Collaboration

By Patrick Rizio and Audrey Rizio-Altman

"EVERYTHING EVOLVES"

Collaboration, second book in the LaCost series, finds Jason digging deeper into his research and making more remarkable discoveries, while Sarah continues to expand the apparently unlimited power of her mind. Her intellect and her abilities reach such extraordinary levels that they could cause her life, as she knows it, to come to an end.

The more Jason's research advances, the bigger the threat to his loved ones becomes. He must prevail against overwhelming odds, including a megalomaniac billionaire who must be stopped, and the FBI. But to do so risks his family's freedom. The only hope is a wild scheme, involving an "unusual" success in his research, and a collaboration of one of the most unique group of personalities, and abilities, ever to come together.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tablo Publishing
• Release date: Aug 26, 2022
• ISBN: 9781685834975

Book preview

Part One

1

Present day.

Bob Schimmel stood, looking out the floor to ceiling windows at the back of his office reflecting on past events, and slowly sipped his coffee. As he looked over the manicured grounds of Universal Biotech his thoughts took him back to the meeting. The day where he made the most unprecedented proposal he had ever made, to the most extraordinary group of people he had ever known.

It seemed so long ago.

And, even though things hadn’t gone as planned, they had done it. They had effectively eliminated cancer from the human condition.

He thought to himself,

If the exact group of people had not come together at the exact time they did, would it have been possible? This group, with the unique talents they possessed, were like nothing that had come before. What could lay ahead?

The big man took one more sip of coffee, one more moment for reflection, and returned to the present. He reminded himself he still had a company to run, that he had plenty on his plate.

Universal Biotech, with its subsidiary J-Tech, was quickly becoming one of the most successful biotech firms in the country due to LaCost’s discovery of how to engineer plant genetics at the quantum level. Schimmel’s biggest problem remained how to sequence the release of this information. Over half of what could be done remained undisclosed. They possessed the knowledge to eliminate hunger completely, to make it a non-issue for everyone on the planet. Schimmel knew releasing this information too quickly would cause chaos in world markets. He also knew every day it wasn’t released allowed more people, more children, to starve.

*******

The consensus regarding Alison’s two books were that the story lines were good, but the illustrations fantastic.

A table had been set up at the back of the store. Alison sat behind several stacks of books, signing, and doing her best to make small talk with buyers. Having her books do well was a source of satisfaction to be sure but being in the limelight was unsettling for her. Writing and illustrating the books had put her in her element as an artist. Promoting the books made her feel like a used car salesman. She was more comfortable talking with kids about art than she was talking to their parents about the books.

Jason stood behind Alison, scanning everyone’s thoughts who entered the store. Always on the alert for, as he liked to call them, the invisible bad guys. So far, only people interested in books had come in. After breathing a tentative sigh of relief, he started to walk around the store. While browsing the science section he felt Alison’s uneasiness increase. He spoke to her without words.

Hey cute stuff, you, OK?

Alison looked up, spotting Jason on the other side of the room.

I’m fine, she thought back. I’m just not comfortable with all this.

Only twenty minutes to go sweetie. Then I’ll take you to lunch. There’s a place I found that serves great burgers with a side of valium.

Alison smiled at her hero.

There’s something wrong with you. You know that?

A goofy half smile appeared on Jason’s face.

Actually, I do know that.

*******

It was early morning in D.C. The rain had stopped, leaving the air smelling like it had just been washed. The streets were still damp and empty. Jack Thompson picked up the morning newspaper from the front steps of his brownstone after his morning 5-mile run and went inside. On the way to the refrigerator, he grabbed his phone to check for messages. There were none.

The fact that he was having so much trouble learning who these guys were, reinforced how powerful they must be. Being buried that deep and staying buried that deep was near impossible.

Thompson opened his refrigerator, grabbed a hard-boiled egg from a plastic container, popped the whole thing in his mouth and headed for the shower. Twenty minutes later, on his way to the airport they were still on his mind. He texted Bob Schimmel from the cab, informing his oldest friend that he’d be in this afternoon, then sat back in the seat, thinking.

What was the key to their operation? How did they function at such a high level and stay hidden that effectively? There had to be a key, there always was...

Thompson’s cab pulled into Regan national airport, bobbing, and weaving its way to the curb. After tipping the driver, he grabbed his carry on and walked briskly inside. He mentally went over the calls he would have to make later that day, committing a memory trigger to each one.

These guys couldn’t stay hidden forever.

*******

Sarah took Mark Sung’s hand as they walked to the car in the parking lot of the academy. She looked up at him and smiled. She loved spending time with Uncle Mark.

