Kenzi walked along with a tour group of 25 potential donors at the Zandri Research Facilities in disguise, so to speak, posing as an interested financial donor associated with Ash Pharmaceuticals dressed in the standard corporate black suit, skirt and heels. Liam Kavanaugh had arranged for the tour of the facilities located on the outskirts of Florence, Italy after Kenzi found a scant reference to Zandri during a sweep of Chas Marrero's home. There was no context, but Kenzi thought it wouldn't hurt to check it out so Kenzi requested permission from Agent Eanes to follow Agent Korvo to Europe on a lead regarding Chas Marrero even though she kept the real reason to herself.
Twice she had heard about soil poisoning: once when she overheard a conversation during halftime at the Juggerbol game, and then from Sturgis himself. Kenzi had hoped the sweep of Sturgis Santiago's home would have yielded more information but it didn't. Instead, all she found was a catalog of information related to historical artifacts that she turned over Tamsin. Kenzi was curious as to how and where Sturgis received his information about the soil poisoning, a small mystery Kenzi hoped to resolve during her visit to the Zandri Research Facilities. The urgency of her little side investigation increased when Kenzi heard from Bo that Lauren went to Ashal to help with investigation efforts after the soil contamination had spread there. Between the attack on The Queen and the sudden spread of soil contamination within the Prescotti Homelands whomever was involved was attacking the Prescottis - personally. But to what end and why still eluded her.
While there were thousands of Realm Agents operating in Europe due to the Transparency Plan Kenzi needed someone familiar by her side since Bo was off being The Princess Royal of the Fae Realm and so asked Savina Yordanka along. Kenzi smiled at the thought of Bo and how far they had come together. What a difference the kicking of a coke can makes.
"Zandri is a series of wide-ranging, state of the art scientific and research facilities. We have cultivated the best scientific and research staff from all over the world in nearly every scientific discipline." Greta, the tour guide announced breaking Kenzi out of her reverie.
"Biological, neurological, archaeological, ecological, geological and even the new-fangled ones: paleobiological, glaciological and polarogical to name a few." Greta continued.
"Why the wide net?" One potential investor asked.
"Zandri wants to be a leading player in the scientific and research communities. What better way than to have tentacles in virtually every arena through the careful cultivation of leading scientists in their respective fields. For example, we recently partnered with the Ashmarina Oceanographic Foundation in Vancouver on a trial project to harvest methane as an alternative source of energy here in Italy. If successful, we will have revolutionized the energy industry."
"Hasn't that methodology been deemed dangerous?" Another potential investor asked.
"There are harvesting facilities operating presently both in the United States and in Canada sanctioned by their respective governmental authorities." Greta replied to nodding heads and whispers of agreement.
"If you will follow me, please." Greta directed the group down a long, slightly darkened, curved corridor, the dark brown walls softened by the gentle lighting. She stopped the group in front a series of pictures that ran the length of the wall.
"This is our 'Wall of Fame', so to speak, of learned scientists and significant philanthropic supporters of Zandri." Greta explained as she glided along the curved wall like a game show host and stopped at the end of the wall while the group surveyed the pictures and names. As Kenzi scanned the wall her eyes fell on one name: Dr. Isaac Taft. She frowned slightly as she looked up and there was his picture.
"Dr. Isaac Taft?" Kenzi let loose. Kenzi had never met the infamous Dr. Taft. She only saw his picture after she and the gang had all recovered their memories and reunited afterwards some 13 years ago.
"Yes." Greta answered. "He was one of our principal staff members but he disappeared nearly 13 years ago, and no one hasn't been seen or heard from him since."
"Any ideas as to where he might be?" Kenzi asked out of curiosity as to what Greta might say. She knew full well what happened to Dr. Taft thanks to Dyson and Lauren.
"Rumor has it he's in seclusion working on the next, big breakthrough. He was on the verge of curing heart disease but disappeared before the work was completed. We understand Dr. Lauren Lewis from your Ash Pharmaceuticals is heading up the effort to complete his work." Greta replied. "For those of you who may not be aware Dr. Lewis was a former member of Dr. Taft's staff so for her to pick up where he left off is encouraging. I understand they are entering trial stages now."
"She isn't part of Zandri?" A potential patron asked.
"I'm afraid not." Greta replied.
"Sounds like she would be an asset. Have you reached out to her?" That same patron asked.
"I am not sure if attempts have been made. But I am sure Ash Pharmaceuticals as represented by Ms. Malikov here would have something to say about that." Greta replied to chuckles. "Shall we continue?"
