The Final Case of Jack Gemini by T. A. Jenkins

Author:T. A. Jenkins
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: mystery, scifi, noir, detective, queer
Publisher: T. A. Jenkins
Published: 2021-03-01T00:00:00+00:00

13. Revelations

“You haven’t told me anything I don’t already know,” I said.

“Tribeca Systems is willing to give you all the files linked to the accident,” said the CEO, “and everything we have on Howard Lowe.”

“What’s the catch?” I’d forgotten about my cigarette; a tower of ash had gathered on the end of the stub. It fell, dirtying the white carpet; the woman opposite didn’t notice.

Dionne placed a small memory card on the desk and slid it toward me. “The information will delete itself in twenty-four hours. Well, twenty-four hours after you access the data.”

“And?”

“It’s everything, within reason, about the facility on Earth, Professor Lowe’s research reports to HQ, everything about your accident; it was big news back then, at least, to those that knew the full story. You were famous.” Her face cracked a slight grin before returning to its stiff façade. “Albeit a flash in the pan; your fifteen minutes.”

“And if I say no?”

Dionne cleared her throat. She stood and walked to the window. Her back was to me when she spoke. “I should remind you that Tribeca Systems has been very helpful in regard to your arrest for the murder of Sam Whittle.”

“Are you telling me I have no choice?”

The CEO turned to face me. “I’m not telling you anything.”

“Really?” I said. “It sounds like you’ve got me over a barrel.”

“No,” said Ms Bex. “I’d just like you to remember who your friends are.”

“And friends help each other, right?”

“Precisely.” She strode to my side and towered over me. She was close, too close. I could smell her sweet perfume, feel her warmth. Her hand slipped along my shoulders. “Quid quo pro.” She squeezed my tense muscles. Her other hand placed a pen in front of me. “All you need to do is sign the NDA.” Her body lowered and her face was next to mine. “You won’t regret it.”

“I fear those words will come back to haunt me.” I opened the file and scanned the document for anything troubling. “Still,” I said, “I can always drink my regrets away.” I picked up the pen and signed.

The CEO instantly took the document from me and moved back around to her position on the other side of the desk. It was as if that moment of closeness between us hadn’t happened.

Ms Bex slid her glasses onto her nose. “You’ll need to make your own way back to your office.” She opened her SmartBoy, ignoring me, preoccupied with something on its screen. “Thank you for your assistance, Mr Gemini.”

“You’re... welcome.” Now that I’d signed the NDA the atmosphere had turned cold. “Just so we’re clear, I’m not an employee of Tribeca Systems.”

“For the duration of this investigation consider yourself an independent contractor,” she said. “And bear in mind, the files we have loaned you,” she pointed to the memory card on the table, “contain sensitive information and company secrets.”

“And they will delete themselves in twenty-four hours,” I said. “Don’t worry, I’m not going to sell the information to your rivals... despite Elongax being so successful at the moment.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.