Bennet’s computer has a lot of information, but nothing that is very new to us. He definitely has been keeping meticulous files on his father. The information for the FBI agent that he’s been working with is there as well, but it doesn’t feel safe to bring them in.
“Even if we tried to take this information and the warehouse footage to the FBI, there's no promise that he wouldn't get tipped off and slither out of it. There's a reason Bennet has been sitting on this information, collecting evidence and biding his time,” Tony says to the phone, mirroring my thoughts.
“How do we get him out?” The girl, Six, asks in a small voice. I can hear her heart breaking through the phone and I feel for her.
Making brief eye contact with Tony and Quinn, I can see that they’re both thinking the same thing. Looks like we’re in it to win it with these people.
“I should be close to getting into the BioCere files. Hopefully, those will help. Once I do, I'll call you ASAP,” Tony tells them before hanging up.
We all go to work immediately. Tony and I work on getting into their server much the same way that he got access to The Adley Corporation, by exploiting bugs in their system. Quinn makes calls to anyone he knows in the area, just in case we need some kind of backup. Clearly, we’re going to need a hospital on standby.
***
A couple of hours later, we’re wading through files and files of information that I wish I didn’t have to see. I knew that Adley and BioCere, Inc. were corrupt, that they have paid off and murdered people. But even I couldn’t guess the depths of their depravity.
They aren’t just doing animal testing and unsanctioned human trials, they’re experimenting on people. Holding them hostage, breeding them even, to run all kinds of sick tests and experiments. Apparently Adley and BioCere are trying to create some kind of serum to enhance abilities − physical abilities, healing, learning patterns. In the process, they actually bred a series of human experiments.
And Six was one of those experiments.
Tony dials the phone again. He doesn’t even wait for an acknowledgement, he starts talking the moment they answer the phone.
“I got in,” Tony announces. “You will not believe the crazy shit they have going on in that lab. The files on your girl are pretty disturbing, man. I already uploaded everything I could get so far. I'm still working on hacking into their mainframe to see if I can take control of their systems. If I can, I might have an idea to get Bennet out.”
He hangs up quickly, and I wonder if he’s feeling as sick as I do over everything we’ve seen so far. Who knows what else they have going on there that we haven’t uncovered yet.
“What’s your idea?” I ask, Quinn rolling his chair over next to me so we can hear him out.
He runs his hands over his face. “I actually need to think it through a little more and process before I can even voice it. It might be a little crazy.”
“Okay, yeah, whatever you need, man.” Quinn pats him on the arm affectionately, and it makes me happy to see that they’re getting closer.
“I need to go for a run, and then take a long shower. We should all probably try to get a nap in. It’s going to take a while for the programs to find anything we can use, anyway.”
He gets up without another word or glance in our direction, closing the bedroom door behind him. A few minutes later, dressed for his run, he walks out the front door.
Quinn and I look at each other, and he shrugs. “Dude’s gotta process his way. I say you and I go process in the shower together while we wait for him to come around.” He adds a ridiculous eye waggle and stands up, holding his arm out like he’s escorting me to a ball.
Quinn
For almost two days, we’ve all barely talked to each other. After Tony got back from his run, he took a shower and moped around, even quieter than usual. We’d all been watching the security footage and watched Jackson Adley enter Bennet’s room, leave, and then come back a short while later with a cup in his hand. Then he got on a plane to Atlanta, which put us all in fast mode.
“We have to do something,” Mara said.
Then, at the same time, both Mara and Tony voiced their ideas.
Mara suggested we go to Raleigh. Tony’s idea was sending the guys.
They argued, and honestly, from my perspective, it just seemed like an angry way for them to be professing their love for each other. Because when it comes down to it, Tony just doesn’t want Mara to put herself in danger. And Mara respects Tony enough to argue with him, when she could leave and do whatever the fuck she wants at any time. That’s kind of what she’s always done, after all.
Currently, Mara is working on some devices. I made a joke about one of them being a bomb earlier and she didn’t laugh, so I’m giving her a little personal space while she does… whatever it is she’s doing.
Tony is setting up for a video call with Six and the guys to discuss a potential plan. I’m packing a box of various equipment that I’ve been sourcing for the past couple days.
I listen to Tony as he talks to one of the guys, staying out of view. We all decided it was best for Mara and me to stay in the background in case anything goes south. Honestly, I doubt I’d be interesting to any of them, but if there’s any chance of making Mara a target for Adley, I’m not risking it.
The things we found on the BioCere Inc. files were horrific. We didn’t just find proof of multiple crimes; we had the unfortunate pleasure of seeing video footage of medical procedures, human genetic testing, and flat out torture. Even worse was the proof that Six, the girl Bennet so desperately wanted to protect, was not only there and subject to their brutal crimes, but she grew up there.
I think I’d be almost thankful not to have my memories if I were in her place.
