The Bafflers

By Phat Chanse

Nathan Strongbow, one of the leading scientists in propulsion technology and quantum physics, found himself strangely teemed up with detective Burns. In a desperate attempt to uncover the mystery of a string of deaths seemingly related to industrial espionage and the disappearance of a team of scientists who had come into the possession of his pet project, while all around him, chaos ran rampant.
His project had gone awry during one of the trials but before he could solve the puzzling enigma, it was copied and used by his competitors, leaving the same effect to happen over and over until sheer madness reined over a once fearless city.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 17, 2008
• ISBN: 9781450002806

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

JUST ANOTHER DAY AT THE OFFICE

I know something you don’t know

The two scientists were housed deep within the bureaucratic layout of a lavish administrative setting eighty stories up. Syntec—one of the largest corporations in aeronautic research and propulsion—made sure its Johnny-on-the-spot guys had a secured laboratory stocked with all of the latest toys and gadgets.

Okay, let’s try it again, Nate said as he finished recalibrating the sonic inverters.

All right then, Troy replied. On my mark . .

They both ignored the fact that this was their thirty-seventh endeavor in their attempt to establish a pocket of antimatter within a stasis field. The six-foot-one Nathan Strongbow, as slim and debonair as they come, pushed a lock of jet-black hair neatly into place before absently tweaking the collar of his Pierre Cardin protruding from his white lab coat. His partner, Troy McFadden, was a few inches shorter and had to work a bit harder than Nate to maintain his meticulous appearance. His five-o’clock shadow was already starting to show even though they had just finished their lunch, and his wavy dark blond hair overlapped the collar of his exceptionally white and well-pressed lab coat.

Nate rolled a pencil back and forth between his fingers, watching the experiment in front of them. They were two of the top breaking scientists of the twenty-first century hot on the trail of a new energy source that would launch them into fame and glory while propelling man beyond the known solar system, thanks to their technological advances. Nate took a deep breath, telling himself to maintain his patient facade. Theirs was not the only project in this area, which made competition fierce and tense. Improper shortcuts were being implemented to shave off seconds in the initialization sequence, as well as other unethical procedures. The race was on for new technology, and those in high places wanted new answers. Industrial espionage took precedence over scruples.

Letting the corporations fund their own projects was a smooth move on the government’s part. Whomsoever created a stable prototype first would literally be drowning in riches. Of course, those who fell short would be given offers on what they had—sort of a compensation for their efforts, but it would be a mere pittance in comparison. Nate knew Syntec was counting on them to strike the big one.

The shutdown alarms blared to life. Nate’s shoulders sagged. Yet another attempt had failed.

Why? he exclaimed, confounded by this seemingly unsolvable enigma. What is it that we’re not doing right?

You know, we’re going to have to start from scratch all over again, Troy called out over the alarms, the dejection clear in his voice.

No, uh-uh. Not again! Not when we’re this close. Nate was fuming, tired of the endless repetitions.

Troy flipped a switch on the keypad by the door and punched in a numeric code. The alarms silenced, but both men felt the echoes. Look, Nate, we’ve tried everything!

There must be something we’ve overlooked. Nate’s voice was tight.

Oh, come on, Troy said almost whining, you know how thorough I am!

I know. I’m not questioning that, Nate said, his tone crisp now. He wagged his hand at Troy absent-mindedly, not taking his eyes off the project before them. I think it’s something that requires a different aspect, something out of the norm.

You’re losing me.

Think outside the box!

Meaning we need to come at it from another angle?

Um … something like that. Nate peered carefully at the experiment.

Ok … Troy then said upon reflection, maybe it’s worth a try.

I know it is. Come on, you know it ain’t over till the fat lady sings.

They went back to their computers and diagrams and started piecing the information together in new ways, twisting the data to fit first one equation, then the next. They worked without stopping, pushing the envelope on several theories, not noticing the afternoon turning to dusk as they had no windows in the lab. When Troy finally took a break to get a glass of water, he pointed out how late it was getting. They closed up shop, rode the elevator down to the garage level, and walked to their cars, ready to head for their respective homes.

You going out tonight? Troy asked over his car as he unlocked the driver’s door.

Na, I think Trish ‘n I will stay in. You?

It’s a possibility, we’ll see what the little lady says, Troy said smiling.