After Sarah graduated Princeton at 11 years old, following her discovery of a new mathematics theory rivaling those of relativity and quantum mechanics, she had become a household word in the scientific community. Her work would be studied for years

At the math and science academy she attended, Sarah’s research with the string theory team at Princeton was proving most fruitful. With her participation through internet and online conferencing, they were now moving forward at a pace unattainable before her. Although it wasn’t official, Sarah had effectively taken the lead with the team, (genius respects genius). The list of scientists wanting to confer with her was growing bigger every day. The folks at CERN being most insistent.

Sarah was 12. She didn’t care about being, or need to be, a celebrity. The head of the academy, Professor Bates, while proctoring Sarah’s studies, was doing all he could to keep as low a profile as possible for her. The folks at Princeton, thankfully, were doing the same. Everyone knew it was something that would get progressively more difficult.

Mark Sung was a most unusual combination; one of the most dangerous assassins on the planet, with a religious devotion rivaling Francis of Assisi. He accompanied Sarah whenever Jason or Alison could not, knowing no higher purpose than being her eternal guardian. His faith told him that she was truly a blessing for all mankind. An angel, in the body of a 12-year-old girl.

Uncle Mark, Sarah asked as they got into the car, Can we get ice cream on the way home?

Sung climbed into the driver’s seat. No decision for me, he answered in his thick Korean accent. Decision for mother.

Sarah sent a mental message to Alison, and then smiled back at Sung.

Mom says it’s OK.

Sung knew that Sarah was not fibbing just to get ice cream. Angels are incapable of lying. After checking that she was buckled in and starting the engine, he looked at her and smiled.

"Chocolate or vanilla? he asked.

*******

2:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoon.

A seventy million-dollar Gulfstream G-650 leveled off at cruising altitude above France, after taking off from Charles De Gaulle. It carried a crew of four and electronics that were more than state of the art. The two pilots were ex Israeli air force, now in business for themselves. The other two men on the crew, who served as butler / bodyguards, were ex U.S. army - also mercenaries. Both six foot two, both over 220 pounds, both skilled in the martial arts. The four men were always on call, were very well paid, and would not give up information even under threat of torture.

There was one passenger. He had given considerable thought to the Universal Biotech problem and decided it was time to send a message.

The call went from a secured phone to a second in command. She in turn sent it down the line. It filtered through several layers of operatives who knew only their immediate superiors. She kept her job by not knowing her superiors, and not asking questions. She had never met her bosses, communicating with them only by untraceable calls and texts. She was extremely efficient and extremely well paid. She was also not the only one the man in the Gulfstream employed to do what she did.

2

10:55 a.m. Five black Chevy Tahoes, with four homeland security agents in each one, pulled into the guest parking at Universal Biotech. They exited the vehicles, walked through the entrance, and stood in two rows of ten in front of the reception desk. When asked if they could be helped one of them put a business card on the desk, identifying himself as a homeland security agent, then took his place back in line. They all stood motionless and said nothing. The security guard walked over and placed himself between the agents and receptionist. He put his hand on his holstered pistol and asked them what they wanted. The agent who had placed the card on the receptionist’s desk pulled back his blazer to reveal a shoulder holster and handgun. After he did, all the other agents did the same.

Then, they simply turned around and left.

Five minutes later Jason received a text. The number was blocked. Reading it, he made a conscience effort to subdue his anger.

Mr. LaCost, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SHUT US OUT AGAIN.

Jason immediately sent a mental message to Alison and to Sarah, asking if they were all right. To his relief, neither of them even knew why he was asking.

*******

Jason, Alison, Janet, Thompson, and Mark Sung, were all seated. Schimmel stood at the head of the table. Conference room 3 had become the group’s meeting place. The room and table were large enough to accommodate 20. The most advanced anti-bugging technology available had recently been installed. The big man began the meeting with a question.

Jason, they warned you not to shut them out again. How do they know about your latest research? I don’t even know about your latest research.

I think it’s a matter of faith, Jason answered. I doubt they know what I’m working on. I think they just assume it will be profitable. In the meantime, this little show of force was kind of a, uh reminder I guess.

I think that’s right, Thompson interjected. Well, partially right. Having the ability to send multiple armed agents to a location of choice isn’t what I would call a little show of force. And let’s not forget, the homeland security angle is a good one. It gives them more latitude for behavior.

Can’t we get the police involved? Janet asked.

We could, Thompson answered calmly. But in the end, it would be classified as a homeland security issue. The police aren’t going to override that.

So, what are we going to do now? Alison asked, looking over to Jason. Do we need to protect ourselves?"

Thompson jumped in.

If they intended to do something more they already would have. Right now, they’re just sending a message. He turned to the head of the table. Bob, you have a schedule for the release of the information of the gene manipulation project, correct?

That’s correct. It will continue to play out over the next couple of years, the big man replied.

Thompson continued.

So, at each phase there will be more production per acre, less fertilizer, more pineapples in colder climates, etc. And at each stage it gets more profitable.

