“If it cuts out, it can fry the phone’s logic board.”

Her hand hovered, then dropped back to the table.

“Right,” she said, her throat bobbing as she swallowed.

“Panama. That’s… strange.”

“It is strange,” I said. “Unless he’s planning to leave the country.”

“With someone else.”

Chloe let out a sharp, breathless laugh.

“Who would he go to Panama with?” she asked.

“He doesn’t know anyone there.”

“Maybe he does,” I said.

I looked out at the sleet falling on the gray asphalt of the parking lot.

“Maybe he’s been living a double life for months.”

Inside my bag, the receiver gave three short, rapid pulses against my leg.

The download was complete.

*One hundred percent.*

My heart hammered against my ribs, a wild, erratic rhythm.

I needed to see what was on that screen, but I couldn’t do it with Chloe staring directly at me.

“I need to use the restroom,” I said, pushing my chair back.

“Keep an eye on the phone for me?”

“Of course,” Chloe said.

Her eyes were already glued to her screen, waiting for me to walk away so she could unplug it.