Page 117 of Hacking His Code

“Months went by with no contact. Eventually, they called the mission a bust,” Father said. “They offered to reinstate Lucy’s identity,” Father looks to Lucy adoringly.

“But I didn’t want to go back,” Lucy finishes. “I loved your father.”

“So you just decided to make a go of it?” I say.

Lucy’s face grows pained. “I know it must sound terrible, but my life was ruined. If whoever poisoned Ernestine believed I was alive, they could have tried to finish the job.”

After a long minute of silence, I reply with, “I can’t say I’ll ever get over this, but for what it’s worth, I can see why you did it.”

“I’m sorry you had to find out about your mother this way,” Lucy says with eyes full of apology.

And then it clicks. I’m upset, but I’m not mad. I was raised by two loving parents. I’m lucky.

“I’m pretty sure my mother is sitting across the table from me.”

Tears flood Lucy’s eyes, and Father pulls her tight.

“Why did Chet poison my mother?” I ask in a daze.

“She threatened him with blackmail,” Ari says. “Fake Lucy had dirt on him, and he was desperate to make it disappear.”

I turn my attention to Jim. “How come a death was never reported?”

“Everything happened so fast, and eventually directives came down the chain telling us it would be safer to label her a missing person rather than deceased. Basically, they were trying to bait out information, and it just stretched too long, and there would have been too many questions.”

“Where is she now?” I ask.

“Buried on one of our estates,” Father says. “We’ve picnicked at the spot from time to time.”

I look to Lucy. “There’s a file on the system addressed to Rand. What’s in it?”

Lucy snickers. “It was my first love letter to Rand. I showed it to him after we eventually got together, and he insisted it always stay there.”

“As a reminder not to be a coward,” Father adds.

I know I should be angry. I should hate him and Lucy. But…I can’t find it in myself to harden my heart toward them. This disaster wasn’t their fault, even if they did perpetuate it.

“So, what are you going to do with us?” Father asks Jim.

“With the program you gave them, we’ve already been able to locate five militia bases, and we’re preparing to move in on them now. So, maybe give you a medal.”

Father looks surprised. “So, we’re good?”

“Oh, the superiors are pissed, but they’re coming around.” Jim winks.

Lucy brings a hand to her chest. “Thank God.”

My parents fall into each other, exhaling in relief. I know I should be absolutely devastated about the revelations made today, but I’m not.

Jim smiles as he looks down at his phone. “Looks like they’ve made Chet crack.”

“What’s going to happen with him?” I ask. “He killed my mother.”

“We may not be able to get him for poisoning Ernestine, but he’s up against treason and kidnapping charges. He’ll never see the light of day again.”

“I get it,” I reply. “I think I’m going to need a minute alone with Ari if that’s okay with everyone.”

“Sure thing, kid.” Jim turns to Arinessa. “If you ever find yourself in need of a job, I know several government agencies that would fight tooth and nail over you.”