“What?” Arun exclaimed. “Why didn’t you tell me, Mom?”

“I didn’t want to worry you,” she replied. “The first time I thought it was just an accident . . . but then it happened again.”

Lingyi reached over for Dr. Nataraj’s hand and squeezed it. “Tell us.”

“I was returning home after shopping at the market,” Dr. Nataraj said. “It was Saturday, and the streets and sidewalks were crowded. I was waiting at a corner to cross, when someone from behind bumped hard into me, so I stumbled in front of an oncoming bus.”

Victor cursed under his breath.

“Thankfully,” Dr. Nataraj said, “the bus was moving slowly, and the driver hit his brakes. A kind woman pulled me back by my coat. Two days later, I was leaving the university late in the evening, and a car almost ran over me coming out of one of the parking lots at full speed.”

“Did you catch the license plate?” I asked. “Were you able to see the driver at all?”

Dr. Nataraj shook her head. “It was an expensive car, and the windows were tinted.”

“Iris, why don’t you start shadowing her?” I said.

Dr. Nataraj began to protest, but Arun grabbed her arm. “I think we should, Mom. For your safety.”

“The sooner we find out who’s behind this,” I said, “the better.”

“I can help, too,” Lingyi said. “If you give me permission, I can secure your accounts. I can make them impenetrable.” She gave the professor a bright smile. But Lingyi wasn’t playing around; she was one of the best in cybersecurity, just like she was one of the best to hack through it.

The professor smiled back at Lingyi. “Thank you.” Then her expression turned serious. “But I would ask more of you, if you’re willing. I’d like you to hack into these six legislators’ accounts and see if there are any clues—anything at all to tell us who we’re up against.”

“Of course,” Lingyi said without hesitation.

“It might be dangerous,” Dr. Nataraj said. “I wouldn’t ask if I saw any other way. But I’ve tried for months going through the proper channels, meeting with officials who obviously don’t want anything to do with me, and I have nothing to show for it but the unwanted attention of a possible stalker and attempts on my life.” Even though she spoke in soft tones, she still spoke with vehemence.

“They’re not playing by the rules—,” Arun said.

“So why should we?” I finished.

“Don’t worry, Auntie. We’re happy to help,” Lingyi said. “I’ll start on it right away. And, Victor, keep all your channels and contacts open for any underground info that might help us.”

“Anything for you, Auntie,” Victor replied.