Unraveling
Grant led Faiththrough the doors of the Redmond Guardian Service building.
“Good morning, Gayle,” he said.
“He’s expecting you. Go on back.”
Grant opened the door to Rusty’s office. Bryce sat at his desk, typing furiously. Rusty scanned his computer monitor. He stood as they entered.
“You must be Faith,” he said.
“I am. But it’s Williams, not Mullhems.”
“My apologies. My hearing’s not the best these days. This is Bryce,” he said, pointing in his direction.
Bryce waved his hand. “Nice to meet you.”
“He specializes in cyber security. He’s going through traffic cams now to get a clear image of the man who pursued you. We have a few photos but he’s wearing sunglasses and a mask in all of them. The car he drove was stolen in New Jersey, reported missing a few days ago.”
“I’ve shared the picture with NYPD,” Bryce said, not pausing in his typing. “They’re on the lookout.”
“He’s former military,” Grant said. “No doubt.”
“You sure?” Rusty asked.
“He’s got the haircut.”
“If that’s the case, we’ll have to be more vigilant than ever. Please, sit down.” Rusty pulled a chair for Faith. “So, you know Grant already?”
Faith eyed Grant. “We used to date. In high school.”
“So youarein the club,” Bryce said, eyeing Grant and giving him a thumbs up.
“What club?” Faith said. She looked between the three men.
“It’s nothing,” Grant replied. “Just an inside joke.”
“Insideis right,” Bryce said, grinning.
“High school, huh?” Rusty said, clearing his throat and opening a file. “Small world.”
“Not really,” Bryce interjected. “The chances of you needing a bodyguard and Grant becoming your bodyguard after this much time elapsed, and the number of miles between here and your hometown is about one in six million.”
“Thank you, Bryce,” Grant said.
“Anytime.” Bryce hit a button on his keyboard and Rusty’s printer buzzed to life.
“One of our bodyguards, Colt, is at the Flux building right now talking to your boss, Ms. Williams,” Rusty said. “My instinct tells we’re dealing with corporate espionage. Or corporate sabotage, which would better explain why they’re targeting you.
“I don’t understand,” Faith said. “Lots of companies are working on a vaccine. Why target me?”
“You’ve had the most success in trials,” Rusty said.
“What did Courtney say before she…” Grant’s voice trailed off. “You said she saw the intruder at her place, right?”
Faith nodded, trying to fight the grief from welling up again. “She said he was middle aged. In a suit and glasses.”
“It’s possible he overheard Courtney describe him to you. That’s why he’s after you now. He’s covering his tracks.”
