What else might he find inside? Hanstech didn’t manufacture the actual drones but instead created the software to make them work. However, they would surely need to test them at this facility.

He got out of his car and leaned against it. He should have simply followed them in, but he feared if he pushed too hard, then Mackenzie would shut him out—even after inviting him in. He hadn’t helped when he kept her at a distance with his “I’ll do what I can . . .” But here he was jumping into her world with both feet.

He knew he wouldn’t be getting into the building without permission, so he texted Mackenzie.

What are you doing at Hanstech this time of night?

How did you know?

Seriously? If Mackenzie wanted protection, then Carson Banks wasn’t adequate. Still, Nora could have convinced Mackenzie that Carson would do in a pinch. Um . . . a small pinch.

I know because I’m outside. Let me in?

An angry emoji came through.

You followed me?

Hello. I can’t protect you if I’m not with you. I don’t think the CFO of the company can do the job.

Not to mention, Carson didn’t have the kind of connections Alex had. Or did he? Really, Alex didn’t know that much about the man. He was letting his frustration get to him.

The man is Nora’s fiancé. Wait for me outside.

Great.

He leaned against his rental vehicle. The car was completely unsexy—especially when compared to a Lexus and Mercedes-Benz. In the quiet night, a security light flickered and buzzed. A coyote yipped and howled, joined by the rest of the band. Alex should walk the perimeter, but it was at least an acre. That might draw security’s attention, which was a great way to test them, but he’d wait for another opportunity. He wanted to be right here if Mackenzie needed him.

Another text came through. This time, it was Keenan Walker. Kind of late, but then again, the tech guru worked all hours.

Got suggestions for anti-drone tech you wanted.

He opened the attached file and quickly skimmed a long list of drone detection devices, including infrared cameras. Keenan had highlighted a few on the list.

Thanks. What about countermeasures?

What kind?

I need to neutralize the threat, whether that’s physically destroying the drone, neutralizing it, or taking control of it, I don’t care. Once I know there’s a potential threat, then I need to take it out.

An additional list is forthcoming.

Alex stuck his cell back in his pocket, wishing he had the tech now. Kind of surreal that he was standing at a UAV company asking for help with finding drones and taking them down while watching over a former cybercriminal while she tried to combat a dangerous cybercriminal.