Sybold Systems’ lobby was impressive for a company based in the middle of the United States. Natasha felt warm in the pantsuit. She preferred the silk dresses that she usually wore. She felt awkward and hot in this standard business attire.

“Can I help you?” the receptionist asked.

“Yes. I’m here to see Scott Davis, head of engineering.”

After several minutes, a tall man with glasses appeared. Disheveled appearance, wrinkled clothes, probably a bachelor, Natasha thought as she sized him up.

“Mr. Davis?”

“Yes, and who are you?”

“Gretchen Roberts from Pretzelverse Games. We spoke on the phone,” Natasha said as she extended her hand.

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He shook her hand and went speechless for a moment as the tactile contact of the patch did its work.

“Excuse me, Ma’am,” Scott said as he reached for his collar to loosen his tie.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes, fine. Come with me, please.”

Scott led her to his private office and closed the door behind them.

“As you know, we are interested in potentially replacing our current hardware vendor.”

Scott tried to pay attention to her voice, but he had a hard time concentrating. His vision blurred, and his eyes closed.

Natasha started her stopwatch app on her phone. She had maybe ten minutes before the initial sleep agent wore off. She hopped on Scott’s computer.

Nine minutes later, Natasha was still attempting to locate the schematics when she saw a folder labeled “Proprietary Information.” Scott started to stir from his brief slumber. She inserted the flash drive and copied the contents of the folder; she would need to examine it later. She composed herself and sat back down where she was.

“Are you okay?”

“What?” Scott slurred.

“You fell asleep.”

“Really?” Scott sounded alarmed.

“Yeah, you must have had a long night partying?” Natasha said playfully.

“No parties… Can we reschedule?”

“Sure, Darling! I will show myself out.”