“But it’s not as exciting as you think,” Xander continued.“We’re working on interfacing nano tracking technology with better screen optimization.That would give better endurance to track anything, in any kind of climate.”
“Planes.Satellites.Smartphones,” Drustan said.
“Exactly,” Ares came in.“Now Laurent Industries is our manufacturing partner, but we do need someone to write the programs.Maybe there’s room for a partnership.”
“You bet there is!I’ll take this to my team.You send me the specs on this program by the end of the day and I’ll wire whatever the asking bid is to show you that I’m serious.”Drustan's face lit up.“I’m going to take you guys out for a beer and a round of pool!You know I want to get out from my father.This is perfect!”Drustan stood.
Xander raised an eyebrow.“And you won’t speak to anyone about this?Not your father, not your shareholders.Every person you bring on the team you need signs an ironclad NDA.”
“Not even the mistress I don’t have.Yeah, I get it.”He strolled out of the room and turned back around.“Is there any chance I can meet Ida Wong?”
Ares stood, trying to cover how fast his heart was rattling out of his chest.
“You’ll meet everyone you need to have a good time,” Ares said.He clapped Drustan on the back, herding the man to the door.
“Xander, great to see you again.We were a mega success last time and this time it’s going to be even better!”Drustan fist pumps the air and throws his head back.
“I look forward to our next meeting,” Xander nodded, staring down at this desk.
Ares stayed silent until the man left the building.He saw Jillian talking to a group from their cybersecurity team and, for a moment, he regretted their choice in making their workplace more public facing.
“I shouldn’t have let you talk me into selling the bodyguards.”
“I knew you were going to say that,” Ares said.
Xander gave him a look that would make most men cower, with his ear to his phone.“You know I hate talking to the bastard.”
“I know, but he’s the only one we trust.”Ares ran his hand through his hair.River Stone had the distinction of being the only man fired from their private operative team but Ares liked the guy.
Xander gave him the finger.Ares shrugged.It was Xander’s stubbornness that led to River Stone walking away and starting Stone Security.
“River, it’s Xander.I’m calling because I need twenty-four-hour close protection on someone very important to me.”Xander grimaced.“No, I didn’t sleep with her, you potato sack.Get me your best people over here as soon as possible, thanks.”
Xander tossed his phone across the table.“I miss the Bandit Brothers for this.”
“Yeah, but we are moving in a new direction.”
It had been their vision to have private operatives who could do everything from close protection bodyguarding to retrieving hostages and following the guy they just made a business deal with, but they grew too fast and now Team Stealth-aka Bandit Brothers is retired and Team 2.0 is too busy with work abroad to be available to them.
“I need someone from the sweepers for this.”His brother raised his eyebrows.
“No.”
“Yes.”
“Xander, no” But even as he said it, he knew he was going to give in because he saw the same logic Xander did.
“If needed, I’ll have someone from my team follow Drustan as backup.”Ares hated pulling from the team he was responsible for.The sweepers were only supposed to be available on demand to clean up the evidence that their operatives have been on the scene.Like moving bodies or staging a heart attack, whatever necessary to keep Axis Management’s private business from public view.
A chime buzzed on the device on the table.“Yes?”
“Mr.Montague, lunch is here,” Jillian said.
“Thank you!”Ares said.
Perfect timing.Seeing Josie would cheer him up and let him stop thinking about protecting his brother for a few minutes.
He stepped around the corner and saw a curvy woman with straight blonde hair pushing a cart.
