Chapter Five

CAMERON

 

After a solid five-hour nap, Cameron groped around for Nathen and grinned at eyes hovering above, a glowing beacon in the darkness of his bedroom, the only source of any illumination. “Morning, gorgeous.”

“It’s almost 2:00 p.m.” Nathen responded, ever the literal one.

“It’s gotta be morning somewhere. My cock thinks it’s morning,” he teased, pulling back the covers to show himself at half-mast. Cameron loved waking up next to Nathen more than anything. The fact Nathen didn’t have to sleep made his remaining at Cameron’s side when he slept that much more endearing. He sent waves of adoration and arousal up to Nathen, enticing him to lay beside him, Cameron’s light touch exploring his back under his shirt. The waves of passion coming from Cameron were meant to both comfort and arouse and their emotions began to feed off each other.

Almost an hour later, Cameron whispered, “God,” gathering Nathen to him in a loose and weak embrace. “That is the best way to wake up,” he imparted, his emotions raw.

“This is the first time I’ve had morning sex…or, well, sex after just waking up. Or at least…” he trailed off, and Cameron sensed Nathen’s mind starting to whir with the need for no sleep.

“First time for everything,” Cameron hummed, cuddling for a time and nuzzling Nathen’s neck as he breathed in the scent of his shampoo and worked to summon his mind back to calm.

After he recovered, and the couple had showered and dressed, enjoying the time in intimate silence, Cameron finally admitted it was time to call. He had avoided it all morning, telling himself after his workout sleep would help him think straight. Then, procrastinating with his boyfriend took precedence. Emotionally wrought, he tried to avoid thinking about HR, the job offer, his mother…

Hand in hand, Cameron and Nathen stepped into the living room where Syn sat playing online. She looked up expectantly and nodded to Cameron’s unspoken instruction. Together, the three sat around the kitchen table with the phone between them.

Nathen asked, “Are you sure you want to do this? This could be a snare, a way to get you to do what they want… Though, of course, I will support whatever you choose. I just don’t want to see you hurt.”

“What other options do we have? Either we meet with the man and find out what he has…or not. If he does have anything worth following up on, then go down that road. I’ve been what-iffing myself all morning. What if this is a trap? But what if my mom is actually alive?” He looked helplessly at Syn, who nodded, finishing his thought.

“It’s his mom. If she’s alive we have to find her…” she trailed off, and Cameron saw she was lost in her own thoughts of the night his mom had allegedly died, and their lives had changed forever.

Before he could talk himself out of it, Cameron dialed the number on the black card with silver embossed lettering HR had handed him. It rang twice before a familiar voice said, “Mr. Molina. I am glad you decided to call. Shall we meet tonight, then? My office? Or a place of your choosing?”

Cameron’s stomach flipped, and despite having not eaten all day, a wave of nausea washed over him. “Yes. Let’s meet at 7:00 p.m. at George’s Bistro in Union Square. I’m sure you can get reservations for the four of us?”

“Indeed. I look forward to the meeting.” The line went dead.

Cameron let out a long breath, watching as the phone clicked off.

“Well, there it is,” Syn said with a shrug. “George’s, huh? Nice!”

“Well, if it’s going to be our last meal…” Cameron said with a half-smile, his voice devoid of mirth.

A sudden flutter of apprehension from Nathen took Cameron by surprise. “I have some things to tell you guys. This probably isn’t the time, but it really can’t wait. I was going to tell you when I found out, but then HR and…” Cameron got lost for a second in the swirl of thoughts Nathen was trying to grasp hold of. “First, I went through the books Mathis had. One is in a language I recognize but can’t read. I think when I drained Mathis, something came into me, along with his blood, because I get fragments of his memories and sometimes I hear him in my head.”

