by Darin Gibby
Addy was stressed, fearing the loss of a day would mean less time to prepare for her meeting with the patent examiner. But she also knew Hindy’s notoriety would be a key marketing element when they announced to the world that they’d not only invented a car that ran on water, but that the United States Patent Office had granted them a twenty-year monopoly. She’d envisioned leaning against Hindy’s hood, a new silver blimp floating above, while Quinn held up the blue ribbon copy of the patent and explained how soon—very soon—every car would be running on water.
While her driver hustled down the 101 Freeway to the courthouse, Addy flipped through pages of the old patents the examiner had uncovered while researching Quinn’s idea. She would leave the legal haggling over Hindy’s release to Perry.
When they rolled into the parking lot, Perry was already there, standing tall and elegant in his suit, arms folded, leaning against the door of his silver BMW. It was as if he were a carefully crafted illustration of what she’d given up by leaving the partnership.
Addy slipped out of the sedan and quickly hugged her mentor, eliminating any possibility of an awkward moment. “You look dapper as always,” she said. “Thanks for doing this.”
“Anything for you,” he said with a smile. “You should come back.”
Addy pressed her finger against his lips. “We can talk about that after the hearing. This is really important. What should I know?”
“If you’d responded to the texts I’ve been sending all this past week, maybe you’d know.”
She grabbed his arm and pulled him toward the courthouse. “That’s my fault. My phone was out of commission for a bit. I should have called you, but I’ve been really busy.”
“So I hear.”
Addy frowned. “We had a little time on our hands, but now we’re all business.”
“Like you said, we can talk later.”
They bustled up the granite steps and into the stately courtroom, where they passed through a metal detector. Perry took up his keys and briefcase, straightened his tie, and turned toward the second courtroom, where the hearing would be held.
“Here’s what you need to know,” Perry said while they waited for the session to begin. “This isn’t just about getting a ticket from the Sunnyvale police. The investigation has now moved onto the FBI and DHS. Their lawyers are all going to be here, probably an army of them.”
“That’s fine,” Addy said. “I’m sure they’ve inspected every inch of Hindy. Tell the judge I’ll cooperate in any investigation. Just give me back my car.”
“Understood, but you never know what could happen.”
“But I have you representing me.”
The judge entered, took her seat and got right down to the business at hand. From her elevated position, she asked for Perry to state his appearance. Perry gestured for Addy to stand. The judge took a swig from her giant mug, then shuffled some papers.
“I am Perry Thompkins from Wyckoff and Schechter, representing the defendant, Addeline Verges.”
“Addeline is a partner at your firm?” the judge asked, peering over her bifocals.
Addy interrupted. “Please call me Addy. I’m a former partner.”
Perry surreptitiously put his hand on her wrist. “Addy recently accepted an in-house position.”
“Very well. I think the issues are relatively straightforward. I’ve got a busy morning, so let’s get this taken care of. How does your client plead with respect to the charge?”
“Not guilty,” Perry said. “Hindy, the defendant’s car, actually runs on electricity generated by a fuel cell and a few solar panels. It’s one of the safest vehicles on the road.”
The judge slid her mug and again peered down. “Understood, but that’s not the issue. “Did your client have a license to carry a flammable substance?”
Perry glanced at Addy who nodded.
“No, your honor, but it was such a small amount, and only used to float the blimp. It was just an advertisement. The fire would never have happened if someone hadn’t taken a shot at it with a flare gun.”
The judge held up her hand and shook her head. “That’s a different issue, and is being handled by law enforcement, who are amply represented here. If you don’t have a license, I’m afraid I’ll need to impose the fine.”
Addy whispered to Perry.
“My client understands. She is willing to pay the fine, but would like her car returned. There is no reason why it should still be impounded. The Sunnyvale police have had ample time to conduct any kind of investigation.”
Four lawyers shot up from the adjacent table.
“Sit down,” the judge snapped. “I’ve read your briefs.”
“Your honor,” said a stout man in a navy suit, “I merely wish to emphasize the delicate nature of this investigation. We’ve been diligently collecting evidence, but since several federal agencies are now involved, it will take more time to coordinate efforts.”
“Did you ask for their help?” the judge asked.
The district attorney cleared his throat. “They have investigative resources and abilities that a small police department—”
“Just answer my question.”
“They offered their services, and we mutually agreed it would be best to conduct a joint investigation. For public safety issues, that’s all I can offer in open court.”
The judge rolled her eyes.
“Your honor,” Perry interrupted. “I think my client has a right to know what kind of crime is being investigated, and why a routine examination of her vehicle will not suffice. And can they tell us what they’ve done so far to bring the suspect to justice?”
“It’s a fair question,” the judge said to the opposing lawyer.
Another attorney, wearing a gray suit stood. “I’m Molly Peele, representing the Department of Justice. We can provide this information, but I’ll need to give the details in camera. Can we have a sidebar?”
“That won’t be necessary,” the judge said. “You’ve got a week, and don’t come back asking for more.”
Both attorneys were seated.
