Page 71 of The Ranger
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Yesterday the Erbiumarrived in stock.I waited for Chen to update the Project Helix team, but he never did.
He still hasn’t, and it's now Tuesday afternoon.
I bribed one of the production workers, Salina, to tell me when the prototype line began production.She messaged me late Monday afternoon, and I was down there seven minutes later.
Her eyes flashed to mine and then down to the short run of products moving along the conveyor belt.
Jesus, that was fast.
Glancing around, I walked past, slipping a hundred into the palm of her lowered hand and lifted my 007 pen, taking some pictures of the prototype chip.
“Good work,” I said, then headed out the door.
I’ve been in three meetings with Chen since Monday, and not once has he mentioned that the prototype is in production.
Our BHS team has eyes on every move he makes, but that still doesn’t help us.He’s done nothing illegal except not communicated.
We need proof that we can hand over to authorities.
I head back down to production and find Chen.He looks more stressed than I’ve seen him, clearly feeling the pressure.
“Hey, Reynolds, what can we do for you?”He looks nervous, sweat drops visible on his forehead.
Interesting.
“A tropical island holiday in the Caribbean would be awesome if you’re offering, Chen.”I wander closer and nod at the open boxes near the production line.“What’s going on here today?”
I can’t tell if they are the prototypes, but I know the items were boxed up and are sitting in his office.They were only one hundred of them produced, and they’re very small.
The team will not take their eyes off them, and he’s likely feeling the pressure of how to get them out.
His cheeks turn red.
“Normal everyday production.”He crosses his arms.
“Do we have the prototypes manufactured yet?”
“Of course not.I have to go.Offsite meeting.”
Chen has just outright lied to my face.He hasn’t told anyone they’ve created them, and there has to only be one reason he’d do that.
He’s our mole.
I’m sure of it now.
I have a weapon in a holster under my jacket, but acting now would not solve anything.We need to follow him as he leaves breadcrumbs to his larger operation.
We need to expose their entire operation.
“Sorry, shouldn’t just turn up like this.I have a meeting with the boss myself.”I lift my wrist and tap my watch.“See you tomorrow.”
Chen holds my gaze, his flippant personality from the past week or so gone.His eyes are dark as he nods goodbye.Then he turns back to me and says, “Take care, Cole.”
The hairs on the back of my neck lift at what sounds like a threat.
Take care, Cole.
