Touched by a Phoenix (37 page)

Alexis sat back in the chair. She didn’t trust the man. He had put up a good fight earlier and had she not surprised him, she didn’t think she would have bested him. She had promised Brad she would protect them both. Was this the only way? How bad could it get if she refused to tell him about Rescue One’s full capabilities?

She closed her eyes as she thought through the potential consequences. Her mind went through all the possible scenarios, settling on the worst possible case…losing Brad. If she did not tell Martin and something happened, it would be her fault. If the worst happened, she would have lost the only thing that made her life worth living—Brad.

She sighed with resignation as she opened her eyes. They blazed with anger…in a low, but volatile growl she said, “I don’t trust you.”

“I understand. You have no reason to trust me. However, I hold both of your fathers in the highest esteem and I will not betray either of them.”

His words appeared to placate her. “If you will excuse me for a moment, it will be easier to show you…than to tell you.”

Alexis returned with her laptop. After initializing the power, she began to key in the sequence of codes Brad had taught her.

A sweet voice filled the air, “Good morning Alexis, how are you?”

Alexis sat back in the chair to observe her opponents reactions. “Good morning Rescue One, I am fine. How are you?”

“Lonely—when will I be able to come out?”

“Very soon Rescue One, very soon.”

John had been trained to withhold all emotional reaction, but his eyes widen slightly—just enough to give his surprise away.

“Rescue One, will you load video clip thirty-four?”

“Alexis, are you certain? Those files are in the private folder for you and Brad only.”

Alexis took a deep breath, “Yes Rescue One, I am sure.”

Alexis looked at Phillip. “What we showed you the other day were abilities for phase one, two, and the initial stages of the AI work Brad had completed. Brad has exceeded your expectations, Father. He has almost perfected phase three capabilities. This video clip includes Rescue One’s current capabilities.”

Phillip eyed his daughter with serious regard. “Alexis, what do you mean? How much further has he taken the development?”

“Dad, there are four phases plus the AI functionality. Phase four is in the developmental stage and has yet to be perfected but I will show you all that I can.”

Alexis took a long deep breath, “Rescue One, before we begin, what is your mission?”

“Alexis, my mission is to prevent acts of terrorism, prevent war, and maintain both liberty and security throughout the United States of America.”

“Rescue One, how will you do that?”

“By whatever means necessary, Alexis.”

“Thank you, Rescue One. Please begin the video.”

Alexis displayed the video on the teleconferencing monitor so both Phillip and John could view Rescue One in all her glory. As the video moved from feature to feature, Alexis regaled them with how Brad had created the program that allowed Rescue One to hear conversations from 40,000 feet above sea level. She would then identify the voice and determine the threat level based on the conversation in less than thirty seconds. If worthy of further investigation, she would descend, locate, and analyze against facial recognition software. Currently, she will report to command and await instructions.

“Phase two has her reaching maturity. When she does, she will no longer require command instruction. Rescue One will be capable of making the decision as to whether or not to neutralize the threat. Phase three implements her energy system, which will produce enough power to sustain both her and the laser system, thereby eliminating her payload. The laser is so accurate only the intended target is removed. No innocent will suffer the casualties of war. The third phase also eliminates the need for a pilot. Rescue One will respond to voice command and control her own flights. She is half the size of the current drones and Brad believes she will break the sound barrier with her new power source.”

As she finished her explanation, she explained, “Basically, Brad has created a human with the highest intellect and regard for life, except that she has wings and firepower. She is rational and will base her decisions on threat, fact, and law. She cannot be bribed or bought.”

John did not understand. He felt as if his brain had short-circuited and needed to be re-wired. He stood, placing one hand on his hip and running the other over his shaved head. Around him, the world had moved forward—at warp speed. His limbs held him immobile in the midst of the ensuing chaos. His mind was numb with the implications of what he had just seen.

His voice was weary when he finally spoke, “Alexis, this is huge. It could mean world power.”

Silence hung in the air, like an unspoken prophecy before Phillip broke it.

“John, are you up to the challenge?”

He lowered his face. He had been a man on a mission many years ago. His only goal had been to serve his country. He had known the potential consequences of not having a life, they all did, but he elected to give his country his all. When he was no longer useful, he was discarded as if he meant nothing to anyone. He had been angry, very angry. His country had left him floundering with no mission—no goals—and no future. He finally found his place as a freelancer, working for money nothing more nothing less. Without loyalty or ties to anyone or anything.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a check, handing it to Phillip, he said, “Put me on the payroll and consider me a loyal employee.”

“Consider it done,” Phillip said quietly.

“Miss Saunders. We have a great deal of work to do. At first I thought this was a simple inside job; however, based on what you just demonstrated, I’m afraid it could be anyone.”

“I understand but you must promise me that you will protect Brad—whatever the cost.”

“I will do everything in my power to find out who is behind the attack,” as he reached out to shake her hand.

Alexis accepted his offer, picked up her laptop and began to walk away. She stopped just short of the door and without looking back, she said, “Thank you,” her voice filled with gratitude.

Several moments passed before John spoke, “Phillip, you were wrong about one thing,” as he nodded towards the door.

“What do you mean?” Phillip had a puzzled expression on his face.

John’s gut tangled into knots as he leaned forward and rested his forearms on his knees. With a heavy sigh, he said, “You said she loved him but that’s more than love. Before today, I have only seen one great love in my life—now I have seen two. What she feels for Brad is what the poets dreamt about when they wrote. The Romeo and Juliet kind of love, she will die for him…and she will kill to protect him.”

