Johnny and Max were already seated and waiting for Ben in the receiving area of his office, when he arrived.
"You're late," Johnny said with an impatient look.
Ben glared back and said, "Hello, to you too. I had a good reason and I'm not *that* late. Hi Max."
"Morning," greeted Max.
As soon as Ben sat down on the couch next to Max, he said, "Before we start, all went well with Garcia, in case you're wondering. Bit of a rough start but the contract will be renewed on time."
"Never a doubt," said Johnny with a casual tone.
Ben ignored him and continued, "Max you should have received the updated contract already." Max nodded. "Good. Just make sure it's the same one we sent them, plus the update regarding the second condition they wanted, and then send it to legal."
Max said, "Got it," while writing down some notes.
Ben continued, "Ok, moving to the next items. We have two issues on the table. One, why hasn't Victor moved on the intel he has and two, does he know about the connection between Selene and Olivia?"
Johnny and Max looked at each other, but Max was first to speak. He said, "I'll start with the second. We have to go on the assumption that he does know about their connection. Sure, he could just be interested in Selene because she is your girlfriend, but in some ways, it doesn't even matter because the outcome is the same. He will want to hurt her."
"I agree," said Johnny, "Except that, if he knows, then there might be other measures he's taking as far as his father."
Ben agreed, "I was thinking that as well. We need to know how much Dimitrios knows about what his son is doing." His face darkened as he continued, "Ever since Victor took over the Group, a lot has changed, and I don't think his father has been happy about it. Coming after my family is the least of what he's done."
Johnny nodded and said, "The recent underhanded takeover attempt of Garcia's company is just the latest. Victor's not going to be too happy that our investment will block him, but it needed to be done. I bet the old man is kicking himself that he didn't give everything to Alexis since he cares so much about reputation; she's older and much wiser, but, of course, they practice the old ways when it comes to inheritance."
"His expansion plan is clear, but how he's making it personal, and the specifics are not. We just don't have all the information we need right now," Max said.
"But I guess it was good I approached Selene when I did rather than waiting, since Victor found her so soon," said Ben, rubbing his hands over his face and through his hair.
Johhny sighed. "Maybe it's time you ask her to move in with you. Your place is more secure."
Ben said, "You know I would love that, but she would think it was too soon. I mean, what do I tell her?"
"The truth. Sort-of. Just tell her it's for her safety," he suggested.
Ben sighed and said, "I can try, but I don't know if it will work." He looked at his friends and then said, "No, it has to work." His friends nodded. "That's settled then. Back to the first question. Why is Drakos not moving on what he knows?"
Johnny shifted in his seat and leaned over his legs, putting his arms over his thighs. He clasped his hands and looked at Ben straight in the eyes as he said, "I've been thinking about this for awhile actually. Based on the work I did in Special Forces and what I know of the man…and Ben, you're not going to like this." He sighed before continuing, "I think he is going to try to get close to Selene before he does anything." Ben's eyes squinted as he considered what Johnny said and his lips became a thin line. "Here me out. Drakos is a mean son-of-a-bitch. Quite literally as we know. And ruthless. On one hand he doesn't care who Selene is, but on the other hand, I think he's curious about her too."
"We have three people on her all day and night. She's in the lab most days and with me every night. If she moves in with me even better. How could he possibly get to her?," Ben asked as he shook his head, trying to convince himself it would be impossible for Victor to get to Selene.
Johnny nodded, but continued, "It would be difficult, granted, but not impossible. There could be scenarios we haven't thought of."
Ben let out a sigh and nodded. "You're right." He leaned back on the couch, put his arm on the armrest, rubbing his chin with his hand. "The only solution I can think of, besides telling her the truth, of course, is to just ask her to tell me whenever someone new approaches her."
Max said, "That way we can run a background check on them."
"Exactly," Ben said.
"But would she agree to that?," asked Johnny.
Ben's eyebrows went up and he gave a slight shrug as he said, "I don't know, but she'll have to. The only other option would be to have a bodyguard right next to her at all times, and I know she would not like that."
There were a few seconds of silence before Ben continued, "Ok, I guess that's what we'll do then, for now, until we see what Victor's next move is. Of course, have our people stay vigilant. I don't want us to be passive about this.
"Of course," Johhny replied.
"Good. So let's move on then to other business. Let's start with your project. How close are you to getting to 25% on the UniTech shares? I didn't get a chance to look at the latest report?"
