The steam rose in the cold air of the cottage.

I sat at the wooden table and opened my laptop again.

I connected to the local library’s wireless network using three different virtual private networks.

I opened a private browser window and typed in a specific IP address.

It was the security feed from the Costello warehouse on the north side of the city.

I had installed the hidden camera in the rafters three years ago, telling Arthur it was for insurance purposes.

The video feed was grainy, but the lighting was clear enough.

Two black sedans were parked inside the bay.

Gregory was standing near the trunk of one car, his hands waving wildly as he spoke to three men in dark coats.

Even from a mile away, I could see the sweat shining on Gregory’s bald head under the halogen lights.

One of the men in the coats held a tablet, shaking his head.

They were trying to access the payroll system.

The screen on the tablet flashed red, then black.

I had set the system to lock down permanently if anyone tried to bypass the security questions three times.