Yes, that’s right.

And at each stage you increase humanitarian efforts to feed more impoverished people, thereby reducing their need to rely on anyone else to do so.

Right, Schimmel answered again.

And, by making food more affordable at each stage, you’re progressively cutting into other companies profit margins, right?

Um, not necessarily.

Thompson knew his old friend was hedging.

Not necessarily?

Well, that could be one aspect of what we’re doing.

Spoken like a true candidate for public office, Thompson said smiling.

Jack, you already know all this. Just what are you getting at? the big man asked.

Thompson slowly turned his coffee cup on the table.

I think the release of anything new should be put on hold, he answered.

Jason concentrated and relaxed quickly, aimed his attention at the ex-navy seal, then unconsciously nodded his head.

These...invisible one’s as Jason calls them, are waiting for Universal’s next breakthrough. They’ve made it clear that when that time comes, they expect us to market it through them. They’re letting us know they will play hardball to avoid a repeat of the cancer cure episode. Too much money and power at stake. Now, if what Universal does in the meantime starts to become too profitable, well, they might decide to move their timetable up. It seems to me what Universal is already doing puts things right on that edge.

Schimmel considered this for a moment, and then looked back at Thompson.

But for how long Jack? We can’t just stop.

They had gone over the scenario dozens of times. Even with all they had already done there were still millions going hungry. Millions of children dying every year. The goal of eliminating that kind of suffering had become a mission. It was not something any of them were going to walk away from.

At least until I can find out who they are, Thompson answered. They can’t stay hidden forever. Something has to give. Something always gives.

Walking out of the meeting, Jason took Alison by the hand and thought about putting the research he was doing now on hold, to move another project to the front burner. He was also thinking it would be a good time for a little break. He turned to her.

I think it might be a good time to take that trip to Geneva we’ve been talking about, he said smiling.

*******

It includes an underground tunnel ring that is 27 kilometers long, and at places 175 meters deep. It requires the effort of dozens of member states. It is the largest experimental facility ever built. It has the biggest computing grid in the world — and counting. It includes the efforts of over 10,000 scientists worldwide and recreates the conditions of our universe at it’s very beginning.

It’s called CERN, and today a 12-year-old girl was getting a private tour of the place. She was being catered to by the top scientists working there. They were obviously most anxious to talk with her. What was not obvious was that she already understood more about the universe than any of them ever would.

*******

As the GSPR agent walked past the French Minister of European and Foreign Affairs’ secretary, he winked. She remained stoic until his head turned, and then allowed herself a small grin.

The minister greeted his head of secret service with a smile.

Good morning, Philippe, he said as they shook hands. Please sit down. Would you like a coffee?

No thank you sir, the agent replied, waiting for the minister to sit first.

What brings you here so early my friend?

Our surveillance has picked up a phone conversation of a particular interest. It has little effect on our national security, but I have a request regarding it.

The minister looked puzzled. Please explain, he asked.

The agent took a moment.

As you know, because of the terrorist threat we have been using our most advanced technology to monitor all communications. Yesterday we picked up a secured phone conversation originating from a private jet that had just taken off from Charles De Gaulle. It was directed to somewhere, we’re not sure where, on the east coast of the United States.

The agent paused.

It affects the security of Jason LaCost, and probably also his family. I would like permission to pass the information to them.

The minister moved upright in his chair. Jason LaCost was the man who cured his wife of inoperable brain cancer. At the time the doctors had given her only months to live. He stood slowly, and stared back into the agent’s eyes, giving his instructions with quiet intensity.

You will always come to me first with anything of this nature, as you have done today. This will go no further than this office.

I understand Minister.

Give to Mr. LaCost whatever he may need.

*******

Hello Jack, the agent said, his French accent gentle, but ever present.

Philippe, Thompson responded. How are you?

Very well, Jack. And you?

I’m good thanks. So, what might I do for you today old buddy?

Ah my friend, Philippe answered, it is I who have something for you.

Thompson sat back comfortably in his chair. Over the years he had met many people and made numerous connections. In all that time he could count on one hand those he trusted. Philippe was one of them.

Really, it’s not even my birthday, Thompson joked.

Well then, consider this an early present, Philippe replied.

3

Janet walked over to a table in the crowded coffee house and set down two cappuccinos. The place was buzzing with conversations, every table occupied. She sat opposite Alison. So, how was Geneva, she asked.

It was wonderful, Alison replied. The scenery was amazing. The city was amazing. The people were amazing.

So basically, you guys had an amazing week.

Yeah, pretty much, Alison said with a laugh.

And CERN? Janet asked.

Janet, it was the most incredible place I’ve ever seen. The underground tunnel where they accelerate the particles is miles long. When it’s running no one is allowed to be in the tunnel, but it was off-line for maintenance, so they took us on a tour of the tunnel itself. The machinery involved is gigantic. The whole place looks like a set for a science fiction movie. They gave us a private tour, just the three of us. It took two and a half hours!

