AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Jarvis and I scrutinize each other through the screen. We need to trust Erik for the time being, but I can tell Jarvis is uncomfortable with the direction this conversation has to take. We need to narrow down our suspects, even if that means taking one of them into our confidence.
I take a mouthful of my now lukewarm brew, then stare fixedly at Erik. “Although sabotage is a possibility, we want everyone to think this is a more routine problem for the time being.”
“Do you suspect me?” Erik strokes his beard and trains his gaze on the huge decorative stone fireplace in the room used to plan the 1893 Columbian exposition.
“Until we know whether it’s sabotage, we aren’t actively suspecting anyone. If it is sabotage, we will scrutinize everyone. But we’re trusting you for the moment, or we wouldn’t ask you to do the assessment.”
“Stavit’ lovushku,” he mutters.
“Don’t assume we’re setting a trap for you because you’re Russian.”
Erik shifts uncomfortably. “Sabotage…” He scratches at his beard. “Most of them probably aren’t good enough on their own. And some of them, like the Davids, Lorraine, and Mary, have been here for years.”
I swallow a choking laugh. As an escapee from the Russian system, he should know better. “Longevity means nothing. Countries embed spies and collaborators years, even decades, before they go into action.” My mind shifts to the Cambridge spy ring. “Think of the FBI’s Operation Ghost Stories.”
“Who else is possible?” Jarvis prompts.
“Amy could do it.” Erik’s reluctance coats every word. The fact they are involved complicates everything. He tugs his beard. “I don’t think she would, but she could. So could Jarod, Felix, or Tracy. No reason they should, though.”
“Motives are easy. Money is probably the biggest. Or someone who feels that they haven’t gotten ahead as quickly as they think they deserve. Blackmail. Lots of reasons.” I prowl around the small office, ready for this meeting to finish.
Erik frowns. I can tell he is not happy with my assessment. Then he goes on. “I would rule out Michael. He’s really marginal on this project. Biotech is his specialty, but we needed another coder and pulled him in. If he offered, might be suspicious, but we had to twist his arm.”
Jarvis adds his agreement. “Under normal circumstances, Michael wouldn’t have expected to be part of the team, so he’s not a real possibility.”
“Troy is relatively new, so maybe hacking group plant him.” Erik smiles, displaying the full mouth of implants he got when he emigrated. He has his suspect tagged.
I keep my voice level. “Didn’t he bring the problem to you?”
“Of course. But that does not make him innocent.” Erik drags out his answer. He twirls his fingers in his beard, pulling. “Perhaps cover his tracks. Keep him from suspicion.” He sits back with a small smile, but his face falls as he observes our skeptical expressions.
“He’s been here for two years, so he’s not really new.” Jarvis breaks in, impatient. “Part of your job is to know the staff. When all this is over, you can expect a comprehensive review. I’m disappointed right now.”
“You fire me?” Erik’s voice breaks.
“Not at the moment.” I think of Clay’s demand. “But you have definitely pissed off Clay.”
“We’re done here.” Jarvis makes his hands into a T and twists his face into a scowl. “Remember, Erik, you report to us. From now on, you need to tell us everything. And I mean everything.” His grim expression doesn’t bode well for Erik’s future.
I sigh as Erik leaves. “So how are the kitties, Jarvis?”
His face morphs into a big smile. “You only left last night. My sister is there, keeping them company. But I can’t wait to get home to play.”
“You realize cats don’t need that kind of attention?” I try to keep from laughing.
A stubborn expression comes over his face. “Of course they do. Even animals need love.”
“I’ll let Cress know her babies are fine.”
I shut down the equipment, but instead of locking up, I sit in darkness. My mind drifts from cybersabotage to Cress. I check my watch. The car should pick her from the Club in three-quarters of an hour. She’ll be at the restaurant in an hour. I could text JL and see if he’s still in a pub nearby and still be waiting for her in Covent Garden.
I’m just starting my text when the sound of sirens fills the air. Someone starts banging on the office door. I’m alone, so I dart out to see what’s going on. Through the glass I see two members of the fire brigade, one in his early twenties, the other near retirement age. They motion me forward.
The younger man says, “Gas main leak. You need to leave the building now.”
I sniff the air and the smell of gas fills my nostrils. “Just let me get my coat.”
“No time, sir. Just come with us.”
