The Singularity Race by Mark de Castrique Read Free Book Online Page A

away.”
    â€œHave I been under surveillance?”
    â€œYes. By my security team. Nothing sinister, I promise. I wanted to know how to reach you when the time came.”
    The man’s open admission signaled this wasn’t going to be a conversation of game-playing. At least not initially.
    â€œWhy are you interested in me?”
    â€œBecause I’m interested in her.” Brentwood pushed open his door. “Hear my proposal. That’s all I ask. Then we’ll return to your building and I’ll be on my way.”
    Mullins clicked the name into place. “You head some computer company, don’t you?”
    â€œYes. Cumulus Cognitive Connections. Actually we’re high-level information systems and data management. I was alarmed and sickened by the murders at that conference, and I have reason to fear for Dr. Li’s safety.”
    Perhaps more than the door to the car might be opening. “All right. Mind if I bring my coffee?”
    Brentwood laughed and slid over. “Not at all. There’s Blanton’s single-barrel bourbon in the bar if you need to add something a little more bracing than cream.”
    Said the spider to the fly, Mullins thought. He got in, opted not to trap himself in the seatbelt, and closed the door. “Save the bourbon for another time. You’ve got my attention.”
    Brentwood pressed an intercom button. “Drive us around the area,” he told the driver. “But no farther out than ten minutes from Mr. Mullins’ apartment.” He released the switch. “Is that satisfactory, sir?”
    â€œYour wheels, your gas,” Mullins answered. “Now what’s up?”
    The limo pulled away from the curb and Brentwood leaned against the door to face Mullins.
    â€œI want to hire you to protect Dr. Li.”
    â€œWe can stop right now, Mr. Brentwood. I’m not going to California.”
    â€œOf course you’re not. Kayli and Josh are here.”
    Brentwood’s use of his daughter’s and grandson’s names showed Mullins the man had done at least a preliminary background check.
    â€œYou’ll stay on the East Coast,” Brentwood continued. “There will be some travel by private jet, but for only a few days at a time.”
    â€œIs Jué Dé transferring Dr. Li?”
    â€œJué Dé is out of the picture. Dr. Li will be working for me.”
    â€œI understand she’s here through the approval of the Chinese government.”
    Brentwood waved his hand dismissively. “I’ll handle the politics. They’ll make a stink but nothing that won’t blow over.”
    â€œShe’ll be based in D.C.?”
    â€œPart of the time. Part of the time she’ll be at one of our centers where we can implement her research.”
    â€œWhen would I start?”
    â€œAs soon as she agrees to join us. I can offer you two thousand dollars.”
    â€œA week?”
    â€œA day.”
    Mullins made the calculation. Over half a million dollars a year to be a bodyguard. Overpayment, for sure. As soon as she agrees.
    â€œI’m a lure,” Mullins said.
    Brentwood chuckled. “You can call yourself that, but you more than proved your value at the Marriott shootings. I believe Dr. Li still needs protection and Silicon Valley isn’t the place for her. You saved her life once. There’s no one else who will make her feel more secure.”
    The limo turned onto South Columbus and Mullins saw the brick building where Kayli lived in one of its four condos. Half a million dollars would more than pay for his grandson’s education.
    â€œWhy her?” Mullins asked. “You’ve got the connections and bankroll to snap up any scientist you want. Why is she so special?”
    â€œAre you interested in the job?”
    â€œNot without more information.”
    Brentwood frowned and tapped his fingers while he mulled over how much to reveal and how much to conceal.