Janet smiled, enjoying Alison’s excitement.

I guess when you’re lucky enough to have a daughter who’s a quantum leap in evolution and a husband who’s a genius you get to do those kinds of things, she said.

Alison smiled, and then looked down at the table. Her expression quickly changed.

Is something wrong? Janet asked, setting down her coffee.

No, not really, Alison answered. It’s just that…

What? Janet asked. What is it?

Alison took a sip of her coffee and slowly put the cup down.

When we finished the tour, we had a meeting with some of the scientists there. They were very eager to talk to Sarah. They asked her question after question. Don’t get me wrong, they were very polite, very nice, but…

But what? Janet asked.

Well, Alison answered, looking down at her hands cradling her coffee. They kept politely asking questions, and Sarah answered question after question. The questions kept getting harder, more, you know, complex. She just kept smiling and answering and…

And, what? Janet asked again.

Alison took another sip of her coffee. And after about forty-five minutes or so they stopped. They just ran out of questions.

Janet leaned back and picked up her cup.

Please excuse me, but I’m not sure I see the problem. I mean, isn’t that pretty much what you expected would happen?

Alison sat up straight.

It isn’t what I expected, it’s what the scientists at CERN expected.

Janet’s eyebrows came together.

I don’t follow, she said.

They were completely taken aback by Sarah, Alison explained. They couldn’t believe the depth of her intellect. As she continued to answer their questions they would turn and stare at each other, astonished.

Janet stayed quiet.

Alison continued.

They want to set up correspondence with her, have her help interpret their research.

I still have to say, isn’t that pretty much what you guys expected, Janet asked.

I suppose it is, Alison answered. She took a deep breath and looked around the room, her gaze settling back on Janet. I guess the bottom line is that the more people who know who Sarah is, who she really is, the less comfortable I am. At least until she’s a little older.

Janet sat back in her chair, understanding Alison’s concern. After a moment she reached across the table and took Alison’s hand, looking into her eyes as she spoke.

You guys are keeping as low a profile for Sarah as possible, while still letting her climb to her full potential. God only knows what that might be. I’ll grant you, there are certainly concerns. But Sarah has the best parents I could imagine any child having, along with a most formidable collection of loving adult friends. That equates to one hell of a support group. Don’t ever forget that.

Alison squeezed Janet’s hand.

Yes, she does…and no I won’t, Alison said. Thanks.

*******

Jason, Alison, Janet, Thompson, and Sung took their seats in conference room 3. Schimmel took his normal place at the head of the table. Standing, he addressed the group.

Jack has come upon some interesting information regarding the, uh, invisible ones, the big man said, shaking his head slightly as he sat down. (He thought the name somewhat silly).

Thompson stood to address the group.

A phone call was made from a secure line at 2:17 p.m. Paris time, last Tuesday. It originated from a private plane that had just taken off from Charles De Gaulle. It was directed to somewhere on the east coast of the United States, we don’t know where exactly. The person making the call gave the order for that little demonstration with the homeland security agents.

Do we know who’s plane it was? Janet asked.

We know which company owns the plane. That company however is owned by another, which is a subsidiary of another, etc.

Janet jumped in again.

But then, we don’t know who was on the plane or who made the call.

That’s correct, Thompson answered.

Jason smiled, but Janet and Alison looked puzzled.

I think I’m missing something here, Alison said. We already know these people are super rich and powerful. If we still can’t identify them, and we can’t trace the plane to its real owners, what good is this information?

It would be very hard to find the real owners of the plane and tracing the plane’s history would probably be a dead end, Thompson answered. Flight plans and other records can be doctored after each use.

Wait, Janet said, aren’t flight plans recorded and stored on FAA computers?

Thompson just smiled.

Sure, they are, but from what we already suspect about how powerful this organization is, I think we can assume they’re capable of handling that.

The room got quiet. Thompson continued.

Since we can identify the actual plane itself, we can… he paused and looked over to Sung, who gave a little nod.

We can track its’ whereabouts going forward. And that, he said smiling, could be crucial.

Thompson sat back down.

Well, what should we do now? Alison asked.

We should do nothing, Schimmel said, taking back control of the meeting. The release of anything new in the field is on hold, and since Jason hasn’t made any new discoveries yet… The big man looked over at Jason, You haven’t made any new discoveries, have you?

Jason smiled. Uh, no boss. Not just yet.

Schimmel continued, OK, so right now we have nothing more they’re interested in. Let’s keep it that way. I think it best if we maintain a low profile until we find out a little more about who we’re dealing with.

Everyone agreed and the meeting was quickly over.

******

Sarah ran into the den and jumped