“You can see the bailiff regarding the fine,” the judge said. “I trust that the Sunnyvale police will have your car available for you no later than next Monday morning. The day after the Super Bowl, in case anyone here hasn’t heard about that little event in Santa Clara this weekend.”
A few of the attorneys gave a small courtesy laugh. Perry shuffled his papers and escorted Addy out of the courtroom to pause beneath a large redwood tree.
“Pretty much what I expected,” he said when they were out of earshot of the retinue of opposing attorneys. “They’ve got the judge worried about some terrorist plot. She knew about it even before they stood up. Her hands are pretty much tied.”
“And what is this giant plot?”
“Pingree knows the lieutenant governor. He called the governor’s office and found out there are a few terrorist cells targeting alternative energy companies. Some kind of hopeless attempt by some radical Middle Eastern groups who are worried that America will wean itself from oil and their cash cow will dry up. They want to make sure it won’t happen, so they are starting guerrilla warfare to stop it. I have to admit the whole thing sounds pretty far-fetched to me, but it’s gotten some attention at the highest levels. The current administration in Washington will do anything to avoid another 9/11. I’m just sorry you got caught up in it.”
“By doing what?”
“Hard to say. Could be the media attention that the Mustang generated recently. Could be the fuel cell company we’ve been doing work for. Who knows? I played naïve in front of the judge, but I need to warn you that this could be serious. I’m a bit worried about what might happen to you, especially now you’re associated with this Quinn fellow.”
Addy maintained eye contact and tried to seem unconcerned. Inside, she was burning. That he would mention Quinn angered her. At the same time, the threats against her life were no trivial matter. First the attacks in Vietnam,
then while she was on her bicycle, now this.
“Addy, why don’t you come back to Wyckoff?”
“Seriously?” Addy said. “I heard you’ve already hired my replacement. Jerry Cochran. Really? You couldn’t do better than that?”
“Nobody can replace you, Addy. That’s why I want you to come back. The place just isn’t the same without you. Frankly, it’s kind of lonely. Not fun like it used to be. You are such a breath of fresh air.”
Addy felt her insides stinging. Perry was being truthful. She didn’t want to admit it, but she missed his camaraderie. Just yesterday, when she realized the examiner’s untenable position with regard to Quinn’s invention, she actually got out of her chair to run down the hall and complain to Perry, then remembered he wasn’t there.
“I don’t want you to think I’m spying on you, but I looked into this WTG company. It’s not adding up. They’ve got some shell company in the US that you’re probably working for, but they have only two published applications. What have they got you doing?”
“I wish I could tell you. Just know that it could be revolutionary. Otherwise, I never would have left.”
Perry combed back his salt and pepper hair and looked up into the redwood branches. “Okay, I’m going to be frank, because that’s how I am. Since you appear to be lacking any kind of common sense, I must insist that you sever all relations with that Korean kid. Get your head screwed on straight, and come back to Wyckoff before you get into this so deep you can never get out. This bit about some magic car that runs on water using some hocus-pocus catalyst is nothing but a giant hoax. Your career, and maybe even your life, are going to be finished if you don’t see the light of day and quit chasing this little fairy tale dream of yours.”
Addy wanted to slap him, just like she had done with Quinn. Even more, she wanted to dig Janice’s eyes out. She’d been tattling on her, in direct violation of her duty of confidentiality. What else had she told Perry?
She moved closer and with gritted teeth said, “You’ve misjudged him, just like you always do. You’re being intolerant, and you know it.”
Perry looked down so that they were almost nose to nose. “That’s where you’re wrong. I’m watching out for you like the father you never had. How can you say that I’m selfish? I’ve spent two weeks trying to work out a deal to get your car released, and what have you done for me in return? You certainly haven’t come back to the firm. You should be thanking me for trying to keep you away from that predator. What kind of spell did that kid cast over you? My bet is that you’re sleeping with him.”
Addy’s blood went from simmer to boil. “Tell you what,” she spat back. “I’ll come back to Wyckoff as soon as you learn to accept someone for who they really are, someone who has a real dream.”
“Who, Quinn?” Perry shot back. “Accept him for who he is? Now that is crazy. I already know who Quinn is. He is a giant scam.”
“Well, I believe in him.”
“So you won’t trust me, but you’ll trust him? He’s nothing but a snake oil salesman.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. I know his science is for real. Maybe you should quit feeling sorry for yourself and help us for a change.”
Addy regretted saying it as soon as the insult left her lips. She did love Perry, had loved Keri, and the jab was uncalled for. In his own narrow-minded way, he was trying to help her. Addy watched his face fall. Without comment, he turned and strode away.
* * *
Agent Long watched the heated exchange between Perry and Addy and sensed an opportunity.
“Could we have a few moments?” he asked her.
Addy gave him a blank stare and attempted to sidestep him.
“I’m Jesse Long. Remember, from the hospital?”
The appearance of a bald man asking her questions after she’d been thrown from her bicycle came back to her.
“FBI? You know my lawyer isn’t here.”
“I’ll be quick.”
“We didn’t part on the best terms as I recall.”