You married guys. Nate laughed shaking hi head. Gotta ask permission, huh?

I don’t see you running out without you-know-who.

Touché! Nate replied with a smile. I’ll see you tomorrow.

He waved and hopped into his brand new Porsche Cabriolet.

* * *

Hey, handsome, Trish said in a sexy I’ve-missed-you voice when Nate entered their downtown penthouse overlooking the Eastside River. Hard day?

You don’t know the half of it, babe, he replied, collapsing in his favorite fine Italian leather recliner. Trish had bought it for him last Christmas, and he knew he’d be thanking her for a long time coming.

She was slaving away in the kitchen; he smelled tomatoes cooking, maybe even pasta. Still, she found time to bring him an aperitif. Here you go, honey, she said in a pampering way. She sat down on the arm of the chair and rubbed his shoulders.

Just what the doctor ordered.

They kissed and cuddled until a high-pitched squeal rudely interrupted their quality time.

Oh shit! She exclaimed, jumping off the chair and nearly knocking his drink over. The smoke detector continued squealing as the odor of charred linguini marinara permeated the air.

Hey! he called after her, disappointment seeping into his voice. I was getting into that!

Supper is ruined. She walked back from the kitchen, flicking the smoke detector off, and pouted at Nate.

Aw, who need supper when we can …

Ooooo, She cooed. But … but, I put a lot of effort into—hmmm … ff …

A hush fell over the room as only the faint sound of background music fused with the aroma of cinder and wine hovering above their passionate embrace. Dinner had been forsaken. Dessert however was what the menu called for, and they repeatedly indulged in it before they lay spent, sound asleep on the living room floor.

* * *

Morning came too early, and the thought of having to stare at those figures all day was already giving Nate a headache. Then he remembered they were going to try a different approach, and he felt a hint of motivation tugging at him. Trish was already running late. She called out that he was in charge of kitchen duties, blew him a kiss, and flew out the door.

Yeah, yeah, he replied and then sighed, looking at the mess before him.

* * *

Sorry, said Nate half out of breath as he entered the lab.

What’s with you? replied Troy, looking up from his desk. I was about to call you. Nate just shook his head. He looked flustered. He then took off his coat and flung it toward the coatrack. Miraculously, it landed upon a hook.

So, bright eyes, Troy then said, what’s this new idea of yours?

Well, he replied, taking on a more serious air. I was thinking, you know, how just as we reach peak efficiency everything goes haywire and shuts down?

Yeah …

Well, if we were to, let’s say, form a void first and place the antimatter inside of it—

W-w-wait a minute! How do you propose to form a void?

That’s a good question my friend, but unfortunately, I don’t have the answer yet.

Huh? So let me get this straight. You want to start another project in the middle of the most important project we’ve ever had. But you don’t know how you’re going to go about it?

Relax, buddy. This is going to help us solve our problem, Nate then said as he wrapped his arm around Troy’s shoulder. Just think we could be the recipients of the Nobel Prize.

But, but—

You know, you worry too much.

And with good reason, what about funding, you know, we’re already over our budget?

Look, I know this is the answer.

Right, like all of the other hunches you’ve had.

No this is different.

Yeah, that’s what you say every time.

Aw, come on! You know I’m right! Remember in ‘99 when we had that problem with the plasma injectors. Who came up with the ingenious idea to reroute the particle flow through a buffer?

Yeah okay, so you saved our butts a couple of times.

I’m telling you this is the way to go.

What makes you so sure?

I … I don’t know, I just do!

Some scientific explanation you have there, friend.

Give me a break. Look, give me a chance to prove it, and if it starts to become a problem, we can revert to any other way you want.

You mean you’d admit you’re wrong? Stop obsessing, and let me have my way? Nate mumbled something under his breath.

What was that, I couldn’t quite make that out?

Yeah okay, something like that.

Wow! Troy was flabbergasted. He had never gotten Nate to concede before, not like this. Well, um … I don’t know … I’ll have to think about that.

"Well think fast, my friend, because tick tock says the clock."

Yeah, yeah. I know.

Meanwhile, in another part of the city, atop another corporate building, a shady character is on his way in to see a certain someone. He uses a back way in, one that is only know to few.

