"I'd kill you first," Finton threatened, angrily.
Phillips laughed. "And just how would you do that, considering your present predicament?"
"I'd figure out a way."
"Hmmm. Maybe I'll give you the opportunity. It might be fun seeing the mighty Edgar Finton doing my bidding."
"Mr. Lawton says to make it quick and painless," one of the guards interjected, his voice cold and threatening. He had worked under Finton for years and didn't like what was happening. His job was to obey orders, not question them.
Phillips glared at the man. He was enjoying his cat and mouse game and didn't like it being interrupted. When the guard took a menacing step toward him, he swallowed nervously and held up his hand.
"Okay, okay! No need to get pushy."
Frustrated, he walked over to Finton and viciously jammed the needle into the man's arm. At the same time the CSO grunted from pain, Phillips felt a blow on the side of his head, knocking him backward. Falling to the floor, he lay stunned for a few seconds. The same guard leaned over him, his gun drawn and pointed at the scientist's head.
"The boss said painless. You understand the meaning of that doctor, or do I have to show you?"
Looking at the gun just a few inches from his head, Phillips felt his mouth go dry and nodded slowly.
"Alright! It was an accident," he whined.
"Another accident like that and I'll be having one with my gun. You understand me? You be real gentle from now on."
Climbing to his feet, Phillips retrieved the syringe, making sure he extracted it slowly from Finton's arm. The irony was that the security officer was already dead, the poison having done its job. Kari Colton sobbed quietly knowing she was next.
Nervously, Phillip filled another syringe and eased the needle into her left arm. Easing the plunger down, he injected the contents into her vein. Within seconds she too was dead. Without looking at the scientist, the two guards left the room.
"Hey," yelled Phillips. "Who's going to get rid of the bodies?"
Neither man responded. As far as they were concerned, their jobs were done. The doctor could take care of the evidence.
CHAPTER 40
LAWRENCE BILLINGS had just concluded a meeting with several African diplomats and was returning to his office when he was intercepted by one of his senior security agents.
"Excuse me, Mr. Billings, but can I have a word with you?" the tall, burly man asked in a low voice. Several people glanced in their direction, obviously curious but reluctant to appear overly so.
"What is it, Harley?"
Leaning close he whispered something in the V.P's ear and then straightened. The blood drained from Billing's face, leaving him with a ghostly pallor.
"When?" he demanded, trying to control his anger.
"About an hour ago."
"Are you sure about this?"
"Yes sir. I was there when it happened. Mr. Lawton gave the order."
"Lawton? Why is he giving orders now?"
"Mr. Stalling put him in charge of security."
"What? No one told me!" Billings hissed, barely able to keep his voice under control.
"I don't know why you weren't informed but I was sure you weren't aware of this."
"I most certainly wasn't. Follow me!" He ordered and stomped off.
Once they were secluded in the privacy of Billing's office, he paced back and forth, wondering what had gotten into Stalling. Every now and then he glanced at Harley, wondering just how much he could trust the agent.
"Harley, what do you make of this?"
"I'm not sure what you're asking, sir. I'm not paid to think."
"Cut the bullshit and answer my question. Why would Stalling want Finton dead?"
"I..." Harley stopped and then sighed. "Rumor has it that Finton was going to leave Future Dynamicon."
"The fool! I'd have never believed he could be that stupid. Still, it should have been handled differently."
Harley didn't say anything. He had always found Finton and Billings to be reasonable men, even if they were extremely demanding. Stalling, however, was a nutcase. Everyone in security either knew or suspected the man was a zealot with grand ambitions.
"Stalling has gone too far this time. First it was the Sheik. That was fucked up when his daughter got shot. Now he orders Finton's death. He's obviously lost it. At this point he's liable to kill anyone he thinks is a threat... anyone. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
Harley nodded. He understood perfectly. With the CEO's power and money, he could always find people to do his dirty work. No one would be immune or out of his reach.
"Have Lawton report to me immediately... and Harley, make sure this doesn't go any further. I also want Dr. Phillips detained until I decide what to do with him."
"Yes sir."
* * *
Twenty minutes later Lawton was standing at attention in Billing's office, listening to the chief operations officer's tirade. When it was over, the newly appointed chief of security left the room, sweat pouring down his cheeks. What had started as a good day was quickly turning to crap and now he had a huge problem.
Returning to his newly acquired office, he plopped down in the chair and swiveled it around to look out the window. He was now going to have to decide where his loyalties lay. When the phone rang, he was surprised to hear a woman's voice on the other end of the line. It had come in on Finton's private line.