As the group moved down along the corridor Kenzi looked back and noticed what seemed like a group of interns had filled the room behind them.
Greta led them outdoors and the group came upon a vast series of fields with several botanical glass houses scattered throughout. Staff in various stages of dress from shorts to lab coats with masks tended the fields and took samples. Kenzi made a mental note of this outdoor lab.
"And here is where the ecological research is done." Greta informed. The group nodded in response.
"This way if you would please." Greta directed the group back inside and down a series of hallways and into another large lab. It had three levels of glass-walled encased labs and offices and staff bustled about all three levels.
"And here is bio-engineering." Greta said as she went and explained its set up. As Kenzi casually listened the same group of interns whom she saw earlier were also in the room about 15 feet away engaged in what their tour guide had to say when a hand suddenly went up.
"Yes, Livvy?" The intern tour guide answered.
"I just joined VPI recently and was wondering will most of the bio-engineering work be conducted here or at VPI?" Livvy asked.
"Mostly at VPI although Zandri labs will serve as feeder for a lot of VPI's source research data." The tour guide answered.
"I am so excited for this! Aren't you, Livvy?" A giddy intern said next to her.
"So excited!" Livvy replied.
"This way please?" The intern group tour guide said as she directed them out of the room.
"Isn't nice to see aspiring minds so excited?" And older lady who stood next to Kenzi whispered. Apparently, Kenzi was not the only one interested in the interns.
"Yes, it is." Kenzi smiled. Then Greta's phone rang.
"My abject apologies." Greta said as she reached into her pocket, took out her phone, checked it and then let loose a smile.
"Ladies and Gentlemen! Our Chairman is here and would like to address the group. I cannot begin to tell you how exciting this is! He rarely makes an appearance here at the labs due his vast responsibilities, but we are fortunate today. Please follow me to our main auditorium. He will meet us there."
Greta then directed the group down a series of corridors and into a very large auditorium room that looked like it seated about 1000 people. The tour group filed into the room and into the center rows and they were soon followed by the group of interns Kenzi had observed earlier. The interns were directed to sit in a group of seats to Kenzi's right. Greta left the room and then about ten minutes later the lights slightly dimmed and Greta re-emerged out onto the auditorium stage.
"Ladies and Gentlemen! Without further ado, our Chairman, Dr. Gareton Beattie!" Greta introduced to applause.
Dr. Gareton Beattie was a slim figured six-foot, three inches tall with very short, coiffed blondish-grey hair. He wore a three-piece, dark blue, pin stripe suit with brown shoes and a yellow tie. He looked to be between 65-70 years old, his demeanor was poised, elegant, his posture, ramrod straight, disciplined and while his appearance and manner was striking it was his last name that made Kenzi curious.
"Ladies and Gentlemen! Welcome to Zandri Research Facilities. I had wanted to be here to greet you but my attendance was required at a meeting of the Plato Foundation earlier this morning. I hope your tour of the facilities has convinced you of the importance of our transformational work here." Dr. Beattie said to nodding heads.
"Here at Zandri we seek to better understand and advance all things humanistic." Dr. Beattie continued. "We believe that humankind has untapped potential that can only be discovered by a deep and thorough examination of the biological and environmental influences and dependencies upon our human physique. At Zandri, we seek to evolve the potential of the current human state, impervious to disease, and to injury. After all, who doesn't want to live forever." The audience chuckled at the last part.
"Now, rather than bore you with a continued speech, allow me to open up the floor for any questions." Dr. Beattie concluded, and immediately a number of hands went up. Kenzi decided to use the milieu of hands as cover to make a discreet exit under the pretense of locating a bathroom but with the real intent to find Dr. Beattie's office and poke around.
After she wandered down a series of hallways and several buildings seeking directions intermittently along the way, Kenzi arrived to find the main door to the executive offices secured so Kenzi waited until the coast was clear and then pulled a small device out of her jacket pocket and waved it over the lock and the secured door slid open. Kenzi stepped through the door and quickly surveyed the area a saw a bank of elevators that was also secured by key card access. She waved the device over the elevator lock and it opened.
"Man, I love Presidium tech!" Kenzi said to herself. She placed the device back into her jacket pocket, stepped inside and quickly contemplated which floor Dr. Beattie's office would be located, the obvious one, with him being the Chairman would be the top one. Kenzi was about to press the top floor button when another lady came running up.
"Hold the elevator please!" Yelled the running woman as she ran into the elevator with her arms full of papers. Kenzi held the elevator door open. The woman rushed in flustered.