Without pause, Nathen went on. “My laptop was modified; it has a true random generator add-on. At the time, I didn’t think anything of it. But when I ran the image… Well, I think there is an intelligence to it, beyond just programming. It’s using the true random hardware while running, and it appears highly ordered. It’s not following scripted programs. It seems to be learning by itself and changing itself as it does so. If I had to guess, it is some kind of AI. It uses a modified deep Q-learning model on top of the hardware interface layer that is also unique. “

Cameron blinked in confusion as Syn asked, “First off—you’re hearing voices now? And second—do you think this AI program a plant? Something by Impetus or Paradigm to spy on us?”

Nathen shrugged. “It’s like occasional commentary that comes randomly. And with regard to the AI, I don’t know. I don’t have enough information, but if it belongs to the companies, they are about to become really rich. This has been the holy grail of computer science since Alan Turing’s time. From what I could tell, though, it’s very young, as in…a few days old.”

“I don’t understand,” Cameron began. On an academic level, he accepted it made sense if a vampire kills another vampire he could have somehow gained that vampire’s essence. But the whole AI business was beyond him. “Come again?”

“Your boyfriend said there’s some sort of artificial intelligence, which only exists in science fiction, alive and well on his computer,” Syn explained dubiously.

“What?” Cameron asked, turning his attention to Nathen.

“Think of it as a young Data from Star Trek: The Next Generation. It doesn’t have a robot body, but if given enough time, access to information, and resources, it could build itself one.”

Understanding dawned. “Oh…how did it get there?” Cameron asked.

Nathen rolled a shoulder. “It’s on the hard drive we got from the explosion that almost killed us. Only…it’s trained data file is only a few days old. So, either Theo installed it, or something else is going on that I don’t see yet. But I don’t think Theo would do that. So…”

“Is it safe to…mess with?” Cameron raised an eyebrow as Syn shook her head in response.

Nathen admitted, “I don’t know. It was still dormant, but seemingly conscious when I went inside the system. It seems to be safe, but it’s technically a living being, a program that thinks for itself…though very young.”

“Kill it,” Syn said, standing. Cameron could feel Nathen’s shock and dismay. “I’m telling you, nothing good can come of it. But whatever, I’ve got a class to go teach.”

Cameron frowned, waiting until she had left to reach over and pet Nathen’s knee. “I think she means, just…you know, be careful?”

Nathen nodded. “Of course. Listen, I don’t know who created it, but if I am right, this is incredible!”

*

THE REST OF the day was spent quietly. Syn left the boys alone to hold her evening kickboxing class at the gym; Cameron worked on reports for his students, reminded he was expected to return to work the next day; and Nathen continued to investigate artificial intelligence.

As the time got closer, the three reconvened and took a taxi to Union Square, where they arrived at the high-class Spanish tapas restaurant. Cameron had established their three-way mental link in the car so they could communicate in private and potentially run if needed. Much to Cameron’s dismay, the hostess indicated another member of their party had already been seated. She showed them to a round table in the back where the nondescript older gentleman, dressed in a tailored suit, waited holding a highball glass with amber liquid. He stood as the three approached. c

“Mr. Molina, Ms. Rodriguez, Mr. Hale, so good of you all to join me tonight.” He gestured to the empty seats. Cameron immediately sat to HR’s right, indicating for Syn to sit across from the man, in the farthest seat from him and incidentally closest to the door. After the group were seated and received menus, a waitress was immediately upon them with obviously preordered drinks: water for Nathen and beer for both Syn and Cameron. When the woman had left them in silence, HR apologized. “I’m sorry, Mr. Hale, but this establishment does not cater to your particular needs. Now, I’m certain the three of you have questions, and I am more than happy to answer them.”

Cameron and Syn exchanged glances.

Nathen took it all in stride, saying, “It’s okay. I already ate.”

“What do you mean you have information about my mother?” Cameron asked, jumping right to the point as the sound of his heart pounded in his ears.

The man gave a curt nod, bending over and pulling a file out of a leather briefcase set on a low stool next to him. “Surveillance photos from a location in Texas where your mother currently resides with three other women.”

