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Grayson smiled at Donavan. “It’d be a lot easier if Carter would have chosen to stay with the company.”
“Why? You’d really want him working for you?”
Grayson nodded. “Of course. It is a valid offer.”
“I heard rumor that Steven Matthews is in charge of Olympus Mons.”
“That’s not a rumor.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes.”
“Everyone thought that you hated him.”
Grayson shrugged. “At one time I did, but he’s proven too valuable and his IQ is equivalent to mine. The man has some genius ideas that will aid Grayson Enterprises to greater advantages in technology within the next few years. So, here’s the thing, Donavan. Sometimes you have to be forgiving, even if you can’t stomach being around the person.”
“How can you trust Carter and Matthews?”
“It isn’t really a matter of trust. I’d always know where Carter is. Matthews is on Mars, and should he attempt to do anything there, I shut down supply lines for a year, and he’s doomed. He knows that.”
“But it’s not the same with Carter.”
Grayson smiled. “The biggest reason that I need Carter here is because he is apparently immune to the virus.”
“So? What good is that?”
“His blood has antigens that we need to develop vaccines to immunize people before the chance of an outbreak occurs here on Earth. That’s the real reason I offered him such a ridiculous amount of money to stay.”
“And if he declines?”
Grayson shoved his hands into his pockets and turned to face the sun hovering over the horizon. “There are other means for negotiation. We’ll reach an agreement one way or another.”
“I hope so.”
“Have some faith,” Grayson said, walking to his desk. He pushed the intercom button. “Beatrice, have them prepare my helicopter.”
“Yes, sir.”
Grayson pushed a different button on his intercom. “Is Sylvia ready to go?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Have her escorted to my helicopter on the roof. We leave immediately.”
***
Magnus listened to Grayson give instructions to Hodges via the earpiece.
Grayson said, “I’m scheduled to meet Dr. Carter in an hour at 2010 Valley View Road. Get your team into position but make certain that you’re not visible. Understood?”
Hodges glanced at Magnus. Magnus aimed the gun at Hodges’ head.
“Roger that,” Hodges said.
Magnus reached over and removed the earpiece from Hodges.
What are you up to, Carter? Magnus thought.
***
Dusk was settling over the parking lot. Carter stood between a dumpster and a graffiti-covered wall. He held the briefcase while scanning the parking lot. He glanced at his watch and shook his head. He kicked loose gravel and grumbled curses.
A stretch black limo drove slowly across the parking lot toward him. After the limo stopped, the rear tinted window lowered. Grayson motioned for Carter to approach.
Carter frowned. “I was beginning to think you weren’t going to show.”
“You realize my office is in California? I had to fly and rent a limo. That takes a little bit of time.”
Carter nodded. “Where’s Sylvia?”
“Right beside me.”
With the approaching darkness of night, he couldn’t see. He leaned closer, squinting. Grayson flipped on the inside lights. Sylvia sat beside Grayson.
“Sylvia?”
Sylvia didn’t respond or move. She sat, staring straight ahead.
“Is she okay?” Carter asked.
“She’s fine.”
“Sylvia?” Carter said. “What’s wrong?”
“Here, let me move out of your way.” Grayson rose from his seat and moved to the seat opposite of Sylvia. “Look closer.”
Carter leaned partway through the lowered window. “Sylvia, come here. Look at me.”
In an instant her hand moved toward him. The cold metal of a gun barrel pressed against his temple. She faced him and her eyes were glazed over. Carter swallowed hard.
“One word,” Grayson said. “I give one simple command and she squeezes the trigger.”
“You bastard. You implanted a Sleeper Chip in her?”
“As a precaution,” Grayson replied. “That’s all. I made you a generous offer, and I’d like your answer.”
Carter’s thumb slid atop the button at the side of the briefcase handle. “Looks like I’m going to turn it down since this transaction didn’t go smoothly like we agreed.”
“I hate to hear that. I looked forward to keeping you on staff. Now I suppose Sylvia will carry out her assignment now.”
“Before you make any hasty decisions, you might want to look out the window.”
“Why?”
“I’ve rigged the briefcase to shatter the virus vials and pop open. Unless Sylvia lowers the gun right now, I push the button. Maybe you’ll escape with your life today, but eventually this virus will kill you.”
Grayson laughed. “You’re more shrewd than I thought. Sylvia, put down the gun.”
Sylvia obeyed. Carter took a deep breath and backed away from the window.
From the opposite side of the parking lot a black Jaguar sped toward Carter and the limo.
“Driver, go!” Grayson yelled.
The rear window rose and the limo sped away. Carter turned and stared in horror at the Jaguar coming straight toward him. The car screeched to a stop. When the window lowered, Carter was stunned. Magnus smiled.
“Is everything okay?” Magnus asked.
“What are you doing here? I thought you were leaving the city.”
“It’s a long story. Are you sure you’re okay?”
Carter nodded. “I’m fine, but Grayson has Sylvia. He implanted a Sleeper Chip in her.”
“Dammit! Hop in.”
Carter opened the back door and sat behind Magnus. “We have to get her chip removed. She can’t be at Grayson’s mercy.”
“We’ll make it right, but it will take some planning.”
Hodges glanced at Magnus. “You’ll never get past Grayson’s security.”
Magnus chuckled. “You weren’t much of a challenge, Hodges, so you might want to keep your opinions to yourself. We’ll find a way inside somehow.”
Magnus drove the car to the parking lot entrance.
“Shouldn’t we go after Grayson?” Carter asked.
Magnus shook his head. “Not yet.”
“Why not?”
“Never run into a situation without preparing first. We need a plan. Going in blind will get us killed.”
Carter sighed with frustration. “I suppose you’re right.”
***
Magnus glanced into the rearview mirror. Headlights came on from a parked car he had driven past. Another set came from a side street and both vehicles sped to catch him.
“Shit!” Magnus said, pressing down on the accelerator. He turned left and narrowly missed an oncoming car.
Carter turned uneasily in his seat and looked at the two speeding cars behind them. “What the hell is going on?”
“Apparently, Grayson had another team enlisted besides Hodges’ to take you into custody. He doesn’t give up easily.”
Hodges laughed. “Did you expect any less?”
Magnus gave a side-glance to Hodges. “You’re really beginning to piss me off. You know, you’re not a passenger I need. How about if I drop you off at fifty-five miles per hour if you say another word?”
Hodges looked away and became quiet.
“Good,” Magnus said. “That’s much better.”