Free The Stolen by T. S. Learner Page B

convinced that Matthias’s passion for molecular physics was a spiritual calling. Initially he’d argued with her, and then over the years indulged her to the extent that he’d found himself wondering whether she was right: perhaps it was a spiritual calling. But the sheer pointlessness of her death had shattered all of that.
    â€˜So was the American really DARPA?’ Jannick’s voice broke into his reverie.
    â€˜CIA, I suspect, here on behalf of DARPA.’
    Jannick whistled. ‘So, what did he want?’
    â€˜My soul,’ Matthias answered flatly.
    â€˜I hope you sold it and for a good price. They could fund us for decades.’
    They were interrupted by a polite cough; the slim, sharp-featured man Matthias had seen earlier stood holding out his hand.
    â€˜Destin Viscon, entrepreneur. We met earlier.’ At closer view, the Frenchman was older than Matthias had originally thought, perhaps late thirties. His muscular physique seemed at odds with his face which had a Renaissance beauty about it. But most striking were his eyes: the left was blue while the right was green. It was hard not to stare.
    â€˜You are, of course, Herr Professor Matthias von Holindt and this is Herr Doktor Jannick Lund.’ The three men shook hands, Matthias noting that Jannick appeared impressed the man knew his name.
    â€˜International Alliance Industries?’ Matthias ventured. ‘I can’t say I’ve heard of you guys.’
    â€˜Discreet, small but not without power. Herr Professor, I couldn’t help overhearing your conversation with the American giant – I’m obnoxious that way.’
    Matthias laughed. ‘You’re forgiven.’
    â€˜He was a little overbearing, but you
are
looking for investors, potential partners, right?’
    Just then Matthias noticed Bertholt Tannen standing at the back of the hall. The fact that his father’s assistant should be here was disturbing; he had no choice but to deal with it immediately. ‘Will you excuse me? Jannick can answer all your questions as well as I can,’ he said, before pushing his way through the milling crowd.
    â€˜I’m assuming that man is important,’ Destin said, slightly offended.
    Jannick shrugged apologetically. ‘Christoph von Holindt’s assistant.’
    â€˜So it’s true the son has lost the father’s backing?’ Destin asked, gambling on the resentment he’d sensed from the younger scientist towards his employer.
    â€˜Maybe,’ Jannick said. ‘Where did you say your company was based?’
    â€˜I didn’t, but my clients are mainly in the Middle East and North Africa. An interesting man, your employer.’
    â€˜A little black and white when it comes to business partners. He doesn’t understand the importance of compromise.’
    â€˜Indeed? And it must be constraining having such a strong personality always looking over your shoulder.’
    It was rare a potential investor took an assistant’s feelings into account. Jannick warmed to the Frenchman.
    â€˜It is, although we conduct our research quite separately. In fact a number of the lab’s breakthroughs could be attributed to
my
research.’ This was an exaggeration, but Jannick felt he never got the recognition he deserved.
    â€˜So maybe I should go into partnership with you?’ the Frenchman joked; Jannick did not smile.
    â€˜Matthias might be a genius physicist, but he’s naive economically. An idealist. Science should transcend petty morals, don’t you think?’
    Now Jannick had Destin’s full attention.
    â€˜Absolutely. I do understand how a career like this is often a labour of love, and love doesn’t pay the bills, especially when it’s accompanied by a lack of recognition. I know how painful that can be.’
    Jannick smiled wryly. ‘Indeed. I’d like to think I’d have somewhere to go, to really let my own vision fly