“I was just doing my job. I noticed that you told the judge that you were no longer with Wyckoff. Do you mind if I ask you what you’re doing at WTG?”
“And this has what to do with finding the person who punched my guts out?”
“Are you filing patent applications?” Long persisted.
“You know my profession.”
“You spend a lot of time logged onto the patent office’s computer network.”
Addy told herself to keep cool. He was clearly trying to get under her skin. But why would he care when she had accessed the patent office site? “Every patent attorney does. Usually all day.”
“And night?”
Addy thought about Sung-soo and wondered what Long was getting at.
“Did Quinn ever claim to have a car that can run on water?”
Addy hesitated. “What are you asking? I’m the victim of a crime and you’re interrogating me like I’m some kind of criminal.”
Long continued with his line of questions. “Did Quinn tell you how he came up with that invention?”
“That is none of your business,” Addy struggled to regain her lawyerly cool.
“Did he tell you where he worked after he graduated from Caltech?”
Addy stayed silent and folded her arms, considering how she was going to wedge her way past him.
“Did he ever mention the name of Jerry or Jerald Wilcox?”
Again, silence. She’d never heard the name.
“I know sometimes I’m brash, but there’s a reason.”
“Rude, not brash,” Addy corrected him.
“Take some good professional advice. Divorce yourself from this Quinn fellow before you’re in too deep. He’s a shady character. You can’t trust him.”
“If he’s so bad, why don’t you arrest him?” she huffed.
“We may do just that, and you don’t want to be a part of it.”
Addy was seething. She knew she should probably shut her mouth and walk away, but she couldn’t help herself. “You know the government lawyers just lied to the judge. That’s not why they want to keep my car.”
“Why else?” Long asked. “That’s what we do, we investigate crimes.”
“Then why don’t you go investigate the man who broke my rib? Maybe Quinn really does have an invention and some freaking terrorist is trying to stop him.”
“Maybe you could tell me what Quinn is doing that has so many people after you?”
“That’s none of your business.” Addy stepped forward and reached out to push her interrogator aside.
“Are you sleeping with him?” Long sniped.
“We’re finished,” Addy said pushing his broad shoulder.
Long stepped aside to avoid the physical confrontation. “I’m sure we’ll see each other again—really soon.”
Addy stormed off and by the time she reached the courthouse steps Perry was already in his BMW and speeding away. She wondered who had hurt whom more and felt sad when she realized she had probably done far more damage.
She slipped her purse on her shoulder and was sidestepping down the steps in her high heels when her black sedan appeared around the corner and pulled up to meet her. The driver had barely closed the door when Sung-soo slid over and shoved a mobile phone under her nose. “Quinn stayed up late.”
Quinn. She wondered whether she should confront him with the information Agent Long had just dropped on her. She snatched the phone. “Must be pretty important,” she said.
“I wanted to hear if you got your car back,” Quinn said. “Would be nice if we could drive it to the interview tomorrow.”
Addy sat up. “Wait, you’ve got the catalyst? Where are you?”
“One question at a time. As promised, I do have the catalyst, at least enough for a demo. Yun has also built a miniature fuel cell. I’ve just got a few logistical issues to work out.”
“Like?”
“Getting it into the States. Our investors insist that I p
ersonally escort the chemicals and run the demo for the examiner. That’s posing a few problems.”
“Where are you?”
“Don’t worry about that. I’ll be there by tomorrow.”
Addy sighed. With Quinn, nothing was straightforward.
“You don’t know how relieved I feel right now,” Addy said nudging Sung-soo and his kimchee breath aside.
“I’m surprised you doubted me.”
“You made it sound like making the catalyst was harder than enriching uranium.”
“Close. We’ve only got a small amount, and I need to take anything we don’t use back to Korea the moment the interview is concluded.”
“Wait a minute,” Addy said. “We’ve got a lot to go over before our meeting with the examiner.”
“What are our chances?”
“At this point, it’s hard to read. The examiner seems decent, about my age, with four years at the Patent Office. I think he’ll give us a fair shake.”
“What came up in his search?”
“Don’t take this wrong, but you’re not the first one to try to tackle this problem. There’s an outfit in Munich that’s been researching this for a couple of decades, and there’s a Berkeley professor who’s quite a prolific writer on the topic.”
“I know about them both. They’ve hit around the edges, but they don’t have what I’ve discovered.”
“I agree, and I think we can convince the examiner. But he’s still going to have issues if we can’t prove it really works.”
“It works. You’ll see. Look, I’ve got to run, but first tell me about the hearing. Did you get your car back?”
“It didn’t go so well,” Addy said, the vision of Perry speeding away still fresh in her mind.
“So they’re really going to keep your car? For what? I don’t get it. I thought you lived in America, not China.”
“The judge gave them a week to return Hindy. It’s just that Perry—” She stopped herself. She was wasting valuable time, and she didn’t need to unload on Quinn.
“Let me guess,” Quinn said. “He’s all bent out of shape that you left his firm and he wants you to come back. I can only guess the names he called me.”
