influence it, even if Evans was making it more difficult, yet again. He had the unique chance to make a difference even if he was being forced into it. He never intended to make StuTech his life, he didn’t apply with them for the benefits package. He had his own reasons. But he met a girl and fell in love. Now where did that leave him? Alone, again.
If he wanted to help his family, his hometown and stay out of prison – he needed to play the game with Evans.
And he needed to learn MassEnergy’s secrets, but first he needed to see Rachel. She owed him that much.
***
“I’m sorry, Luke. She subleased the condo a few months back,” the Bellevue condo manager told him. “Said she was going to be doing some traveling and didn’t need it anymore.”
“Did she leave a forwarding address, anything?”
“No, sorry. I thought you two split up, anyway.”
“I guess he was right.”
“What’s that?”
“Nothing.”
Chapter 17
The mountains near Tarija, Bolivia
The tall, dense jungle blocked out the sweeping mountain views from the old Jesuit mission. Dark clouds were threatening a downpour. Rachel Evans pulled on her waterproof jacket and headed down the street for her daily rounds. She had been living in the isolated outpost for weeks. Her canvas tent was a luxury that the other residents of the area didn’t have. Living amongst the people was a treat, despite the deplorable conditions. They were welcoming and curious about her. A local Spanish-speaking translator helped her stay connected through long ceremonial meals and conferences with tribal elders. She strolled the streets like a glad-handing politician – kissing babies and smiling at everyone. Her smile and compassion were genuine and she was glad to be there.
The people of the area had no access to clean water or electricity. People lived off the land and fished in the rivers. Just 15 miles away, several small cities thrived – oblivious to the plight of those isolated in the nearby mountains.
Her father asked her to provide him a first-hand account of several villages. StuTech was expanding its global reach, but instead of hitting the largest international population centers and grabbing market share, it was working in reverse. By setting up StuTech towers in the most remote and poor regions of the world, it was bringing attention to its product and providing a valuable service to the local people, or so they claimed. The media had criticized the plan as a publicity stunt and in Rachel’s opinion they weren’t entirely wrong. The towers would bring wanted attention certainly, but the simple fact that they would bring energy to those who had forever been without it – that was enough for her.
The network of towers was currently under construction, but the company had already moved in and set up a medical aid center to serve anyone who wished to visit them. Nurses, educated from the larger cities in Bolivia, staffed the center. It was a goodwill gesture to show the locals that the company wanted what was best for them. The old Jesuit Mission was a perfect place for StuTech to set up camp while a permanent medical center was built. There were rumors that the company might even build a factory here. American surveyors had been seen combing the countryside, presumably for the right location.
Rachel had every right to refuse her father’s request to go on this observation and humanitarian mission. But they both knew she wouldn’t turn him down. Ever since she was a little girl, she wanted to help those who weren’t able to help themselves. She’d never been forced to go without food, water or shelter for a day in her life. In fact she’d always had the best clothes, fancy jewelry – she even got a new Mercedes when she turned 16. She didn’t have to help others, but she felt it was her duty because she could.
Visiting and cataloging StuTech outposts was a no-brainer. The communications department asked her to write
If he wanted to help his family, his hometown and stay out of prison – he needed to play the game with Evans.
And he needed to learn MassEnergy’s secrets, but first he needed to see Rachel. She owed him that much.
***
“I’m sorry, Luke. She subleased the condo a few months back,” the Bellevue condo manager told him. “Said she was going to be doing some traveling and didn’t need it anymore.”
“Did she leave a forwarding address, anything?”
“No, sorry. I thought you two split up, anyway.”
“I guess he was right.”
“What’s that?”
“Nothing.”
Chapter 17
The mountains near Tarija, Bolivia
The tall, dense jungle blocked out the sweeping mountain views from the old Jesuit mission. Dark clouds were threatening a downpour. Rachel Evans pulled on her waterproof jacket and headed down the street for her daily rounds. She had been living in the isolated outpost for weeks. Her canvas tent was a luxury that the other residents of the area didn’t have. Living amongst the people was a treat, despite the deplorable conditions. They were welcoming and curious about her. A local Spanish-speaking translator helped her stay connected through long ceremonial meals and conferences with tribal elders. She strolled the streets like a glad-handing politician – kissing babies and smiling at everyone. Her smile and compassion were genuine and she was glad to be there.
The people of the area had no access to clean water or electricity. People lived off the land and fished in the rivers. Just 15 miles away, several small cities thrived – oblivious to the plight of those isolated in the nearby mountains.
Her father asked her to provide him a first-hand account of several villages. StuTech was expanding its global reach, but instead of hitting the largest international population centers and grabbing market share, it was working in reverse. By setting up StuTech towers in the most remote and poor regions of the world, it was bringing attention to its product and providing a valuable service to the local people, or so they claimed. The media had criticized the plan as a publicity stunt and in Rachel’s opinion they weren’t entirely wrong. The towers would bring wanted attention certainly, but the simple fact that they would bring energy to those who had forever been without it – that was enough for her.
The network of towers was currently under construction, but the company had already moved in and set up a medical aid center to serve anyone who wished to visit them. Nurses, educated from the larger cities in Bolivia, staffed the center. It was a goodwill gesture to show the locals that the company wanted what was best for them. The old Jesuit Mission was a perfect place for StuTech to set up camp while a permanent medical center was built. There were rumors that the company might even build a factory here. American surveyors had been seen combing the countryside, presumably for the right location.
Rachel had every right to refuse her father’s request to go on this observation and humanitarian mission. But they both knew she wouldn’t turn him down. Ever since she was a little girl, she wanted to help those who weren’t able to help themselves. She’d never been forced to go without food, water or shelter for a day in her life. In fact she’d always had the best clothes, fancy jewelry – she even got a new Mercedes when she turned 16. She didn’t have to help others, but she felt it was her duty because she could.
Visiting and cataloging StuTech outposts was a no-brainer. The communications department asked her to write
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