Mixed blood

Chapter 24: The hacker

Luana's phone buzzed. She glanced at William, who was still engrossed in his laptop, and then answered the call, her voice dropping to a hushed tone.

"Yes?" she said, leaning slightly away. A pause. "Now? Fine. I'll be there soon."

William pretended not to listen, but his sharp eyes caught every shift in her expression. Whatever it was, it wasn't good.

She hung up, "I have to go."

He didn't even look up, his fingers typing steadily on the keyboard.

"Alright," he said casually.

He didn't ask where, why, or with whom—he already knew. It wasn't his place to intervene—not yet, anyway.

She stood, grabbing her coat and taking a moment to prepare herself and left. Her movements were brisk, as though she were switching into a different version of herself—a more dangerous one.

Turning his attention back to his laptop, he began typing, diving into his research. A few minutes later, the doorbell echoed through the quiet estate. William checked the security camera feed and saw a familiar figure waiting outside.

"Diego," he muttered with mild surprise, watching as Gloria opened the door for him.

Diego sauntered in. Within moments, he made his way to the library, the door swinging open as he entered.

"Bro," Diego greeted with a wide grin, leaning against the doorframe. "What are you doing here?"

William pushed his chair back, standing with an amused smile. "What wind threw you here?"

Diego laughed, clapping him on the shoulder. "The wind of boredom, my friend. I missed having fun with you—like the old days. A few cups, some good stories... you know the drill."

William chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Always the bad influence, aren't you?"

Diego grinned wider. "Someone's got to keep you from turning into a hermit."

He walked to one of the ornate cabinets in the corner of the library, unlocking it with a small key. Inside was a collection of pristine liquor bottles, each a testament to his refined taste.

He grabbed a fancy bottle of gin and held it up for his friend to see. "How's this for a start?"

Diego's eyes lit up. "You know me too well."

William smirked, grabbing two crystal glasses from a nearby shelf. "Of course."

He quipped, sliding into one of the leather chairs across from William's desk.

William poured the gin into the glasses, the sharp, botanical aroma filling the room. He handed one to Diego before taking a seat himself.

Diego took a sip. "So, tell me, Willy. What's keeping you holed up here lately? Business? Or is there something—or someone—else?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?" He shot him a smug look.

William swirled the gin in his glass, the ice clinking softly as he fixed Diego with a contemplative gaze. "You didn't just come here for a drink, did you?"

Diego smirked, leaning back in his chair and propping his ankle over his knee. "You know me too well bro. But no, I didn't. I have something—well, almost something."

William set his glass down, leaning forward slightly. "Go on."

"About Luana's mother's death. There's nothing new on that. The official story still holds—a car accident. But," Diego said, pausing for effect, "I found something interesting. Her bodyguard died with her on the same day."