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Back Critical Alliance
Chapters (53)
  1. Cover
  2. Endorsements
  3. Half Title Page
  4. Books by Elizabeth Goddard
  5. Title Page
  6. Copyright Page
  7. Dedication
  8. ONE
  9. TWO
  10. THREE
  11. FOUR
  12. FIVE
  13. SIX
  14. SEVEN
  15. EIGHT
  16. NINE
  17. TEN
  18. ELEVEN
  19. TWELVE
  20. THIRTEEN
  21. FOURTEEN
  22. FIFTEEN
  23. SIXTEEN
  24. SEVENTEEN
  25. EIGHTEEN
  26. NINETEEN
  27. TWENTY
  28. TWENTY-ONE
  29. TWENTY-TWO
  30. TWENTY-THREE
  31. TWENTY-FOUR
  32. TWENTY-FIVE
  33. TWENTY-SIX
  34. TWENTY-SEVEN
  35. TWENTY-EIGHT
  36. TWENTY-NINE
  37. THIRTY
  38. THIRTY-ONE
  39. THIRTY-TWO
  40. THIRTY-THREE
  41. THIRTY-FOUR
  42. THIRTY-FIVE
  43. THIRTY-SIX
  44. THIRTY-SEVEN
  45. THIRTY-EIGHT
  46. THIRTY-NINE
  47. Author’s Note
  48. Acknowledgments
  49. Another Thrilling Story from the Author
  50. ONE
  51. About the Author
  52. Back Ads
  53. Back Cover

“Your source—whoever learned this intel—probably got it on the dark web. Maybe a hit was put out. He could have sent that warning to you because it was about you personally, Mackenzie. You are vulnerable to deadly exploits. Maybe it’s too dangerous for you to stay at your brother’s house.”

She shifted to face him. “Now you know the real reason I came to you.”

“Wait. You mean . . .”

“That day back in DC, you told me you were leaving the next day. You were assigned to the US embassy overseas. I figured if you were good at protecting important people, diplomats, then you should be overqualified to protect me. But you’re also sharp enough to help me figure this out.”

He nodded, letting the words sink in.

She had no idea about his failures in this regard. If she knew, she might reconsider. Still, he couldn’t stand around and not protect her. Despite the disaster from his recent past, she was in a precarious position, and he knew she wouldn’t ask anyone else.

“You’re not hiring me. I can’t work on the side. I’m here for you as a friend. I’ll help get to the bottom of this too.” And convince her to go to the Feds when evidence presented itself.

Hanstech. Drones. Artificial intelligence. A cybercriminal with violent tendencies who needed to be on a watch list somewhere. There was much more going on here than he could have imagined when he’d agreed to help. He got the feeling that Mackenzie knew who was behind the danger.

Alex steered around the circular drive at the Hanson cabin and parked behind a Lexus.

“Stay in the car.” Mackenzie peered at him as she opened the door. “I don’t need Nora asking you questions.”

“But I thought you needed me for protection.”

“All in good time. The house has a security system. I’ll be fine for now, but I’ll text after I’ve cleared this with my sister.” She hesitated before getting out. “Are you sure about this? You came to Montana to visit family and friends. Maybe I shouldn’t have asked for your help. I don’t want to . . . mess up your life.”

Mess up my life, please . . .

He reached across the console and squeezed her hand. “You did the right thing in asking me. You can’t do this alone, Mackenzie. It’s too dangerous. I’m glad I was here in town when you needed such specialized help. You know, maybe God is behind me being here at just the right time.”

She angled her head, a thoughtful look in her face. “Maybe you’re right. I’ll be in touch.” She eased out of the vehicle, then leaned in through the open door. A smile lifted the corner of her lips. “I had a nice time on our date.”

ELEVEN