Free Breaking Braydon by MK Harkins Page B

blank and his smile innocent, but he didn’t fool me.
    “Todd?”
    “Yes?”
    “You like your job, right?”
    His smile faltered a little. “Uh, yes.”
    “Then shut the hell up. Yeah?”
    “Yeah. Got it.”
    ***
    Bastion Medical Research was located on the outskirts of the city of Bellevue across the lake from Seattle. The area was a mix of professional buildings that sat between two very expensive neighborhoods. That was the thing about living in the Seattle area; there was an excess of overpriced homes in almost every nook. Thanks to Microsoft, Amazon, Costco, Starbucks, and Zillow, there was an abundance of wealth circulating in the area. I didn’t mind it, but I know others did.
    It seemed as if most of the movers and shakers of the world liked rain, or maybe it was the city of Seattle. It was a good thing the city was so beautiful; if people didn’t like the stormy and gray weather for nine months out of the year, they’d go crazy living here.
    I stepped out of my car and took a moment to examine the building. It was a typical, one-story professional building that was common in the area. It was clean and well-kept, which was good. I was able to tell a lot about a company by inspecting the exterior. I continued to scan, searching for clues. There were quite a few extras that I hadn’t expected—flowers planted in garden boxes that went around the entire perimeter, and windows framed with blue shutters that added a homey feel. As I approached the entrance, I noticed the carved form of a dove had replaced the usual black steel mailbox standard in the area. This facility didn’t hold clinical trials. I wondered about all the extra touches. Jain .
    My heart rate seemed to increase the closer I got to the entrance. I might not even see Jain today. She could be immersed in some lab or taking a day off, or in a meeting. Even the thought of seeing her did strange things to me. I found myself rubbing my chest again. Was that a feeling I was trying to rub away?
    I decided to ignore it and proceeded to the security desk. I gave the guard my credentials and asked to see Mr. Bastion. I often made surprise visits to the companies I considered for funding. It gave me an accurate view of the inner workings and average everyday mechanics of their operation. An unscheduled visit ensured I would get an authentic snapshot of how they actually worked. Organization and efficiency were best observed unannounced.
    “Hello, Mr. Decker.” Martin shook my hand firmly. He had a relaxed smile and asked, “What brings you to our neck of the woods?”
    I was a little surprised. Martin seemed much more confident on his home turf.
    “Please, call me Braydon.” I relaxed a little. “I hoped I could get a tour of your facility. I’ve heard a lot about your current experiments with ALS proteins. I’d love to see some of your scientists at work.”
    “Sure. I’d love to show you around. Once we get into the actual lab rooms, you’ll need to suit up. Are you okay with that?”
    I’d been to countless medical research facilities, so I already knew their protocol.
    “Yes, I was expecting it. No problem.” I was eager to start the tour. “Lead the way.”
    I loved this part of my job. I spent most days chained to my desk, going through profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and financial records. It was a welcome break to see innovation and research in action. I had a great deal of respect for the doctors behind the medical breakthroughs, and I always enjoyed seeing them at work. Even if I didn’t get a chance to see Jain today, this trip wouldn’t be wasted.
    Martin spent the next hour taking me through his facility. I found it organized, clean, professional, and regulated – an outstanding facility in every way.
    Relief accompanied me through the entire tour. I wanted to help this company. However, if it had been anything but stellar, I would have rescinded my offer for assistance.
    “Well, what did you think?” Martin