I do hope you have some good news for me, stated this stern and commanding voice. It was the voice of Jonathan Hobs, XCORP’s CEO, and he was more than anxious to see what he had brought him. The secretive man looked up, his hat revealing only a small part of his face, cracked a half smile, reached into his inside pocket, and pulled out a disk. Jonathan’s eyes grew wide with anticipation, anxiously reaching out for it, but the mysterious man pulled his hand back.

Yes, yes, okay. The money. Hobs seemed somewhat fidgety as he turned around and went back to his desk. He opened the top drawer, pulled out an envelope, hesitating momentarily, and then held it out at arm’s length. Fifty thousand, he then said. As we agreed. The mysterious man remained silent, staring Jonathan right in the eyes with this piercing look.

The price has doubled, he then said, still not flinching one muscle.

But we agreed!

I ran into some difficulties.

That’s not my problem.

Fine, he said calmly. The mysterious man then turned and started for the door. There are plenty others that are willing to—

Okay! Okay, Jonathan replied with a sigh, I’ll meet your price. The man stopped in his tracks, momentarily grinning before turning around, thinking that all was well. But Jonathan in the interim had reached into another drawer and pulled out what seemed to be a weapon. It didn’t look like any ordinary weapon, maybe some kind of a Taser, but you really couldn’t really tell.

What’s this? the mysterious man asked, not quite knowing what to make of it.

This is your reward! Jonathan’s facial expression had changed to something a bit fiercer. Give me the disk! he barked, holding out his other sweaty palm. The mysterious man laughed in disbelief, but Jonathan had other plans and was going to stop at nothing to get what he wanted.

I’m not giving you anything, he scoffed, standing his ground and daring Jonathan to shoot. The mysterious man seemed confident, even calm in the face of danger, rearranging with his shoulders what seemed to be a vest beneath his trench coat. It seemed the man was wearing what looked like body armor, some sort of state-of-the-art protection, glistening in the half-light; one could presume it was insulated.

You should have taken the money, Jonathan then said as he fired the weapon. An intense beam of light shot out of the front of the thing and hit the man square in the chest. The mysterious man remained expressionless, but only for a moment, then looked down at it for a split second before crying out in intense pain. The beam had ripped through the armor and into the man’s body, hitting his heart and cooking it right there on the spot. The man fell to the floor dead, and even though his face was twisted with pain, there was a look of surprise instilled upon it.

Jonathan scurried over to where the man lay, squatted, groping for the disk, and then upon finding it, eagerly brought it up to eye level with his greedy hands. He smiled wickedly but then turned his attention toward the remaining problem. He set the disk down and dragged the body over to a sliding glass door leading out to a small terrace. It was a windy day as a gust slapped up against him, making the ends of his suit jacket flap fiercely. Though it was a struggle, it was in his best interest for the wind would blow the body further away during its decent, making it look as if he had fallen from one of the smaller buildings nearby.

Having done that, he promptly returned inside to revel in his new prize. He eagerly inserted it into the drive to verify his catch, and to his delightful eyes, it was all that he had hoped for. He then reached for the intercom. Jenny, will you have Dustin come up to my office, tell him it’s urgent.

Right away, sir, she obligingly replied.

Go right on in, she said with a smile as the elevator doors opened and Dustin cautiously peered out. He’s waiting for you. Jenny’s desk was situated directly opposite the elevator, giving her first glance at everyone stepping off. Dustin looked a bit uneasy as he straightened up his tie and then running his fingers through his wavy dark-brown hair, his geek glasses hanging at the end of his skinny, pointy nose.

First time up here? asked the secretary. She was inquisitive but not in a demeaning way, and the smile upon her face and the gleam in her hazel eyes said she had a bubbly character, sharp but by no means was she aware of her boss’s misdoings.

It’s written all over me, isn’t it? he retorted, sounding a bit disenchanted and looking somewhat insecure social skills-wise.

Just relax, there’s nothing to worry about.

Easy for you to say.

Mr. Hobs is a very nice man, he probably wants to commend you on something.

If only, he replied as he again tried to straighten himself up a bit.

You’ll do fine, she whispered and then pushed the button to the automatic doors.

Come in, son, come in, said Jonathan. He was avid to say the least as he motioned him in.

You wanted to see me, sir? he sheepishly asked. Dustin was frail in character, and his physical appearance was no better, paling in comparison against his boss who was a bit taller, husky, and somewhat older by the looks of his thinning hair. It was dirty blond in color, the shiny skin of his balding head piercing through the strands that were combed across to one side.

