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Chapter 7: The Thirty-Fourth Floor
Quantum Systems occupied the top five floors of a glass tower in the financial district, its corporate logo gleaming in the morning sun like a promise of technological transcendence. Sarah Chen took the express elevator to the thirty-fourth floor, where the executive offices waited behind frosted glass doors and a receptionist whose smile didn’t reach her eyes.
“I need to speak with someone about Marcus Webb’s involvement with this company,” Sarah said, flashing her badge.
The receptionist’s smile tightened. “Mr. Webb is currently on medical leave. I’m not authorized to discuss personnel matters—”
“Then I’ll speak with whoever is authorized.”
A tense moment passed. Then the receptionist picked up her phone, murmured something, and gestured toward a hallway. “Conference room 3. Someone will be with you shortly.”
The conference room was sterile, designed to intimidate rather than comfort. Sarah sat with her back to the wall, watching the door, waiting. She’d learned long ago that people who made others wait were trying to establish power. She wouldn’t give them the satisfaction of showing she was rattled.
The man who finally entered was in his fifties, with the kind of face that revealed nothing and eyes that revealed too much. He wore a tailored suit and carried himself with the confidence of someone who’d never been told no.
“Detective Chen. I’m Richard Thorne, Quantum Systems’ General Counsel.” He sat across from her, crossing his legs with deliberate precision. “I’m here to assist with your investigation, within the limits of what I’m legally permitted to disclose.”
“Then tell me what you can disclose about Marcus Webb’s role at this company.”
“Mr. Webb was our CEO for twelve years. Under his leadership, Quantum Systems secured several significant defense contracts with the federal government. Highly classified work. I can’t go into specifics, but I can tell you that our projects have… enemies.”
“Enemies?”
“We’re not the only ones developing advanced technology, Detective. There are nation-states, terrorist organizations, even other corporations who would benefit from our failure—or our destruction.” Thorne’s smile was thin. “Mr. Webb understood this better than anyone. He was the architect of our security protocols, the man who kept our secrets safe. And he made many powerful enemies in the process.”
Sarah leaned forward. “Are you saying someone targeted him because of his work here?”
“I’m saying it’s a possibility that should be investigated.” Thorne’s expression didn’t change. “Mr. Webb had access to information that could destabilize governments. He had enemies on every continent. And his past associations with certain… organizations… made him vulnerable to exploitation.”
“The Marchetti family.”
“I didn’t say that.”
“You didn’t have to.” Sarah pulled out her notebook. “Mr. Thorne, what do you know about Project Omega?”
For the first time, something flickered in Thorne’s eyes—a reaction, quickly suppressed. “I’m not familiar with that name.”
“Funny.” Sarah stood, gathering her notes. “Because three different sources have mentioned it in the last week. Whatever Project Omega is, it’s connected to Marcus Webb’s work here. And I intend to find out what it is.”
She left Thorne sitting in the conference room, his carefully constructed composure finally showing cracks. Whatever secrets Quantum Systems was hiding, they were big enough to kill for.
And someone was definitely willing to kill to keep them hidden.