“Do secret societies really exist?” There was a glint of ice–cold sharpness in Eddy’s eyes as he fixed Fernando with a smile that never quite reached his lips.
The detective continued, “Yes. Countless clandestine organizations lurk in the dark corners of the web. But there are two in particular–powerful, evenly matched, and fiercely secretive. Whenever a major event shakes the world, both factions emerge from the shadows, and the dark web grows eerily quiet during those times.”
“The Silverwood Earthquake was one such event,” the detective said, glancing at both Fernando and Eddy. “If the eyewitness accounts are true, I suspect Mrs. Simmons may be a member of one of these organizations.”
As the words hung in the air, Fernando’s sharp gaze widened; he looked at Eddy with a flicker of unease.
He hadn’t expected that a single photograph and a passing message would prompt Eddy to dig so deep–or uncover so much.
He’d underestimated him.
But now, there was no way back.
“Professor Reese, help me out here,” Eddy said, turning to the detective. “Is he just making things up to throw me off…” He paused, catching the detective’s eye; the man immediately shook his head in alarm. Eddy’s gaze shifted to Fernando. “Or is there some truth to his words?”
He’s testing me, Fernando realized, forcing himself to remain calm.
“Mr. Simmons, are you suggesting you suspect your own wife?” Fernando replied evenly.
“Is this just based on his speculation, or do you have real evidence?”
If Eddy had hard evidence, he wouldn’t be playing this game.
The detective shook his head vehemently at Eddy, as if to say: If he had proof, would I still be standing here unharmed?
Eddy gave a faint, dismissive smile. “Why would I suspect my own wife? And if she were involved with some secret society, I’d only be impressed. I’d be proud, not suspicious.”
Fernando let out a silent breath of relief, keeping his features perfectly neutral. “I’m just a scientist, Mr. Simmons. My expertise ends at the lab bench. Perhaps we
1/3
21:45
should get back to the real reason we’re here–Al–designed pharmaceuticals?
Just then, the butler entered with a phone.
“Hold on,” Eddy said, taking the phone and opening a video file without breaking eye contact with Fernando. “Last night in the kitchen, Felipa gave my wife a
laptop–looked like she was giving her a crash course in computers. Since you’re her direct supervisor, maybe you’d like to see how she did.”
Fernando’s heart skipped. He remembered now–Laney had finished building the digital firewall at precisely that hour last night.
If Eddy caught on to her abilities, he’d surely connect the dots: the sabotaged helicopter, the orchestrated explosions–Laney must have staged it all to escape him.
He’d stop at nothing to keep her from getting away.
As Eddy calmly pressed play, Fernando felt a trickle of cold sweat down his back.
Eddy’s eyes sharpened as he watched.
The security camera showed Blanche’s hands flying over the keyboard, but there was no discernible logic to her typing. It looked less like work and more like some kind of catharsis. On the screen, a game of Minesweeper flashed to life.
Eddy’s dark eyes narrowed. Just as Blanche cleared the last mine, Felipa and she exchanged a triumphant grin.
Fernando, lost when it came to computers, had never realized a formidable firewall could be built using a simple game of Minesweeper. No wonder Felipa had been so eager to become her apprentice.
Laney was even more formidable than he’d imagined.
His nerves eased, just a little. “Mr. Simmons, I’m afraid my assistant simply isn’t up to the task–she’s clearly not suited to teach Mrs. Simmons.”
Eddy’s expression remained cool. “No worries. My wife just gets carried away
sometimes.”
“I’ll have the contracts sent up from Legal,” Fernando said quickly.
Eddy glanced at his watch. He’d already cut off all wireless signals in Simmons BEL Tower, no one could enter or leave, and only someone with exceptional computer
skills would be able to reach Fernando now.
If Laney managed to contact him…
2/3
21:45
A flash of icy light flickered in Eddy’s eyes.
Suddenly, Fernando’s phone rang.
Unaware that all outside signals were blocked, Fernando picked up the call. The moment he answered, a worried, gentle voice came through the line: “Why haven’t! been able to reach you?”
