Page 50 of Code Name: Atticus

“You know what I find funny?” I said, leaning against my chair. “Everyone talks about benefiting humanity, but the checks always seem to be made out to individuals.”

Morrison laughed. “Cynical but not wrong. Altruism and profit aren’t mutually exclusive, though.”

“Tell that to my accountant,” Kodiak muttered, earning a genuine chuckle from Castellano.

Morrison studied us closely. “You all have security clearances. You understand the frustration of seeing innovation stifled by paranoia.”

“Understanding frustration and acting on it are different things,” said Emma.

“True. But at what point does inaction become complicity in stagnation?” Morrison asked. “When does following rules become an excuse for mediocrity?”

“When the mortgage comes due,” I said dryly, trying to lighten the increasingly heavy atmosphere.

“Spoken like a man with experience,” Castellano said. “The practical reality of principles meeting bills.”

The conversation continued through three more courses, each more elaborate than the last. Morrison and his associates never made an explicit offer, never said anything overtly illegal. But the subtext was clear—they were feeling us out, testing our flexibility, our frustration levels, our price.

“I hear you’re working with Bryargate Intel on a project,” Liu said during dessert—an architectural thing made of chocolate and gold leaf that looked like it should be in a museum, not on a plate.

“How did you—” I started, then stopped. “We don’t discuss client work.”

“Admirable. Discretion is valuable.” Liu exchanged glances with Morrison. “Though sometimes, being too discreet limits opportunities.”

Brenna raised a brow and looked between our three hosts. “The right opportunities find ways to present themselves anyway.”

“To opportunities, then. And to new friendships.” Morrison raised his drink.

We toasted, the crystal pinging as glasses touched.

As we prepared to leave, Morrison pulled me aside while the others gathered their coats.

“Atticus—may I call you that?—I think you and your wife could be very successful here. The West Coast rewards ambition in ways the East Coast never could.”

“We’re finding that.”

“Good. I’ll be in touch about a gathering next weekend. Something special we’re arranging. Very exclusive, very…enlightening.” His smile didn’t reach his eyes. “You and Bronwyn should join us. The Mitchells too.”

“Sounds intriguing.”

“It will be. Sometimes, the best business happens in unexpected settings. Away from the usual venues, where people can truly relax and be themselves.”

“We’re interested in the right opportunities.”

“Aren’t we all?” His smile showed too many teeth. “Aren’t we all?”

The valet had our cars waiting. Brenna and I left first.

“Holy shit,” she said once we were alone in the car. “Did Morrison just?—”

“Not yet. But he’s close.” I checked the mirrors, making sure we weren’t being followed. “He’s still evaluating.”

“Liu took the bait on Bryargate.”

I smiled. “He sure did.”

Fifteen minutes later,we reconvened at the house. Emma kicked off her heels the moment she walked through the door.

“That was intense,” she said, accepting the wine Brenna offered. “Morrison’s more subtle than I expected.”