Trust Me

close to Stark Security Systems. He’s smart enough to realize that you took the theft of the encryption program two years ago rather personally.”
    “That was my design that he stole.”
    “Yes, I know. Luckily for us and our friends in Washington, you had it well protected. Well, I just wanted to bring you up to date.”
    “I appreciate the news.”
    “I realize you’ve wanted to get your hands on Kilburn ever since he made off with those programs,” Sellinger said. “So have I. If you pick up any traces of him, let me know.”
    “I will.”
    “Good luck. Oh, by the way, sorry I couldn’t make it to your wedding.”
    “You didn’t miss a thing,” Stark said.
    “You don’t mean – “
    “Afraid so.”
    Sellinger sighed. “Sorry to hear that.”
    “When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.”
    “What the devil does that mean?”
    “Every cloud has a silver lining.” Stark smiled to himself. “I’m now dating the caterer.”
    “Good lord.”
    The knock on the office door interrupted Stark before he could tell Sellinger the whole story. Dane walked into the office and raised his eyebrows in silent inquiry when he saw that Stark was on the phone. Stark waved him to a chair.
    “Dane just came in,” Stark said to Sellinger.
    “Say hello to him for me,” Sellinger said. “You two seem to be doing rather well out there on your own. Congratulations. Goodbye, Stark.”
    Stark hung up the phone. “That was Sellinger. He sends his regards.”
    Dane looked mildly surprised. “What did he want?”
    “He was bringing me up to date on Kilburn. He says the bastard resurfaced again recently.”
    Dane whistled softly. “Any idea of where he is?”
    “No. They weren’t able to pinpoint him. He’s gone to ground again.”
    Dane grinned. “Relax. He’s not your problem anymore. Someone at the Institute will track him down one of these days.”
    “Sure.” Stark shook off his annoyance. “Enough of old news. Tell me some good news.”
    “The Hammercomb job,” Dane tossed a sheaf of papers onto the desk. “We got it. That’s Hammercomb’s signature on the contract. Stark Security Systems has just been hired to do a complete security analysis of their entire computer system and to recommend measures and strategies to protect it.”
    “Nice going.” Stark pulled the papers toward him. “Very nice going. This was a big one.”
    “And it will lead to other big ones.”
    “Yes.”
    “We’re hot,” Dane said softly. “And once you finish working out the bugs in ARCANE, we are going to be even hotter.”
    Stark looked up from the contract. “I guess this means we won’t have to beg for our old jobs back at the Institute.”
    “Are you kidding? The Institute will be coming to us one of these days. Wait and see.” Dane sprawled in his chair and regarded Stark with a considering look. “Speaking of clients, all set for the reception at your place at the end of the week?”
    “As far as I know. I’m leaving everything in Desdemona’s hands.”
    Dane’s mouth curved. “Everything?”
    “Everything.”
    “This is serious, isn’t it?”
    “What? The reception? Of course it’s serious. I hate these things, but it will be good for business.”
    “I’m not talking about the reception. I’m talking about you and your personal caterer. You’re getting very close to her, aren’t you?”
    “So?”
    “Watch out, pal. The last thing you need right now is another fiancee.”
    Stark scowled. “I’m not engaged to her. Hell, I’m not even thinking about marriage this time around.”
    “Are you sure?”
    “Of course I’m sure.” Stark felt a curious tension in his body. “This time I’m not looking any farther ahead than the next date.”
    “You’re having an affair,” Dane repeated neutrally.
    “Right.” Stark recalled Alison’s words. “A mature, adult relationship.”
    “The last time you tried to have one of those, you wound up standing alone at the altar. Don’t you think it’s a little too soon for you?”
    “What’s that supposed to mean?”
    “The thing is, I know you, Stark. You’re a man who follows patterns. But this time you’re not following your usual pattern.”
    “What is my usual pattern?”
    “Generally speaking, you languish in celibacy for vast stretches of time between relationships.”
    “I’ve learned my lesson.” Stark leveled his pen in Dane’s direction. “I’m going to keep this simple and uncomplicated.”
    “Come off it.