“I thought about what you said, and I think you’re right.”

“You didn’t tell Carson, did you?”

“No. I don’t want to put him in danger if I don’t have to. You need to get into the system and stop the trouble. Do the penetration testing or whatever it is you do. We already have a cybersecurity team in place.”

Hmm. “And I suppose they’re already analyzing the data using SIEM—security information and event management. It can be used for threat detection and analysis.”

“Probably. I let them do their jobs.”

“And they haven’t seen any activity.”

“Not that has been reported.”

“He could be that good at covering his tracks. I would like to look through everything on my own. Eventually I could need help, otherwise it could take me weeks. But . . . Nora . . . the biggest threat, the biggest opening into your system is—”

“People.”

“Yes. Insiders.”

“Don’t you think we know this? We’ve taken every precaution. No one can even bring in cell phones past the front desk.”

“There are other ways.” Too many.

“Well, then, it’s good that you’re here.” Nora tossed her a warm, sisterly smile.

“Eyes on the road, please.” Mackenzie focused on the road as if that would help Nora’s driving. “Now, can you please tell me why you believe you’re being monitored? Listened to. Maybe I can fix that too.”

“Just a feeling.”

Mackenzie had seen the fear in Nora’s eyes, and that fear stemmed from much more than a feeling. But her sister would tell her when she was ready.

“Can I ask why Dad built the headquarters so far away from the house?”

Nora laughed. “You don’t remember? He was a big fan of separating work and play.”

“What I remember is that he was a workaholic.”

“At first, yes. But later he realized he had to make a change.” Nora glanced at Mackenzie, then back at the road.

“Please just keep your eyes on the road.”

“He changed for you. You know that, right?”

Mackenzie hugged herself, then gripped the door handle when momentum threatened to throw her into her sister. “I think it was too late.”

“You were busy with community service to make restitution, but you might be right—it was too late. I’m sorry for everything.”

“You didn’t do anything, Nora.”

“Exactly. I know what Rowan said to you. He made you go away for good. And I did nothing. For that, I’m truly sorry. I hope you can forgive me.”

“You’re forgiven.” It’s myself that I need to forgive. “I blame him too, but really, I don’t know if I would have done anything differently. He spoke the truth—my background wasn’t good for the company Dad wanted to build.”

“Oh, please. You were a kid. And I’m proud of what you’ve done with your life.”