Dustin, can I call you Dustin?

Um, sure.

Good, have a seat.

What was it you wanted to see me about?

How’s your project going, Dustin? Want a cigar?

Well, um, we are having some difficulties, but nothing we can’t overcome.

Splendid! Well, I have something for you, something that might make your life a little easier.

I don’t understand?

You will, he replied with a smile as he handed him the disk. Take good care of it, he then said softly. Now hurry along, there’s work to do.

Y-yes, sir, he replied as he rose to his feet, still puzzled by what had transpired.

Everything all right? Jenny asked as she noticed the weird look upon his face.

Huh … oh, um yes … I think. He then made his way to the elevator and disappeared inside.

* * *

I can’t believe we’re about to do this, Troy stated quite frankly as he looked his buddy right in the eye.

You’ve got to have a little more faith in the wiz my friend. I can do all things. I can perform miracles out of thin air.

And by the looks of it, your head is about to explode.

Flattery will get you everywhere. Troy shook his head. Sometimes I wonder how I ever got hooked up with you.

Kismet, my friend, kismet.

Well, are we just going to fart around, or were you planning on testing this cockamamie?

Absolutely good buddy. Say, I think you should have the honors.

Huh?

Yeah, you deserve it, you put in just as much as I do.

Oh, now I know you’re full of it. Nate busted up laughing, and Troy just shook his head somewhat disgusted. Come on, quit fooling around, Troy then said. I thought you were serious about this.

Serious? Serious? There isn’t a serious bone in my body. Thank you, thank you, he then said as if he were catering to a crowd and taking bows. What’s bugging you? Nate then asked as Troy didn’t seem amused one bit.

I don’t really know, something about this project that just doesn’t set right.

Well, maybe the calculations might be off a little—

No, it’s something else, something much deeper.

Oh, I know, it’s the radical changes I implemented that—

No, that’s not it either, at least I think it isn’t. It’s … oh … you know, it’s one of those things that’s right on the tip of your tongue, you know it but you just can’t put your finger on it.

Yeah, I know exactly what you mean. So does that mean you want to put off the experiment?

Now you know we can’t afford to do that.

Yeah but if it’s bothering you this bad.

I’ll deal with it.

So then you’re saying you’re okay with it and that you don’t foresee any danger?

Well I wouldn’t go that far.

Then, you are saying it’s dangerous and that we shouldn’t—

Gees, Nate, I’ve never seen you so indecisive before.

Look, Troy, I respect your opinion, that’s one of the reasons why we work so well together. You keep me in check, I come with some wild scheme, and then you bring it within perspective, and together we perfect it. Look, without you, I would have probably blown myself up a long time ago.

Well, I see we agree on something after all.

Hey! Nate snapped, seemingly offended by this remark. Troy cracked a smile, knowing he had gotten him. Well, you set yourself up on that one, he then said smugly.

Yeah, I guess I did at that. So, do you want to call it a day and try this again tomorrow? Hey, maybe this will give you time to figure out what’s bothering you.

Yeah, you’re probably right.

See you at the club tonight?

Sure, why not.

Yeah, it’ll loosen you up a bit, make you see that life isn’t just one big knot that needs your constant attention.

I hope you mean that in a nice way.

Oh, I do, good buddy. I do.

That night, out at their usual hangout, Nate, with Trish at his at his arm, chose a table to sit at. Having glanced back at Trish with a casual smile, he walked over to the bar.

Hey, Bill.

"Hey, Nate. The usual?

You know it, he replied and then turned around to see who all was there that night. Oh, I also need a wine spritzer, he quickly added, remembering he wasn’t alone. Say, has Troy been in tonight?

Nope, haven’t seen him.

All right, Bill, I’ll talk to you later. Oh! Here’s a little something for the bartender’s fund, he then said as he stuffed a twenty into Bill’s shirt pocket.

Much obliged, he replied with a smile.

It was a Friday night, and the place was about to get wild. ZOTS was the name, and it was one of the hottest spots in town. It was now coming up on eleven o’clock, and the band was about to begin. The dance floors will be packed in no time, and the party won’t stop until four or five in the morning. This club was not only situated at the top of one of the highest of high-rises, but it occupied the last two floors, the last floor being more of a rampart around the preceding with balconies overlooking the dance floor and the stage.