His heart thundered so loudly in his chest that it sounded as if a great storm were brewing—so loudly he was afraid Phillip would hear. He stood as the warmth radiated from his heart caused the thunder to subside. With a steady quietness, he said, “I will protect Alexis with my life.”

“Good morning, Dennis. Thank you for coming over,” Brad greeted, “please come in.”

“Good morning, Mr. Scott. I was sorry to hear about you accident.”

“Thank you. I thought the dining room would be the best place to set up. Will that be all right for our selections?” asked Brad as he led the way.

“Yes, the light is perfect.”

Catherine joined them with a tray of coffee. As she entered the room, Brad stood. “Mr. Boone, I’d like you to meet my soon-to-be mother-in-law, Catherine Kincaid. Catherine, this is Dennis Boone.”

“Pleased to meet you, ma’am.”

“Likewise Mr. Boone,” as she poured Brad a cup of coffee. “Mr. Boone, would you like a cup as well?”

“Yes, coffee would be lovely, thank you.”

Dennis took a few minutes to lay out the black velvet fabric before proceeding to open the locked briefcase. Dennis extracted two black velvet drawstring bags and a black velvet case. He also withdrew several hand magnifying loops and a small light. He was meticulous as he went about setting everything in order.

Brad’s thoughts were racing. Instead of being nervous, he was steady and calm. He was sure, beyond a doubt, that he wanted Alexis to be his wife. The bigger question was…could he stand the wait? When would be the right time? How would he know and how would he propose? How long would she make him wait? Would she want a spring or summer wedding? Wait…that would mean next year….

Oh hell no,
he was not about to wait a full year to make her his forever.

Upon completing the precise arrangement, Dennis spoke up, “Mr. Scott, if I might make a suggestion?”

“Of course sir, be my guest.” Brad was just anxious to begin.

“We should start by selecting the center stone and then we can take a look at the bands. Those choices will help determine the side stones.”

“Sounds good to me.”

Dennis poured a dozen or so diamonds on a black velvet cloth. He placed each one on the top of a black velvet case.

He showed Brad one at a time as he explained the spark ability associated with each cut, Brad having made it very clear that he was most interested in the fire of the stone. Brad listened intently, determined to make the perfect choice.

“That’s the one,” Brad remarked instantly when the stone sparkled under the light.

“Excellent selection, sir. This stone is a 3.09-carat princess cut. It is a flawless diamond sir, with perfect color and clarity as you requested. This stone is a little larger than you requested, but I thought it would be an excellent stone to demonstrate the intense fire within the stone. I have a 2.39-carat with me if you’d like to take a look at it as well.”

“No, that won’t be necessary. I will take this one. Let’s look at the bands,” Brad suggested, his excitement growing.

Dennis took a moment to put all the loose stones back into the velvet bag while he sat the princess cut to the side. He opened the case with eight platinum bands.

Brad glanced over each one carefully and selected a simple 5MM band that would hold the center stone and two smaller diamonds. Alexis had long slender fingers and while he wanted a ring that clearly stated…
she is taken
, he didn’t want it to be overbearing on her hand. They moved onto the selection of the smaller stones to accent the center stone.

“Mr. Scott, you have made excellent choices. The crescent baguette side stones will accent the center stone perfectly but if I might make a suggestion?”

“Of course, Dennis.”

“Based on the size of the center stone, you might want to consider a slightly larger side stone. I’d say somewhere between the .75 to 1-carat range to keep the overall proportions correct. I don’t have any in that size with me but I do have some at the store. If you will trust me to make the best selection, I’ll select them as soon as I get back.”

Brad hesitated for a moment. He wanted to be the one to choose the stones. It would not be possible for him to go to the store before Alexis got home and Dennis wouldn’t have time to drive into town and back.

“Dennis, would you be able to send me photos of the choices and we can make the best decision over the telephone?”

Dennis smiled, “Yes, sir. What if I made two or three selections and put them into the simulator, then I can send you the photos of exactly what the ring will look like based on the various sizes? You can make the final selection that way.”

“That sounds like a great solution.”

“Mr. Scott, the ring will be a stunning piece, blazing with fire just as you hoped. I’m sure your fiancée-to-be will be very happy.”

“Thank you, Dennis. You’ll have it ready Friday morning, as discussed?”

“Yes sir. Would you like for me to deliver it or would you prefer to pick it up?”

Brad took a deep breath—neither option would work. He looked over at Catherine, “Catherine, do you think you would you be able to pick up the ring at ten and get it to me without Alexis knowing?”

Beaming at Brad, his soon to be mother-in-law nodded, “Of course, Brad.”

“Thank you,” he returned warmly.

“Now Dennis, how do you want to handle the balance due?”

“We can discuss that after we make the final selections on the side stones.”

“That will be fine, sir.”

Brad walked Dennis to the door and thanked him for his time. He met Catherine in the kitchen.

“Bradley, the ring will be magnificent,” she gushed.

He eyed her for a moment. “Catherine…you don’t like it?”

“Oh no Bradley, the ring will be beautiful and I’m sure Alexis will be thrilled.”

“Then you think I went overboard, don’t you?”

She grinned, “Perhaps a little.”

“Catherine, I will only propose once in my life and I want it to be perfect,” he explained with a smile

“Bradley, Alexis loves you exactly as you are. She wouldn’t care if the ring came from a box of cracker jacks.”

He laughed, “I know, I want the ring for her more than she does.” He thought for a moment before he spoke, “Do you think she will like it though?” he asked as the apprehension began to creep across his face.

Catherine gave him a warm hug. “Of course she will, son. From the look on her face these past few months, I do not believe you have anything to worry about.”