She thought of the hackers: Motherdoxxer, PillBaby, Xstac-I. She was pretty sure none of them would know the real man behind the Aiden Boyne identity.

But what about Tr0lz?

Messages scrolled down Aiden’s phone screen. He was in the washroom. She didn’t want to snoop, but the rapid movement kept catching her eye. Before she had a chance to read them, he strode out of the washroom and snatched the phone from the bedside table.

“I didn’t know you were such good friends with Tr0lz,” she said.

“I’m not.” His voice was brusque. “He had a question about a SQL code. It was boring, so we took it offline.”

She had allowed herself to be satisfied with that response.

But now…

Kate leaned forward. “Leah, you can’t protect people any longer. This is all going to come out. Is there someone in the Forum who knows Aiden?”

Leah exhaled. “I’m not sure. He seemed to be buddies with Tr0lz.”

“Trolls?”

“Tr0lz is the chat name for another hacktivist. I noticed they messaged a lot offline.”

“What about?”

“I don’t know. Aiden said it was just coding stuff.” At the time, she had believed him…

“Have you ever met Tr0lz?”

“No. I don’t even think he lives here. The Forum is global. It has hacktivists from all over the world.”

“Do you know Tr0lz’s real identity?”

“No. We are careful to protect our identities on the Forum. In case it gets breached.”

“Is there anyone on the Forum who actually knows the people behind the chat names? Someone who administers the accounts?” Kate asked.

Leah shook her head. “It doesn’t work that way. But maybe Matt could crack their online identities.”

“Matt?”

“He’s the guy who founded the Forum.” Faint color bloomed in Leah’s cheeks. “I met him when we were in university.”

“You know him personally?”

“Yes.” She hesitated. Why are you hesitating, Leah? This lawyer is the only person who can save you right now. You have nothing left to hide. “We dated. He’s the one who invited me to join the Forum.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know.” She felt heat burn in her cheeks. “I guess he knew I had an interest in social justice.”

“And do you think Matt could figure out who Aiden Boyne really is?” Kate asked.

“If anyone could, it would be him. He’s the best out there.”

“Do you have his number?”

Leah had had his number memorized for a very long time. But she hadn’t dialed it in months. Not since she met Aiden. “He’s in Florida.” She recited it. It was funny how reciting a string of numbers felt strange yet comforting at the same time. Maybe it was the painkillers. “I don’t know what his reaction will be when you call him.”

“Are you on speaking terms?” Kate’s voice was matter-of-fact.