In any case, Nate had had his usual amount of drinks, and he was feeling good—he handles his liquor quite well. He was on the dance floor doing one of his signature moves when all of a sudden, as he looked up, he realized the strobe lights were flickering in an odd manner. It was somewhat familiar to him yet puzzling for the lack of correlation. The colors were also playing a role in this strange phenomenon, and Nate found himself oddly out of sequence with everyone else. It was as if everyone was moving in slow motion, but what was really throwing him for a loop, was the sound he heard. He couldn’t make out any of it other than it too was somehow slowed down with everything else. Then just like that, everything was back to normal.

What’s wrong? Trish asked as he did look a little pale and maybe a bit disoriented.

Whoa! I think I’ve had one too many.

Maybe some fresh air will do you some good.

Yeah, I think maybe you’re right.

Outside wasn’t much better; he was still feeling woozy and had these weird spots before his eyes. This is weird, he thought to himself. It’s like there S a pattern.

Nate? Nate ? Nate, are you all right?

Uh, yeah, I’m okay.

You know, on second thought, you really don’t look so hot, I think I’ll take you straight home instead.

Aw come on, honey I’m fine, I’ll lay off the suds.

No, I’m worried, I think you might be coming down with something.

Oh, so now you’re a doctor?

Come on, Nate, this isn’t funny.

Okay, babe, whatever you say.

Trish managed to get Nate halfway across the club when Troy showed up. She explained her predicament, and Troy being the gentleman that he is, wound up taking them home.

Hey, Troy, Nate said as he opened his eyes, are we going to another party?

Yeah, something like that, he replied. He knew better than to tell him he was taking home; he knew that all he’d get was an argument and a rough way to go, so he just played it cool.

Hey, Troy.

Yeah.

Did you know the lights at the club had a seven-to-twelve ratio and their impedance is oscillating at sixty-three hundred hertz?

What are you blabbing about?

Hmmm . . He looked over at Nate and saw that he was sleeping like a baby and then shook his head. Was he having some sort of a contest, I mean to have been drinking so much?

I don’t know, Troy, Trish replied. I hope it’s just that.

You mean you think something’s wrong with him?

No, I just think he’s coming down with something, and you know how much of a baby he is when he gets sick.

Oh, I see, you dread having to wait hand and foot.

Why, do you do the same thing to Shelly?

Oh no, God forbid, she’d just as soon have me locked up than to have to take care of me.

Oh.

Well, it’s not that bad, she just isn’t good at giving aid to those in need.

Un-huh.

Um, I guess I’d better stop before I insert the other foot.

Good idea.

The next day, at about eight-thirty in the morning …

Rise and shine, sleepyhead, Trish said nice and loud, seeing that Nate had no temperature and his illness was nothing more than a good hangover.

Will you turn off the lights and come back to bed? he replied as he flung his pillow over his face.

Come on, baby, you’ll be late for work.

Huh? he said in a stunned sort of way as he quickly sat up. He then promptly hit the bed, his head spinning and pounding profusely.

What’s the matter, honey, realize you had just a bit too much last night, and now you want to puke your guts out?

You don’t have to be so literal.

Oh sorry, honey, did I bruise your ego?

Ha, ha!

* * *

Meanwhile, things were moving right along at XCORP. Hobs’s scientists were about to make a big breakthrough, one that would give them the lead in this race for technology. This obsession wasn’t without contagion as even the smaller corporations were doing everything they could to make a claim to fame by coming up with something revolutionary.

Right outside, while the day was getting underway, a man, seemingly just another businessman, turned down the alley behind XCORP. He quietly made his way to a side door and began to tamper with the ID scanner. Pretty soon, he had the door opened, and he slipped inside still unnoticed. Once inside, he calmly but quickly disrobed. He then emerged from the darkness all dressed in black, like some cat burglar or ninja, and paused for a minute. Seemingly listening before deciding his next move and then like the wind, he slipped away.

Six floors down, inside one of the most secure systems ever conceived, resides XCORP’s most sophisticated labs. This restricted area was accessible only by the level above, LL5 (lower level 5), by an elevator crawling with security; its only purpose is to make it impossible for anyone to get through without passing rigorous clearance procedures. The only ones allowed were: head of projects Dustin Cotch, along with Lisa Wren, a very capable scientist with doctorates in quantum physics and genetic manipulation. There was one other capable cohort, Jim Thorns, and together they made a formidable team.