"Thank you! I didn't want to fumble with my badge. So much security around here." The lady said. Kenzi smiled.
"Looks like they're working you hard?" Kenzi asked as she glanced at the paperwork in the woman's arms.
"I'm interning here and I am so late setting up a presentation for the Vice Chairman." The intern replied.
"I can just imagine. What floor do you need?" Kenzi asked.
"The top one." The intern replied.
"Just where I was headed. To the Chairman's."
"I thought he was in the auditorium speaking with donors?" The lady queried.
"He is. I am meeting him afterwards."
"You interning here too?" The Intern asked.
"What's you field of work here?" Kenzi deflected.
"Biogenics. I was recruited by Zandri right out school."
"Congratulations?" Kenzi prompted for her name.
"My name is Jessica."
"Congratulations, Jessica. How do you like it so far?"
"Very demanding. Lots of dignitaries and rich donors." Jessica replied.
"They visit a lot?"
"All the time." Jessica responded. Then the elevator reached the top floor and the door opened.
"Good luck!" Jessica said as she bolted out of the elevator and ran down a hallway. Kenzi decided to follow her slowly, casually behind in the hopes where she was headed towards Dr. Beattie's would not be too far away.
Kenzi lost eye contact with Jessica who veered left at the end of the corridor but she took Kenzi in the right direction. When Kenzi arrived at the point the intern made the left Kenzi looked right and saw the wide area that was the lobby to the Chairman's private offices. Kenzi stood off to the side and could see the secretary working at the front lobby desk. Kenzi took out a device and aimed it at the secretary. Then the secretary's phone rang.
"The Chairman's Office? How may I help you?" The secretary answered.
"Jessica, that new intern is setting up for a presentation for the Vice Chairman and she can barely find the front door! Get down here now before she makes a fool of herself!" Kenzi said into the device.
"Interns!" The secretary replied exasperated. "On my way!" The secretary said then hung up the phone, rounded her desk and then ran past Kenzi in the direction of the Vice Chairman's office.
As soon as the secretary ran past Kenzi walked past the secretary's desk and through a set of double doors and entered an elegantly decorated office. The color pallet was a combination of blue and black with heavy like-colored fabrics that lined sections of the wall. The office had 12-foot high ceilings and looked more like a museum with artifacts and books opened to passages displayed in glass encasements throughout.
Kenzi saw Dr. Beattie's large desk in front of her which looked like a conference table, but it was a series of four pictures that sat on a side table that caught her eye. There was one of a blonde woman whom Kenzi assumed was his wife, one of a young man who Kenzi assumed was his son and then her eyes fell upon a picture she was hoping not to see.
"Dammit!" Kenzi let out. There sat a picture of Lauren, and an old one at that. Her hair was short, very short, and sandy brown in color.
Kenzi spent the next 20 minutes quietly looking around for any clues when she heard a voice behind her.
"I see you have quite the detective skills." Kenzi turned to find Dr. Beattie in the doorway.
"Just looking around. Me being a potential investor and all."
"I'm sure." Dr. Beattie replied as he stepped into his office and rounded his desk. "But I am sure you will agree we can drop the pretense now, Ms. Malikov."
"What do you mean?"
"When you submitted your credentials as a donor from Ash Pharmaceuticals. I suspected you were an associate of my daughter's so I made sure to attend today's tour. But I can see from your face that Karen never told you about me or her mother."
"Only that you were dead."
"Is that what Karen told you?" Dr. Beattie asked pointedly.
"So this is your family?" Kenzi deflected as she waved at a group of pictures.
"Yes. That is my son, Calvin. He passed away some time ago. That is my wife, Livia and that is, of course, Karen." Dr. Beattie replied. Kenzi could feel his eyes boring into her when mentioned her name.
"I trust that picture confirms that the Dr. Lauren Lewis you know is actually my daughter, Dr. Karen Beattie."
"Yes."
"Ms. Malikov, Livia and I have not seen Karen in some time and would like to do so. Soon."
"I'm not sure I'm in a position to..."
"You really don't expect me to believe that do you?" Dr. Beattie interrupted.
"Well…yes." Kenzi replied. Dr. Beattie scoffed.
"Well, I am sure you are only trying to protect her, but her mother and I have a need to speak with her." Dr. Beattie insisted.
"Lauren…I mean…Karen is rather a private person. I'm not sure I have that kind of sway."
