In those early days when I carried my official business to Quantico and descended into that dank dismal cave it was the most glorious place on earth. When I ached for him. When I could think of nothing but him, the same way Lucy feels about Janet, the way both of them feel. They love each other. They always have even when they were apart all those years. They think nothing about breaking rules any more than Benton and I did, and we broke them all the time. That’s what happens when people have affairs, and as I watch what’s live-streaming on my phone I know I’m being shown this for a reason.

I steel myself for what it might be as I remember that the security cameras Lucy installed have backup batteries and built-in hard drives. They can continue to run and record without the server, without external power. The FBI didn’t shut down Lucy’s network even if they assume they did. They aren’t in control of it even if they think they are. They couldn’t possibly outsmart her but someone has.

Her security system and communications network have been hijacked. They’re being used to broadcast what she’s doing in the privacy of her home. Lucy doesn’t realize it’s happening. She can’t possibly have a clue. She’d never allow such a thing I keep telling myself. She’s being spied on the same way she was in 1997 and has no idea now any more than she did then. And yet it seems incredible that my shrewd, stubborn, brilliant niece could be duped by anyone.

Especially more than once.

Doubts are growing by leaps and bounds as I watch Lucy and Janet crouch by an area of gray flooring, examining large stone tiles as if there’s something wrong with them. I recognize the huge space they’re in, what Lucy calls her naughty Santa’s workshop that is professionally outfitted with built-ins and any piece of equipment or tool one might need for gunsmithing, automotive work, hand-loading ammunition.

I hear Marino breathing and feel his heat. He’s crept close and is looking over my shoulder. I step away and tell him absolutely not. Under no circumstances can he watch. It’s bad enough that I’ve been compromised. He doesn’t need to be compromised too.

“Jesus Christ. Inside their own house?” He can’t tear his eyes away. “Who else is seeing this?”

“I don’t know but not you.” I cover the phone with my hand. “There’s nothing for you to see. Stay over there and don’t look.”

Chapter 40

CHAPTER 40