Earlier, when Jonathan Hobs had given the disk to Dustin, he had played it off as some research that had been done simultaneously alongside theirs, through another venue, but that the scientist working on it became very ill and couldn’t continue. Dustin, of course, had believed him and conveyed this to his colleagues when he presented the ill-gotten disk. They were quite impressed with the knowledge therein and studied it avidly. Soon they began to incorporate it into their project, and the results were astonishing.

This brings us up to date with the appearance of our uninvited guest, which by the way has already reached LL5.

Do you think this new fuel will land us the big one? Jim asked after he had completed his first battery of tests and compared their results.

Only if we can deliver the power plant along with it, Lisa replied with a smile. She was just as optimistic as Jim was as the test results on her project were in the high nineties percentile.

Just then, the lights went out followed by a loud noise.

Oh my! Lisa shrieked in response, and at the same time she felt something brush up against her momentarily. Then the emergency lights kicked in, revealing a horrid scene. Lisa screamed in horror as she stepped back, for there on the floor in front of her was Jim and he wasn’t moving. Dustin came running over to see what the commotion was all about but then stopped in his tracks when he noticed it was gone.

The … the … he muttered in horror as he pointed to where the prototype once resided.

He’s not moving! Lisa gasped, still staring down at Jim.

Huh … what? Dustin responded somewhat confused, not having noticed they were one person short.

Jim! she exclaimed. Is … is he … dead?

Dustin moved around the counter where the prototype had resided, looked at Lisa’s expression of disbelief, and then followed her gaze toward the floor. His eyes grew wide with revulsion, hesitating momentarily before squatting beside Jim and checking him for vitals. He then looked up at her, and she could see from the look upon his face that Jim was … She put her trembling hand to her mouth. Oooh! she said in shock.

Just then the doors opened, and in came security. What happened? asked Turk, as he holstered his gun after making his grand entrance. He was a little full of himself, and if there were a mirror present, he would have surely glanced at it.

Someone broke in and stole the CLOWR power plant! Dustin stated anxiously.

They killed Jim too, Lisa added, who was almost in tears.

Holy crap! Turk exclaimed. Get down on the ground! he then added as he unholstered his gun again and swung it around frantically. The rest of you, start searching! His men turned the entire place inside out, but no one was found. The bigger mystery though was how this person got in-in the first place, and that made Jonathan suspect it was an inside job.

Lieutenant Burns arrived at the crime scene and shook his head at yet another senseless death committed over corporate secrets. This was a man with little to be happy about as the amount of unsolved cases he had were piled high upon his desk. He was a fairly tall man and in good enough physical shape, but the five o’clock shadow upon his face was well overdue, and it looked like his clothes had been worn for several days, not that they weren’t clean, they were just in need of being pressed (he was overdue for some new clothes too). He wasn’t lacking in his hygiene, he just did not have enough time in his busy schedule to be 100 percent on top of it. He also looked a bit worn from the lack of sleep, but his wit was still about him.

Lieutenant Burns, BPD, and you are?

Jonathan Hobs, CEO of XCORP

I see. You know, there was another murder committed just the other day not a half a block from here. You wouldn’t know anything about it, would you?

"A murder? Oh yes, I seem to remember reading about it, but

I’m sorry, Detective, I’m a pretty busy man."

You know, there’s a funny thing about it though—the autopsy reveals he fell from a great height.

You mean like from a plane?

No. I was thinking more along the lines of a scraper, and your building seems to be the only one high enough.

You don’t say, Jonathan replied nonchalantly, but inside, he was sweating big time.

So what happened here? Burns then asked, casually changing the conversation as he stood over the corpse with his hands on his side.

Dustin spoke up, I don’t really know, but in speculation, I’d say the thief was confronted by Jim, or Jim somehow got in the way and paid the ultimate price.

So what was stolen?

This is the not-so believable part, Dustin replied with a puzzled look. Our prototype was stolen, but in order to do it, it would have required several people to move it.

Oh, so you’re saying you saw how many there were?

Well no.

Then, what leads you to believe that were what maybe two?

I … don’t know. I guess I assumed there was only one, I mean with all the security and all.

I see, he replied while tapping his foot somewhat