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“It’s the phonetic translation for the Albanian word for father The powers-that-be probably found it a”

“Well, I’m not amused Nor do I kno to phrase this Based on the note I received, I’lish”

“Fluently Despite the Albanian password, the communication you received, as well as all future communications, will be sent by whoever intends to steal Nano’s technology, most likely the Chinese The Albanians are just their lish lish No worries there”

“Right No worries” Vance sucked in his breath “Tell me what to say—verbatim”

Aidan dictated a response in succinct, straightforward ter and to find a way to penetrate NanoUSA’s ironclad walls to send it The only time Aidan added some emotion hen, as Vance, he spoke of the need to see and hear his daughter daily, to ensure himself that she was indeed alive and well

“That’s it?” Vance asked

“That’s it”

“How long will it be before I hear from them?”

“Given their sense of urgency, I’d hang around Starbucks You should hear back within an hour Now read our response back toas he did “Good Post it”

“God help me,” Vance murmured and pressed the Enter key

The reply came forty-five minutes later, and Vance called Aidan back immediately

“They agreed to our terms” He sounded shell-shocked

“Read me their response,” Aidan instructed

Vance cleared his throat, and Aidan could hear hinize your dilemma,” he read “You have until noon tomorrow, your tihter’s life enough to meet that de arranged Return to your current location daily, beginning to in We will be publishing a random Cyph link and you will have ten minutes to access it You will be able to see and talk with Lauren Fiveinflammatory is said, she’ll be killed before your eyes”

Vance’s voice broke on that last sentence