Evin's Fight (Southern Charmers Book 3) by Ahren Sanders (books to read for teens .txt) 📗

“Now we wait.”

Chapter 37

Evin

“Sweetie, we’ll get answers.”

“Believe us, we’re digging into this,” Marco assures.

A glass of amber liquid fills my line of sight, and I snatch it, swallowing most in one swig. Dad offers the same to Marco, Isaac, and Grady.

The computer in Grady’s lap taunts me like a ticking time bomb. “How long before we know exactly what is on that thing?”

“It depends on what is stored and how long Tasha has been collecting information. I’ll review every file personally,” Grady answers confidently.

“Let’s be clear. She didn’t collect, she stole. From the files we’ve seen so far, she invaded everyone’s privacy.”

No one disagrees.

After the scene at the studio, Poppy drove Tasha’s rental back here. Mom and Dad were waiting. In a moment of weakness, I gave Isaac my address and invited him. I relayed the confrontation and we scoured the rental. Poppy collected all the receipts she could find to help create a timeline. Isaac and I took a shot at cracking into the laptop with no luck.

It wasn’t until Marco and Grady arrived that Grady got in. What he found is disturbing. Somehow, Tasha accessed Poppy’s phone, including personal videos and pictures. She also has files on Marco, Karen, and me.

One glance and Grady confirmed this kind of privacy invasion requires high-tech skills.

“The simple explanation is someone hacked into our cloud accounts, right?”

“That’s one way to do it, but that takes a certain expertise.”

“What’s another way to get access to this information?”

Grady raises his eyes to Marco, who seems to be holding on by a thread. “Fuck,” he hisses, downing half his drink.

“She could have hired someone that got close enough to extract the information using devices.”

“Meaning someone followed us?”

“All of you. It could have been as simple as someone sitting next to you in a coffee shop. With the right equipment and open Wi-Fi networks, they could easily do this. Regardless of how it happened, she paid generously.”

Rage surges in my veins. Out of nowhere, I realize. “Tony.”

“Tony?” Poppy scrunches her nose. “What does he have to do with this?”

“She got into his email and replaced my quarterly report with a fake. Someone would have had to have access to his original to make it look legit.”

Understanding settles over her and she nods. “A super hacker could probably also review your incoming texts. Which would explain how she knew about Rina.”

Mom huffs at the mention, knowing way too much on the subject.

“Is there any information in that computer who she may have hired?” I ignore Mom’s glare.

“I’ll dig deeper.”

“Or you could ask her when she dries out,” Mom suggests bitterly.

“It doesn’t matter who she hired. It matters what she planned to do with it,” Dad counters.

“She’s pissed Marco backed away from the chance at a Presidential run, but even more so that he’s giving up politics altogether. Marco turning his back on her, and Karen supporting his decision is betrayal.” Poppy concludes, “She thinks she has the upper hand.”

“It makes little sense.” Mom shakes her head in confusion.

“Tasha’s line of thinking rarely makes sense. But there’s no doubt she has a plan for all that information that will benefit her. She didn’t pay for it out of curiosity.”

“I’ll get answers, you have my word,” Grady guarantees her firmly.

“Who exactly are you, Grady? Political advisor, security guard, computer guru, Marco’s trusted confidant… where did you come from?”

He cracks a small smile, glancing at Marco again before answering. “How about we save that conversation for a time when we’re not in investigative mode?”

“No, seriously. My husband looks like he could tear this house apart with his bare hands. Marco’s barely holding it together. My in-laws are on the edge, watching me like I’m going to break. And my ex-boyfriend from forever ago resembles a man about to rip off his shirt and turn into the Hulk. Yet, you sit there cool as ice.”

I’d all but forgotten about Isaac, but at his chuckle, I eye him sharply. He throws his hands up. “Not my fault Poppy’s thinking about me ripping off my shirt.”

“You’re wearing out your welcome.”

“Don’t be jealous. Few can resist this physique.” He waves his hand down his body.

Mom cackles shamelessly. My glare only spurs her further.

“Isaac, not a good idea to provoke him when he’s like this,” Poppy warns, leaning in close. “He’s a little possessive.”

Isaac’s eyes soften and fill with open fondness. “Yeah, Poppy, I understand exactly why.”

“Maybe you can quit ogling her—” Poppy’s hand covers my mouth.

“Stop,” she whispers, “he’s on our side.”

I grunt, tilting my head to touch hers and bringing her hand to my chest. “You’re in my arms every night. That helps.”

Blush creeps up her neck and cheeks.

“Jesus, cut a man to the quick,” Isaac groans.

“Let's just say, this isn’t my first time in this position. I’ve been watching and waiting years for Tasha to make a move.” Grady changes the subject, answering Poppy’s question from earlier.

“You’ve been helping Marco?”

He tips his chin.

“This day keeps getting more bizarre. Karen’s a serial adulteress, Tasha has a history of drug use, and Marco’s spent years hiding my identity in the shadows to safeguard me. A stranger has been helping.”

“This is not how I predicted our visit,” Marco replies sheepishly.

“How’d she know you were here? Did Karen tell her?”

“Yes, Karen and Grady are the only people who knew of my true reason for coming.”

“It’s shitty she ratted you out,” Isaac scoffs.

“Despite my disappointment and anger with Natasha, she’s still my daughter. Karen’s been worried, and she knew I’d take care of Natasha if she is in trouble. Turns out, that’s exactly what’s happened.”

I search Poppy’s face for any sign of betrayal or distress. Instead, she’s filled with understanding. “What happens next?”

“Natasha is in a private facility under lockdown for the next twenty-four hours. They had to sedate her to stop the manic hysteria. Blood results should show us what is in her system. Karen flies in tomorrow. We wait for the doctor’s permission before we can see her.”

“It’s understandable why Karen’s coming. But