Unlimited Plan (*)

Are you mad?

39.

Paris, France

"Organizing a routine visit is not the problem," explains Alexandre in a worried tone. "And yes, your accreditation is still valid, allowing you to access the basement. But all this is madness!"

Jeremy has joined Alexandre at his apartment. Knowing he is probably wanted, especially after his little hide-and-seek game at the Toronto Airport, he didn't wish to risk going to the office or even his home.

His right-hand man's living room, like the rest of his dwelling, is classically decorated. Dark woodwork, wide moldings on the walls, wine lees and cream striped wallpaper highlighted by thin golden edgings. Although not real antiques, the furniture is solid, with curved outlines and adornments reminiscent of Louis XV style. Above the large polished mahogany table, a huge multi-tiered chandelier supports more than a dozen flame-shaped bulbs whose light reflects in the suspended crystal ornaments. Alexandre sits at the head of the table, back to a long window reaching almost to the ten-foot-high ceiling. While Jay rests alongside, facing a buffet whose central glass doors jealously guard a silver cutlery set.

The two men have discussed at length. Jeremy has not only summarized the situation with Phoenix but also, under the seal of confidence, revealed the existence of the Doctor to Alexandre.

"It's madness," repeats Alexandre. "You and your... Doc ... against a sociopath and his army of mercenaries. It makes no sense."

"That's why I need you, Alex. If anything happens to me, I want you to take care of Doc."

"How could something not happen to you!" exclaims Alexandre. "You're an IT security engineer, Jeremy, not a bodyguard or stuntman or secret agent. This isn't for you."

Jay looks at him for a long time.

"I have to do this, do you understand?"

"I understand what you're feeling, but I implore you, let the authorities handle it."

"Kinkaid is aware, as I've explained. We'll have all his support for the deception. But we need to act quickly, and for now, only Doc can do something."

Alexandre leans back in his seat and drops his hands on the table's edge.

"When have I ever been able to stop you from following your ideas? Stubborn as you are."

"Never, but you've always managed to turn them into profit centers..." Jeremy says ironically.

Alexandre sighs.

"It's different, and you know it ... conspiring, plotting ... it's not you..."

"What's so different from fighting a hacker trying to penetrate a system?"

"For starters, your hacker doesn't have a gun in his hand or minions at his beck and call. This isn't virtual this time, Jeremy."

"Is it really ever?"

Alexandre throws his arms in the air.

"Now is not the time for boulevard philosophy, Jay. If this goes wrong, it's your life at stake!"

"And if I do nothing, how many lives are at stake?"

"Jay, spare me the hero speech, please. You and I both know that your primary motivation is surely not saving lives."

Jeremy looks offended. But his friend ignores him and continues: "Oh! Yes, of course, it's a nice bonus. Still remains collateral, right? If everything goes as expected, when you have Phoenix's location, do you plan to share it with your major?"

"Absolutely," Jeremy responds with conviction.

Alexandre nods. "Before or after you've paid him a personal visit?"

Jay stays silent.

"Listen," continues Alexandre. "You know you can count on me. But it's also my role to question your decisions, right?"

Jeremy smiles. "That's why you're here, yes."

"Good, now that I've done my duty... If things turn bad, I promise, I'll take care of your friend. Discreetly, he won't suspect anything. And I'll do my best to help your Major Kinkaid stop this madness."

"Thank you, Alex."

"You're welcome... I'll call the IT director first thing tomorrow morning to let him know you'll be coming for some maintenance. Meanwhile, we'll set you up in the office, the sofa unfolds. You should try to rest a bit. Tomorrow will be a tough day."