One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Five steps. Turn left. Thirteen steps and you pass the breakroom. No time for a bagel or tea. Another ten steps and you reach Dr Bronson’s office. Fifteen steps pass and you reach Dr. Jane Parker’s office. Jane kept her head up and her eyes forward. To her, everyone was watching. Chin up. Eyes front. Back straight. Walk.
Jane walked past a sea of busy people who were unusually preoccupied with passing data back and forth. Papers littered the waste bins and floors. Some were running back and forth with folders while others were huddled up in one corner mumbling figures to one another. Still despite all the chaos and the observation that no one was looking at her, Jane still felt a chill run down her spire. She was late. She had never been late before. For a brief moment the events that took place in the morning have suddenly vanished into a puff of smoke and she was back into her old routine. She was late.
Jane walked passed everything, not taking note of what was being said or anything and walked straight into her office and closed the door. She let out a sigh of relief. No questions asked equals no answers needed to be given. Two plus two is four. Simple. Easy. In that moment of ease it seemed like Jane’s anxiety had slipped away only for it turn come back in a different manner. The events of the morning flowed back to her and panic started to set in. She remembers seeing the gunman in this building a few months ago. Dr Bronson wanted more security on the premises due to theft of valuable research. So he hired a squad a people from a security company. If anything these guys were armed and well supplied. They make the Pinkertons look tame in comparison.
Jane’s heart started to race again. She knew she wasn't safe in her office and it wouldn’t be long before the gunman were to return. Jane moved with haste to her desk and turned on her computer, hoping to find any information.
It was not long before a hard knock emitted from behind the door. Jane jumped slightly. Her hands were paralyzed with fear. Shivers raced up her spine in an electrifying fashion. She quickly regained her composure and in her usual stern voice, she answered.
“Yes?” Jane said as she continued to look at her computer screen. The door opened and a man entered. He was a tall man, roughly around 6 feet tall. He had broad shoulders and a square face with white hair. He had on a tan three piece suit and his face suggested comfort and ease.
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“Dr Parker.” Said the man.
“Dr Bronson.” Jane replied only after slightly shifting her eyes up at him and then drifting back to her computer.
Bronson walked in and stood next to Jane.
“Hard at work again I see.”
“Yes.” Jane said as she continued to look at her computer.
“Let's get to brass tacks here.” Bronson said as he unplugged Jane’s monitor. Jane froze and, carefully, turned her head towards Dr Bronson. She gave a slight weak, yet annoyed, smile.
“Of course. Please. Sit.”
“Uh, no. I think I prefer to stand.” Dr Bronson said as he walked around Jane. Jane froze in terror. She didn’t know what was going on. Could it be because she was late? Or could it be that he found out about the man in the cell? Did he escape? Questions spun around in her head so fast she didn’t realize that Bronson had walked around her and stood in front of her desk.
“I’m sorry?” Jane said as she looked back up to Bronson.
“You see. That is what I am getting at. Dr Parker you have worked here with us for the past few years. One of the best researchers we have here. And I’d hate to lose you. This is a pivotal point in this company's history. I have...invented a new type of machine that I believe can revolutionize the world as we see it. Which is why I am giving you the rest of the day off.” Bronson said. Jane blinked a few times and shook her head in confusion.
“I’m...sorry. What is this about again?” Jane asked as she neatly folded her hands on her desk. Dr Bronson only smiled as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small flash drive.
“I want you to review the files on this drive. These are our updated research on Project Alpha. And I want you to lead the project beside me.” Dr Bronson said as he delicately placed the flash drive on Jane’s desk and with his two first fingers, slid the drive closer to her.
Jane didn’t know what to make of this. On the one hand she was terrified and feared for her life but on the other she had been asked to lead a new project with Dr Bronson himself. This was certainly an honor and her heart swelled with excitement. The prospects of leading a team with a machine that can benefit everyone seemed too good to be true. And yet here it sat in front of her. The beginning of the notes. He wants her to take the day off. But surely he wanted her to take the day and study the data instead of doing regular work. This was an important project and must be handled with the utmost professionalism one can muster. She knew she had to make a choice at this point. She knew her life was in danger and who the real owner of the machine was and to top it all off they were all sitting patiently in her car. Waiting.