Page 85 of Wired Justice

“What’s your interest in Sophie, besides spying on her?” Jake tried for a joking tone.

“None of your business. Above your pay grade.” Satellite Stalker’s tone was coolly dismissive. Jake’s hackles rose and his grip tightened on the phone as the man went on, “Tell Sophie she has a friend looking out for her. She knows who I am.”

“A friend who tracks her phone and uses satellites to keep an eye on her. With friends like you, who needs enemies?” Jake’s neck was hot. “She doesn’t need either of us, it turns out.”

A short, charged pause.

“Don’t get any ideas, Jake. She’s spoken for.” The line went dead.

“Fuck you!” Jake snarled. Satellite Stalker could burn in hell.

Bix had come back on the line. “I beg your pardon?”

“Oh, sorry. Was talking to my other caller.” Jake looked up to see Sophie approaching. She walked slowly, wrapped in a silver emergency blanket. Her shoulders were slumped, her head hanging, and she stumbled in the crushed grass. “I gotta go. Our best operative needs some TLC.”

He hung up on Bix and stowed his phone in his pocket. Sophie looked in need of a hug. Jake opened his arms. She walked into them, and rested her head on his shoulder.