"Oh, I think Ms. Malikov you can be quite convincing." Dr. Beattie replied. "Look, all we want to do is speak with her, see her. We respected her wishes to leave her be after her brother's death, but to cease all contact, change her name entirely, and rebuff our efforts for contact...!" Dr. Beattie pleaded.
"I understand." Kenzi replied.
"Well then. We look forward to hearing from you very soon." Dr. Beattie replied. "Now, if you will excuse me?"
"Yes, of course." Kenzi replied as she turned and left his office.
Kenzi emerged outside and met her driver who held the door for her as she got into the backseat of the car.
"To Giatti's."
"Yes, Agent Kenzi." The driver replied as he shut the door and then jumped in the driver's seat.
"Any messages?" Kenzi asked.
"Quite a few, starting with The Princess Royal." The driver replied.
"Good. I need to speak with her too." Kenzi replied.
When she arrived at Giatti's she exited the car, entered the very old-school shoe store business, nodded at the proprietor as she headed into the back. Kenzi entered a room and when the door closed she took out a small device, pushed a button and a transvortex opened up. She stepped through it and when she emerged on the other side it was inside Savina Yordanka's residence in the historical and exceptionally affluent neighborhood of Mayfair in London, England. Kenzi found Savina in the kitchen cooking dinner.
"God, I need one of those to travel with." Savina greeted. Kenzi smiled.
"How did it go?" Savina asked.
"Well, enough for you and me to do some further investigation. Up for a little night detective work?" Kenzi asked.
"Sure!" Savina replied. Kenzi then dropped her bag onto the ground.
Compared to the Presidium London seemed quaint. And while Savina's place was considered quite high-end, it wasn't even close to the palatial nature of the Presidium Royal residences. As soon as Kenzi arrived the comms rang.
"Call on!" Kenzi called out. It was Beatrice.
"Man, I love this new communications system you had installed!" Savina replied.
"Hey Bea!" Kenzi greeted.
"Good morning, Agent Mailkov!" Beatrice replied.
"Bea? It's just us." Kenzi said.
"I know. I'm just reveling in the fact that I have eyes on you before you go disappearing on me again, and I have to fend off His Serene Highness as to your whereabouts." Beatrice replied. Kenzi smiled.
"Soooooo what's on the agenda?" Kenzi asked.
"Agent Prime has scheduled a meeting with you and Agent Korvo at the European Offices. Then Rana McCorrigan needs to speak with you. And you need to call The Princess Royal." Beatrice replied.
"Yeah, I need to talk with her too." Kenzi said.
"So what's the great secret this time?" Beatrice asked.
"How did you know something was up?" Kenzi countered.
"Remember? It's me you're talking to. So what's up?" Beatrice replied.
"Where are both Bo and Lauren exactly right now?" Kenzi asked.
"The Princess Royal's schedule has her in a meeting with Assions Delegation, and the latest communication from Ashal had Dr. Lewis out taking soil samples." Beatrice replied.
"I need you to put me on a conference call with them both." Kenzi said.
"When?" Beatrice asked.
"Now!" Kenzi said.
The called ended and the Kenzi turned and joined Savina in the kitchen.
"I need to break something to both Bo and Lauren, but I'm not sure how to best approach it." Kenzi posed.
"What is it?" Savina asked.
"Lauren's parents are alive."
"I thought they were dead?"
"That is what we all thought. Or more accurately put it, led to believe."
"How did you find out?" Savina asked. Kenzi explained and when she finished Savina looked at her surprised.
"If they know her new name do they know she's like practically married? To a Fae? With four kids now?"
"Nope."
"Now that's the news that's gonna hit them hard."
"No kidding."
"I take it Bo doesn't know they're alive either?"
"So no." Kenzi replied.
"Boy, when you guys keep secrets they're barn-burners!" Savina commented which made Kenzi crack a smile.
"Who do you think I should approach first? Bo or Lauren?" Kenzi asked.
"Might I suggest a third option?" Savina replied.
"And that is?"
"Both of them. At the same time, and then let them duke it out." Savina replied. Kenzi exhaled.
"It is times like these I long for the old days when our lives were simple, full of secrets we had no interest in sharing." Kenzi replied. That made Savina laugh.
Twenty minutes later, Bo's side of the conference call found Bo inside her private offices within her private chambers. She, Dyson, Evony, Stasio Trick, Marik, Rana Chevalier and Grand Ducal Bisset hovered together while Bo's aides Willa and Landon stood nearby.
"Hey Kenz!" Bo greeted. Dyson and Trick waved.
