The Heart System Chapter 475

Without pausing, I rapped on the door once before shoving it wide. Maeve occupied the seat behind her desk in that plush office chair she favored, clutching a steaming coffee mug. As I stepped inside, her gaze lifted, and she offered a courteous smile, raising the cup for a quick sip. Setting it back on the surface, she inhaled deeply, as if preparing to welcome me.

But before a single word escaped her lips, I triggered Hypnotize. A subtle shimmer ignited in her eyes, freezing her form in place. No words of welcome, no inquiries. Only quiet. Perfect. Chit-chat was the last thing I wanted right now.

Shutting the door firmly behind me, I advanced toward her desk with measured steps. Halting right before her, I folded my arms and locked eyes with hers. Alright... just who in blazes was this 'K,' and what the devil was his issue?

'Maeve,' I stated evenly. 'Do you know who K is?'

'Yes,' she answered, her tone utterly devoid of emotion, like a robot reciting facts.

'What’s his real name?'

'Jack Kuinn.'

A slight crease formed on my brow. 'Quinn? That doesn't start with a K.'

'K-U-I-N-N,' she articulated, drawing out each letter deliberately.

'Oh.' I gave a single nod. 'Alright.'

So that's the quirky way he spelled it.

'Where can I find him?'

'He showed up a few days back,' she responded. 'Right outside the structure.'

'Hmm.' I stroked my chin thoughtfully. 'Does he work here?'

'No.'

'Do you have a photo of him?' I inquired. 'Or any detail that might help identify him?'

'No.'

Air escaped my nostrils in a sigh. 'Do you know why he installed the hidden camera?'

'No.'

Frustration mounting, I slid a palm over my features. 'You're not proving very useful at the moment.'

At the very least, I'd secured a name: Jack Kuinn.

That counted for progress.

Sure, I could have begged Tuck's police buddy to dig into the name, but given how we'd parted ways, seeking favors was off the table. Fat chance of that. So, tracking down this fellow fell squarely on my shoulders.

Wonderful. Time to play sleuth once more.

From slithering through grimy air ducts to pursuing a peculiar-named weirdo. Lately, my existence was twisting into quite the thrilling saga.

I deactivated the Hypnotize effect. The light in Maeve’s eyes vanished in a flash.

She fluttered her eyelids and adjusted in her seat, appearing briefly dazed, as though the words on her tongue had evaporated. With a quick head shake, she reclined, restoring her typical poise.

'Hello, Mr. Marlowe,' she uttered, straightening up. 'The last time we met, you seemed utterly frantic.'

'Huh?' My brow arched inquisitively.

'Unlocking that USB drive you handed over,' she explained, nodding at her computer. 'You bolted before I could complete the access.'

'Oh.'

Right.

In her view, I'd never glimpsed the USB's contents. I'd employed Time Stop, inspected Chase’s documents on my own, duplicated the essentials, and erased the surplus—all before she registered a thing. Time Stop had bailed me out repeatedly by now.

Absent that ability, Jack Kuinn's identity would remain a mystery to me.

'So,' Maeve continued, interlacing her fingers atop the desk, 'what matter draws you back today, Mr. Marlowe?'

'Merely following up,' I answered offhandedly. 'Wondering if you've reconsidered aiding me with the concealed camera issue.'

Her response came without delay.

'No,' she declared resolutely. 'I haven't.'

I dipped my head in acknowledgment. 'Alright. Understood. Stay well, Maeve.'

'You as well, Mr. Marlowe.'

'Hmm.'

Pivoting, I exited, securing the door with a soft latch.

The burning query now: where on earth to begin the hunt for Jack Kuinn. His prior entry into the premises without employment suggested he navigated stealthily. This individual was undoubtedly crafty.

Making my way to the lifts, I hit the call button. Moments later, the panels parted, and a pair of folks emerged. I entered and selected the lobby level.

While the car dropped, I whispered to myself softly.

'Jack Kuinn... Jack Kuinn...'

Perhaps another soul in the edifice had spotted him.

A chime sounded as the elevator arrived, panels sliding aside. I emerged and approached the reception counter. The sentinel lounged in his post, gaze fixed vacantly on the tiles, lost in contemplation.

'Hey,' I greeted.

His head snapped up, posture snapping to attention. 'Oh. Mr. Marlowe. What can I do for you?'

'Know of anyone called Jack Kuinn?' I pressed. 'Keep it confidential. I'd prefer this doesn't circulate.'

The guard's forehead furrowed in concentration. 'I... can't recall anyone with that name, sir.'

'Alright.' I inclined my head gradually. 'Noticed any odd characters recently? Folks who didn't fit in?'

He rubbed his jaw briefly. 'Well... there was that fellow I brought up earlier.'

My neck canted. 'Yeah?'

'He repeatedly claimed to be a girl's dad. Her name slips my mind, though.'

Connections fired in my brain. The madman insisting he was Amelia’s parent.

Wait.

Might that truly be the 'K' I'm after?

Initially, it struck me as absurd, yet upon reflection, it grew more plausible. He'd already appeared once behaving strangely. If he'd fabricated his identity, perhaps his name was bogus too.

Nevertheless... dismissing a potential clue wasn't wise.

Tracking him down to grill about the spy device was essential. Pity Hypnotize targeted females only. Universal application would simplify this mess immensely.

Hadn't he named himself Jack back then? I'd dismissed it as phony since he couldn't provide his alleged child's last name. But presently... was he merely a disturbing pursuer or a far graver threat?

Regardless, gathering further details was imperative.

'Understood,' I affirmed, nodding. 'Appreciate the assist.'

'Always, Mr. Marlowe.'

I spun around and returned to the elevator, summoning it anew.

Heavens, this mess tangled deeper with each passing moment. Truth be told, I loathed it all intensely.

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