Free Six by M.M. Vaughan Page B

ready?” asked Bowveld.
    Dr. Banks refused to use the title Doctor in front of his boss’s name. He did this mainly because it irked Bowveld when he did that, but also because Dr. Banks had learned before starting the job that Bowveld had never earned the title—it was just something he’d added to his name to make himself sound more competent than he was.
    â€œYou know the answer to that,” replied Dr. Banks.
    Bowveld glared his disapproval. “Do I need to remind you of the importance of today?”
    â€œNo, you do not,” replied Dr. Banks. He could feel the anger rising inside him. He stopped, took a deep breath, and reminded himself that, though he had no choice about working for this man, he didn’t have to give him the satisfaction of letting him know how much he resented it.
    â€œHowever,” Dr. Banks continued, his voice now more controlled, “that doesn’t change the fact that I’ve only had three weeks to try to solve a problem that nobody has managed to solve in over thirty years.”
    Bowveld lifted his finger and, with a deep scowl, pointed it slowly at Dr. Banks.
    â€œ You were the one who said you could do this.”
    â€œAnd I can,” replied Dr. Banks. “I’m almost there. But I need more than three weeks.”
    â€œWell, you don’t have it. Your demonstration must be successful. This entire company, not to mention the Bowveld family name, is on the line. . . .”
    But Bowveld’s reputation wasn’t the only thing at stake. He had in his power something that was far more important to Dr. Banks. It was what had forced Dr. Banks to come to work here, to move to a new country, and to uproot his children. There were only three things that mattered in Dr. Banks’s life, and Bowveld held the fate of one—if not all—in his hand. The director wasn’t going to let him forget it.
    Slowly, Bowveld leaned down so his mouth was next to Dr. Banks’s ear, and in a hissed whisper Bowveld pulled out the ace he kept up his sleeve.
    â€œI’m sure your wife would like to see her children again, Dr. Banks.”
    The words cut through Dr. Banks like a knife. It didn’t matter that he had heard them before, or that they haunted him every second of every day; the impact of them never lessened. Dr. Banks stepped back and met the director’s eyes.
    â€œI’ll do my best,” he said finally.
    The director smiled like a predator savoring his helpless prey, and his brilliant white teeth sparkled.
    â€œYes, you will,” he said.
    There was nothing more to say and both men knew it. Bowveld turned and opened the doors to the laboratory, leaving Dr. Banks still trying to regain his composure.
    It was showtime.

CHAPTER EIGHT
45:04
    Laboratory One, the largest of the ten laboratories housed deep underground below the headquarters building of Avecto Enterprises, was quiet as Dr. Banks walked in behind Bowveld. Seated in silence in rows behind the wall of safety glass were some of the most important and influential people in the world. Dr. Banks didn’t allow himself a closer look; his nerves were frayed enough as it was.
    Bowveld picked up the microphone waiting for him on the side counter and then, as they had agreed, he took center stage, and Dr. Banks joined Lina at the other side of the room.
    â€œEverything ready?” whispered Dr. Banks.
    Lina nodded as Bowveld turned on the microphone and tapped it three times.
    Boom. Boom. Boom.
    â€œIt’s going to be okay,” said Dr. Banks, as much to himself as to Lina.
    Lina opened her mouth to reply but was interrupted by Bowveld’s voice, forceful and full of confidence, reverberating around the room.
    â€œGood afternoon to you all,” said Bowveld, “and welcome to the heart of Avecto Enterprises. Before we begin, I’d first like to thank you for taking the time out of your very busy schedules to come here today. We are