Page 434 of Black Reign

“Cyber defense. Threat identification. Recovery. Private investigations where legal. Corporate intelligence. People hire us when nobody else can find the breach.”

Xavier's expression changes.

Interested now.

“We don't build another ARGUS.”

“No.”

“We don't sell mass surveillance.”

“No.”

“We don't work for anyone who wants us to disappear political opponents or spy on girlfriends.”

“Strong policy.”

“Thank you.”

I keep going.

“You understand the systems nobody else can penetrate.”

“So do you.”

“Yes, but differently.”

He knows exactly what I mean.

Xavier builds fortresses.

I find the window everyone forgot existed.

“You find ghosts,” I tell him.

His eyes stay on me.

“I become them.”

Something slow moves across his face.

I know that look.

Ghost likes the idea.

Xavier is already modeling revenue, risk and operating structure in his head.

“You've thought about this.”

“For approximately eleven minutes.”

“Terrifying.”

“Imagine what I can do with an hour.”

A voice comes from behind us.

“No.”