Page 42 of Silver Fire

“Teboga maintains he was justified in taking action to remove all threats to his country,” Maia informed them. “He cited that he had reliable sources telling his organization that Blackstone International is working with the security firm SASTac—South African Security and Tactics—in wiping out stretches of towns in Africa with zefinium bombs.”

“That’s crazy. Sophie hasn’t even built them,” Derek scoffed.

“That’s what Viktor told the man,” Maia replied, but her gaze narrowed at Sophie who remained silent. “Isn’t that right, Sophie?”

The blonde-haired scientist did not answer.

Jack cursed. “Tell me you didn’t touch your father’s research.”

Sophie glared at Jack. “And what if I did?”

“Angel,” Derek said tightly. “What exactly have you done?”

“I built the cores.”

“Where are they right now?” Maia stood up, leaning menacingly toward Sophie. It was the stance she used to intimidate people to give up information.

“ Maia—”

“Stay out of this, Derek.”

Derek’s eyes flashed. “The hell I am.”

“This is a matter of national security,” Maia shot back.

“Zefinium is useless without the triggering device,” Sophie said defensively.

“You stupid, stupid girl.”

“Maia!” Derek warned.

“Damn it, Derek. I’ll have you escorted out if you keep interfering.”

“With what? Is Sophie a suspect here?” Derek challenged.

“Sophie, where are the cores?” Jack asked, the one calm voice in the room.

“I’m not going to tell you, Jack,” Sophie retorted. “You own a defense company. You have more to gain with a zefinium bomb than Blackstone International does.”

For the first time that morning, Jack grinned. “You’re not stupid after all.”

“My research is proprietary,” Sophie continued. “It’s intellectual property. There is no reason for any of you to ask me these questions. My father’s research has the approval of the IAEA.”

“You’re also two steps closer to building a complete zefinium bomb,” Maia replied.

“What part of intellectual property don’t you understand?”

The women glared at each other. The men sighed in resignation.

Derek knew Maia was right. Was he letting his feelings for Sophie cloud his judgment?His feelings? Wait, what feelings?Derek banished those disturbing thoughts from his head and focused on the women, who were at an impasse.

“Fine, you don’t want to tell me where the cores are, I’m sure Viktor can get it out of you,” Maia threatened.

“That’s enough, Maia,” Derek growled.

Jack’s face darkened, but before he could say anything, Maia walked to the door. “You and me, Lockwood. Outside.”

Derek stood up and put a hand on Sophie’s shoulder to reassure her, but the blonde scientist looked seriously pissed and was far from cowed.

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