Page 18 of Dan

“You’re going to need to explain everything to her, Dan,” said Ryan. “Make sure she understands that she can’t tell anyone where we are, she can’t leave the property, all of it. She’ll follow directions exactly as you give them to her, so remember all the details. Don’t assume that she’ll figure out the missing pieces of it.”

“I know, Dad,” he said, nodding. “I am worried about the fact that her family makes those microchips. It’s too closely connected for my liking. I’m wondering if we should get someone out to their factory and do some snooping around.”

“Way ahead of you,” said Luke. “Eric, Sophia Ann, Hiro, and Tanner went out early this morning. They’re touring the plant on the premise that G.R.I.P. is looking for a possible manufacturing site of microchips for a new missile guidance system.”

“Damn, that should make them lick their chops,” smiled Dan.

“It should,” said Ryan. “Georgie said she’d received multiple requests from them for meetings. They’ve been after our business for years, and we’ve been ignoring them.” Ryan could see the look on his son’s face. Reaching out, he touched his shoulder.

“Dan, there’s no reason to believe that she knew anything about that. She wasn’t involved in their business and had no connection to it whatsoever. From the sounds of it, her parents made sure that she stayed away from them and the company.”

“Yeah, I know. It’s just all very convenient.” He looked around the cafeteria, seeing Finley with his mother and grandmothers. “You know, I wonder if there isn’t some connection between GAM Labs and YZX. We all know that feeling we get when things seem too aligned, and this feels very aligned to me.”

“I’m sure we’ll figure it out,” said Ryan. “Hopefully, the team will be able to find the connections when they visit. I have a feeling that YZX is going to push hard for our business.”

“Finley said that she thought her parents were on some world cruise. If they’re in the offices, then I think we can automatically assume something else is at play here.”

Silicon Valley was filled with tech companies, some small, some large. The hundreds of glass buildings, with their outdoor parks, walking tracks, and appealing extras for the millennial and Gen Z groups, were everywhere.

Entering the main office building of YZX, it was evident that YZX was no different. People were riding scooters around the building, drinking free lattes from the kiosk in the lobby, eating fresh fruit from bowls placed around the common areas. Strange artwork hung from the ceilings and walls, depicting images of repurposed, ‘green’ art.

They approached the security desk to be greeted by four plain-clothes security agents. This wasn’t a rent-a-cop job. This place required people of a slightly higher caliber. If they had to guess, they were retired police officers.

“Good morning,” said Eric. “We have an appointment. We’re with G.R.I.P.”

“Yes, sir,” nodded the security agent. “Please sign the log and have a seat over there. Can I get you some tea? Coffee? Perhaps a sparkling water or soda?”

“I’ll have a sparkling water,” smiled Sophia Ann.

The agent smiled at her, looking her up and down. Her long, thick black hair was coiled on top of her head in a professional bun. The few strands hanging from the sides made it sexy looking. She wore a respectable black suit with a pale green silk blouse.

Eric stared at the man, staring at his wife. She didn’t even notice, signing her name to the guest log.

“You want to stop staring, buddy?” growled Eric.

“Oh,” he said, clearing his throat. “Sorry, sir. It’s just that we don’t get a lot of beautiful women in here. I mean, we do. But you’re exceptionally beautiful. Your eyes are violet, aren’t they?” Sophia Ann started to speak, but Eric gripped her hand.

“Yes. Her eyes are violet. I have the good fortune of looking at them every fucking day.”

“Eric,” she whispered.

“Sorry, sir. No disrespect intended.” They turned, taking their seats in the massive atrium waiting area.

“Eric, you need to settle down. He wasn’t doing anything except looking at me. That’s not a crime,” said Sophia Ann.

“It will be a crime if he does it again. I’m going to kill him,” he frowned.

“I love that you’re so protective,” she smiled, patting his hand, “but we need to figure this out for Dan and Finley. Please. Try to control your behavior.”

“I can’t make any promises.”

The moment the elevator opened, the team knew exactly who was greeting them. Mr. and Mrs. Xavier themselves. Finley looked like a carbon copy of her mother with the keen green eyes and slight build of her father.

“Good morning,” smiled Zachary Xavier. “I’m Zach. This is my wife, Yancy. Hence, the YZX of our name. We’re thrilled that you finally chose to come and see what we have to offer.”

“Well, we can’t promise anything,” said Sophia Ann, “but we’re happy to take a look at what you’ve got going on.”

“Please, right this way,” said Yancy.

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