"Hello, Your Royal Highness." Kenzi greeted as she waved back at Dyson and Trick. "Sorry to disturb you but I need to speak with you."
"Where are you?" Bo asked.
"Staff not keeping you up on my whereabouts?" Kenzi replied.
"I would need a whole separate staff for that one." Then Bo leaned over. "Oh. Hey, Savina!"
"Your Royal Highness." Savina replied as she awkwardly curtsied. Bo chuckled. When Savina recovered she excused herself and headed back into the kitchen.
"So how's it going?" Kenzi asked.
"More like how's it going with you? I heard you requested a move to Europe?" Bo countered.
"Yeah, just chasing down a couple leads related to Chas Marrero. How are the four amigos?"
Kenzi's answer came running into view when Ryan bolted into the room and bee-lined it for Bo's legs. The Seneschal close at his heels.
"Mummy!" Ryan yelled.
"Yes, sweetie?" Bo greeted as she picked him up. Ryan looked around and saw Kenzi on the comms.
"Kenzee!" Ryan said as he pointed towards Kenzi.
"Hey, sweetie!" Kenzi replied. Then Char burst in and came running up and grabbed Bo's legs then lifted her arms up to Bo. Dyson dropped the tablet in his hands and went and picked up Char.
"Being overran?" Kenzi queried.
"Lauren's gone so they are particularly clingy right now." Bo replied.
"I think I know the answer to this but how often does she speak with them?" Kenzi asked.
"Twice a day. Three times some days. I'm wondering if we need to do some weaning and maybe have her call once a day." Bo replied.
"That's a good idea…in the head." Kenzi said. Bo smiled as she put Ryan down on the floor. That caused Char to buck out of Dyson's arms and run up to Bo again.
"Mummy will come and see you soon okay?" Bo said. Both Ryan and Char nodded.
"Now go with the Seneschal." Bo said as she gestured for the Seneschal to come take both Ryan and Char out of the room.
"I can't believe Lauren is already on another mission." Kenzi commented.
"She thought she could help." Trick replied.
"First Nassoria and now Ashal gripped with this soil contamination problem." Rana Chevalier chimed in.
"Have you spoken with Antony?" Bo asked.
"A couple of times, but the Convocation has him running around. Plus, he's prepping for the next championship round of Juggerbol." Kenzi replied.
"The Queen is excited about that game. They play Gracce's Hammer." Bo said.
"Antony said Ariella will have to sub for Elena at this point since Elena is in Ashal." Kenzi replied. "How's the plan for Inclusion?"
"The review meetings are happening now." Evony said.
"I really root for it, you know." Kenzi replied.
"That's surprising to hear." Evony replied sarcastically which made Kenzi roll her eyes slightly.
Just then the air shimmered and Dr. Lauren Lewis came into view. She was literally out in a field with a wide, straw brimmed hat taking soil samples while her team milled about. Deputy Regent Elena could be seen in the far background speaking with Popawi Grays.
"Hey everyone!" Lauren greeted.
"Hi sweetie!" Bo replied. "You just missed Ryan and Char or should I say they just missed you."
"It's almost dinner time." Lauren reminded.
"Yeah, I'm going to be a little late joining them." Bo said.
"Bo, we discussed this." Lauren reminded.
"Yeah, I know. I'm heading there right after this little pow-wow Kenzi has called." Bo said.
"Sorry to disturb you guys but I needed to speak with you both." Kenzi quickly jumped in.
"What's up?" Lauren asked.
"Just the three of us." Kenzi replied. That made everyone else in the vicinity perk up.
"That serious?" Dyson asked. Kenzi tilted her head off to the side.
"We shall leave you then." Trick declared then went up to Bo. "Dyson and I will keep them busy til you get there."
"Thanks, Trick!" Bo replied. That was the cue for everyone on Bo's side of the call to exit the room. Lauren then moved to a secluded area within the fields and then resumed the call.
"Okay Kenzi what's up?" Bo prompted.
"I guess there is no better way to say this except rip the band-aid off!" Kenzi replied.
"That would be good." Lauren prompted.
"Well, I was chasing down a lead from all this Chas Marrero business and it led to a place called Zandri Research Facilities. Ever heard of it?" Kenzi asked as she looked straight at Lauren.
"Nope." Bo said.
"Me neither." Lauren replied.
"Really?" Kenzi asked incredulous as she looked at Lauren.
"Really." Lauren reaffirmed.
"Well, they've heard of you." Kenzi said.
