“I say we can’t trust anyone on the project team until we know more about what we’re facing.” Asher turned to the other three. “How about you guys?”
Amy shook her head. “Danvers needs to know.”
Across the table, Max frowned. “No, I’m with Asher. This needs to stay between us for now. A false accusation could jeopardize everything.”
We all looked at Zella. She sighed and finally nodded. “I agree. Let’s wait until we know more. We can’t risk being wrong on something as big as this.”
“That’s three against two — majority wins in my book. Are you two going to help us or not?” Asher’s gaze was challenging, as if he knew I was the only real hold out. Amy would never risk being excluded from something this big.
I shrugged. “I’ll go along with it for now, but if we find anything else, I’m talking to my dad.”
Asher straightened and pulled something up on the computer in front of him. “Good. Then we’re all on board. So, next steps?”
Max tugged his tablet out of his backpack and started typing. “I’ll work on rebuilding the simulation on my home computer. It’s not on the QT network, so it can’t get wiped there. I think I might have some of the schematics left from the first version. Amy and Zella can help me.”
“Good. Lexie, I need you to recreate your new version of the calculations somewhere off-network as well. I have a copy of the Project Infinity simulation program, so I’m going to pull it apart and figure out where the glitch is that’s making it run successfully with these numbers. There’s got to be some hidden code in there somewhere.” He paused. “Okay, so the first dry run is scheduled for just after Halloween. That means we have two weeks to pull something together. Think we can make it?”
Everyone nodded, but Asher was only looking at me. He raised an eyebrow, and I knew he was making sure I’d play along. “Lexie?”
“I don’t go back on my word. We’ll make it.”
“Then let’s get to work.”
17
I was so focused on my calculations that week that I didn’t notice the gossip until Thursday. Dad had asked me to meet him in his lab after school, and at five o’clock, I packed up my stuff and headed to Division Six. Luckily, I wasn’t in a hurry. The traffic jam of scientists all trying to leave the building had turned the hallway into a parking lot. I crept along behind two senior researchers, their heads bent close together as they gossiped loudly.
“Did you hear Dr. Avery’s been missing since Tuesday?” The woman reminded me of my math teacher back at Columbus High, with her short hair streaked blonde and the glasses perched on the tip of her nose.
Her partner shook her head. “No, but that’s not unusual, is it? He’s done this before. Especially when a pretty woman is involved.”
The first researcher’s lips thinned. “But never in the middle of an important project.”
The two of them spotted me walking behind them and immediately clammed up. “Not in front of the student,” one of them whispered, and they sped off down another wing.
I rolled my eyes. Avery’s creepiness wasn’t news to anyone around QT. I’d taken to wearing turtlenecks on the days I knew I was going to meet with him.
But the conversation came back in a rush when Dad and I arrived the next morning. The place hummed with news as scientists whispered and gossiped in small groups and people sprinted back and forth like they were on serious missions, their faces pale and shaken.
“What’s going on, Sam?” Dad asked as the guard scanned our thumbs.
The man shook his head. “Bad news. They found Dr. Avery early this morning. In Division Three.”
Dad looked confused. “What was he doing there?”
“No idea. He was in one of the cryo freezers. The door had been locked from the outside,” Sam said in a hushed voice.
“He’s dead?” The words were barely a whisper from Dad’s mouth, and he steadied himself against the desk. I’d never seen him so pale.
The guard nodded. “I’m afraid so.”
“Oh my god.” Dad’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed. “Come on, Lexie. I need to find Carla and see what I can do.”
Evidently, he wasn’t the only one who’d had the same thought. When we got to Dr. Danvers’ office, Dr. Rosen, Asher, and three other senior scientists were already waiting in the hall.
“What’s the news?” Dad asked, slipping into professional scientist mode like he slipped on his lab coat. “Do we know what happened?”
Dr. Rosen shook his head, glancing at Dr. Danvers’ closed office door. “They found Avery’s body this morning when staff arrived. Carla is meeting with security right now.”
“What was he doing in Division Three? He doesn’t have projects down there.”
“I wish we knew. They’re hinting it wasn’t an accident,” Rosen said.
I glanced over at Asher leaning against the wall. Despite his lounging pose, his hands were shoved into the pockets of his khakis, and he shifted from foot to foot. I wasn’t sure why they were letting us stay here. If it were me, I would have sent everyone away until I figured out what was going on, but obviously, Dr. Danvers had her reasons.
Dad furrowed his eyebrows. “But who could have wanted him dead? It just doesn’t make sense.”
“Did we know the same person?” Dr. Rosen asked. “Avery didn’t exactly make himself popular around here. Especially after the last few weeks.”
“But to kill him? It had to have been a terrible accident.” Dad’s voice quavered, and I patted his arm.
Dr. Danvers’ office door swung open, and the head of security glared at us, his eyes bloodshot and tired. “I need Kepler and Rosen inside. The rest of you get back to work. We’ll send out a statement when we know more.”
The other scientists muttered but wandered away. Asher and I exchanged glances across the hall, and we both moved toward the door at the same time. We were Kepler and Rosen, too.
Sam’s arm shot out, barring us from entering. “I don’t think so, kids. Get back to class.” He practically slammed the door in our faces.
“That was rude,” I said.
Asher’s smile was a dare as he turned away. “I say we go do some digging on our own. It’s not like anyone’s going to get work done today.”
I chewed my lip. His flirting was wearing me down more and more, but if I didn’t stay professional, we’d never get real answers. Besides, Asher knew this place better than anyone. I nodded once. “Lead the way.”