Page 7 of Jezebel’s Liberation (Hellfire Hackers #1)
Five days later…
“ T he pilot has turned off the seatbelt sign, and you’re free to move about the cabin.”
After unbuckling, I take out my laptop and set it up on the drop-down tray on the back of the seat in front of me.
I paid for the Wi-Fi package to ensure that I had internet while flying to Nevada.
There’s no way I’m going without the ability for Jez to get a hold of me, or any of the other Hellfire Hackers for that matter.
The thought of Jez has my mind replaying the last meeting I had with the others.
“I’m sure she’s fine,” Diabla says, but the worry in her eyes betrays her words.
“It’s been five days,” I snap. “She’s never been this out of touch before.”
“Have you tried her back-up burner?” Jinx asks.
I roll my eyes. “Seriously? You think I’d call all of you if I hadn’t?”
“Phantom, chill,” Loki bites out.
“I’ll chill when I’m able to get a hold of Jez,” I retort.
It isn’t like our boss to be unreachable. If we can’t get her on one of the many apps we have to communicate, she’s always got her burners. I’ve never been unable to rouse her via the channels she’s set up for all of us. After five fucking days of silence, panic has set in.
Hence, this impromptu meeting.
“Boss lady’s probably deep in the thick of things with McCormick,” Bela adds. “You know how she gets.”
I do, but her one-track mind has never put her out of touch.
“Would you like anything to drink?”
The flight attendant’s question snaps me back to the present. “I don’t suppose you have any good whiskey?”
She flashes a smile, and her gaze travels down to my chest. “Normally, we don’t offer alcoholic beverages in coach, but for you, I think I can make an exception.”
“I appreciate that,” I tell her with a grin.
My laptop pings as she walks away to get my drink, and I refocus my attention. Jez’s house pops up on the screen, and my grin slips. It’s still dark, and there’s no movement.
My boss is a phenomenal hacker, but so am I. She’s put so many security measures in place, and I’ve managed to hack every one. Well, every one but those that would allow me to see inside her lair.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I know what I’m doing will likely get me fired, or killed depending on Jez’s mood, but not being able to reach her has thrown all my good sense out the proverbial fucking window.
“Here ya go.” The flight attendant hands me my whiskey.
“Thanks,” I mumble, barely giving her a second of my attention.
“If you need anything else, let me know,” she says, her tone husky. “Or you can always call the number on your napkin.”
With a wink, she struts down the aisle. The woman is beautiful but so not my type. I prefer a chick with black and purple hair, hacking skills galore, and a body that doesn’t quit.
I prefer Jez.
Which is why I’m taking things as far as I am to find her. I have no clue what she’ll do to me when I show up on her doorstep, but I need to see for myself that she’s okay.
Throughout the flight, I monitor her house on my laptop. There’s no movement, and by the time we land, I’m more worried than ever.
I briefly consider getting an Uber, but I know better than to give anyone else her address. Hell, I shouldn’t even have it. After renting a vehicle, I type her address into the GPS on my burner cell and start driving.
It doesn’t take long to get to her place, and the hair on my neck stands on end when I spot a motorcycle in her driveway. It hadn’t been there the last time I checked my laptop.
Reminding myself that Jez’s brother is the president of a motorcycle club, I park and exit the car. Maybe he’s here to check on her, too.
I head to the front door, and as much as I want to kick it in, I force myself to knock. There’s no answer, and after several more attempts, I stride back to the car and get my lock pick set out of my bag.
Getting into digital spaces that are off-limits is fun, but breaking into a house is an adrenaline rush like no other.
The lock disengages, and I groan at how easy it was. Jez is better than this, smarter than to have such a flimsy lock. I make a mental note to insist she upgrade as I push open the door.
When I step inside, a large figure barrels toward me, and I don’t have time to block the fist coming at my face. My breath is knocked from my lungs when I stumble back and hit the wall.
“Who the fuck are you?” my assailant snarls.
I take a deep breath, then another, and glare at him.
“I could ask you the same thing.”