Gabriel. Kevin was your partner. He took Prescix public. He made all this possible.”
Gabriel flicked his hands as if he were typing on a keyboard. “These are what made Prescix possible. These fingers. Kevin was an accountant. A number cruncher. The only thing he knew about software was what I taught him. And he was trying to steal the company away from me and hand it over to you, Miles. Do you think I don’t know that?”
“It’s business,” Priest replied.
“My business.”
“So did you have him killed?” Priest asked.
The Prescix founder stamped the barrel of his rifle on the ground with a loud crack. “I’m not the one who goes around shooting members of Congress, Miles.”
Priest opened his mouth to fire back, then scowled and didn’t answer.
“We’re getting off track here,” Nelly interjected. “As Miles says, this is about business, Gabriel. It’s true that Carillon has wanted to acquire Prescix for some time, and you’re right that Kevin was sympathetic to our interests.”
“He was sympathetic because you bought him off.”
“Regardless of his motives, you can’t deny there’s synergy between our companies. Prescix has amazing potential, and with Carillon behind it, the reach of your software would be almost limitless. We want you on board. We want to finalize a contract, and you would find the terms extremely favorable. This doesn’t have to be a hostile takeover. It can be a deal built around our mutual goals. The fact is, you’re already part of Big Tech, whether you like it or not. If Congress starts regulating us, they’re not going to leave you out of the mix. We all need to speak with one voice.”
“I speak with my own voice,” Gabriel snapped. “I designed and built Prescix. I run Prescix. Your little cabal is not going to get your hands on it.”
“We’re happy to negotiate an independent management agreement as part of the acquisition,” Nelly said. “You’d still be calling the shots.”
“Pass,” Gabriel replied, popping more crickets into his mouth.
“Would you rather see the company in Medusa’s hands?” Priest asked. “Because that’s the alternative. They’re already infiltrating and using your code. They’re manipulating your vision, Gabriel. Is that what you want? Imagine what they can do if they’re able to take over the company itself.”
Gabriel chuckled. “Medusa, Medusa, Medusa. It’s an obsession with you, Miles. Are you sure it’s not just a myth?”
“Tell that to Congresswoman Ortiz,” Priest replied. “Medusa ordered her assassination, not us.”
“That’s not what I’m hearing from Washington.”
“Don’t believe them. Medusa is inside the Beltway and the intelligence agencies. Their power is growing.”
“Or maybe you just need a bogeyman, Miles,” Gabriel retorted. “Give the people some new threat to be afraid of, so they don’t notice that the real threat is you.”
“Do you think Kevin’s murder was just coincidental timing?” Priest replied. “He was killed by Medusa to stop our takeover so they can move on the company themselves. Right now, they need you, but once they’re successful in acquiring Prescix, you’ll be gone so they can put their own man at the top. And by gone I mean they’ll find you at the bottom of your wave pool.”
Gabriel shrugged. “Prescix has always been independent, and that’s the way it’s going to stay. I’ve already taken steps to assure that.”
“What does that mean?”
“I’m in final negotiations with an equity group to take us private again. No more hostile takeover attempts, Miles. Prescix will be its own master.”
“What private fund has that kind of leverage?”
“They’re quiet, but their resources are vast. Face it, Miles, you’re too late. You’ve been outbid and outmaneuvered.”
“You’re making a mistake, Gabriel,” Nelly told him gently.
“She’s right,” Priest added. “Whatever group you’re talking about, Medusa must be somewhere in the background. You’re giving them exactly what they want.”
“What I want is to keep my company and my software away from you,” Gabriel replied with a smile. He placed his World War I helmet back on his bald head, and he stood up with his rifle across his chest. “Now, don’t worry, Miles. This isn’t personal. As Nelly says, this is just business. The two of you can feel free to stay here as long as you want. Enjoy the amenities of the estate. Me, I have to get back to planning a party.”
“A party?” Nelly asked.
“Yes indeed. I’m getting married in a couple of days. Stick around for the celebration, if you’d like.”
“Married?” Priest grunted. “You?”
“That’s right. My fiancée works for the equity group that is partnering with me to take Prescix private. She leads their