Page 99 of The Dis-Graced
My eyebrows spike at the matriarch’s support.
“It would be risky,” Bruiser says.
Irene fixes her gaze on Bruiser. “Yes, but if Dallanger Corporation is responsible for any part of this, it is the Dallangers that must have a hand in fixing the problem. Offer to meet up with her, make it close to the time Elliot’s transaction with Icor is going to take place. These people have no idea what unleashing Evil ALAN is going to do, and they’re probably not as invested in the sale as Elliot is. Maybe if they know the world would end if he’s unleashed, they’d be eager to offer us information.”
“Well, what do I say?” Devon says.
“This is what you’re going to do,” Bruiser says. “Act angry. Tell them you’re pissed that some woman bailed on you. They’ll easily figure out you’re talking about Grace. Let them believe you’re looking to use. Don’t mention ALAN—don’t say a word about him. After a few texts, tell them you’ve received a text from the women who bailed saying she wants to meet up, and she has evidence of her innocence. That will get their attention. They’ll casually try to get the info out of you, give it to them. We’ll be there waiting.”
Devon rakes his finger through his hair, exhaling slowly.
“I know it sounds dangerous,” Bruiser says. “But I’ll put precautions into place to ensure your safety.”
“It doesn’t matter if it’s dangerous,” I reply. “We have no choice. We need to make sure Evil ALAN never makes it into the light of day, even if it means putting ourselves at risk.”
“You’re right,” Devon says. “We have to put a stop to this. At all costs.”
Chapter 33
Drake
How it is possible for Alistair to be so calm and collected during this entire process is beyond me, but throughout the afternoon he sits jovial, seemingly oblivious to the world-ending threat.
FBI Jim is seated at a laptop, ready to take us to the location Elliot provides to Gabriel. Although the situation will be a bust if I’m spotted, I have to be in the area in case they need my assistance with Evil ALAN.
We scan the news channels, which are all being bombarded with preplanned, trivial content. Sadie’s been out all over the city sporting a baby bump, and the media is going wild over it. It’s fake, of course, but from what I’ve heard from Alistair, Cassius kind of wishes it wasn’t.
Then the Heartshires gave an announcement. More buildings to dedicate to his charitable causes. I have to admit, the group of ‘assholes’ I’ve hated for so long has begun to grow on me.
Luke has been told to lay low and not come out for anything. I wish I could reel him in, but we have to keep up the facade. I’ll owe him big time when this is all done.
Grace has been on my mind, threatening to consume my every thought. I attempt to hold her at bay, telling myself that when this is all over with, she’ll be waiting for me, safe, at my mother’s place, but my imaginations is making a hard case for her, or rather, the thought of those sexy thighs wrapped around my waist.
Now’s not the time!
A message flashes across the 75” TV we have set up, displaying communications between Gabriel and the seller, who goes by the name of BigHardDrive4U.
BigHardDrive4U:3:30, bring the diamonds and gold as we discussed, come alone
“That’s in just an hour,” Alistair says with a frown.
“It’s a little earlier than expected, but we’ll have to make it work.”
A GPS location pops up on the screen.
Gabriel:I’ve already put a lot into this, and all you’ve given me so far is strings of code. How do I know you’re going to deliver as promised?
BigHardDrive4U:This is AI, something no one else has come close to perfecting. You’re going to be the only person with this technology. You’ve seen the code and have probably figured out how it works. You know it’s good tech. There’s nothing I can do to make you trust me, but just know that if you let this deal slide on by, you’re out what you’ve already put in, and the tech is going to go elsewhere.
Gabriel:Fine, I’ll be there, but you’ll understand if I bring my security detail.
BigHardDrive4U:Absolutely no one else.
Gabriel:How do I know this isn’t going to turn into a Stryder situation, and someone’s not going to take me hostage?
BigHardDrive4U:be there alone, or no tech
Gabriel:330 it is