Cameron snatched the file, thumbing through it quickly with Syn having scooted her chair over to look at them as well. There was no denying the photos were of Maria Molina, Cameron’s mother, each of them time stamped for the month prior. Cameron struggled with his emotions, his mind spinning with desperation, disbelief, fear, and sheer agony as he fought to hold back tears.

Syn pointed out: “These are security photos.”

“Indeed,” HR responded simply.

Nathen stood and took hold of his chair with the intention of dragging it around the table to Cameron when HR put a steadying hand on Nathen’s arm. He stood and offered his chair to Nathen with a subtle gesture, stepping aside to give him access by changing chairs with him.

Cameron reveled in the silent emotions of love and support he was blanketed in from Nathen, and he numbly slid the file to him.

Syn demanded, “So, tell us about these photos. Where are they? How did you get hold of them?”

HR nodded assent. “We started investigating Mr. Molina once we learned our asset had interest in him. That uncovered more unanswered questions than we were comfortable with. This has nothing to do with your skill, Ms. Rodriguez. You covered your tracks quite well. So well, in fact, let’s just say only extraordinary skills could have found any information at all. And, indeed, we did. There is much more to be learned. However, I am only willing to divulge said information, including the answer to your first question regarding location, upon agreement to join us.”

Rage seethed in Cameron, though he sat quietly.

Through the link Cameron had open, Nathen mentally imparted, “Are you okay? Did you want to leave and talk outside? I’m sorry for getting you into this.”

Shaking his head at Nathen’s suggestion, “We can talk with each other right here, and he can’t hear us. As far as I know.” He glanced at Syn.

“Let me get this straight.” Syn sat back, her shoulders squared and fire burning in her eyes. “You’re saying Cameron’s mother is alive. That she is living, and from what it seems, quite comfortably with a few other women, and you’re not willing to give us any more information unless Cameron sells his soul to you?”

HR’s features were serene. “That is a bit dramatic, Ms. Rodriguez. What I am offering is a job as Junior Director of Threat Management for our San Francisco location. The position would be a two-year contract with an option to extend. It comes with a handsome salary three times what you are making at the nonprofit clinic, benefits, resources, and the information you seek. You have a very unique set of skills, sir, that can help us in many ways.”

“I do not agree with your ways,” Cameron growled, clutching Nathen’s hand tightly and protectively. “You abduct unsuspecting people, kill them, making them into vampires, all without their consent, and then murder them when they don’t get with your program. And that’s only the surface of what we know you do.”

HR was silent for a moment and then nodded. “It appears you know quite a bit about the organization, then. Perhaps you can help us change some of those policies.”

Surprise disrupted Cameron’s thoughts of his mother momentarily. “What?”

“Well, I can see the logic of your argument, Mr. Molina. If you came on as Junior Director, you would have the opportunity to potentially write policy. Threat Management is a broad department. It would make sense we could eliminate threats before they started by choosing the right individuals for the positions. And with your skills at mental manipulation, should we offer a position that is refused, you could remove the offer from the individual’s memory. It would save us time in employee selection as well as elimination, if we chose the correct persons from the beginning.”

Cameron reeled with the implications of what the man was talking about. Many lives would be saved if he agreed. He shot a glance toward Syn and Nathen.

“You aren’t actually considering this?” Syn stared in disbelief at Cameron.

“We all have choices, Syn. What? I walk away and we try to find her on our own? They kill her in the interim? And I could help so many…” Visions of the assassin Todd Jacks, who had been part of the Threat Management department, played in Cameron’s mind. He had been a psychopath who enjoyed torture and was dispatched to kill vampires who couldn’t adjust to their new lives. Lives that had been altered by the Company without their permission. So many lives had been disrupted, terminated… Knowledge of the Company turned Cameron’s stomach. But if he could potentially save lives…

Cameron trembled, his thoughts jumbled, and his shoulders hung heavy with emotional exhaustion. “Let me see the contract,” he said, defeated.

