Page 23 of Code Name: Atticus
I spent extra time on my hair and makeup, knowing that every detail mattered. These people were used to reading others, to identifying threats and opportunities with a glance. I had to be flawless.
When I finally emerged from the bathroom, I found Atticus standing by the window. He turned around when he heard my heels on the hardwood, and the look on his face made my breath catch.
“Will I do?” I asked, though the intensity in his gaze already gave me my answer.
“Jesus,” he managed. “You look devastating.”
“That’s the idea.” I reached up to straighten his shirt collar, and my fingers brushed his neck. His pulse jumped under my touch. “You don’t look so bad yourself. Very distinguished venture capitalist husband.”
He’d chosen a charcoal suit with a subtle pinstripe, expensive but not flashy. The kind of outfit that suggested success without trying too hard to prove it. On him, it looked like armor designed to make other men feel inadequate.
“Ready to become Silicon Valley’s newest power couple?” he asked.
“Let’s go make some enemies.”
“Or at least confuse them with our devastating good looks,” he added, offering his arm.
The driveto Menlo Park took less than half an hour, allowing us to run through our story one final time. I sat beside Atticus in the passenger seat of the BMW Kodiak had arranged—another prop in our elaborate performance. Beneath the surface of my calm facade, my nerves were singing with tension.
“Remember,” Atticus said as we pulled into the Rosewood’s circular drive, “we’re not trying to impress them tonight. We’re letting them impress us.”
“Wealthy, connected, and just bored enough to be intrigued by unconventional opportunities.”
Atticus came around to the passenger side after the valet took our keys, and offered his arm.
We walked through the hotel’s lobby like we owned the place. Which, given our cover identities, we probably could have.
The event was being held in the Rosewood’s main ballroom, a space that managed to feel both intimate and grand. Crystal chandeliers cast warm light over clusters of well-dressed individuals, while servers circulated with champagne and hors d’oeuvres—not that I could eat a bite.
I scanned the space as we entered—emergency exits at three and nine o’clock, security cameras in the corners, and men with the bearing of private security stationed around the room. The usual mix of Silicon Valley players was there. Everyone we’d been briefed would be. Venture capitalists in their calculated casual wear, startup founders trying too hard to look relaxed, and established tech executives who’d learned that real power dressed quietly.
“Mr. and Mrs. Nolan?” A young woman with a clipboard and a bright smile approached us. “Welcome to the Venture Capital Association mixer. I’m Sarah and can answer any questions you might have.”
“Thanks,” I said, taking a champagne glass from a passing server when Atticus did. “Beautiful venue.”
“Isn’t it? We’re so excited to have you here. I understand you relocated here from DC recently?”
“Just moved,” Atticus confirmed. “Still getting our bearings.”
“You’ll love the community here. Everyone’s so collaborative.” Sarah gestured toward the crowd. “Can I introduce you to some of our other members?”
“That would be wonderful,” I said.
For the next hour, we worked the room. After speaking with several of the other guests, I was about to suggest we mingle elsewhere when someone approached from behind us.
“Mr. and Mrs. Nolan?”
I turned to find a man in his fifties with a polished smile walking over to us. Average height, graying hair, and the sort of unremarkable appearance that would make him hard to remember. The kind of man who could blend into any boardroom or country club.
“I’ve been looking forward to meeting you both. I’m David Morrison,” he said, extending his hand.
I shook it warmly. “How wonderful to finally meet you in person after our email exchanges.”
“The pleasure is mine.” He shook hands with Atticus next. “I understand you’re in venture capital, Mrs. Nolan?”
“Defense technology startups,” I confirmed. “Emerging markets, primarily AI applications.”
“Fascinating field, particularly given the current focus on cybersecurity.” Morrison’s gaze shifted to Atticus. “And, Mr. Nolan, you’re in that space as well?”
