0692321314 (S) by Simone Pond Page B

specifically Morray’s files. Something that wasn’t possible before is possible now. You can’t deny that.”
    The Director turned his chair toward the windows, weighing Ava’s statements. Ava waited, picking at her fingernails. She needed him to approve her searches so she could move on. Times like these made her regret having stepped down from her high-ranking position when she had a lot more clout. Sometimes she longed to have that kind of authority again.
    He faced her. “You are correct—I cannot deny your point. But I can deny any further searches until you’ve been fully trained, Mrs. Strader.”
    “But sir, time is of the essence,” Ava pleaded.
    “Yes, it is. And the sooner you start your training, the sooner you can get back to your work.” Director Faraday smiled and motioned to the door. “Good day, Mrs. Strader.”
    Ava wanted to jump across the desk and shake some sense into the man. He knew the level of urgency. Why was he being so dégagé? “Sir, is there a reason you don’t want to find Morray?” she asked, challenging him.
    “If these findings are truly what you say they are, then I trust you’ll be able to replicate your efforts. I’m not entirely convinced your daughter actually tracked Morray’s digital footprints. I find a higher degree of probability in Ms. Atwood’s stance on this one.”
    “What if it was him? Or Dickson? If they’ve resurfaced, it’s possible they could have already uploaded into human bodies to carry out their retaliation.”
    “Anything is possible. Which is why you must be trained. Again, I bid you good day.”
    It was obvious Director Faraday was a dead end. What was more disturbing was Ms. Atwood suddenly turning against her. She was the one who approached her after tryouts. She had witnessed what happened with Grace inside the mainframe. If anything, she should be campaigning for Ava to get to work on the searches. Something was wrong; she could feel it in her bones. She chimed Ms. Atwood’s assistant to arrange a meeting.
    *
    The restaurant where Ava was meeting Ms. Atwood was located in the historical part of Silicon Valley. The high-end décor of the charming spot was inspired from a time when people sat around by candlelight, imbibing fine wines and overindulging in sumptuous foods. Some might call it lavish, but Ava thought it was over the top for her meeting with Ms. Atwood.
    The hostess—a tall brunette in an elegant black dress—looked Ava up and down. Ava was underdressed for the place. “Your party hasn’t arrived yet. You can wait over there,” she said, pointing to a dark corner.
    Ava decided to hit the restroom to fix herself up before Ms. Atwood arrived. She pulled back her auburn hair and put on some lip gloss. The woman next to her was busy slathering shimmer onto her cheeks. Ava thought about asking for a drop to enhance her skin, but decided simplicity would have to do. She removed her bulky jacket and unbuttoned the top of her blouse to loosen up. There was nothing she could do about her boots.
    She returned to the hostess, and the woman quickly reached for her jacket and tucked it away. “Your party has arrived.” She led her to the back of the restaurant where Ms. Atwood was seated in a corner booth. The candelabra almost took up the entire table. Ms. Atwood looked like royalty. Her white hair was slicked back and she had on an elegant black dress. Ava was embarrassed for not being more attentive to her own appearance.
    “Good evening, Mrs. Strader.” Ms. Atwood stood up and kissed Ava’s cheek.
    “The sommelier will be here soon.” The hostess spoke with a soft allure.
    “Thank you, my dear.” Ms. Atwood gently stroked the young woman’s hand, which Ava thought was strange. She smiled at Ava. “They take excellent care of me here.”
    “I can see that.” Ava sat down. “Now, Ms. Atwood, I’ve asked to meet with you because…” Ava started to speak when a gentleman wearing a black suit approached the table,