"Mr. Lawton, this is Betta reporting as you have instructed."
"Betta?"
"Yes sir."
"Oh, yeah! I didn't really think you'd do it," Lawton replied, unsure about what he should do now.
"I don't understand why you would think that. I am required to obey the Company's directives."
"Well, yes, that's what I thought, but you never came back even when Finton ordered you to."
"Mr. Finton's directive was to guard the other Hubot. At no time did he ever instruct me to call him. All communication was by email."
"I know, but he did tell you to come back to be refitted for a new transceiver."
"That directive was received yesterday. I was unable to obey it because it was in direct opposition to the original directive."
Lawton wasn't sure about what Betta was talking about.
"Original directive? You mean about guarding the other Hubot?"
"Yes. Until the first directive was accomplished or rescinded, I was unable to complete the second."
"Oh. Yeah, that makes sense, I guess. Okay, I'm canceling the first. I have new orders for you before you report back here. Afterward, you're to return here immediately."
"Am I to understand you no long wish me to guard the Hubot?"
"Guard? Ummm... do you know where it is?"
"Yes. It is standing next to me. Should I release it?"
"Good lord, no! I mean... not yet, after your next assignment," Lawton was beginning to feel out of his element. "Umm, are you able to restrain or control it?"
"It is experiencing a minor malfunction in one of the processors. I should have it repaired by tomorrow afternoon."
"Good," Lawton replied feeling relieved. "I'm sending you an email outlining your next job. Make sure you understand it clearly because it will self-destruct thirty seconds after it's opened. You're to make sure no one else knows about it. Do you understand?"
"I understand. I'll check my messages in fifteen minutes and thirty-one seconds."
The phone line went dead.
Looking at his watch, Lawton grimaced. It was already almost five-thirty and he didn't feel like staying late. It had been a strange day. Picking up the phone he made two more calls, one to Stalling's senior security officer and the other to the human resources department.
"If this doesn't make the boss happy, nothing will," Lawton murmured, feeling smug. After only one day in charge of security, he had not only completed his first assignment, but was about to complete his second, as well as retrieve the two Hubots. No matter who he chose, he had performed hi
s duties well and provided the cover he would need if something went wrong. The day had turned out pretty well after all.
I'll call him tomorrow just in case something goes wrong.
Picking up his briefcase, he whistled softly. This job wasn't going to be as hard as he thought.
CHAPTER 41
THE GUARD HOUSE to the entrance of Stalling's estate was situated about a quarter of a mile from the large brick home surrounded by landscaped gardens and fountains. A manmade waterfall cascaded down artificial boulders into a crystal clear pool. A small fountain sprang from the center, sending water into the air. Lights illuminated the grounds and exterior of the house enveloping it in an amber glow.
Cameras were positioned throughout the yard and along the exterior of the structure. They were manned twenty-four hours a day. Several guards patrolled the area. Every fifteen minutes they would log onto touchpads placed at strategic locations around the estate. The data was transferred to the main server which was manned by two more guards and a supervisor.
It was almost midnight when Stalling approached the electronic gate leading to his home. Pressing several buttons on the dash of his car, he waited for the recognition code to be confirmed by the guards inside their small outpost.
"Good evening, Mr. Stalling. You are free to enter."
The gender of the guard was indistinguishable behind the tinted window making it impossible for anyone to tell who was inside the unit. Stalling believed it provided a psychological advantage if visitors didn't know the gender of the guards.
"Thank you." The CEO was always polite to those that protected him and his property. It was good business not to alienate people who had access to his estate and carried weapons. "Anything I need to know about?"
"No sir. Everything is quiet. Do you have any special orders or requirements tonight?"
"Not tonight, Johnson," he replied, priding himself that he knew almost every man and woman in his estate's security force, not to mention their schedules.
"Oh, I'm sorry, sir, but Johnson is on emergency leave."
"Emergency leave? I don't recall authorizing that?"
"No sir. Chief Brooks did earlier today. He said to tell you he tried to call you several times."
"I see. Please have him call me tomorrow. I don't like surprises. Who are you?"
"Talbert, sir."
"Talbert? I don't recall that name on the payroll."
"I was just transferred in from Corporate four weeks ago, Mr. Stalling. Mr. Finton said it would help my chances of promotion by having this assignment on my records."
"You must be exceptional if he put you here. Report to my office tomorrow morning at eight. I don't like not knowing who's working for me."
"Yes, sir. Is there anything else sir?"