"I'm not surprised." Bo said with a big grin.
"Leave it to you make something sexual out of it!" Kenzi chastised.
"Well, what is the deal then Kenzi because I am not following what grand unveiling you are driving at here!" Bo said.
"Well, I suspect they know me through my very public work through Ash Pharmaceuticals." Lauren added.
"Did you know that Dr. Taft was a member of the staff there?" Kenzi asked.
"Kenzi, I didn't even know the place existed let alone Dr. Taft was a member of the staff there." Lauren replied.
"Your father is also on the staff there." Kenzi asked.
"What?" Bo asked incredulous.
"Your Dad is Dr. Gareton Beattie, right?" Kenzi queried. Lauren said nothing.
"Lauren?" Bo prompted. Lauren still said nothing.
"Lauren!" Bo pressed.
"Yes. He is." Lauren answered evenly.
"Why didn't you tell us?" Bo and Kenzi said in unison which caused Lauren to blink and rear back in response.
"Well…honestly…I didn't and I don't want them involved in my life." Lauren answered.
"Them? What do you mean them? Is your Mother alive too?"
"Yes." Lauren answered.
"But you led me…all of us…to believe that they were both dead." Bo said.
"For all effective purposes, yes." Lauren replied.
"What about your brother? Is he alive too?" Bo asked.
"No." Lauren replied decisively.
"Does your Dad know where you are? If you're alive even?" Bo asked.
"He sure does! He confronted me with it when I was at Zandri." Kenzi interjected.
"I am not surprised. My exposure to the public through the JFM put my presence back out there. Unfortunately." Lauren added then looked pointedly at Kenzi. "Does he know about Bo or the children?"
"Not from what I gathered, no. All he knows that you disappeared after your brother's death and then re-emerged recently with your work on heart disease." Kenzi replied.
"Wait? You spoke to him? About me?" Lauren queried.
"Trust me, it was unintentional, but yes. He's quite shrewd, you know." Kenzi replied.
"That's my father." Lauren said.
"So what's the Plato Foundation?" Kenzi asked.
"Wait! Did you just say the Plato Foundation?" Savina peeked out from the kitchen.
"Why? Do you know it?" Kenzi asked.
"It's only a super, ultra-selective private monetary fund that makes the International Monetary Fund look like a child's piggy bank on top of a bedroom dresser." Savina replied.
"And my mother heads that little organization." Lauren said.
"What?" Bo, Kenzi, and Savina all said in unison.
"My mother's name Dr. Livia Beattie. She holds degrees in Finance, Organizational Behavior, and Economics." Lauren replied.
"The Plato Foundation is rumored to be some sort of secret society with an agenda." Savina said.
"So how did you know about your mother and this Plato Foundation and not your father with this Zandri labs?" Bo asked.
"That's because my last understanding of its composition was that my parents ran the Plato Foundation jointly." Lauren replied.
"Well, how do you know of it Savina?" Kenzi asked.
"Both my father and I have had business dealings with it." Savina replied.
"Okay, so why were you there again, Kenzi?" Lauren asked.
"This may be all tied to the soil contamination happening back in Nassoria and Ashal." Kenzi admitted to Bo and Lauren.
"How?" Bo and Lauren said in unison.
"I won't know for sure until after tonight." Kenzi replied.
"What happens tonight?" Lauren asked.
"Going to do a little snooping." Kenzi replied.
"I should be with you." Bo said without hesitation.
"So should I." Lauren added.
"But I will be instead!" Savina shouted from the kitchen.
"Savina…" Lauren started.
"Kenzi is not sure this is even related to what's going on in Nassoria and Ashal but in any case, you two have enormous responsibilities that you shouldn't be pulled away from. That's all we need is to get killed by Their Majesties because you two went off again! Kenzi and I got this, and we'll let you know what we find." Savina finished.
"Fine. Let us know how it goes. In the meantime, Lauren, you and I need to have a talk." Bo said.
"I really should get back to…" Lauren started.
"Lauren!" Bo insisted.
"And this is where I take my leave." Kenzi said, did a quick wave, and dropped off the call.
Kenzi stared at the empty space where Bo and Lauren once was only a few moments ago and then Savina stepped back in the room.
"All clear?" Savina asked. Kenzi made a face.
"There's one detail I failed to mention." Savina said.
"What's that?" Kenzi replied.
"My father was not the only one who had dealings with the Plato Foundation." Savina said.
"Who else has?"
"Her Excellency Yoshe Sasaki, Leader of Clan Matsuda."
