Page 107 of Until the End

Willow’s eyebrows scrunched together. “Simon didn’t disappear.”

“Yes, he did.” Kit straightened. “Right after he created and used a program that someone deemed a risk to national security.”

“You’re right,” Willow said. “He did disappear, but not because anything nefarious happened to him. The government offered him a job. He wiped himself off the grid and cut all old ties because he didn’t want anyone to know he’s working for the NSA.”

The information knocked Kit sideways. The Wyrm would never convert. “Are you sure?”

“I worked with him. I slept with him. It was awful.” Willow made a guttural groan. “He smelled like oatmeal. I’m one hundred percent certain about Simon.”

“Does he like it?”

“He loves it. Simon gets to hack, spy, and stalk with more powerful resources and cutting-edge technology than he’d have as a regular civilian. And he gets to do it all legally.”

The appeal for a hacker was suddenly obvious if money wasn’t a factor.

Kit saw why Lincoln had liked Willow. She was savvy and didn’t play bullshit games. In another lifetime, she’d have fit in with the Outliers.

Maybe in this one, Kit and Willow could be friends.

Doc strolled into the area, carrying a mason jar and spoon, and caught sight of Kit. She detoured away from her desk and over to Willow’s cubbyhole.

“Hi, Kit,” Doc said warmly. “How are you doing? I know this can all be a lot to acclimate to and you’ve already been through so much.”

Kit wasn’t sure what to make of her. No one was such a genuine Goody Two-shoes without being annoying and Doc wasn’t that. There was something about her that Kit couldn’t put her finger on. Doc had the personality of a Cinderella, or Aurora, or Snow White.

Who could be friends with that in real life?

“I’m managing,” Kit said.

Doc took a spoonful of what appeared to be a yogurt parfait topped with…granola.

“Do you make your own granola?” Kit asked.

“As a matter of fact, I do.”

Of course she did. It was a wonder there weren’t animated creatures following Doc around, prancing to Disney music.

“Being in protective custody can’t be easy,” Doc said. “If you need anything, toiletries, clothes, or even to talk, I’m happy to listen. And once you’re safe and you’ve had a chance to consider a memorial service for your friends, I’d like to help you plan it. I know you don’t have anyone else. It can be difficult, emotionally, arranging a service to say goodbye. You don’t have to do it on your own.” Doc flashed a sympathetic smile.

Kit hadn’t taken ten minutes to think about a memorial service for the Outliers, but Doc had. Even offered to help plan it. Kit’s throat clogged with emotions and tears prickled her eyes.

She took it back. Everyone could use a friend like that.

* * *

Castle waited outside Sanborn’s closed office door, speaking with Janet about Achilles.

When the door opened, Maddox stepped out. “Hey.”

“How’s the manhunt going?” Castle asked.

“Not good. We’ve all seen the video. We’re running out of time. There’s no telling how many people could die if we don’t find Khan.”

He gestured for her to follow him into the hall, away from prying ears. “Did something happen?”

“We just got back from raiding one of Khan’s suspected safe houses. It looked like we’d missed him by minutes.” She smoothed back the wild curls that’d fallen loose from her ponytail and expelled a breath. “It feels like we’re chasing our tails.”

“Has there been any other intel reporting?”