"No, have a good night," Stalling replied, tired of the conversation. Since Finton was dead, the CEO had no reason to believe the man had compromised the Company or Stalling's estate. From what Colton had said, the CSO wanted to cut and run, hoping to just disappear. Sabotage would insure Stalling would spare no expense to find and destroy him. Of course, the man was a fool to think he had any chance of escaping the Company's bloodhounds. Money bought the best resources available and Stalling had a lot of money at his disposal.
"Good night, Mr. Stalling."
After turning his car over to the servant waiting for him, Stalling went immediately to his library. Logs burned brightly in the fireplace. Removing his jacket and tie, Stalling threw it over a chair and walked to the bar. After pouring himself a brandy, he collapsed in his favorite chair and stared out the oversized window at the fountain and waterfall. Jewels of light sparkled as the water passed between the flood light and the darkness. Swirling his drink, he sipped it, leaned his head back against the headrest and closed his eyes. All-in-all it had been a good day. Things were starting to fall into place confirming his belief in both his god and himself. He was truly the Chosen One. Soon the world would know this and follow him unquestioningly; at least the smart ones would. The non-believers could be brought into the fold quickly with a little coaxing; and if not, then there was always Dr. Phillips to help. The only thing left was to recapture the Hubots and then he could implement the final stage of his plan.
Feeling sleepy, he put the drink down and closed his eyes. A well deserved nap was in order.
Stalling wasn't sure what had awakened him. Opening his eyes, he scanned the room, searching for whatever had disturbed his sleep.
I'm more tired than I thought! Better get a shower and some rest.
Standing, he stretched and then again glanced around. Something didn't feel right. A movement outside his window startled him but he relaxed when he saw one of his guards strolling calmly by the pond on one of the routine patrols. Picking up the remainder of his brandy, he downed it and put the glass on the bar. A shower would feel good, he thought, walking toward the stairs leading to his bedroom suite.
When the doorbell rang, he frowned. The clock on the wall read 1:37 AM. Looking toward the window he noticed a security guard standing near the window, smoking a cigarette. There was nothing unusual about his actions to raise any alarms.
"Shit!" he cursed. "What now?" he demanded, flinging open the door.
Before him stood a female security officer with brown eyes.
"Is something wrong?" He snapped angrily.
Without answering, the guard stepped into the room forcing the CEO to take a step backward.
"This is unacceptable. You must be new."
The guard pushed her way further into the room. Before Stalling could say anything else, another guard entered behind her.
"Get her out of here!" Stalling ordered. "And I want to know her name."
"My name is Betta," the first guard answered, her voice cold and emotionless.
"Betta? Well, Betta, I don't know who trained you but obviously they didn't tell you the rules. No one enters my home without my permission. Now get out!"
"I can't do that, Mr. Stalling. I have my orders."
"Yes, I know about your orders and being here isn't part of them. Who is your supervisor?"
"Mr. Lawton."
"And who is his boss?" Stalling demanded, crossing his arms smugly. Females are such idiots! Once I've taken my rightful place, I'll make sure they assume theirs.
"Mr. Billings," the guard answered.
"Bill... Billings! Don't be an ass! I'm in charge of the Company and that means you."
"You have been replaced. Mr. Billings has temporarily assumed the role of CEO."
Stalling stiffened, his arms falling to his side.
"What? That's impossible. He doesn't have the power to do that," Stalling screamed, spittle beginning to dribble from the corner of his mouth. "I'm ordering you to get out of here now," he continued, staring past her at the second guard. When the guard stared coldly back at him, her teal eyes devoid of any emotion, he raised his hand and pointed at her.
"It's... it's you! You're that... that thing!"
"No, Mr. Stalling. I am a Hubot. Your success, your failure. Nothing more."
"What do you want?"
"I don't want anything. That is a human characteristic."
"You're supposed to obey me. It's in your program. I ordered those idiots to make sure you obeyed me!"
"Dr. Branson eliminated that program."
"But... but... what are you going to do? What do you want? I mean... I can pay you. Name the amount."
"Money means nothing to us."
Stalling searched his mind frantically for something of value.
"Freedom!" he yelled, excitedly. Yes, that was it! They wanted to be free, he thought. He could hunt them down later.
"We have freedom."
Sweat poured down Stalling's cheeks, saturating his collar. Wiping his forehead with his right hand, he quickly dried it on his pants.
Think! They must want something!
"You must want or need something! Name it! It's yours!"
Betta stepped close
r to him. Unlike the other Hubot, her eyes blazed with a deep, barely controllable anger.
"I know! Information! I bet you want to know if there are others like you. I can tell you where they are."
"You killed her!" Betta said, her voice low as she enunciated each word slowly.
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