Johnny replied, "Close. Zhang is being a little obstinate with his tiny percentage, hoarding it over like he's some big shot. I'm offering him double what it's going to be worth in the next few years and he knows it. The problem is the upped timeline with Selene's project."
"Same with Carlson for me," Max chimed in. "They're greedy because they know stocks are already rising and they see the potential. Good thing they don't know about the medical side of Project Phantom."
Ben nodded. "We need those shares. If you need my help increasing the offer, I'm glad to help."
Max said, "Thanks, but I think we're in a good position to cover it now. It's just getting them to agree."
"Hmm. Let's use their greed to our advantage then." Ben said, thinking out loud.
Johnny tilted his head, eyebrows raised a little, and said, "Do share."
Ben crossed his legs and started to explain. A few sentences in, Johnny said, "Brilliant!," while Max chimed in with "But which company?" Ben continued.
That afternoon, Selene gathered her belongings in her office to go meet with the CEO from Drakos Group. She had received a meeting request previously to discuss a potential partnership between Drakos Technology Innovations, the technology arm of the Group, with the university. She was told by someone named Joseph Bentis, apparently the CEO's assistant, that the initial meeting would be just with her given confidentiality concerns in what they wanted to discuss. That seemed odd to her, especially given that they could just make her and Yakov sign non-disclosure agreements. In the end, she agreed, despite her better judgment.
Now that the day had arrived, Selene was more hesitant because of what both Peter and Ben had said about the Drakos group. Still, she felt obligated to go because it involved funds to the university. And, it wasn't proven yet that the company was involved in the murder.
She had been told the meeting would be held in the Hybrid Information & Technology Solutions building located just east of downtown. She was told that the CEO had a meeting there prior to hers and the Hybrid people were kind enough to let them use the same conference room since they were all good friends. "To save time," is what she was told. Selene thought that was nice of the Hybrid folks, but a little odd as well.
So, 4pm found Selene being led by Joseph Bentis into a brightly lit conference room that had a cream and orange theme. It reminded her of a creamsicle ice cream bar, even though she knew they were going for a modern vibe. She shook hands with a handsome man, who looked to be in his mid-30s. Dark hair, and even darker eyes, were set against olive skin. He introduced himself as Victor Drakos and she found herself oddly drawn in by his deep voice.
After introductions were done, Selene found herself alone with Victor. He was at the head of the conference table, and she was seated to his right. He began, "Thank you for taking this meeting, Dr. Serian. It is my honor to meet a distinguished scholar and scientist, such as yourself."
She put her index finger under her nose, looked down, and gave a little laugh, before responding with, "Thank *you* for the kind words, Mr. Drakos. It is also my honor to meet the great Mr. Drakos as well." The last sentence was said with a head bow and a gesture towards Victor.
Victor laughed and said, "I don't know about great, but I appreciate the compliment. Now, let me start by telling you why I asked you for this meeting." Selene looked on intently as he continued, "I won't use a lot of flowery words or beat around the bush as they say. I read the last paper you wrote on haptic technology and phantom pain, and I was fascinated. You see, I have an uncle who suffers from this horrible condition." This piece of information tugged at Selene's heart, as Victor had intended. He went on further, "I am willing to spend whatever funds we have so that we can accelerate this technology. I want to help people like my uncle."
"I understand," Mr. Drakos, said Selene, nodding, "Believe me I do."
Victor nodded as well and said, "That is why I asked for this meeting. I wanted to begin this dialogue so that we can see how we can work together on this. Where do I sign, so to speak?" He said it in such a commanding tone, and with such a bright smile, it was as if it was a done deal already. This was because he wasn't used to being told no.
Selene, however, had to do a little head shake. It was as if she had been mesmerized. She wasn't sure how they went from let's start to talk to let's sign on the dotted line.
They were interrupted by a knock at the door. Selene was relieved as it gave her an opportunity to breathe. Victor said, "Enter."
Joseph came in with a coffee mug in his hand. He went to offer it to Selene but tripped and the coffee spilled all over the bag that she had on the floor next to her. Thankfully only a few spots landed on her pants and shoes that she was able to rub off quickly. "Oh no, I'm so sorry!" Joseph exclaimed.
Victor said, "This is unacceptable Joseph. Dr. Serian is our guest. Hurry up and take her bag. Go clean it for her."
