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“Olivia’s a friend of my daughter’s from prep school. I thought if I could tell anyone, to try to do something about this, it should be her. But then she didn’t follow through, so I contacted some of the others.”
I put my face in my hands. If our partners were alerted about Paragon’s impending sale, there could be a backlash. I knew from reviewing the international contracts recently with Bethany that they were assignable; but I also knew that our distributors could opt out after a twelve-month period. No one was supposed to know about the sale yet. That might’ve made me a poor business partner, but I didn’t want to give any of them notice—any time to prepare to jump ship.
“I don’t understand why you did this—you know it could’ve compromised the sale. If Zhao hears that our partners are nervous about the transition, it could make her hesitate. I can’t afford that right now.”
“You have to understand that I would never do anything to hurt Hannah. I wasn’t thinking about that aspect.” She winced. “I was trying to stir up an international coalition to stop the sale. I don’t believe in negotiating with terrorists, Lauren. I’m sick about what’s happened to Clive Warren, your sister, to the security guards.”
“So am I—”
“I think giving in to Zhao is encouraging tactics like this—and I don’t want to do that. We can’t let the healthcare landscape be transformed into a war zone. If she’s allowed to get away with trade secret theft, kidnapping, and murder, what’s to stop others from doing the same? People will be too afraid to compete in this market. It will deter innovation.”
“I understand what you’re saying—”
“The older I get, the more I understand that it’s about the greater good.” Mimi clasped her hands tightly together in her lap. “We’re better than this—you’re better than this, and you deserve more than to see your company stolen out from underneath you. People need this innovation, Lauren. Your invention is going to help millions of people. We can’t just let it go.”
I couldn’t be angry with her, because I understood exactly how she felt. Still, I felt sick. Any compromises right now could put Hannah in even more danger.
“Mimi…I’ve always admired your principles and your strength. But you have to understand, this is my family. I agree with everything you’re saying—I am the last person who wants to see Paragon go out like this. But it’s my sister. It’s Hannah. And no other kind of loss compares to that. Do you understand?”
Her face softened. “Of course I do. I called Olivia and the others when I was too angry to consider the consequences. I had second thoughts as soon as I did—which is why I admitted to Allen that I was responsible. It’s also why I’m here. I’m so sorry.”
I nodded. “I know.”
“I believe you can bring civil charges against me for breach of my fiduciary duty to the board and to the company.” She jutted her chin. “It would probably make us both feel better if I was punished for what I did.”
“Mimi, I’m not going to do that.” Still, my stomach churned with nerves. Everything was stacked against Hannah right now. Any more false moves on our part, and she would be doomed.
“I hope you understand—I was trying to save what you’ve worked for. I’ve always believed that the patch would make the world a better place. I don’t want to see this happen…”
“No one does. We’re just doing the best we can with a terrible situation.”
Mimi nodded and stood to go. “Any news on Hannah or the security guard?”
“Nothing good.” I bit my lip.
“I’m sorry it’s come to this.”
“Me too. But we’re not done yet.” I forced myself to sound slightly upbeat, to give us both some hope. “I’m not giving up.”
Mimi nodded. “Good. The world needs you.”
As the silence settled back over my office, I wondered if that were true…and what, if anything, I could do about it.
GABE
“Look at this.” Ash fired up his laptop and opened a file in Dropbox. He played a short video, showing the white SUV pulling out of the garage. The driver’s face was visible for only a split second as he turned, backing the car out of the driveway. Ash paused the video.
“I’m feeling underwhelmed,” I said, but Levi motioned for me to shut up.
“Just wait.” Ash opened another file, the surveillance film from Lauren’s house on the night of the attack. He stopped when it showed the invaders leaving the house with Hannah in tow. He focused in on one of the men and opened a facial-recognition program. He placed the markers over the man’s face in the surveillance feed, then he did the same thing with the driver’s face.
The program beeped: it was a match.
“Told you!” Ash continued to manipulate the files, looking excited. “We use the same program the NSA uses.”
That beep wasn’t good enough for me. “Is this conclusive?”
“No,” Levi said immediately. “But it’s enough for us to set up full surveillance on the property. We need to find a place nearby to set up shop.”
