Page 9
“Yes, this is extraordinary.”
“Do you like the opera, Dr. Rossi?”
“Yes. I’ve loved it since I was a child.” My mother had taken me to my first performance when I was seven. I’d been finding my way back ever since. If I wasn’t at work or at home, there was a good chance I was watching a performance somewhere.
Margaret nodded. “Then you’ll appreciate having one within walking distance.”
I shook my head, still looking toward the doorway. “I don’t think anyone could have described this well enough.”
Margaret agreed. “Probably not.”
After touring the main building, we took the stairs back down and went outside. We walked through the gardens and entered a conservatory. I immediately wanted to stop and look around. Margaret turned toward me.
“We’ll be passing through for now,” she said. “Mr. Blackwood asked to give you the proper tour himself.”
That gave me pause. Was our meeting going to be more than just an introduction?
We exited and came to the most modern building I had seen thus far. It stood taller than most, but not as tall as the residential towers. Its glass windows reflected the blue sky. Tables and chairs were arranged across the terrace in front, providing space to eat outdoors.
“This is the Research Pavilion. There are ten floors. Project Aurora occupies the sixth floor. Mr. Blackwood’s office is on the tenth.”
I nodded. We made our way into the building. The lobby was bright and modern, with pale stone floors and floor-to-ceiling windows. A reception desk occupied the center of the space, positioned between the entrance and the elevators. Margaret greeted the receptionist as we walked toward the elevators. At the panel, she held her badge against the reader. A green light appeared before she selected the sixth floor.
We exited the elevator and walked into the laboratory space. I was immediately impressed. The rooms were clearly designed by people who understood what researchers needed, and who had been given the resources to build accordingly. Lab benches ran in orderly rows, some left open for active work while others held equipment that I’d spent years requesting. An ambr 250 high throughput system occupied one section of the lab. At Columbia, we had requested access to one twice, but availability had never aligned with our work.
Priya had done her research. Thoroughly.
I glanced back across the laboratory. “Who designed the layout of the labs?”
Margaret followed my gaze. “I’m not sure. I can find out for you.”
“I’d be curious to know. Thank you.”
Walking through Blackwood Hall, I began to understand what became possible when vision, discipline, and resources were all directed toward the same purpose. It wasn’t luxury. It was capability. The freedom to pursue ideas without constantly calculating what could not be afforded.
As we finished touring the lab, Margaret checked the time. “The residential team is still preparing your apartment. It should be ready for you by this evening.”
I nodded.
“In the meantime, we need to get your access credentials.”
We walked to the Security Office on the first floor. Once the required information was gathered and my picture taken, Margaret handed me a small metallic badge. “Keep this with you at all times. It is programmed to allow entry into the appropriate spaces. Your meeting with Mr. Blackwood is in five minutes. He will meet you in the lobby.”
“Thank you, Margaret. It was nice to meet you,” I said as I clipped the badge to my blazer.
Margaret leaned in and almost whispered. “If an elevator stops on a floor you didn’t select, stay inside and call Security.”
My hand stilled. “I’m sorry?”
Margaret smiled as though she’d said nothing unusual. “Welcome to Blackwood Hall, Dr. Rossi.”
She was already moving toward the corridor. I stayed where I was a moment longer, my hand resting against the badge. What kind of place needed a rule like that?
Chapter 4
Alexander
Late morning sun filled the penthouse. I stood at the windows overlooking the gardens. Winston lay at my feet, stretched out in a patch of sunlight, indifferent to the fact that today was not like other days.
