Joey’s gaze dropped. There was no answer to that.

They didn’t know what was planned or when it would happen.

It was now out of their control.

There was nothing more to say as Kate drove to Joey’s house. It was in the west end of Halifax. His home was one of the older wood-shingled character homes, with a lovely stone-walled garden and mature shrubs.

Joey jumped out of the car as soon as she pulled into the driveway. She watched him sprint up the walkway to his house.

A porch light shone down on his head. A beacon. A welcome.

He must have texted his parents on his way home, because the door flung open as he ran up the porch steps. His mother folded her son into a tight embrace, his father wrapping his arms around them both.

Eddie cleared his throat. “He’s a good kid. So is his sister.”

Kate pulled away from the curb and headed toward Eddie’s house. The traffic was light, but it was surprising how many people were on the road at this hour. “I know. And now they are being dragged into a potential terror plot.” She threw him a glance. “What do you think will happen to Matt?”

Eddie sighed. “Extradition. If the authorities link him to Leah’s doxx, or other evidence of his hacktivist activities comes to light, he could face very serious charges. The US Espionage Act doesn’t have a legal exception for public interest, so they might charge him with treason if they find he’s posted state secrets. Just like Snowden.”

Kate felt sick. “What obligation do I have to deliver the laptop right away? I’d like to see if I can come up with something to get Leah, Joey and Matt off the hook.” Kate pulled up to the front of Eddie’s house.

“The police can talk to Harry Owen directly, now that they know the threat exists. Harry will have to come clean about what he put on his personal computer. If Ellis finds Matt, they will also have that angle to explore. Ethically, I think you are in the clear.”

“Good. I’m going to look at it now.”

“Do you want some help?”

“It’s a small laptop screen, Eddie. I don’t think we both can read it. I’ll call you if I find anything.”

“Okay.” He climbed out of the car and lumbered to his front door. He appeared to have collapsed on himself.

Alaska dutifully met her at the door when she arrived home, but Foo Dog just lifted his head from the dog bed when she placed Leah’s laptop on the kitchen table. She put on the kettle. The little sleep she had managed to get last night had run out a while ago.