Page 10 of Hidden Chance

Chapter 4

Robbyunbuttoned his heavy coat when he reached the steps of the TreadCraft building. It was an imposing design, but he wasn’t impressed. Remaining neutral on a mission like this was imperative. And because he had no evidence to support the company’s direct involvement in supplying munitions to Burma, he couldn’t say that the animosity he felt toward the company was warranted. Maybe it was the fact that he believed, even if not directly at fault, a company of this size couldn’t be completely innocent.

His missions meant he had direct knowledge of the lengths organizations would go for money and power, and TreadCraft would be no different. But as far as Burma was concerned, it was more likely that a small group within the company was taking advantage of a loophole. Possibly, someone directly involved with the fundraising arm of the company was looking to make a profit. But greed wasn’t the only reason people did harm to others. Robby couldn’t rule out the prospect that hate was a verystrong motivator as well. Whether it was fed by fear or anger, not everyone involved could be after the same thing. If he could find a chink in the armor, maybe he could find a way in to get to the root so he could pull it out.

He slowed his gait when he entered, taking in the surroundings before veering toward the displays he’d expected to see. TreadCraft’s website made a big deal about visiting their lobby while in Pittsburgh. Schools would come for tours to learn about the products the company made as well as their philanthropic endeavors, inspiring the next generation.

The displays were a high-tech affair with videos that started when you stood in front of them. He walked slowly, taking the time to see the face the company presented to the public. By the time he reached the end, he was greeted by a prerecording of a child they had helped. A smiling face speaking broken English thanked TreadCraft for giving him the chance for a future.

The next screen allowed you to do a walkthrough of a village school. He tapped the area of the yard at the front of the school, and a short video played of kids kicking a soccer ball around. Next, he tapped on the school, and his jaw tightened as the camera moved smoothly through rooms that looked very similar to the graffiti-covered ones that he had stood in a short time ago. The corner of his mouth lifted in a cynical grin as he imagined those images displayed here instead of the joyful child, as unsuspecting guests were invited to see what was really happening with the money they generously donated.

He turned from the screen as it continued to play, taking the viewer through a typical school day.

Maybe some of it was real, but Robby was here to make sure that the smiling kids were the only ones to be found in Burma. No more children used as shields or anything else to further the rebels’ cause. He wouldn’t stop until he’d exposed the truth and given these children a real future.

As he wandered toward a seating area, he took note of the security. Access to the elevators was only granted to those with a pass, and a guard was there to make sure protocols were followed. With all the innovation TreadCraft was responsible for, corporate espionage would be a significant threat here. Some of the research going on in the upper levels would be well-guarded secrets worth possibly billions of dollars.

Scanning the ceiling, he found that the cameras were hard to spot. They’d been well hidden behind design elements. You’d have no idea they were there if you didn’t know what to look for.

None of those observations mattered much as they were only useful when breaking in to a facility, and Fletcher would be against any kind of forceful entry without a warrant in place with either the local police or the FBI being called in. It would take a truck load of evidence to get a warrant to enter TreadCraft.

“Can I help you, sir?” said a short woman standing behind the concierge’s desk. Her tailored suit swished as she stepped up to greet him.

“I’m waiting for a friend, actually. But thanks forchecking, Kris,” he said, making note of her name badge.

“I would have approached you earlier, but you looked to be enjoying the displays, and I didn’t want to interrupt.” She smiled proudly.

“They’re really something. TreadCraft has quite a portfolio both with its products and its generosity.” He glanced back at the large TV that had reset itself. “It’s hard to believe there’s so much need in the world. It’s easy to take for granted everything we have.”

“TreadCraft Dynamics is a truly inspiring company.”

“Yeah. I bet. It would be a company you can feel good about working for, I guess.”

“Definitely. I was lucky to get this job.”

“I’d say you deserved it. You do a great job. Uh, is it okay for me to sit over there while I wait?”

“Yes, of course. Make yourself at home. If you let me know who it is you’re waiting for, I can call up to let them know you’re here.”

“I already sent a text. He’ll be down shortly.”

“Excellent. Then all that’s left for me to do is offer you a tea or coffee.”

“You really know how to look after people here. Thank you, but I’m fine.”

“Let me know if you change your mind. I’m right over there.”

“Thanks. I will.”

He sat on a gray modular sofa and continued his examination of the room. From the aerial surveillance footage he’d acquired, he knew the building had aloading bay of some kind at the back. It would offer a more suitable entry point if he ever got permission to breech, which he knew he wouldn’t. For now, he’d stick to his original plan and gather as much intel as he could without making any waves or drawing attention.

Kris moved in on another guest as Robby stood. He’d gotten enough from this vantage point, and he still had other angles he needed to consider. They would give him the opportunity to put in more time and effort.

“Everything okay?” Kris said, excusing herself from the current prospect.

“Yeah, fine. My friend had to cancel. Said he got a phone call right after my text. Don’t know what it was, but it was more important than our coffee.”

“I’m sorry for the inconvenience, sir.”

---