Page 30 of Guarding Truth

Wasn’t that what she’d told Uncle Caleb she wanted? This seemed too good to be true, but why would Layna go out of her way to lie to her?

“Yeah. I won’t say anything.”

Her friend nodded. “My brother has a big job for us. One that will help the feds stop bad hackers. And he only recruits the best of the best. It’s my first assignment. Are you sure you’re up for the task?”

Ivy nodded. Layna handed her an iPhone. “I figured your uncle took your phone after that stunt you pulled hacking into the school system. Nicely done, by the way. You passed the first test.” So, Layna had sent the boy with the twenty-dollar hack job to erase his grade.

Ivy relished the compliment. This girl was an upper classman, and quite possibly her first friend at this school.

“Keep this phone on you at all times,” Layna said. “It’s a burner phone so that we can get in touch with you. Don’t let anyone find it. Things are about to go down in the next couple of days, and I have to be able to reach you.”

Ivy took the phone and shoved it into her pocket.

“What’s the project we’ll be working on?” Ivy asked.

Layna squinted. “I’m not sure I want to tell you everything. How do I know you won’t run and tell your uncle?”

“There’s a lot he doesn’t know about what I do.”

“Like what?” Layna smiled, putting Ivy at ease. “If I can tell my brother something awesome you’ve done, he’ll give you a job, and we’ll get to hang out. It will be so much fun. I’ve always wanted a sister.”

Ivy’s mind conjured up images of herself and Layna hanging out after school, working online, and using their skills to help people. And she liked the scenes. If only the dreams were real.

But what could she tell Layna that might be impressive? Before she could decide, she blurted out, “I’m helping the police track down Rushmore. I know about their malware program.”

Ivy’s mouth went dry. Why had she said that? She didn’t know this girl, and she’d gone too far by implying she was in on the investigation. And now Layna knew Ivy had seen the program.

But if it helped her find out more information about Rushmore, maybe it was okay.

“Well, that’s a juicy secret,” Layna said. “Don’t worry. I’ll keep it to myself and my brother. He’ll definitely want to hire you now. Especially if you can help bring down that notorious hacker group. No one knows who they are.”

The knot in Ivy’s stomach untangled a bit. She was helping the good guys. Her uncle wouldn’t stay mad at her if she found information on Rushmore. And then he’d let her work with Layna and her brother. Her mind spun with the possibilities. She’d be just like her uncle. Stopping cybercriminals and fighting for justice. Uncle Caleb couldn’t deny her the opportunity if it gave them information on Rushmore. They’d take down the hacker group. He’d have to let her accept the job.

She rubbed her forehead to rein in her thoughts. One thing at a time.

Layna moved closer to Ivy and lowered her voice to a whisper. “No one can know about this. My brother’s job is classified. Can I trust you?”

Friends. Ivy nodded. “You can trust me.”

“Us hacker girls have to stick together. There aren’t that many of us out there. I need to know you have my back no matter what.”

“Of course I do. We’re friends.” Ivy loved how the wordfriendsrolled so easily off her tongue. Most of her other classmates teased her because she knew all the answers. But Layna was different.

“Here,” Layna said, taking off one of her many clunky bracelets. “Have this. It’s a friendship bracelet. It means we’re officially sisters. I’ve got your back, and you have mine.”

Ivy took the bracelet and slid it on. Layna turned like she was going to leave. Over her shoulder, she met Ivy’s eyes. “Just keep the phone handy. I’m sure my brother will be calling with good news.”

SEVEN

WEDNESDAY, 9:20 A.M.

The ground rumbled. A heavy weight pinned Juliette to the concrete sidewalk.

“Caleb? Are you hurt?” She gave him a shove, and he sprang to his feet, ready for action.

He offered her a hand and pulled her to her feet. She wiped the gravel bits from her hands and cheek.

Another rumble elicited more screams. Flames shot from the side of the office.