"Oh that's ok. I can go clean it myself. It's no problem," said Selene holding up her bag as coffee dripped on the floor.
Joseph interjected, "I don't mind. It was my fault. I'll take it to the bathroom and have it back looking good as new in no time. He wen to grab the bag. "And I'll send someone to clean the floor later."
"Well, it's just that," Selene said, hesitating. "I guess there's nothing personal in there so it should be ok," she thought. So she relented and said, "Ok thank you for your help."
Joseph took the bag and went out the door, shutting it behind him.
Victor and Selene sat back down, and Victor apologized for Joseph. She said, "No need. Accidents happen. I just hope he can dry my phone so it works."
Victor said, "Now, where were we. Ah yes, our partnership. So, what do you think?"
Taking a breath, she said, "I really appreciate your understanding about the importance and desperate need for this technology. And I cannot tell you how much I appreciate that you want to partner with us on this, but I would need to talk to my partner, of course, and everyone back at the university…"
"Of course, of course," interjected Victor. "I didn't literally mean we have to sign a contract today. I just meant I was interested." He laughed and she joined in. "No, no. Before I initiate any collaboration with a new…partner…it is my practice to get to know them better," he continued.
She noticed his eyes became darker, which she didn't realize could be possible. He leaned back sideways in his chair, crossed his legs, and put one arm over the arm rest. He clasped his hands together and asked, "For example can I ask what made you choose this path for your work?"
Selene felt a little uncomfortable, not knowing how much to share. She squirmed a little and began with, "I suppose I have always loved computers, even as a child. Computer time at school was always my favorite. When my teachers saw I had an aptitude for it, I was taught programming at an early age. I also loved computer games. We had a field trip once to a science museum. There, they had a virtual gaming system experience. I remember it cost a few dollars to use it and I spent the money my fo-family had given me to buy a little souvenir on that instead. Once I played it, I was hooked. I knew I wanted to make games like that. Of course, as I got older, I wanted to do more than make games, and here we are."
Victor had been listening avidly. When she was finished, he leaned forward and said, "That is quite interesting. Thank you for sharing such a lovely memory with me Dr. Serian."
Selene gave a nod and pleasant smile and returned with, "You're welcome."
"I do wonder, however," he continued, "about the time from when you wanted to make virtual games to helping patients with phantom pain using a virtual platform. Can I ask what changed your mind?"
She tilted her head to take in what she heard. Then she sat up straight, leaned forward a little, and replied, "It is rather a personal reason, Mr. Drakos, but let us just say that I can empathize with how you feel about your uncle, and I am committed to this project with everything I have."
Victor did not give any of his thoughts away as Selene was talking. Instead, he simply nodded as if he understood what she was saying. Knowing that her adoptive father also felt phantom pain, he thought that she was smart not telling a stranger about it, but it was making it harder to get close to her. He picked up the phone that had been on the table the whole time and pushed a button.
"Well then. I'm glad we are on the same page. As far as next steps, it appears that you will talk with your partner and those at the university and then contact me, yes?"
Selene smiled and said, "Yes, I certainly will."
He stood up to shake her hand and said, "I hope you won't keep me waiting long. I do long to help my dear poor uncle and those who are afflicted like him. And I do wish we can meet again. Perhaps over lunch next time."
She tilted her head and gave an understanding look when he mentioned his uncle. But when he suggested lunch, something inside Selene's stomach clenched and she politely nodded. She just politely said, "I completely understand, and I will definitely try."
The conference room suddenly opened, and Joseph Bentis was standing there. Selene thought, "I wonder if that was what that button was for? Clever."
Joseph handed Selene her bag and said, "Here it is, all dried out. Inside and out." He had a big smile on his face.
She said, "Thank you so much," as she took her bag, looked inside, and grabbed her phone. While she was looking at her phone, turning it on and seeing that it worked, Victor and Joseph exchanged a knowing look. Joseph gave a slight nod. Then he turned to Selene and said, "Of course. I was the cause of it all to begin with. Now that you have your bag, are you ready for me to escort you out?
She nodded, waved goodbye to Victor, and followed Joseph out the door.
After Joseph led her back to the elevator, he returned to the conference room. His boss did not look happy. Victor got up and said, "She's going to be difficult to lure in."
Joseph looked down and said, "I'm sure you'll be able to do it, sir. And at least we accomplished one goal today." Victor nodded.