Page 9 of The Dancer and the Dark
Gavin leaned forward. “In order to access the voice software that Murphy developed, you have to give it access to your systems. To your messages, your files, your internet history. To everything. And while there hasn’t been a security breach that I know of, there is no one but Patrick Murphy himself who can guarantee that his software isn’t spying on outside systems.” Gavin shrugged. “How much do we trust him? How much does anyone in our world trust him?”
Marie-Hélène sipped her blood-wine. “And you think we’re more trustworthy?”
“We don’t take sides, cher. We’re not going to pull access to a software update because we’re in a trade dispute like Murphy might. We’re not going to spy on a rival company because we have no rivals.”
“You make an excellent point.”
“People already trust us to host meetings, negotiate disputes, and provide safe haven and safe drinking. And while I don’t believe there will ever be a vampire who trusts electronic communication completely, it has improved business and our ability to assimilate into the human world. For the two of us to create a system like Nocht—”
“Both devices and hardware?”
“Ithasto be both. Right now Nocht is running vampire-friendly software on mostly human devices. They’re cumbersome. Unattractive. We can do better.”
He’d taken the idea to another ally in Brussels, but while they were interested in developing the software, the hardware didn’t excite them. Gavin was insistent that the hardware and software had to be developed in tandem, so he backed out of the deal.
Marie-Hélène narrowed her eyes. “I do worry about the scale.”
“We scale slowly.” He reassured her. “Make these devices and this security apremiumoption in a Nocht-dominant world. We don’t want to be a bargain, Marie-Hélène. We want to be the very secureupgrade.” Gavin sat back. It was the last pitch he had, and he knew it would work. Marie-Hélène adored finding the exclusive, the unique, and the finest. Whether it was humans or art, she only wanted the best. “This will be luxury technology, and who knows luxury better than you and me?”
She offered him a slow smile. “You’ve convinced me. Should we put our names on it?”
“We don’t have to put our names on the company, but we shouldn’t make a secret of our ownership. Our reputations will be part of the selling point.”
“Agreed.” She leaned forward and clinked his glass with her own. “To another successful venture.”
“To us and to the future.”
“And to money.”
Gavin smiled. “That part is always welcome.” He and Marie-Hélène appreciated money the way that only those raised dirt-poor could. “You’re going to be very happy with this, my friend. I know part of your conditions was basing the venture here in New Orleans, and I’m looking forward to spending time here.”
Marie-Hélène laughed. “Does that mean I will finally meet your darling little human? I watched her performance the other night. Absolutely exquisite. To see that silhouette en pointe.” She kissed her fingertips. “It thrills me.”
“I didn’t know they were broadcasting it.” He’d caught the premiere just before he had to leave for Paris. “She’s stunning, isn’t she?”
“The theater does live broadcasts of events for certain patrons, and yes, she is exquisite. Thelifein her movement. The grace and the expression. I could not take my eyes off her. It’s no wonder you’ve found yourself so enamored.” She reached over and patted his hand. “It’s good for you to have a partner. I still miss my Gerard. Every night, I wake and hope to see him, but he is not there.” Her face held a soft sadness. “I am so happy for your joy.”
“Thank you, Marie.” Gavin finished his glass of wine and set it down. “Chloe has enjoyed this show immensely. Absolutely enamored with the choreographer, but I’m sure she’ll be excited to visit your city as well. I don’t know that she’s ever been.”
“I will make her my most personal friend.” Marie-Hélène beamed. “She will be the toast of the city.”
Gavin wasn’t sure Chloe would be interested in Marie-Hélène’s level of patronage, but that would be up to his lover to decide. He glanced at the crystal-trimmed clock on the wall. “I need to let you know I cannot stay longer than three this morning. I need to fly to Los Angeles as soon as we’re finished.”
Her eyebrows went up. “Oh?”
“There has been a death in the family,” Gavin said. “Chloe’s family. It just happened, and I don’t have all the details, but I’m needed there.”
Marie-Hélène leaned forward and placed her hand over Gavin’s. “Of course you’re needed! Why didn’t you go immediately?”
“Her plane won’t land until the morning, and I didn’t want to delay our meeting any more than necessary since we’ve had to reschedule so many times.”
“But Gavin, if you’re needed…” Marie-Hélène was clearly flattered by Gavin’s devotion. “I would never be angry with you.”
Of course you would.He smiled. “You’re too generous.”
“But I am sad to see you leave my beautiful city so quickly!” Marie-Hélène’s eyes were plaintive. “When she has recovered from her loss, you must bring her to me. After all, one day we will be family,non?”
Gavin held up a finger. “If she so chooses, Marie-Hélène. And only then.”
