Page 24 of Silver Fire

“We are talking long term here,” Christopher replied. “If we already have the technology in place and tested, countries will be in a race to acquire such science. Who do you really think runs the US Government?”

“Big business, big oil,” Stephen said.

“Exactly. Do you think these businesses will allow the US to be at the mercy of say, North Korea?”

“You argue a strong point, Christopher,” Sophie replied. “But I’ve looked at the schematics and I’ve noted my improvements on the design. A device as small as a carry-on suitcase can destroy an area as big as 24 square miles. It can easily fall into the wrong hands and the main threat to national and global security right now are terror cells scattered all over the world.”

“So you have taken a look at it?”

Trust Christopher Blackstone to hear only the most pertinent words, Sophie thought in annoyance. She had more than taken a look at it, she had manufactured three weapons-grade zefinium cores that were, at the moment, in storage. All she needed to do was build the fission reaction trigger and housing and Christopher would get his explosive device. She had no intention performing such a step. The scientist in her was satisfied with her father’s research; it was really time to lay it to rest.

Their first course had arrived, providing her a reprieve to sit on her information longer. But the devil in her wanted to see what monsters would come crawling out. “Yes, I have.” Sophie took a bite of the foie gras creme brulée—an amazingly rich and creamy dish of pricey goose liver. She ignored the gasp coming from Beth.

“And?”

“It works.”

“Oh boy,” Stephen murmured and Beth glared at him.

Christopher lowered his spoon and eyed Sophie intently with barely concealed excitement. “Are you telling me—”

“I have the zefinium cores,” Sophie said, her eyes turned misty. “Dad’s research worked.”

“He’d be proud of you, dear Sophie.” Christopher lay a comforting hand on top of hers.

“Well I am not,” Beth hissed. “What were you thinking, Leroux?”

“Beth—” Stephen warned, voice low.

“I needed to know,” Sophie said defensively. “You know very well without the special trigger, zefinium is nothing more than a piece of rock, enriched or not. It’s nothing like plutonium.”

Besides it was located in a bunker 40 feet below the research facility. No one knew of its existence except for her and Stephen.

“If I didn’t love you to pieces, baby girl, I’d walk out of here,” Beth sighed. “I know how much your dad’s research means to you. But I hope you’re aware of the responsibility that comes with such knowledge.”

Sophie answered with a feeble smile.

“Now can we stop talking about mercenaries, weapons of mass destruction and concentrate on this incredible sumptuous dinner instead?” Stephen announced.

Everyone at the table concurred.

5

Maia headeddown the dimly lit hallways of AGS headquarters. The headquarters were housed in an old building just outside of Georgetown in Washington DC. It appeared to be a one story building from the outside, but it actually had two subterranean levels. The building originally housed some experimental programs run by the CIA. When they abandoned it, Viktor immediately snapped up the place. The entrance to the underground parking was behind the building; only people with clearance were allowed to use it. The first floor held mostly meeting rooms and one of the gyms. The first level below ground held the datacenter and command center, making it the heart of the company. Two situation rooms, containing state of the art communications technology and an arsenal were housed on the same level. The third level had tactical ranges, sparring rooms and three bunkers that doubled as holding cells.

Maia met her mentor in his glass-walled office located at the mezzanine level overlooking the datacenter. The glass wall provided a panoramic view of the entire datacenter and most of the second level. However, like today, once she stepped into Viktor’s office, he smoked up the glass to ensure the privacy of their meeting. Their lead analyst, Tim Burns, was also in attendance.

“How are the in-laws?”

“Good.” It was Thursday morning; she and Jack had gotten back from Richmond the night before.

“That was another close call, Maia,” Viktor said, referring to the fire Monday evening.

“Tell me about it.” Maia sighed. “I’m hoping you have something for me.”

“Christopher Blackstone does not add up,” Tim said. “He has everything to lose if Sophie Leroux is dead.”

“His enemies then?” Viktor asked.

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