Snake Eater - THE BRAVO BOYS [book three]

Chapter FORTY FOUR

Logan Nash

-KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK-

"Yeah-huh?" Shaking myself from a retrospective trance, I snap to attention and quickly blacking out the screens to hide the updated cipher program that is running its algorithms on Hendrix's notebook.. Lifting my gaze to find an unannounced man waiting expectantly in the doorway of my office..

A moment later, a sweet-faced brunette temp pokes her head around the corner.. Flushed in the cheeks and panting apologetically, she rushes to announce what is blindingly obvious.. "I'm so sorry, Logan! There's somebody here to see you- he doesn't have an appointment-"

"That's alright, Kalliope.." I permit her endearing incapability with a forgiving smile and an easy wave.. "Thank you."

The secretary shuffles off down the stairs whilst much to my disbelief, the owner of the very software I am currently working to corrupt, now stands, darkening my doorway..

The developer of Gabriel and CEO of Specter- rival, Sabre Security, is here..

I can't help but wonder if the man has some kind of sixth sense for just how close I am to penetrating his system.. Or maybe I just haven't been careful enough with my encryptions and somehow he had back-traced me..

No.. That's not possible..
I had been meticulous and careful..

But perhaps it wasn't enough..

After all, when Sabre instigated the attack on Specter's system, they must have known Iris would bring an outsider in to fix it.. And not just any old tech would do.. No, Spymaster Santiago only works with the best..

It stands to reason that, Alistair Sabre must have been watching her offices, just waiting to see who showed up to solve all her self inflicted fucking problems..

Fuck..

Sabre is renowned for its advanced software and unparalleled capabilities and now it seems all that power is aimed directly at me, like a weapon.. I just can't ignore the niggling feeling at the back of my mind that something is wrong.. First, Wyatt Bennings ignores my ransom note and now his partner in business and crime is paying me a personal visit.. Surely the two occurrences can't be a coincidence..

Nah, none of this can be good..

The CEO nods towards me in recognition, greeting me with an immediately imposing question.. His posture is proud and angular, while the gaunt build of his frame leaves the man with a somewhat skeletal, ghoulish appearance.. "Am I right in assuming that pretty-little blonde thing I passed on the way in here is your girlfriend?"

My jaw sets in petty, possessive anger as I eye the decrepit creaton cautiously.. "Confidentiality is a priority here at Alpha Tech.. We don't discuss our client list and we only take meetings by appointment.."

"Ah.. So you're the man in charge.. Mr Nash, I presume?" He smiles thinly, bowing a silvery head of hair as he steps inside to greet me with a vacant stare that gives nothing away.. "My name is Alistair Sabre..'

"I know who you are.." I utter, unimpressed by his grandstanding presence and already eager to be rid of the guy..

"Naturally.." Alistair smirks back at me, snaggle-toothed and smug.. "I hope I'm not catching you at a bad time.."

"I get the feeling it wouldn't matter either way.." Pushing back from the desk with an exacerbated grunt, I rise to my feet.. Masking my discomfort with a polite gesture of invitation, I direct him to the chair that sits opposite my desk.. "What can I do for you, Mr Sabre?"

The sooner he explains his reasons for barging in there unannounced, the sooner he can fuck off..

"Well you see, I'm in the market for something extremely- particular, and I'm told you're the only man in Darkport who can deliver.." Alistair glances around with a judgmental eye.. Critically inspecting the cluttered space, he drifts forward and oozes into the seat.. The way he moves is fluid and graceful, with an old money air apparent... "Though I must confess, I was led to believe you ran a reputable operation.."