desperation. Nora was sending her mixed signals, like she needed Mackenzie’s help but at the same time wanted her to leave. Nora wanted to protect her.

She glanced at her watch. “Carson will be here soon.” She abruptly stood, wiped her cheeks, and fluffed her hair. “I could use your help, Mackenzie. But I can’t hire a convicted criminal hacker. And I’m being watched.”

That was why Nora brought them down here to talk.

“Watched. How?”

“No time to talk about it now.”

Mackenzie followed Nora back to the steps. “As for bringing me on to look into your system, of course you can contract me. My past records are sealed.” Never mind that the DSS passed on her because of her background. It was one thing to work for the Feds with her past and another thing entirely to work for a private company. But trust was still a factor.

“I suggest you get cleaned up. You’re going to dinner with us.”

“Okay, then.”

Nora climbed the steps to the porch and entered the back of the house. The doorbell was ringing. “Coming!”

Mackenzie didn’t appreciate the interruption, and she wished Nora’s boyfriend would just go away. “You can’t tell anyone what I told you, Nora. No one. Not until we’ve figured out a few things. Not even Carson. Look, I’m not sure Rowan wasn’t murdered.”

“Have you lost your mind?” Nora hissed, the fear sparking again. Nora’s eyes darted around the cabin. She opened the door wide.

A tall, blue-eyed man with sandy-blond hair stepped in and drew Nora into his arms with a smile. Haircut crisp and clean, he had a boyish look about him that made her wonder if he was old enough to shave. And he appeared to be a nerd. Huh. She wouldn’t have thought Nora would fall for a nerdy guy.

After quick introductions, Mackenzie excused herself and headed up the stairs to change out of her biking clothes. Seeing the obvious love between Nora and Carson filled Mackenzie with envy and emphasized that deep, gaping hole she’d ignored for so long. She was so very alone in life ... and in love. But she had Nora now, and she wouldn’t leave her sister’s side.

Her sister was trapped and living in fear. Mackenzie glanced around. There were many avenues by which someone could watch and listen, especially in a smart house.

But who is watching?