Page 12 of The Sterling Acquisition

“But you think you can help? I mean, did you see anything that suggested...”

“I saw potential,” Dante said, which was true in ways Leo couldn’t imagine. “But this will require a more sustained approach than a single assessment.”

Leo’s relief was palpable. “Whatever you need. How longdo you think—”

“Ongoing assessment,” Dante interrupted smoothly. “Regular observation sessions to establish behavioral baselines and track response patterns. A few hours each evening should suffice.”

“Every evening?”

“Consistency is key to effective analysis,” Dante said, deploying his most professional tone. “Any gaps in the observational data could compromise the results.”

Which was complete bullshit dressed up in scientific language, but Leo was desperate enough to buy it. Dante was fairly certain he could have told Leo that optimal asset management required daily interpretive dance sessions and gotten approval at this point.

“Right, yes, of course. Scientific method.” Leo nodded eagerly. “When do you want to start?”

“Tonight. And Leo?” Dante met his colleague’s eyes. “I’ll need the same conditions as yesterday. Isolated observation. No contamination of the behavioral environment.”

“You really think that’s necessary?”

“I think it’s essential.”

Leo chewed his lip, looking torn between protocol and desperation. “Okay. But if anything goes wrong—”

“Professional consultation,” Dante assured him. “Purely observational for now.”

Dante spent the morning doing the work he was supposed to be doing—improving vaccine production efficiency and gathering intelligence on SVI’s research capabilities. Dr. Voss gave him access to production schedules and facility layouts with the trusting enthusiasmof someone who genuinely believed exchange programs were about mutual benefit.

Duckie was even more helpful. A casual conversation over coffee revealed that the “special projects” lab was on sublevel three, accessible only with alpha-level clearance and biometric authentication. More importantly, Duckie mentioned that weekend security was lighter, with only skeleton crews monitoring the sensitive areas.

“Just between us,” Chang had said, leaning in conspiratorially, “they’ve got big developments happening down there. Dr. Morrison flies in twice a month to check progress, and when he’s here, nobody else is allowed in. Not even Dr. Voss.”

All very useful information for his actual mission. But each new piece of intelligence came with a new calculation: how this might affect his timeline, whether he’d be able to complete his extraction before his eight weeks were up—and increasingly, what role Orion might play in all of this.

Using Orion as cover could either be his most brilliant tactical move or the first nail in his career’s coffin if Amalie discovered his newest fascination. Worse, if Orion proved uncooperative, Dante would not only lose valuable intelligence but potentially his extraction window as well. The risks were substantial, but the potential advantage of having someone with Orion’s stubbornness and knowledge of SVI territory was equally significant. He just needed Orion to agree to come with him.

By the time evening came, Dante had to admit to himself that his interest in “ongoing assessment” had very little to do with helping Leo and everything to do with the fact that he couldn’t stop thinking about the way Orion said everything like it was a challenge.

His Gensyn conditioning should have been screaming warnings about compromised mission parameters and emotional attachment toassets. Instead, it seemed to have taken the night off, leaving him to contemplate the fascinating question of whether he was more interested in stealing secrets or the beautiful, furious man in the next room.

Leo was waiting for him in the hallway outside 4A, keycard in hand and visible anxiety written across his face.

“You’re sure about this?” Leo asked. “I mean, he was... different today. More agitated than usual. He kept asking where you were.”

“He asked about me?”

“Not directly. But he kept watching the door, listening for voices in the hallway. I think your consultation got his attention.”

Dante felt heat and possession curl in his chest. “Interesting. That suggests the approach may be working.”

“Working how?”

“Behavioral engagement. He’s thinking about our conversation, processing the new variables. That’s exactly what we want.”

Leo still looked uncertain. “If you’re sure...”

“I’m sure.”

The locks disengaged one by one, and Dante stepped into Orion’s room. The Omega was sitting on his bed, his back against the wall, but there was nothing relaxed about his posture. He looked like a coiled spring, ready for violence or flight.