Madam Director met Daggert in the hall outside the cell where he had deposited Jeff and Harry.

“What is it you want to discuss?” she asked.

“I want you to rethink using Timothy to determine whether that other dog actually poses a threat.”

“Why?”

“Well, first of all, it seems a terrible waste of resources to use an asset like Timothy as a bomb detector.”

“Perhaps I have my reasons,” she said.

“I’d like to hear what they are.”

Madam Director’s eyes narrowed. “I’m not accustomed to having my decisions challenged, Daggert.”

“A decision like this involves my role as head of security.”

“I see.” She paused. “Timothy is one of our first experiments with underdeveloped humans.”

“You mean, with children,” Daggert said.

Madam Director rolled her eyes. “Whatever. The truth is, Daggert, I’m concerned about Timothy. I think we might be having the same problem with him as we did with H-1094.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’ve been observing him. Watching how he interacts with others, especially you. I think he may be forming some sort of bond.”

“You do?”

“The signs are subtle, but they’re there. Barbara has been keeping me informed.”

“Excuse me? That dog has been reporting to you?”

Madam Director nodded. “Of course. That’s what these dogs do. And she’s noticed the two of you getting along very well.”

“Isn’t that what’s supposed to happen?”

She shook her head. “We can’t afford to have Timothy becoming emotionally involved. And so what if he does end up getting blown up by that other dog? There may be massive tissue damage, but we can find another host for the hardware and software.”

“Wait a sec,” Daggert said. “Timothy is still a living, breathing child.”

Madam Director rested her back against the wall and folded her arms. “Is there something I need to know about you and your new partner?” she asked.

“Is there something you would like to tell me?” he asked.

She moved away from the wall and put her face close to his. “All you need to know is that you work for me. That means you do what I tell you. I’ll be bringing Timothy down shortly and sending him in there. That room, in case you didn’t know, is designed to contain a significant explosion. If that dog is rigged the way the girl says it is, so be it. We build another Timothy, and our other problem—of what to do with the boy and the girl and the old man—will be solved.”

And with that, she turned on her significant heels and walked away.