The St Patrick Series Book #3: Twin Trouble

Chapter 2: Security Breech

Bruce's POV
My mother is the CEO of the St Patrick Group. Before her, it was my grandmother. Because of being on active military duty, my father and I do not play an active role in the company. Occasionally when she can't be here and she needs something taken care of, she asks me.

Lately, a pattern has become evident. Big companies are getting hacked by an unknown organization. The hackers dump company secrets online and they also steal information to sell. They target companies that they deem to be harmful to the environment and to people. The St Patrick Group had is on their radar.

The St Patrick Group is not just a private security company, we are also a tech company that focuses on weapons manufacturing. That doesn't make us anyone's cup of tea but that is the family business. Our intel informs us that we are likely to be targeted by the hackers. If they get past our firewall, we have a lot to lose. It is times like this I wish Danica was here. She would have been if great help.

"I brought your cappuccino." Hayden beamed at me when she set the cup down. When I see a cappuccino, I think of Daniella, the girl from the cafe. I was taken aback when she told me her name is Dani. A lot of memories came flooding into my mind. Memories I would rather not recall. I fled from the pretty girl without a second thought.

"Thank you."

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Mrs St Patrick informed you of the situation with the hackers. Do you have any progress report for me?"

"Do you seriously call your mother Mrs St Patrick?" Hayden chuckled.

"In this office, yes. Anything?" I sipped the cappuccino. It's well into the night, almost two in the morning.

"Are you going to be working here? Have you retired from the army?"

Hayden has a crush on me. It's an obvious crush. I try not to indulge her.

"I'm just filling in for the CEO. Progress report. This matter is quite serious."

"I'm on top of it. I don't know any hacker as great as I am." She rolled her eyes. "Those pesky hackers are not getting through." My mother said she will come in at 10am. She works late and comes in late. That's her policy. "I think it would be great if you work here. No offense but Courtney is not fun."

My father is the fun one. If he worked here, the atmosphere here would be laid back. But when he's serious about getting things done he is worse than my mother. Hayden is staring at me strangely.

"What?"

"I was just wondering about that girl you were dating five years ago. Is it true that she was your fiancée?"

"It's none of your business. Get back to work."

"I'm not asking from a malicious place-"

"I don't want to talk about it."

She took her leave without a fuss.

If Dani was still alive, we would be married with kids. I had even considered retirement from the army so that we can start a family. After her death, I took another tour that lasted fifty two months. I just wanted to forget everything that had happened to me. The mind may forget but my heart still beats a little faster when someone mentions her or when I'm reminded of her even by the slightest scent.

"I know you don't want to talk about it," she stormed back into my mother's office. "But I have known you for over ten years. I really really really like you Bruce. It will mean everything to me if you at least give me the time of day instead of shutting me down every time I get close. The Irish bar down the street tomorrow at 6m. Don't be late Mr St Patrick." She slammed the door shut.