Page 101 of The Five Year Lie

That’s true, of course. But he’s also a nervous genius at the moment. Because ten long minutes tick by before he gets another response from TheBoss.

TheBoss:Done. Went even better than I expected. Visual confirmation that it’s going to work.

Brainz keeps his expression impassive, but inside he’s pumping his fist.

Brainz: Well done. So you’re on your way downtown now?

TheBoss:Yes. ETA 5 minutes. 10 with parking.

Brainz: Got it.

TheBoss:Just hope that was necessary. It’s a little too cloak-and-dagger for me.

Ah, there it is—a moment of uncertainty. But that’s okay. What’s done is done.

Brainz: It won’t blow back on us. You wanted insurance, right? This is the only way to buy it. And I know you’re going to enjoy this next part.

TheBoss:You bet I am. Lock the kid out now. I’m OMW.

Brainz: Roger.

He pulls Drew Miller’s profile up on his terminal and edits his permissions.

Brainz: Kid’s profile locked. Get into position.

TheBoss:Will do.

TheBoss:This will be very satisfying.

Brainz: Not as satisfying as punching the guy in the throat. But it’s something.

TheBoss:LOL. Pretty violent for a nerd.

He has no idea. But it’s better this way.

34

ARIEL

Monday morning again. Tension headache. Clingy Buzz. And Maddy in a blinding white skirt, reminding me once again to buy the watermelons.

“Got it,” I insist.

“Good work!” The pitch of her voice is like a knife through my head. “We’ll gather at eleven tomorrow to set up.”

Tomorrow?Hell.

“See you then,” I say with a tight smile. Then I open my phone and set a reminder for tomorrow.Borrow the car, buy ten watermelons! Set up @11.

This is Buzz’s last week of preschool until September. My schedule is about to shift into summer mode, when I work even fewer hours and spend more time with Buzz. Lazy days at the wading pool and ice cream cones.

If I don’t crawl out of my skin first.

Everyone at the office is grumpy. The network is still laggy, and there are a lot of closed-door meetings about the weekend attack.

Zain has barely come out of his office at all. When I text him for a coffee break, he replies that he is too busy. I press him.

Ariel: Are you sure? I went downstairs and fetched your favorite coffee mug. The round one with the stupid joke about binary.