I approached the table, examining the nearest package. “And the flexibility metrics?”
“All parameters met.” He finally stood, handing me a sheet of paper with test results.
I reviewed the data, searching for any problems, but didn’t find any. That’s why I’d swallowed my pride and come to Norris. He was an ass, but he was good at what he did.
“Thank you for expediting this,” I said.
He was being paid for speed, so he didn’t need a thank you, but there it was anyway.
Norris narrowed his eyes and edged closer to me. “Yes, well, it’s not every day I have the opportunity to contribute to covert paramilitary operations in a sovereign nation.”
Shit. Here we go. “Excuse me?”
“After you left, I made some inquiries.” He tapped one of the suits. “Pendragon Security has attracted attention from Italian authorities. Something about unauthorized American operators in Naples.”
I glanced at Malcolm, who’d drifted toward Norris’s desk. That was odd. I said, “We’re private security consultants, not paramilitary.”
“Then what do you need these for?” Norris flattened his hand on the suit. “These aren’t standard security gear, Dr. McAllister. They’re specialized chemical warfare protection. The coating protocol alone suggests a chemical threat.”
The assistant looked up from her workstation, pretending to focus on her monitor while listening intently.
“Our operations are classified. You should be familiar with things like that from our OPCW deployment.”
“The difference being, the OPCW had international authorization.” His voice lowered. “What are you planning, Brooke? Is this related to Barin Kala?”
The unwanted reminder of that day made my scars tingle. Before I could find a response, Malcolm stepped forward smoothly.
“Dr. Norris,” he said, his voice carrying the cool authority of someone used to defusing tensions, “I understand your concerns. But I can assure you, we’re operating with full clearance from appropriate channels.”
Norris glared at him. “And you are?”
“Lucius Stone. Stone Security Systems.” He extended his hand with an easy confidence. “We’re a tech firm collaborating with Pendragon on a private security matter. Nothing that would concern local authorities.”
Norris didn’t take the offered hand. “Tech firms and private security don’t require chemical warfare protection.”
“Some of our clients have unique requirements.” Malcolm flashed a disarming smile. “Corporate espionage occasionally involves unusual threats.”
I grabbed the case for the suits and began packing up, letting Malcolm handle Norris. I also retrieved the sample vial I’d provided earlier.
“Corporate espionage?” Norris repeated with a skeptical frown. “With specialized chemical protection?”
“I’m not at liberty to discuss specifics, but I can provide contact information for our legal department if you have formal concerns.” The casual confidence in his voice was masterful—neither defensive nor confrontational.
Norris seemed momentarily convinced by the approach. Or just confused and unable to find another angle.
I zipped the case closed. “We appreciate your work, Dr. Norris. The final payment will process today as agreed.”
Norris’s eyes darted between us, clearly unsatisfied but lacking the verbal skill to spar with Malcolm. “If there’s a chemical incident in Naples…”
“You have my word there won’t be,” I said, meeting his gaze directly.
Part of me wanted to warn him—or his lab associate—to get out of the city. But if I did, who else would they tell? How fast would the news travel on the Internet? How would Fenix react? Where would they move the attack? When?
We exited the lab, Malcolm’s hand at my elbow as he guided me through the door—a subtle but effective reminder to anyone watching that I wasn’t alone.
Once in the hallway, I released a slow breath. “Stone Security Systems?”
“Old habits,” he said with a shrug, as though it explained anything. “He just wants to be in the know. He’s a harmless old man who isn’t doing what he thinks he should be.”