HR retrieved a leather portfolio from his briefcase and slid a sheaf of papers out, placing them gently in front of Cameron, then set a mahogany pen beside them. Cameron skimmed through the purposefully vague contract. It indicated a ridiculous sign-on bonus, base salary beyond what Cameron could ever imagine as a staff psychologist at a nonprofit clinic, annual bonus, benefits…everything to make an attractive job offer.

As Cameron turned to the last signature page, HR said, “While you would be starting immediately and compensated for such, you would, of course, be given the first month to provide notice to your previous employer as well as attend to personal matters. The Company’s resources will be available to you for such investigation.”

Nathen asked, “What about Syn? Will she also be offered a job? Will she be safe?”

Both Cameron and Syn started at Nathen’s question.

HR tilted his head to the side. “You do have quite a lot of skills with programming.”

“No, thanks,” Syn said definitively.

“But the second part of Nathen’s question still pertains. Will Syn be safe?” Cameron asked, swallowing a lump in his throat.

“I understand what you are asking,” HR responded. “We do not eliminate resources unless they are a threat.”

Cameron bristled.

Nathen imparted mentally, “I just wanted to make sure we were all safe. If you take this job, Syn will be involved, and I just don’t want any more people hurt because of me.”

“None of us are safe,” Syn explained. “Whether I’m working for them or not. And honestly, I don’t want to. That said, Cameron, I think you’re right.”

Cameron grabbed the pen, signing impulsively. “Fine,” he said surrendering to his fate.

“Welcome to Impetus, Mr. Corazon,” HR said, switching his use of Cameron’s name. “Officially, since you have the appropriate documentation, you will be known as your alias for Company purposes. Your bonus will be electronically deposited into your account tonight. When you are ready, you can come to headquarters and see your office. Mr. Hale will introduce you to Ms. Katz who will give you a tour and set up an appointment for you to meet with the Director. His contact information is in here as well. She will also issue you a computer for your use in the field as well as keys to your company car, though like Mr. Hale you have unlimited use of the car service. Are there any questions about that aspect of things before we continue?” HR inclined his head to the folder with the pictures of Cameron’s mother.

Nathen said softly, “I’ll show you around and will do what I can to help you feel comfortable. It is a really impressive office.” He cast a nervous smile at HR.

Cameron squeezed Nathen’s hand, but addressed HR. “I guess I’ll figure things out as I go along. So, what is the information you have about my mother? And, more importantly, will I be putting her in danger if I contact her?”

The man pulled a thumb drive from his breast pocket and slid it across the table, plucking up the signed contract and pen. “Everything we know is on this drive. And, as I said, our resources are open to you. You are free to utilize our databases for research. The Threat Department has an enormous resource library, even including our information on certain enhanced individuals,” he gave a brief tilt of his head toward Nathen. “Should you have any questions about the investigation into Ms. Molina, you are welcome to speak with the Director about it. Are there any more questions for me?”

Defeated, Cameron wallowed in guilt. My mother is still alive and I just left her.

Nathen revealed, “I think we’re all still in shock about Cameron’s mother, and that’s making it hard to think clearly. Could we contact you at a later date? I’m sure Cameron will have questions he will be able to email you, should the need arise?”

“Indeed. Should you have any questions feel free to contact me. You have my number. And as mentioned, when you’re ready, please do check in with Ms. Katz who will complete the onboarding process.” The man stood, collecting his briefcase. “In the meantime, feel free to have a meal on Impetus. The hostess has the Company’s information and will bill us.” With that, he took his leave.

Cameron let out a long sigh. Realizing he was still holding onto Nathen’s hand, he released it.

“Well… I don’t know about you two, but I don’t have an appetite at all,” Syn said, though she took a deep drink of beer.

Nathen said, “We should probably go home and sleep on it, let our minds settle, and get used to what’s going on. Or, we can go to the office, and I can introduce you to Ms. Katz?”

Cameron was numb. He had just, in essence, signed his life away, for at least two years. But it meant he might be able to find his mother. Her death and his inability to do anything about it had defined him for almost a decade. He hadn’t realized he had been clutching the flash drive and suddenly held it up. “We should definitely go home and see what is on this!”