What the hell kind of answer is that?A malfunctioning robot during a customer demo was unacceptable. Was Crockett the only one with alarms going off in his head? Deciding to change topics, he asked, “How are you adjusting to your newposition?”
Larry’s expression flattened. “Nocomplaints.”
“Have a goodholiday?”
“Kids drove me nuts. Wife dragged me to too many stores.” He shrugged. “Goodotherwise.”
“I’ll let you get back to work.” Without waiting for a response, Crockett headed back to his office to drill down into the details of Larry’sfindings.
After reading the analysis, he wanted to fling his laptop across the room. The QA team had cleared Moth of any physical anomalies. Moth’s software was a flawless match to that in Wilde’s propriety Software Development and Deployment System—SDDS. On paper, Moth had performed with the same degree of precision ever since he’d plucked her from his Maryland manufacturing facility two yearsago.
Crockett bit back a grunt. When it came to his customers, or in this case his prospective ones, he brought his A-game each and every time. But, based on the available information, everything did point to human error.Did I turn on Horse and Black, but forgetMoth?
He decided to refocus his efforts by completing his business plan for the year. Goal number one: Winning the FBI contract. Though a shred of doubt had slithered into his psyche, he wouldn’t alter his vision based on his mistake.Allegedmistake.
A boisterous voice severed his concentration. He glanced up as his assistant, Ellen Tate, rushed into his office. “You have avis—”
The cyclone of energy whizzed past her. “Hey, babe!” Maverick threw out hisarms.
Chuckling, Crockett leapt out of his chair and rounded his desk. Good thing he welcomed the man barreling toward him because his afternoon had just gottenhijacked.
Rather than shake Crockett’s outstretched hand, his longtime friend bear-hugged him. After loud back slaps, Crockett grabbed his shoulders. “What the hell are you doinghere?”
Maverick’s wild blond hair and whiskered face, along with his wrinkled denim shirt and tattered jeans, had all the earmarks of a weeklong binge. Former Harvard housemate and business associate, Ashton Hott partied hard, chased women harder, and worked until he conked out at his desk. He didn’t get his nickname by accident. He’d earnedit.
Just because Crockett didn’t smell the stench of stale booze didn’t mean his friend hadn’t spent the last week jet setting around the globe welcoming in the New Year with a different gal in eachcountry.
Ellen cleared her throat. “Ashton’s pop-in will disrupt your schedule.” Loyal and efficient, she guarded him and his daily agenda like aRottweiler.
Maverick slung his hand over Ellen’s shoulder and hauled her close. “This is my go-to guy, Ellen. Why would he turn me away like a stray cat? The man loves me.” Maverick batted his eyelashes. On a laugh, Ellen smacked hischest.
“I’ll clear the next hour, take notes at the R&D meeting, and bring you two some coffee,” Ellensaid.
“Got any food around here?” Maverick winked ather.
Though she rolled her eyes, her smile never dropped. Maverick was annoying as hell, yet everyone loved him. Crockett’s dutiful assistant whizzedout.
“Sit.” Crockett returned to his desk chair and leaned back. “Or are you not done entertaining themasses?”
Maverick laughed. “I like to bring theheat.”
When his friend’s smile fell away, Crockett suspected the unannounced visit was more than social. “Back fromIraq?”
“I haven’t left yet.” Maverick’s eyes narrowed. “When did I tell you mylocation?”
“I’ve known you long enough to read between the lines. I knew it was the Middle East. I drew my ownconclusion.”
Maverick’s bright eyes grew serious. After pushing off the back of the leather chair across from Crockett’s desk, he retrieved an oversized duffel from outside the doorway and slammed it onto the conference table. The loud metallic clatter of the bag’s contents had Crockett pushing out of hisseat.
Shouldering past Maverick, he unzipped the oblong bag. “What the fuck happened?” His $150,000 surveillance bird had been reduced to a pile of scrapmetal.
“Happened during betatest—”
“Wait.” Crockett grabbed his cell phone and called Decker. “Maverick’s here with a dead bird.” He hung up as Ellen set the refreshments on the credenza. After peering into the duffel bag, she lifted her gaze to Crockett. “That’s notgood.”
“Yes, thank you, Ellen,” Crockettsaid.
Decker flew in and gaped at the bag’s contents. “Oh, no, not Eagle. Which one is she?” He dropped his tablet on the leatherchair.
